I Miss You

I’m experiencing this really strange feeling of missing you every single second of the day, having  a picture of you in my mind and longing for your presence in my life, hoping that someday you’ll be mine..~Author Unknown 

Have you already felt this kind of feeling?

• Longing to be with that person;
• Wanting to see that person's face;
• Desiring to spend the day with that person, even though you've just met...

As Alfred Tennyson says:

I hold it true, whate’er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; ‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

But, before you label it as "LOVE", first evaluate yourself.

• Is it just a mere "crush" or as Dictionary.com says:

"A brief but intense infatuation for someone."

• Is it just because you admire something in that person, may it be looks, attitude, or a personality?

• Is it just because almost all of your interests are the the same with that person?

"Love" is much greater than those circumstances described above.

• Love knows how to wait. As Ecclesiastes 3:1,11 says:

 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
He has made everything beautiful in its time. 

• Love does not envy, is not proud, is not selfish. As 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 says:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

• Love does not delight in evil, always trusts, always hopes.  As 1 Corinthians 13:7 says:

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 Do not just trust what your heart dictates. The heart purely relies on emotions, and emotions are very quick to fade depending on circumstances, standards, or incidences.

In fact, Jeremiah 17:9 says:

 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.  Who can understand it?

Instead, ask God to lead your heart - for He knows what your heart truly desires and He knows everything that is in your mind as well. Jeremiah 17:10 says:

 “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”  

And Psalm 37:3-5 says:

Trust in the LORD, and do good;
         Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
 Delight yourself also in the LORD,
         And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
       
 Commit your way to the LORD,
         Trust also in Him.

Entrust to God your heart, you will not be disappointed! :)

© 2011 Erickson Ibana

Types of Love: What is Yours?

“You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly.” ~ Sam Keen

I was given a sort of an assessment about love by a friend of mine who took up a course on Behavioral Science.

It was a test to find out what Style of Love I somehow possess.
Doing some little research, these are the 6 Different Types of Love:

1. Eros Love. Eros lovers tend to emphasize romantic relationships, physical beauty, desire, and physical attraction. Relationships based on eros love tend to fizzle quickly, because these types of lovers can’t maintain this high level of passion. An eros lover’s approach to a healthy romantic relationship involves an intense focus on the emotional aspects of love, including finding different ways to express love.

2. Pragma Love. Pragma lovers are rational and practical – and so is their approach to romance and healthy relationships. This type of lover decides to love someone who best fits their requirements and meets their needs. Pragma lovers assess potential partners for appropriate education levels, professions, income, social status, common interests, parent potential, and material possessions. A pragma lover’s approach to a healthy romantic relationship doesn’t focus on the emotional aspects of love.

3. Storge Love. Storge lovers focus on friendship to build a healthy relationship. This style of love usually begins with a strong friendship, which eventually develops into feelings of romantic love and intimacy. The sexual aspect of storge love tends to be less important than the friendship aspect (making the approach to romance a lower priority). A storge lover’s approach to a healthy romantic relationship focuses on caring, compassion, and heart-to-heart discussions.

4. Agape Love. Agape lovers are known for their selfless love or brotherly love. Agape love is also know as “divine love” because it’s self-sacrificing and altruistic love. An agape lover’s approach to a healthy relationship focuses on giving without any expectations or strings attached. Agape love is best suited for the love of God, saints and martyrs because healthy romantic relationships require a balance of giving and receiving (not just giving, as an agape lover would tend to do).

5. Ludus Love. Ludus lovers tend to be game players in romance. Ludus lovers are addicted to the excitement of forming a romantic relationship, and aren’t as enthralled by building a healthy long-term marriage. A ludus lover’s approach to a healthy romantic relationship involves the thrill of the chase and the thrill of new romance, not the work of building a long-term commitment.

6. Mania Love. Remember Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction? She was a manic lover: possessive, dependent, jealous, and controlling. These are signs of addictive relationships — not healthy romantic love! A manic lover’s approach to a “healthy” romantic relationship focuses on turmoil, extreme reactions, and even obsession. Mania love can involve threats, stalking, or worse.

These six styles of romance, intimacy, and friendship are based on Canadian sociologist John Allen Lee’s theory of love.
Source: http://psychology.suite101.com/article.cfm/6_styles_of_love

 Of the six, the test showed that Pragma is the most dominant for me, followed by Storge.

Hmm.. Perhaps, circumstances have led me into this state. Being the eldest among my siblings, and the major source of income for the family, I couldn’t help but think of my family’s status before entering into “serious relationships”.

Well, I really wish I have the Agape love, the unconditional love, the love Christ has showed me when He saved me from my wretched state and into His saving and loving arms.

When everything else around me seems to fail,
And when my faith seems to falter,
When all I hold on to seems to be gone,
And all my hopes and dreams  seem to vanish.
When things are not going as I first expected,
And frustrations seem to eat away my flickering faith…
Whenever I look at your love for me,
And focus on your unconditional love,
Everything around me starts to dim,
Giving me another reason to strive,
And run this race called “life”,
For You and only You, my God, my Friend.
~ © 2011 Erickson Ibana

© 2011 Erickson Ibana

The Love Languages

Have you heard of the Five Love Languages?

Ok, I guess you may be asking me now "Duh, why would I be interested in that thing? I know how to love anyway!"

Then, I have these questions for you…

Are you trying so hard to please your mom by your gifts, and yet a simple "I love you, Mom!" makes her day complete?

Have you been trying to make your girlfriend smile through your "How are you, dear?" using your mobile phone, and yet it's only when you accompany her shopping all day that has made her smile so bright?

Are you asking yourself now "I think Dad doesn't love me, I've been helping him diligently in every tasks, but why is it that it's when I give him some gifts that I get recognized?"

Have you been trying to buy monthsary (anniversary counted by months) gifts for your boyfriend, and yet it's when you say "Let me help you finish that task.." that you seem to make him happy?

Have you been with your friend in every occasion, but it seems a simple "pat in the back" is more appreciated?

Perhaps, your loved ones do have a different Love Language from what you've expected from them…

Dr. Gary Chapman in his book "The 5 Love Languages" clearly describes each love languages.

Words of Affirmation
Actions don't always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, "I love you," are important-hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

Quality Time
In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, "I love you," like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there-with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby-makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

Receiving Gifts
Don't mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous-so would the absence of everyday gestures.

Acts of Service
Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an "Acts of Service" person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: "Let me do that for you." Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don't matter.

Physical TouchThis language isn't all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face-they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.

Source: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/learn-the-languages/the-five-love-languages/

Try to learn the Love Languages of your loved ones, and of course, learn your Love Languages too!

© 2011 Erickson Ibana

I've Learned...

I've learned... that when you're in love it shows.

I've learned... that just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned... that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peacefulfeelings in the world.

I've learned...that being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned...that you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned...that I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to helphim in some other way.

I've learned...that no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs afriend to act goofy with.

I've learned...that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart tounderstand.

I've learned...that simple walks with my father around the block on summer nightswhen I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned...that life is like a roll of toilet paper. the closer it gets to the end, the fasterit goes.

I've learned...that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned...that money doesn't buy class.

I've learned...that it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned...that under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciatedand loved.

I've learned...that the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I've learned...that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned...that when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting thatperson continue to hurt you.

I've learned... never to humiliate another person. Always give him a way to back down or out of something and still save face.

I've learned... that if you're still talking about yesterday, you haven't done much today.

I've learned...that the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself withpeople smarter than I am.

I've learned...that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned...that no one is perfect until you fall in love with her.

I've learned...that life is tough, but I am tougher.

I've learned...that opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned...that when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned...that one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow hemay have to eat them.

I've learned...that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned...that I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I've learned...that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happinessand growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned...that it is best to give advice in only two circumstances: when it isrequested and when it is a life-threatening situation.

I've learned...that love, not time, heals all wounds.

-Author Unknown 

Source:  http://www.febc.ph/stations/dzas/spots/Ive_Learned.pdf

A Wedding Saving Passbook

Monica married Nick this day. At the end of the wedding party, Monica's mother gave her a newly opened bank saving passbook with Rs.1000 deposit amount.

Mother: 'Monica, take this passbook. Keep it as a record of your marriage life. When there's something happy and memorable happened in your new life, put some money in. Write down what it's about next to the line. The more memorable the event is, the more money you can put in. I've done the first one for you today. Do the others with Nick.
When you look back after years, you can know how much happiness you've had.'

Monica shared this with Nick when getting home. They both thought it was a great idea and were anxious to know when the second deposit can be made. This was what they did after certain time:
* 7 Feb: Rs.100, first birthday celebration for Nick after marriage* 1 Mar: Rs.300, salary raise for Monica* 20 Mar: Rs.200, vacation trip to Bali* 15 Apr: Rs.2000, Monica got pregnant* 1 Jun: Rs.1000, Nick got promoted* ..... And so on...

However, after years, they started fighting and arguing for trivial things. They didn't talk much. They regretted that they had married the nastiest people in the world.... No more love... Kind of typical nowadays, huh?

One day Monica talked to her Mother: 'Mom, we can't stand it anymore. We agree to divorce. I can't imagine how I decided to marry this guy!!!"

Mother: 'Sure, girl, that's no big deal. Just do whatever you want if you really can't stand it. But before that, do one thing first.

Remember the saving passbook I gave you on your wedding day? Take out all money and spend it first. You shouldn't keep any record of such a poor marriage.'

Monica thought it was true. So she went to the bank, waiting at the queue and planning to cancel the account. While she was waiting, she took a look at the passbook record. She looked, and looked, and looked. Then the memory of all the previous joy and happiness just came up her mind. Her eyes were then filled with tears. She left and went home.

When she was home, she handed the passbook to Nick, asked him to spend the money before getting divorce.

The next day, Nick gave the passbook back to Monica. She found a new deposit of Rs.5000. And a line next to the record: 'This is the day I notice how much I've loved you thru out all these years. How much happiness you've brought me.'

They hugged and cried, putting the passbook back to the safe. Do you know how much money they had saved when they retired? I did not ask. I believe the money did not matter any more after they had gone thru all the good years in their life.

"When you fall in any way, don't see the place where you fell instead see the place from where you slipped. Life is about correcting mistakes."

-Author Unknown

Oftentimes, we just see the imperfections of this life. In fact, life has so many things to be thankful to God for! :)

Pause for a while, I believe you'll remember a lot of things to be grateful for!

© 2011 Erickson Ibana

Like A Child

An airplane on its return flight suddenly encountered a turbulence. Oxygen bags started to be dispensed, so all the passengers started to panic.. Except for one little boy who was playing with his PSP.

They asked him why he was so calm and why he was not afraid to die.He answered.. "My dad is the pilot."

-Author Unknown

I can't explain it, but I think I am learning to be like that child.

Before, I really cannot understand how it is to be like a child when facing life's hardships and trials. I once thought, "Hmm.. so, I need to act like a child..", and the result was: I did a lot of childish acts.

How did I say that I was childish? Let me explain further:

• When I didn't get what I need, I would go tantrums (well.. because I am an introvert person, it doesn't show much). I would complain to myself why others could easily get those things that I want, while I couldn't even acquire those things.
•  When I had experienced pleasant things, I would get easily disappointed and frustrated if these pleasures suddenly stop and another hardship was right in front of me (what I mean were healthy and clean-living pleasures).
• When I was in the middle of turbulence, there were times when I could not see the "good things" or those "unnoticeable blessings" while at the storm: like having your loved ones right beside you all the time supporting you.

But now, I believe I am learning to be like a child: trusting everything up to God completely, that whatever happens, He knows what's best for me... and because He is my Dad who knows me better than I know myself.

I did not say that I am now completely free of hardships and trials, but what I am reminding to myself now, is that everything happens for a purpose. And God knows what's best for me because His thoughts are way higher than my thoughts in the first place.

As Isaiah 55:8-9 says:

“ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.

“ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." 

Indeed, God knows me better than I know myself! :)
To God be all the glory!

© 2011 Erickson Ibana

Special Someone For You

Everyone longs to give himself or herself completely to someone, to have a deep and committed soul relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly and unconditionally.


But God says:

No, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled and contented with being loved by Me alone, with giving yourself totally, unreservedly to Me alone.

I love you, My child, and until you discover that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found, you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united with Me; exclusively of anyone or anything else; exclusively of any other desires and belongings.

I want you to stop planning, stop wishing and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing -- one that you can't imagine. I want you to have the very best. Please allow Me to bring it to you.

Just keep your eyes on Me, expecting the greatest things.

Keep experiencing that satisfaction knowing that I AM.

Keep learning and listening to the things I tell you.

You must be patient.

Don't be anxious. Don't worry.

Don't look around at the things others have.

Don't look at the things you think you want.

Just keep looking up to Me, or you will miss what I want to give you.

And then, when you are ready, I will surprise you with a love far more wonderful than you could ever dream. You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready (I am working even this minute to have both of you ready at the same time), until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me and the life I have prepared for you, you won't be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me.

.. and this is perfect love.

-Author Unknown

The Attitude of Gratitude

“If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.“ – Rabbi Harold Kushner

Since the start of 2010, I could say that me and my family were bashed by life’s hardships and trials. I remember the passion of posting inspirational articles being gradually eroded by such tremendous storms of life.

But as I once again retrospect, there was one attitude I have forgotten to exercise, which could save my ever-burning passion…

• Though my dad was stabbed twice in the stomach last January 2010, the fact is, he is still alive and well; and actually, while I’m composing this blog, he is busy doing some woodwork stuffs (and it is just less than a year!).

• Though we have soaring financial debts, by God’s grace, we were back on track paying those bills in a regular basis.

• Though my parents were in the verge of separation due to having different opinions on many things, indeed by God’s grace, they are now as sweet as honey with each other.

• Though I could not travel abroad for now for vacation, I have spent some vacation in Cebu and Bohol last February 2010, and in Palawan last November 2010. (and perhaps my next goal is to bring my whole family to one of those places next time)

• Though I see myself many times as a wretched and hopeless man, God would still show Himself as a mighty yet loving God!

• Though we don’t have the great riches of this world, we have the riches of God’s mercy and grace.

• Though I am such a useless and despicable creature, God grants me forgiveness and grace through Jesus! He helps me in my struggles, and strengthens me up in every step of the way.

Have you guessed what attitude I forgot to practice?

Hmm.. well, I think you guessed it right!

…The Attitude of Gratitude!

Who among you does not have any problems at all?

Who among you has not encountered any hardships in life?

Who among you has not experienced pain?

Who among you has not lost a loved one?

Who among you has not hurt someone or perhaps been hurt by someone?

I think no one is exempted of all or some of the above situations!

But one thing can be common: of all those problems, hardships, pain, losing, and hurt, there are always things you can be thankful to God for!!!

Do you still have your job?
Thank God for that!

Do you still have your health and physical strength?
Thank God for that!

Are your family still complete and living happily?
Thank God for that!

Do you still have a roof to live in?
Thank God for that!

Do you have trusted and good friends around you, ever supporting you along the way?
Thank God for that!

As Psalm 136:1-9, 26 says:

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
For His mercy endures forever.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
For His mercy endures forever:

To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His mercy endures forever;

To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,
For His mercy endures forever;

To Him who laid out the earth above the waters,
For His mercy endures forever;

To Him who made great lights,
For His mercy endures forever—

The sun to rule by day,
For His mercy endures forever;

The moon and stars to rule by night,
For His mercy endures forever.

Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven!
For His mercy endures forever.

The psalmist even thanked God for His awesome works on His creation!

Indeed, God’s mercy endures forever!

May we excel acquiring the attitude of gratitude!

© 2011 Erickson Ibana

A Perfect Christmas

My Idea of a Perfect Christmas

(by Jose Mari Chan)

Verse 1:
Is to spend it with you
In a party
Or dinner for two
Anywhere would do

Celebrating the yuletide season
Always lights up our lives
Simple pleasures are made special too
When their shared with you

Verse 2:
Looking through some old photographs
Faces of friends we'll always remember
Watching busy shoppers rushing about
In the cool breeze of December

Sparkling lights, all over town
Children's carols in the air
By the Christmas tree
A shower of stardust on your hair

Chorus:
I can't think of a better Christmas
Than my wish coming true
And my wish is you'd let me spend my whole life with you

Repeat Verse 2

Chorus

My idea of a perfect Christmas is spending it with you...

While strolling around the mall yesterday with my friends, I heard this wonderful song. (By the way, the Christmas season here at the Philippines starts at the -ber months, September until December.) Suddenly, a sort of nostalgic feeling embraced me. For a while, I stood there, staring at nowhere - reminiscing my childhood when I first heard this song.

It seemed time flies by so fast. Born in the heart of Manila, amidst the chaos of my environment, amidst the noise of the vehicles rushing through the street, amidst the complications of a busy city, this song played. Though, as a 5-year old boy, I didn't care much about anything that was happening around me.

It has been what, 21 years, but the song seemed to be so lively in my heart as I was back then at that city.

Have a pleasant day my friend, and may this song chill you out today!

© 2011 Erickson Ibana

The Code of A Gentleman

I just wanted to share this nice code...

(taken from a booklet given to all first year students of Virginia Military Institute)

Without a strict observance of the fundamental Code of Honor, no man, no matter how `polished,’ can be considered a gentleman. The honor of a gentleman demands the inviolability of his word, and the incorruptibility of his principles. He is the descendant of the knight, the crusader; he is the defender of the defenseless and the champion of justice . . . or he is not a Gentleman.

A Gentleman . . .
Does not discuss his family affairs in public or with acquaintances.
Does not speak more than casually about his girl friend.
Does not go to a lady’s house if he is affected by alcohol. He is temperate in the use of alcohol.
Does not lose his temper; nor exhibit anger, fear, hate, embarrassment, ardor or hilarity in public.
Does not hail a lady from a club window.
A gentleman never discusses the merits or demerits of a lady.
Does not mention names exactly as he avoids the mention of what things cost.
Does not borrow money from a friend, except in dire need. Money borrowed is a debt of honor, and must be repaid as promptly as possible. Debts incurred by a deceased parent, brother, sister or grown child are assumed by honorable men as a debt of honor.
Does not display his wealth, money or possessions.
Does not put his manners on and off, whether in the club or in a ballroom. He treats people with courtesy, no matter what their social position may be.
Does not slap strangers on the back nor so much as lay a finger on a lady.
Does not `lick the boots of those above’ nor `kick the face of those below him on the social ladder.’
Does not take advantage of another’s helplessness or ignorance and assumes that no gentleman will take advantage of him.
A Gentleman respects the reserves of others, but demands that others respect those which are his.
A Gentleman can become what he wills to be. .

Full context found on: http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/vmi.htm 

Remembering The 9-11 Incident

What was your memory of the 9-11 (September 11) incident?

Imagine this:

You were in front of the office's coffee-brewing machine waiting for your first round of hot energizing coffee. You were hearing subtle noises of people chattering with each other, soft sounds of people typing on their keyboards, and the pleasant humming of the airconditioner units. You were startled by a high-pitch sound of the machine - time to get your coffee now.

As you walk along the isle, you were greeted by your fellow workmates, some handshakes and some hello's. You were about to sit down when you saw your workplace crush, then exchanging sweet smiles with each others.

While organizing your tasks, you were tapped at the back by your boss, followed by a "You did a good job yesterday!" remark.

Oh, how peaceful and beautiful life is!

But, what if, after those pleasant things above, you heard a loud booming sound, window glasses shattered into pieces, there were flames everywhere, and all of the lights went out?

This was what had happened to Brian Clark, worked at the Euro Brokers, on the 84th floor of the south tower of the World Trade Center.

The Associated Press narrates:

Brian Clark was working at Euro Brokers, on the 84th floor of the south tower of the World Trade Center. He arrived at about 7:15 a.m., had his cup of coffee, went about the morning's chores. 

A "loud double boom" is the first thing he remembers. Then flickering of the lights in his office. Something caught his peripheral vision. He spun around. His view usually looked out over the Hudson River. The river and the sky.

"It was filled with flame," he says. "Two yards from my nose is the window, and it's right against the glass, almost swirling. I can't recall whether there was a flash of heat. But the bright glass — you were in the fire. The flames washed right up."

Suddenly, those pleasant and peaceful scenes were all replaced by scenes of chaos.

But amidst the chaos, as a volunteered fire marshal, he calmly guided his workmates, with a flashlight and a whistle, to the stairs down to evacuate the building. (The complete story can be found at the Yahoo News.)

Eventually, he and Stanley Praimnath (a friend he just met while escaping) managed to get out of the building safely.

Indeed, it was by God's grace that Clark managed to get out from the 84th floor before the whole building completely collapsed.

The 9-11 incident was really a shocking incident. Even here at the Philippines, we were so saddened by the news of more than 2,000 people dead because of the incident.

But, one thing I admire about Clark's attitude was that he did not just think of himself during the incident. He managed to help his fellow workmates, even by using just a flashlight and a whistle.

How about you, are you in a chaos right now?

May your first response be a quick lending of your hand to help a fellow in need.

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little - do what you can.  ~Sydney Smith

© 2011 Erickson Ibana

The Stone Cutter

There was once a stone cutter who was dissatisfied with himself and with his position in life.

One day he passed a wealthy merchant’s house. Through the open gateway, he saw many fine possessions and important visitors. “How powerful that merchant must be!” thought the stone cutter. He became very envious and wished that he could be like the merchant.

To his great surprise, he suddenly became the merchant, enjoying more luxuries and power than he had ever imagined, but envied and detested by those less wealthy than himself. Soon a high official passed by, carried in a sedan chair, accompanied by attendants and escorted by soldiers beating gongs. Everyone, no matter how wealthy, had to bow low before the procession. “How powerful that official is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be a high official!”

Then he became the high official, carried everywhere in his embroidered sedan chair, feared and hated by the people all around. It was a hot summer day, so the official felt very uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair. He looked up at the sun. It shone proudly in the sky, unaffected by his presence. “How powerful the sun is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be the sun!”

Then he became the sun, shining fiercely down on everyone, scorching the fields, cursed by the farmers and laborers. But a huge black cloud moved between him and the earth, so that his light could no longer shine on everything below. “How powerful that storm cloud is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be a cloud!”

Then he became the cloud, flooding the fields and villages, shouted at by everyone. But soon he found that he was being pushed away by some great force, and realized that it was the wind. “How powerful it is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be the wind!”

Then he became the wind, blowing tiles off the roofs of houses, uprooting trees, feared and hated by all below him. But after a while, he ran up against something that would not move, no matter how forcefully he blew against it – a huge, towering rock. “How powerful that rock is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be a rock!”

Then he became the rock, more powerful than anything else on earth. But as he stood there, he heard the sound of a hammer pounding a chisel into the hard surface, and felt himself being changed. “What could be more powerful than I, the rock?” he thought.He looked down and saw far below him the figure of a stone cutter.

“And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life – that is indeed a gift from God.”   “People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.” ~Ecclesiastes 5:19 NLT

~Author Unknown — from amelia.s.ladaga@ph.pwcglobal.comSource: http://www.skywriting.net/inspirational/stories/stone_cutter.html

Have you ever desired to be like someone else? Well, I mean, have you ever wished that you were someone else; envied someone else’s status in life, wealth, lifestyle, and possessions to the point of craving to be like that person, to have what that person has, and even to acquire better things?
The cravings of the heart are really hard to please.

You may have an Iphone4 now, but after Apple has launched the Iphone5, you tend to desire to have one, even though your current phone is still in perfect condition. And then comes Iphone6...

You may have an Intel i5 computer, but then you desire to have an Intel i7, though you would be using the computer just to browse the internet... (it's like buying a tank of water, but you need just a cup of it..)

Quoting Blaise Pascal regarding the heart of man:

“There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus”

As Matthew 16:26 says:

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Are you like the Stone Cutter?

© 2011 Erickson Ibana

Are You Tired of Failures?

Are you already tired of all the failures that you have made?

Have you been hurt so many times because of losing?

Do you already feel frustrated, disappointed and downhearted?

Hmm.. You are not alone. Let me give you some nice trivia!

Beethoven’s music teacher once told him that as a composer, he was hopeless.

Winston Churchill failed the 6th grade.

John Creasy, the English novelist who wrote 564 books, was rejected 753 times before he became established.

Charles Darwin’s father told him he would amount to nothing and would be a disgrace to himself and his family.

Walt Disney was fired by the editor of a newspaper because he, Disney, had “no good ideas”.

When Thomas Edison was a boy his teacher told him he was too stupid to learn anything.

Einstein was four-years-old before he spoke. He spoke haltingly until nine years of age. He was advised to drop out of High School. And his teachers told him he would never amount to much.

Henry Ford’s first two automobile businesses failed.

Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard’s early failed products included a lettuce-picking machine and an electric weight-loss machine.

Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.

Ray Krok failed as a real estate salesperson before discovering the McDonald’s idea.

R.H. Macy failed 7 times before his store in New York caught on.

Akio Morita and Masaru Ibuka sold only 100 of an automatic rice cooker which burned the rice. Later, they built a cheap tape recorder for Japanese schools. This was the foundation of Sony Corp.

Isaac Newton failed at running the family farm and did poorly in school.

Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times (but he also hit 714 home runs).

Steven Spielberg dropped out of high school in his sophomore year. He was persuaded to come back and placed in a learning disabled class. He lasted a month.

The artist Whistler failed chemistry, failed at West Point and failed at engineering before turning his hand to art.

F. W. Woolworth got a job in a dry good store when he was 21, but his employer would not let him wait on customers because he “didn’t have enough sense.”

The great baseball pitcher Cy Young lost almost as many games as he won.

-http://creatingminds.org/quotes/failure.htm

Though failures are indeed painful, these people did not let their failures stop them from achieving greater things! Instead, they made these failures into stepping stones to achieve myriad victories!

As one saying goes:

Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall. ~Confucius

And quoting Sherlock Holmes in “The Adventures of the Three Students” when he found out that a student did a very awful thing, yet Sherlock Holmes saw how repentant he was and was willing to change:

For once you have fallen low. Let us see, in the future, how high you can rise. 

I hope this has encouraged you today, my friend!

© 2011 Erickson Ibana

How Do You Define Success?

How would you define “Success”?

The Oxford Dictionary says:

Success /səkˈsɛs/
the accomplishment of an aim or purpose -
the attainment of fame, wealth, or social status.

But is this really the true meaning of success?

If that’s the case, what could you say about these “successful” people?

Fame

•Marilyn Monroe committed suicide at the height of her career.
•Ludwig Boltzmann (1906), Austrian physicist famous for thermodynamics and the atomic theory, hanging
•Johnny Ace (1954), American singer, self-inflicted gunshot
•Lembit Oll (1999), Estonian chess Grandmaster, jumped out of window
•Edwin Valero (2010), Venezuelan boxer, hanging, after arrest on suspicion of murdering his wife
-Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/

Wealth

In 1923, a group of the world’s most successful financiers met at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago. These tycoons were extremely rich & altogether they controlled more wealth than there was in the US Treasury. Their success stories were published everywhere inspiring many to follow their fine examples. Just look at who they were:

1. Arthur Cutten – The greatest wheat speculator.
2. Albert Fall – The Secretary of Interior in President Harding’s cabinet.
3. Leon Fraser – The president of the Bank of International Settlements.
4. Howard Hopson – The president of the largest gas company.
5. Ivar Kreuger – Head of the world’s greatest monopoly.
6. Jesse Livermore – The greatest bear in Wall Street.
7. Charles Schwan – The president of the largest independent steel company.
8. Richard Whitney – The president of the New York Stock Exchange.

But 27 years later in 1948, this was what happened to them:
1. Arthur Cutten died abroad insolvent.
2. The penniless Albert Fall was pardoned from prison so that he could die at home.
3. Leon Fraser commited suicide.
4. Howard Hopson was insane.
5. Ivar Kreuger commited suicide.
6. Jesse Livermore commited suicide.
7. Charles Schwan was bankrupt & had to live on borrowed money the last 5 years of his life before his death.
8. Richard Whitney was recently released from Sing Sing Prison.
-Source: http://www.snopes.com/glurge/fortune.asp

Social Status

•Forrest Howard Anderson (1989), Governor of Montana, self-inflicted gunshot
•José Manuel Balmaceda (1891), President of Chile, self-inflicted gunshot
•Robert M. McLane (1904), American mayor of Baltimore, self-inflicted gunshot
-Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/

Even the great Philosopher, Solomon, said:

I thought to myself, “Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.

For with much wisdom comes much sorrow;the more knowledge, the more grief. ~Ecclesiastes 1:16-18

I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
I refused my heart no pleasure.
My heart took delight in all my work,
and this was the reward for all my labor.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;
nothing was gained under the sun. ~Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

Whoever loves money never has money enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
This too is meaningless.
As goods increase,
so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owner
except to feast his eyes on them?
The sleep of a laborer is sweet,
whether he eats little or much,
but the abundance of a rich man
permits him no sleep. ~Ecclesiastes 5:10-12

If either of fame, wealth, or social status is not the true meaning of success…
Then what could that be?

Jeremiah 9:23-24 says:

“This is what the LORD says:
“Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,
but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.”

Here is one interesting fact about the book of Ecclesiastes.
Notice the Great Philosopher’s conclusion:

Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.

For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil. ~Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

And Matthew 16:26 says:

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Would you like to be successful?

Then,

“In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” ~Proverbs 3:6

© 2011 Erickson Ibana

Quote: Grace

When a person works an eight-hour day and receives a fair day's pay for his time, that is a wage.

When a person competes with an opponent and receives a trophy for his performance, that is a prize.

When a person receives appropriate recognition for his long service or high achievements, that is an award.

But when a person is not capable of earning a wage, can win no prize, and deserves no award - yet receives such a gift anyway - that is a good picture of God's unmerited favor.

This is what we mean when we talk about the grace of God.
-Nita Johnson, World for Jesus

Image can be found at http://michaelhyatt.com/what-cheap-grace-may-be-costing-your-organization.html

How Do You Know You're in Love?

How do you know you’re in love?

a. when you feel that tingling sensations in your belly

b. when you are already seeing that person's face on your coffee

c. when you are hearing that person's voice almost everywhere you go

d. when you can’t sleep or eat well, without seeing that person first

Quite familiar? Honestly, those were my definitions of love before. High school life seems not complete without these scenarios. These experiences seem to add color to your teen life. As I remember it, there were times when it seemed the day was not complete if I didn't get to see her. And when she was ill, it seemed that I would fly towards her just to let her know that I care.

But, are these the real indicators of what true love is? 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails…

As I have pondered on these things, I’ve realized that my definitions of love was a way too far from what true love is. Love is patient, but I was impatient if I didn’t see her everyday. Love does not envy, but I felt so terribly envious whenever she talks to any other boys in the class.

Then, how could we grow in the true love? Quoting Vernon Grounds, a former writer for Our Daily Bread, who has been married for more than 70 years:

Ponder God’s love in Christ. Take time to reflect on how He gave His life for you. Read about Him in the Gospels, and thank Him.

Pray for the love of God. Ask Him to give you an understanding of His love and to teach you how to live that out in your relationships with your spouse and others (1 Cor. 13).

Practice the love of God. Give of yourself. A newlywed told me he thinks love is practical. He said, “My responsibility is to make life easier for my spouse.” The other, tougher side of love is to challenge each other to act in godly ways.

Perhaps you ask “Hey! I was talking about love, but why is it that you’re talking about love of God?!”

Actually, the source of true love is God Himself. 1 John 4:7-8 says:

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Indeed, love is NOT JUST purely emotions. It is not just that time-stopping ♪♫ "why-do-birds-suddenly-appear-when-I-know-that-you're-here" ♪♫ experience... 

And the ultimate example of true love? 1 John 4:9-10 says:

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Jesus loves you so much, and if you’d let Him, He would show you more how much He loves you!

Now, how do you know you’re in love?

© 2011 Erickson Ibana

Do You Love Coffee?

A friend of mine shared this inspirational story:

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some
expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said:

"If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink.

What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live.

Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."

God brews the coffee, not the cups...

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything."

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

~ Author Unknown

As Matthew 6:25-34 says:

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 

 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

© 2011 Erickson Ibana