So, What Makes You Tick ?

I've always felt that it is important to "be all you can be", but it's not always in the Army. I often see myself as somewhat contented with my life the way things are, but of course it's hard to think of anything else when where are real issues to be discussed.

Still I aspire for something deeper and more meaningful.

So we're all pelted with problems. Honestly it shouldn't even bother or even hinder us to becoming all we ought to be. Aspirations as kids should continue to live within us, even though it would be short-lived or as long as we could hold on to the dream. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks… or can they?

1. What do I really want?
The question of the ages. So many things you want to do with your life and so little time to even go about during the day.Find something that you are good at can help realize that small step towards improvement. Diligence is the key to know that it is worth it.

2. Should I really change?

Today's generation has taken another level of redefining 'self', or at least that's what the kids are saying. Having an army of teenage nieces and nephews has taught me that there are far worse things that they could have had than acne or maybe even promiscuity. So how does that fit into your lifestyle?

If history has taught us one thing, it's the life that we have gone through. Try to see if partying Seventies style wouldn't appeal to the younger generation, but dancing is part of partying. Watch them applaud after showing them how to really dance than break their bones in break-dancing.

3. What's the bright side in all of this?

With so much is happening around us there seem to be no room for even considering that light at the end of the tunnel. We can still see it as something positive without undergoing so much scrutiny. And if it's a train at the end of the tunnel, take it for a ride and see what makes the world go round!

4. Am I comfortable with what I'm doing?

There's always the easy way and the right way when it comes to deciding what goes with which shoes, or purse, shirt and whatnot. It doesn't take a genius to see yourself as someone unique, or else we'll all be equally the same in everything we do. Variety brings in very interesting and exciting questions to be experimented.

5. Have I done enough for myself?

Have you, or is there something more you want to do? Discontentment in every aspect can be dangerous in large doses, but in small amounts you'll be able to see and do stuff you could never imagine doing.

6. Am I happy at where I am today?

It's an unfair question so let it be an answer! You love being a good and loving mom or dad to your kids, then take it up a notch! Your kids will love you forever. The same goes with everyday life!

7. Am I appealing to the opposite sex?

So maybe I don't have an answer to that, but that doesn't mean I can't try it, though. Whether you shape-up, change the way you wear your clothes or hair, or even your attitude towards people, you should always remember it will always be for your own benefit.

8. How much could I have?

I suppose in this case there is no such things on having things too much or too little, but it's more on how badly you really need it. I'd like to have lots of money, no denying that, but the question is that how much are you willing to work for it?

9. What motivates me?

What motivates you? It's an answer you have to find out for yourself. There are so many things that can make everyone happy, but to choose one of the may be the hardest part. It's not like you can't have one serving of your favorite food in a buffet and that's it. Just try it piece by piece.

10. What Really Makes You Tick?

So? What really makes you tick? You can be just about anything you always wanted to be, but to realize that attaining something that may seem very difficult is already giving up before you even start that journey. 

Always remember, that self-improvement is not just about the physical or philosophical change you have to undergo, but it's something that you really want.

God Is Not Fair

Why does it seem God shows empathy towards so many contemptible people while allowing the decent individual to suffer?  The concept of a child suffering a devastating illness is repugnant to us and yet God allows it.  Where is God when a decent, honorable and hard working person is suddenly struck with a terminal illness?  Why does it seem God is unfair and seemingly indifferent to our daily ordeals?

The old prophet Habakkuk openly questioned God’s fairness when the Caldeans punished the more righteous (Habakkuk 1:12-13); Job suffered beyond what is considered acceptable to most of us with the loss of his family, health and property and yet he remained faithful; the chosen people of Israel remained in bondage for centuries without relief and yet remained hopeful; and, so many committed followers of Christ faced torture and death for their belief and yet remained faithful.  Why are good people punished?

As a Christian, I know that I am not alone when I have at times questioned the "fairness" of my God.  Why would He allow my lovely wife, who was totally committed to Him, to suffer and eventually die from cancer?
How could a loving God allow my wife, who prayed daily to Him and for others, who read the bible and witnessed for Him, to endure such anquish?  Indeed to most who knew her, as close to a "perfect" person as one could be.

The answer is that none of us are perfect and never will be.  Why then would we expect God to reward us with a “perfect” blessing?  I am thankful that God is not fair because if He was truly fair we would all be condemned for “we have all sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23).  According to worldly standards God would be absolutely justified in remaining dispassionate just as a judge would be in presiding over a case before him or her.

God is the Judge of all.  He has sole determination of our value.  God’s ways are mysterious but just.  When workers in the vineyards complained that those who worked only a few hours received the same wage as those who worked all day, Jesus replied: “Many who are first now will be last then; and those who are last now with be first then”. Perhaps, we cannot truly understand all that is God’s Will, but as difficult as it may be, we must strive for a “kingdom” perspective, not an earthly one.  Since the beginning, God has sought a relationship with the contemptible as well as the innocent.  Why would He do that?

Jesus, the Son of God, who was blameless in the sight of The Father and committed no evil was tortured and executed along side criminals.  Are we entitled to better treatment than Jesus?  No, we have not earned that entitlement – and never could.  But, through the gift of grace, not “fairness”, God has allowed us, sinful, self-centered and stubborn, to enter into fellowship with Him according to His divine timing.  And not just for some, but for all. And not for just awhile – but for eternity!

Mission Of Mercy

Dr. Mark Buntain, or as some call him "St. Mark of Calcutta" and his wife Huldah were called to serve as missionaries in Calcutta, India. They arrived in Calcutta In October, 1954, expecting to only serve in India for about a year, well God changed their plans and turned the one year service into a fruitful ministry in India, now going on fifty years. 

Mark Buntain was born and raised in Canada. When he was called to go to Calcutta at first he did not wan to go, but denied himself and followed God's call on his life. Many people are thankful of Mark's unselfishness and self sacrifice. Mark really did lead a life of sacrifice forsaking this world's comforts and storing up treasures of heaven instead.

The Buntains were called to serve in India due to their success in founding one of the world's most comprehensive Christian inner city outreaches, of which Mrs. Buntain remains the pastor and chairperson. When they arrived in Calcutta their ministry started out in a tent, which later grew into an enormous ministry center. 

They soon built a school to educate the people on God's love and to raise up Christian leaders in India. But Mark noticed many of his students to weak to study, so he started a feeding program feeding hundreds and eventually thousands of kids a day. 

The school turned into a one-bed hospital staffed by one nurse, and slowly grew into 16 beds. God had His hand on the work and Mark received a 99 year lease on an abandon cemetery in the middle of Calcutta. Funds were collected by Christians in Canada and the US for the building of a hospital. Mark, along with a Christian architect designed and built the "Mission of Mercy hospital". 

The hospital being fully paid for was opened in 1977 with a nursing school of its very own. Their motto over the door read "Jesus Heals". This 120-bed hospital gave medical care to many people, including the Buntain's friend, Mother Teresa. 

Let's Burn Their Holy Book - That'll Show Them!

The threat by the Reverend Terry Jones and the Dove World Outreach Center, a non-denominaton church in Florida, to burn the Qur'an as a protest over what some Moslems did on 9/11 has spread around the world.  Already, extremists supporters of Islam are threatening retaliation. 

Despite the condemnation of Obama, the US Government and even the US Armed Services, as well as most right thinking people, including Christians, the Rev Terry Jones stated that his church still intends to follow through with burning the Qur'an on the weekend.  But they will continue to pray about it.  Pray to whom, I wonder?

Could it be that they would be praying to God the Father, the God of Abraham whom Christians consider to be the one true God and which just happens to be the only God worshiped by both Jews and Moslems?  Yes, both Islam and Judaism are monotheistic Abrahamic religions, meaning they both believe the one true God is the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob regardless whether they call him Elohim or Allah.

Maybe instead of burning the Qur'an, the Rev Terry Jones and his church flock should read it!  Even though the Qur'an is not regarded as a Holy Book by Christians or Jews, it is so recognized by over 1 billion people, the overwhelming majority of which are not terrorists, don't support terrorists, and condemn their actions like everyone else.   In fact, the Qur'an is one of the few religious books that teaches tolerance of Christianity and Judaism, stating that both are to be respected and have a place in society.

It is true that Islam does not recognize Jesus as being divine.  They also do not accept the concept of a Triune God (Mohammed considered Christians to be worshiping three different Gods - God Almighty, Jesus and Mary).  Considering the activities of the universal (catholic) Christian church around 600ad when he formed this opinion, it is somewhat understandable.  Does this mean that because we do not believe in what the Qur'an teaches, that we have the moral right to burn it?

What about the Torah?  It too teaches that Jesus is not deity and does not recognize a triune God.  In fact, the Jewish Talmud states that Jesus was not even a prophet.  Islam does.  Should we not be fair and burn the Torah too?

While we're at it, let's burn the Book of Mormon and The Jehovah's Witness New World Bible Translation.  And we should not forget about all the anti-theistic and poly-theistic books either.

Heretics all – let’s burn all their books!

Of course there's one book we definitely have to burn - the Bible.  After all, if there ever was a book that taught violence it is the Old Testament!  Much of what the Qur'an and Torah teach about discipline and punishment is also contained in the Old Testament.  It would only be fair therefore to burn the Bible as well, would it not?

Obviously, the Rev Terry Jones does not represent Christianity.  Christians not only condemn what he and his church are planning, but are offended and saddened by the fact that it is being done under the guise of Christianity.  Once we all learn that tolerance does not mean we have to offer acceptance, we will all live in a better world.

Taking Responsibility

Heh, I'm on holidays for another week, so I cheated an posted an old comment from I don't remember when.  But it's still relevant.  Another recycled comment tomorrow.
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Taking Responsibility

Too many people in this world blame others for their mistakes. Taking responsibility is the way to stop blaming others and start putting the blame where it belongs. Once you learn to take blame, you will see new horizons in your future.

Sadly, the law talks about society casting blame, but these people too are worse at casting blame than anyone else casts. We see this in the media, etc. Unfortunately, we have bad examples to follow in life, so you will need to learn to become your own best example. No one can guide you to improve your life better than you can. When a person takes blame they do not dwell on the mistake they made, rather look at the options to make things right. For instance, if you cause an accident while driving, you would take the blame and find a way to resolve the problem.

Once you learn to take reasonibility for your actions, you will see the road that leads you to success. Someone taking responsibility for their action is the master of their own mind and body.

In life, you will have risks. You will need to learn to take risks whether you like it or not. Sometimes you will take risks that cause you harm, or causes harm to other people. To avoid taking risks that cause harm, try using your critical thinking cap to discover consequences first. Be willing to take chances, as well as participating even if you feel it is stupid. Many people say, I am probably going to ask another stupid question. The fact is there are no stupid questions. The point being, don’t be afraid to ask questions when in doubt. In fact, when in doubt don’t do it.

When you are willing to join in with others to make your life better, take responsibility for your actions, etc, you are improving your life. a person willing to improve their life is not sitting on the back burner. This person is taking the steps, playing the game of life and taking action to achieve his or her goals.

Are you a generalist?

Do you take interest in all things around you? Do you keep an open mind when something good comes your way? Are you willing to learn? If you take action to acquire these skills you will successfully walk through life without running backwards taking responsibility for bad mistakes you made.

Do you accept the unknown?

The unknown can become your best friend. When you learn to accept the unknown, it can help you improve your overall personal life. For instance, if you know English are you willing to learn French. Broaden your horizons and I promise you that you will improve your overall personal life.

Do you acknowledge your limitations?

We all have limits. We must set limits for our self each day. If you fail to set these limits, you will spend the rest of your life casting blame, since you will live in a chaotic world.

Encounter That Changed Her Life

Mother Teresa Remembered

As the world remembered the late, soon-to-be-canonized Blessed Mother Teresa (1910-1997) on her 100th birthday yesterday, there is just one book she wanted published about her life's message. And she asked Fr. Joseph Langford -- her longtime trusted friend and co-founder of the Missionary of Charity Fathers -- to write it.

This is Mother Teresa's true story revealed for the first time, kept hidden for more than 60 years -- to help others live extraordinarily, like she did, through their own ordinary lives.  

Mother Teresa's Secret Fire: The Encounter That Changed Her Life, and How It Can Transform Your Own (Our Sunday Visitor -- by Fr. Joseph Langford, MC) contains the inspiration behind Mother Teresa's work.  Her lifelong desire to help others grew out of a mystical encounter with Christ in 1946.  On Sept. 10 that year, while riding a train from Calcutta to Darjeeling in the Himalayas, she experienced God in a vision, about which she hesitated to speak for almost 40 years -- until 1984 with Fr. Langford. 

"I waited in silence for an answer. She looked up and said, 'Yes, it is true.' Then after a pause, she added, 'And one day you must tell the others....'" says Fr. Langford about the mandate Mother Teresa gave him, some 24 years prior to publishing Secret Fire.  In this book, Fr. Langford details Mother Teresa's response to a direct petition from God -- as given her in the vision.  The fullness of her response to what He asked is what brought the world's attention to her.

At 48, Mother Teresa stepped away from the security of her life as a middle school principal, and with only five rupees to her name, she immersed herself in the slums of Calcutta. Within her own lifetime, her Missionaries of Charity had spread her work of love to more than 120 countries, and touched millions of lives.

"How we respond to what God asks will define our lives and our world," says Fr. Langford. "The choice is ours."

To try and capture the essence of Mother Teresa from splash-stories in TIME Magazine or carefully edited TV documentaries can only provide a shallow view.  "Mother Teresa lived with her heart in the heavens and her hands buried in the worst this world can offer," says Fr. Langford.  

And then a few years ago, when world media attempted to portray Mother Teresa's last days as spent doubting the existence of God, Fr. Langford clarifies what really transpired.

"Contrary to press reports, Mother Teresa did not suffer a crisis of faith ... but rather, a loss of feeling of faith. What had been her usual consolation in prayer abruptly ended," said Langford in a recent interview with Zenit News Service.  "Though she would not understand it until later, she was being asked to share the same inner darkness, the same trial of belief suffered by the poor and destitute -- and to endure it for their sake and for the love of her Lord."

"Never did her lack of feeling become lack of faith," Fr. Langford emphasizes.

And like the destitution that Christ must have felt, but which didn't keep Him from pressing forward with His mission, "Mother Teresa would encourage us all to do the same in our own Calcutta," says Langford.  "Instead of allowing our trials and pain to become a prison, we can, as she did, make our pain a bridge into the pain of others, a bond of solidarity, a catalyst for charity."

Finding The Perfect Job

courtesy of Uncle Ba

I was a reluctant participant in the world of employment. At 18 years of age I took my first job. I was to be a dog walker for the wealthy. When I ended up in the hospital after one day of walking Fefe, I came to two conclusions: First, never, never interrupt a dog during mating; Second, change careers immediately if I have any desire to father a child in the future. 

When I ended up in the hospital after one day of walking Fefe, I came to two conclusions: First, never, never interrupt a dog during mating; Second, change careers immediately if I have any desire to father a child in the future. 

This started a life-long pursuit for the perfect job. 

I decided on a noble profession that would help save the planet. I became an assistant junior ranger with the National Park Service. It was early July and the grounds were packed with summer vacationers. 

Twenty-seven children from the ages of six to eleven enrolled for the "Observe the Earth" tour of the woods. The adventure was supposed to start at 8 am but I overslept and once up I had to have my java so we began at 1 pm sharp. Since I never read any of the required educational material about the great outdoors, I had to wing it. 

I explained to the kiddos that the miracle of trees was that they helped us produce houses, and lots of paper for printers. I demonstrated to the eager learners that anyone could live off nature's bounty by carefully selecting eatable vegetation. 

The next day I discovered I had consumed poison oak. 

The junior campers and I walked for over three hours that first day. Some of the younger children were crying for their computers and tv's. Unfortunately, my followers quickly realized that I had absolutely no clue where we were going and they mutinied. They elected nine year old Timmy Roth as leader and within fifteen minutes we were back in camp. 

I was later officially stripped of my brown shorts and hat and thrown out of the forest service. 

I wanted to stay with the outdoor theme so I tried the Surveying business. Using the magnifying scope however, on the showering girls at "Camp Swampy", was strongly discouraged. 

Next I signed up as a farm hand. The farmer wanted me to wake up at 4 am. I quickly realized that this job would not fit into my lifestyle. Yet, I still clung to the romantic notion of working under the sun. 

I became a roofer. It was great pay and excellent benefits. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that sleeping on the job meant you would likely wake up in the rose bushes. 

I came to my senses that this alfresco lifestyle needed to end. With very little ambition, but a strong desire not to starve to death, I turned my sights to an indoor profession. 

I felt the need to give something back to the community so I became a Recreational Therapist in a nursing home. I bought a shinny new whistle and a muscle shirt and immediately choreographed a workout program. 

I didn't know that the cha-cha-cha can cause heart attacks, strokes and broken hips when you are over ninety. Fearing I would snuff out the remaining residents, I was let go. 

I enjoyed working with the infirmed so I enrolled in a chiropractic school. After just three weeks I was instructed to reset the spine of a volunteer. 

It seems that I might have over adjusted a little. The woman walks like she could tilt over at any moment. The school was sued for malpractice and I immediately hit the classified ads. 

I was hired as an Air Traffic Controller which paid extremely well. Basically I stared at a computer screen and made sure that plane "A" didn't hit plane "B". 

What no one bothered to tell me was that I needed to be relieved by another controller before I could go get a hotdog. I spent three days incarcerated for public endangerment. 

Shortly after being released, I answered an ad that nearly cost me my life. It read "Masseuse needed, exclusive celebrity resort, no experience necessary, will train right person". I had a vision of super models with barely covered bottoms. 

The training was very detailed. "Throw some oil on and rub it all around", instructed my six hundred year old guru. 

The first few days went well until Ms.Fanny and the other two rubbing technicians ran past me out the side door shouting instructions for me to take care of the client in room three. 

I opened the door and saw the hairiest 400 pound man I had ever seen lying naked on the table. 

I introduced myself and asked him to take off his thick wool sweater which he assured me was actually his hair. I threw a bucket of warm lubricant on him and began the session. I knew at that moment this profession was not for me. 

The next six months were very trying on me. I had to change jobs twenty-three times because of one silly little mistake or insignificant misunderstanding after another. The highlights are less than stellar but I will share them in the interest of helping you to hold onto your vision of the ideal job. 

I once took a position as a hazardous material removal worker in a biochemical plant. Things were peachy right up to the point when my supervisor heard me say the dreaded word "oops". 

Short order cook had a promising future until the four-alarm blaze ended it.

Pest control professional had bad consequences. I sprayed the toxic chemicals into the ventilation system of the infested building. One hundred and fifty residents lay on the front lawn of their apartment complex gasping for air. 

It was fun being a driving instructor but when a large oak tree permanently occupied the front seat, I didn't have enough room for passengers. 

After thirty-seven jobs in eighteen months I finally figured out my ideal career. It matched my requirements perfectly: it was indoors, it helped my fellow man, and it had coffee urns in many locations. 

Tomorrow I will start my dream job at the Los Angles Special Surgery Hospital as the operating room scheduler for outpatient day surgery. Isn't it great! What could possibly go wrong?