It is possible to live 24hrs a day in a state of love.

“My aim is so true...
I wanna show you...
I'll try forever...
I'm never gonna say "surrender".”

"...suddenly, I realize that this is what I've been waiting for - a man who depends entirely on me. I dreamed for years of a man who couldn't live without me... a man who pictured my face when he closed his eyes... who loved me when I was a mess in the morning and when dinner was late and even when I overloaded the washing machine and burned out the motor ...stares up at me as if I can do no wrong."

What's wrong if there happens to be one person in the world who enjoys trying to understand you?

"No mistake about it. Ice is cold; roses are red; I'm in love. And this love is about to carry me off somewhere. The current's too overpowering; I don't have any choice. It may very well be a special place, some place I've never seen before. Danger may be lurking there, something that may end up wounding me deeply, fatally. I might end up losing everything. But there's no turning back. I can only go with the flow. Even if it means I'll be burned up, gone forever." — Haruki Murakami

She can't actually decide which of the lines caught her heart. All she knows is that each time they talk, he breaks down one brick from the walls she built up around her. Just one brick at a time. Slowly but surely. That's how strong his words are.

And she wonders where does his confidence come from. There is no trace of fear. He was boldly uttering his deepest feelings. Could it be that love truly conquers all?

...until finally, at last... it was verbalized. [8.30.11-01.45]

...Bleeding hearts will only cry out for more...

“A red rose is not selfish because it wants to be a red rose. It would be horribly selfish if it wanted all the other flowers in the garden to be both red and roses.”

"Why kid ourselves, people have nothing to say to one another... they all talk about their own troubles and nothing else. Each man for himself, the earth for us all. They try to unload their unhappiness on someone else...

...and in between they boast that they've succeeded in getting rid of their unhappiness, but everyone knows it's not true and they've simply kept it all to themselves. Since at the little game you get uglier and more repulsive as you grow older, you can't hope to hide your unhappiness, your bankruptcy, any longer. In the end your features are marked with that hideous grimace that takes twenty, thirty years or more to climb frm your belly to your face. That's all a man is good for, that and no more, a grimace that he takes a whole lifetime to compose. The grimace a man would need to express his true soul without losing any of it is so heavy and complicated that he doesn't always succeed in completing it."

People tend to make rules for others and exceptions for themselves.

The best way to sell yourself to others is first to sell the others to yourself. Check yourself against this list of obstacles to a pleasing personality:

• interrupting others
• sarcasm
• vanity
• being a poor listener
• insincere flattery
• finding fault
• challenging others without good cause
• giving unsolicited advice
• complaining
• attitude of superiority
• envy of others’ success
• poor posture and dress…

What is unacceptable is the fact that many people do not want to see their part in the mess. They refuse to see their own fault by pointing fingers at and highlighting the mistake of others. How many are sincerely willing to admit they provoked someone into acting like a monster? They don't want to acknowledge that there must be something about them that cause another to act a certain way.

Fault-finding is a dangerous game. While one is occupied scrutinizing the being of another person, (s)he fails to see what (s)he badly needs to see and change in him/herself. The more that (s)he passes the blame on others, the more that (s)he fails to improve his/her character. Hardly do people willingly forgive the mistakes of others the same way as they easily and willingly forgive their own. Nit-picking is probably the easiest way to divert people from seeing their flaws. But the damage is menacing.

Strangely enough, Christians do a lot of this. It is this holier-than-thou attitude that repels many unbelievers from receiving Christ's invitation for salvation. Many Christians abuse Biblical scriptures by pronouncing them aloud only to make the other follow what they feel this poor person needs to change in him/herself. In stead of letting GOD grow the seed, they force the seed open.

These are are just some of the lines you will hear from those who are supposed to show themselves "the light of the world": "do this" ..."do that" ..."I am right"... "you are wrong". "I know"... "you do not see the bigger picture, I do"... "You should've"... just to name a few.

They do not understand that their lives alone can move people, not their empty words. That their examples should've been enough. They do not realize that people observe what they say against what they do. They are not ashamed to point out the wrongs of others while they do the same wrongs. They claim to read the Bible, but just like what the apostle Paul said, "always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth." They misunderstand the Word. They even misuse it for their own purpose -- to prove they are right and far superior than others.

Jesus Christ, HIMSELF, warned us,

"Do not judge so that you will not be judged. "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."

Jesus didn't even say that we must not judge, at all. If we are to read carefully, HE emphasized that we are not to "hypocritically" judge our neighbors. Stop trying to remove someone else's mote while your own mote is evidently showing. Note that HE also used "speck" and "log". What you see is a speck and there is a log in your eye!

None of us is righteous, therefore, NONE of us has the right to judge anyone's life. We have more than enough flaws to deal with for us to have time to look at the flaws of others.

In fact, Jesus made it clear that He especially had a problem with the hypocrisy of the Jewish religious leaders of His time. In other confrontations with them, Jesus made some pretty strong statements against those leaders:

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness..." (Matthew 23:25-28)

Many strive to look clean. They think they can deceive everyone because they do look sleek and neat. But, the hate inside them comes out as naturally in their speech. Truly, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." We cannot successfully hide what we have inside. We can dress up decently, make all attempts to sound pleasing, show a bright smile at all times... but, "As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man."

We must all remember that our righteousness come from Christ alone. No good works (esp no pretension) will help us out of our miserable state. We don't do good works because we are good. We do good because of the Holy Spirit, so that no one can boast. Let us get rid of the holier-than-thou mentality. We all fall short of the glory of GOD.

It isn't what they say about you, it's what they whisper.

Here's how it works... something is said about someone. Doesn't matter whether it's good or bad or terrible; true or just hearsay. The recipient's perception of the information will judge it based on two conditions -- (1) if the recipient of the information is indifferent, (s)he will just ignore. (2) If the recipient already has some rancor or even mindset about the person being talked about, they're kinda biased. The information, then, ends up being a weapon. A deadly one. The recipient(s) become talebearer(s) themselves. Next thing you know, the information's been spread like a virus infecting anyone who dare touch it.

What many don't realize is that gossip doesn't do as much bad to the one being talked about than to the infected. It is a toxin. It infects everyone. It becomes part of their system. It pollutes their judgment.

Gossip is like a delicious delicacy everyone wants to feast on. Not knowing they are being poisoned from the inside out. Because it's not a delicacy, but a contagion. Yet, people find it enjoyable for as long as they're not the topic.

What's sad is that people don't even take time to think before believing hearsay. People will believe what they want to believe. Regardless of the source.

The hardest and the most painful thing to realize is the fact that you may be a victim. You can decide with your heart to be good, but if right from the start you've already been judged, no good deed can ever remove the venom from their system. More so, if their hearts are filled with envy and hate there is totally NOTHING noble or grand enough you can do to satisfy them.

Sometimes, I wonder how come when people hear something ill being said about another they don't ask themselves "why is this person telling me this?" It puzzles me why we allow others to pollute our minds with their sharp tongues. And why we engage into this kind of activity. Nonsensical.

It's oh so true...gossip is not a mouth problem, but a heart issue. "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" -Matthew 12:34.

"Evil people look for ways to harm others; even their words burn with evil.
Gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships."
-Proverbs 16:27, 28

Another thing I realized... we have to be very careful WHO we trust. The friend smiling at you and having fun with you...telling you things like, "am just here when you need someone to listen" ...may end up backstabbing you. Be careful of their traps. They may show you they care, but what they're after is a little information to say against you behind your back. They're actually your enemies in disguise. Waiting to hear something they like about someone they don't.

"Count not him among your friends who will retail your privacies to the world."

The Family that Rocks Together...Stays Together!

"Rock n Roll!" ...I still can't get over last Monday night's (April 18) super fun time with "The Smiths". Love the conversation, laughter & learning. Awesome experience, indeed.

I joined Pinoy Rock'nRoll Legend -- Pepe (Joey), pasaway dad's girl -- Queenie, DJ & model -- Sanya and the Jr. Rockstar -- Beebop as they dined in at Chocolate Fire in Makati.

Twas so fun being with them as if we're like long time buddies. No dull moment whatsoever. Just all chuckling and memorable chats. *big smile*

To the staff...I salute y'all.

Episode will be aired on the 30th of April 2011. Let's all support "The Smiths" show. Rock-rakan na!

Also, you guys might also want to visit Chocolate Fire and get intoxicated with their various chocolate creations. Only top-quality chocolate guaranteed.

I highly recommend the Kick A Chili Bark (choco slabs mixed w/ chili flakes)! Yummmmie!!!

Other interesting selections to try (must try!):
Dark Gold Bark, Dark Truffles, Chocolate Fondue, Dark Chocolate Volcano, Chocolate Mousse, Dipped Pringles, and many others...

It is, actually, more than just a dessert place. Chocolate Fire also offers sandwiches, pasta, salads, hot and cold coffee and chocolate drinks.

Chocolate Fire is located at PDCP Building Leviste Street, (corner Rufino Street) Salcedo Village, Makati City.

Telephone #: 840.34.73
Business Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Price Range per Person: Php 201 – Php 500

My job is to love people. It is GOD's job to change them.

Each of us encounter at least one difficult person every day. Lucky if you're spared of dealing with an irritating individual even just once in a week. Some even have to put up being with another person who possess an unpleasant attitude on a daily basis. It's like castigation they have to endure. Many are struggling to get along with spiteful supervisors or co-workers. There are those who have to stomach their own family member for being irrational or for being harsh with words. This is not something new. Truth is, there will even be a time when our own trusted friend will fail or disappoint us. Nobody need to hate us to hurt us. It's just the plain fact that we are all in a way selfish people always trying to grab what we so desire even to the point of stepping on another's toe. Human nature. Survival of the fittest. Competition. We are all going to inevitably hurt each other because we differ in many ways -- attitudes, values, beliefs, aspirations... No wonder the Bible tells us to, "Be tolerant of one another and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, you also should forgive." (Colosians 3:13 ISV)

It is NOT easy to be tolerant. We are all creatures of emotions with different levels of threshold. But, if we are to take the Bible seriously, we need to be self-controlled. It might help if we remind ourselves that each one of us, every person you see every day -- and, yes, even that difficult person you have to put up with -- is God's creation... perfectly crafted in HIS own image (read Genesis 1:27). We may strongly think that a person needs to change himself, but it is really not our business to pinpoint anyone's flaws. We already have more than enough imperfections to acknowledge and change. Although, it is good to help someone realize his blemish for his self-improvement, we are in no position to demand and expect them to change. It is not our duty to change others. Our duty is to change ourselves and our attitudes and responses toward situations and people and follow Christ's example (1 Peter 2:21). To change ourselves -- our bad habits, attitudes, behavior -- is not an easy task. If we find it hard to change ourselves, then, we must understand that it is the same with others. God did not create us to be each other's critic. Jesus even gave us the following commandments: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (Luke 6:37)

There is also a need for us to acknowledge that we have certain attitudes that may be annoying to others, as well. So, we need to show kindness and compassion to our fellowmen just as God showers us with kindness, mercy and patience. One day, we will be placed in situations where we are going to fall short of someone's expectations and we want them to forgive us and give us a chance to change. It is but wise to sow kindness and compassion now. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (Galatians 6:7) If you sow kindness and mercy, you will reap kindness and mercy. If you do not forgive, you will not be forgiven. If you demand and expect, the same measure will be used against you. Jesus Christ showed an example of kindness. "When people were near Him there was this incredible magnetism because of an absence of unrealistic expectations and subtle demands and manipulative devices. HE did not use pressure tactics. HE simply accepted people as they were." -Charles Swindoll

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12) Jesus Christ commanded us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER. How do we love others? When Jesus Christ was asked which commandment in the law is the greatest, HE emphasized that the 2nd greatest commandment is "love your neighbor as yourself"(Matthew 22:39). How do we love ourselves? Here's a good example:

When you accidentally cut your finger and it bleeds, you don't tell yourself, "I don't have time to stop the bleeding now. I'll attend to it later." In stead, you are urgent in taking action. You love yourself enough that you don't even have to think twice whether you will get a first-aid kit or you will just rush to do whatever you deem more important than attending to your wound. Your thoughts, words and actions are driven by your self-love. If you are to love your neighbor as yourself, the same urgent kind of love is required. "It's a love that notices the needs of another person and won't rest until it's been met."

How else can we love our neighbor as ourselves? By following the golden rule: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Yes, the Golden Rule is Biblical! Read Matthew 7:12. If we are to be imitators of Christ, we have to practice sincere love and loving is doing what you would have others do to you. When we failed or hurt someone we love, our automatic response is to be sorry. We want to be forgiven. We want to be heard as we explain ourselves why have we done such a thing. We want them to give us a chance to change. Therefore, it is but wise to do the same. Let's not be judgmental. Let's stop complaining about someone else's flaws and shortcomings. Quit spreading nasty rumors about the person you dislike no matter how terrible his behavior may be. Remind yourself not to put pressure on anyone to change. “Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you'll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others.”

We make excuses for our behavior, but when someone else does the same thing we do, we are often merciless. It's so typical how we look at ourselves through rose-colored glasses, but look at others through a magnifying glass.

Christ's commandment is to "love one another". No buts. HE did not tell us to love our neighbor only when they deserve it. HE did not love us because we deserve love. HE loved us in our worst state. God doesn't love us because we're good, obedient, or whatever. HE just do. No reason required. Therefore, we must love one another. Period. In fact, we're even instructed to LOVE OUR ENEMIES. (Matthew 5:44) So, if you need to deal with who you consider a despicable person, just love the person. Do not hate him. "Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8)