Negative Friends

Are you surrounded by them? Have you ever dealt with negative people before? If you have, you will know that the experience is quite a downer.

In our lives, we often encounter in our circle of influences those that belongs to the so called “negative friends” - often cynical, can't even smile with your ideas instead always finds a way to criticize them badly, too pessimistic most of the times and chooses destructive criticism over constructive. It's hard to have them around right? 

It's not that you don't want to have a long time friendship with them but it's just that if they have nothing to say good to you, it's better not to discuss anything with them. Never talk about anything that you care about to a negative person, they will literally drain your willpower.

It's How You Play It - A Mother's Day Tribute

During childhood, she’d always tells me “character is more important than any winning or success”. 

That in any battle in life, it is all about the performance you’ve shown regardless of winning or losing. It's how you play it!

Any pursuit of victory is a noble goal but the winners in life appreciate the pursuit more than the victory itself. 

Overtime For God

Early afternoon today, my wife and I together with our cute little boy Damien Caleb including mommy attended a community teaching in our CFC Center we discreetly called “EASTWOOD”. 

Uh! Wait, we’re not in the Philippines  yet haha! We called our CFC Center in Al Ahsa as such to adhere to our security protocol.

Why we have such an abiding attitude when it comes to security? Well, if you’ve been following this blog you may very well know where my current location is. If you’re a newbie here, a back read of few posts will give you a plausible hint.

In fact even our CFC Center in Khobar and Dammam had its own share of aliases. One we call as “ROCKWELL – where SFC activities are mostly held, the other one is “GLORIETTA” – where CFC activities happen. We even have one in Dammam with a name “THE FORT”. Mga famous and posh malls lang ang name ano..hahaha. So now I guess you know why we have to do such name calling of these places of our community activities.

A Quiet Hero

There are times when silence has the loudest voice. – Leroy Brownlow

Since I don't have any updates to share with you, I once again borrowed a story from Chicken Soup series which I think is a good read. As usual, I am inspired by the story and the wisdom that has been shared in it. Enjoy the story and have your own reflection after.

One of the most important lessons I learned from my stepfather is that true heroism is silent and sober. Heroes take journeys, fight wars, and battle incredible odds, but they never seek praise.

That Smoldering Good Looks Can Be A National Threat?

Omar Borkan Al Gala
Credit to the real owner of this photo

Few days ago, this was our topic. That three overly good looking men from UAE were expelled (deported) from Saudi Arabia during a cultural festival for quite a weird and irrational reason. 

We we're like wonderin' why would they be expelled if their purpose is just to represent their country for that festival. Weird right? 

But look at his face, somehow he resembled that of Jesus Christ in a quick look. Indeed, women will fall for him once they have sought him.

There Is No Easy Way Out Being A Christian

It’s 11:43PM now. 

Surrounding's still cool brought about by the aftermath of a heavy sand storm a couple of days ago. 

Changing weather is beginning to let its presence felt. By the way, weather is constantly changing from winter to summer now. And like anyone who complains about the hot season in Pinas, we too have our own share of agony here. 

Too bad for us because the scorching heat of the sun can reach at a maximum of 50+ degrees. Imagine that? Would you want to still work in the Mid East? 

Well, there's nothing to worry since all the houses here require good ventilation and a heavy duty airconditioning system. 

Anyway, that's not my topic for tonight. This post is about some realizations. Of being a Christian in the most unChristian culture.

The Shopping Trip

“Every action in our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity" 

- Edwin Hubbel Chupin.

"Jane, hurry and get your coat. We’re going to the store.”

I ran to do as my father instructed. A shopping trip with Dad was a rare treat. He traveled a great deal of the time, and I cherished the unexpected opportunity to be alone with him.

Once in the car, I asked, "Where are we going?"

Dad only smiled. "You'll see."

To my surprise, we didn't take the usual turn to the area's one department store. (This was in the pre-mall era). Instead, we turned down an ally where small row houses lined the road. Dad parked the car, got out, and walked to the front door of the first house on the street. Within a few minutes, he returned with Connor, a boy from our church.

The 365 Life Lesson Project - Life Lesson 2

We Can Never Be Too Careful. 

There are situations in life that put us into testing water where sometimes we're caught off-guarded with our actions.

That sometimes, our being close to the person has the tendency to border into an occasion where we're too much attached and we somehow tend that every kind of joke can be thrown to that person without offense. Even in an inadvertent attempt aimed to kid around. 

Later when we realize that we already went overboard, eventually hurting them.

My Apology, My Lord

Dear Lord,

I can’t sleep tonight!

I feel so lonely.

My heart carries a heavy load of guilt because I have unintentionally offended someone I consider close to me.

I have laid flat on my bed but I am wide awake and cant' even feel the sense of being sleepy.

Though I've conveyed my sincere apology but I just feel that it is lacking due to a sour response.

Honestly, I am damn stupid why I did drag a name that has been valued the most. Though, it was purely unintentional but I still err. The very thought that I had pinched a portion of my close friend's heart is enough that I did so wrong with that joke.

A Political Outburst

Generations of partakers in the elective process had grown to be a believer of the promises candidates have been audibly screaming in their platforms during caucus and campaign periods. But are these promises have meet ends?

You POLITICOS are elevating yourself as a public figure thus being a role model follows. But why are the things that you put into laws are the very same things you religiously break?

You keep saying, We'll do this! We'll do that! But I don't think you can fool us anymore. 

You've told us do not fight with others, to work things out, to respect others, to share not to be greedy. Then why you yourselves are doing the things you've told us not to do?