Reflections for Lent

 Believing that everything happens because of providence, not coincidence, we smiled in appreciation when we received several spiritual messages, all within a day, by email from friends.

   The first reflection piece was sent to us by our dentist friend, Jess Garcia, who now works and resides in America, with his wife Olga. Entitled Ten Commandments, the emailed powerpoint contained the Ten Commandments of those over 40 years old . Here are those commandments for your reflection.

   One, focus on enjoying people, not on indulging or accumulating material things. Two, plan to spend whatever you have saved, you deserve to enjoy it and the few healthy years you have left. Travel if you can afford it. Don't leave anything for your children or your loved ones to quarrel about. By leaving anything, you may even cause more trouble when you are gone.

   Three, live in the here and now, not in the yesterdays and tomorrows. It is only today that you can handle. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never happen. Fourth, enjoy your grandchildren (if you are blessed with any) but don't be their full time baby sitter. You have no moral obligation to take care of them. Don't have guilt about refusing to baby sit anyone's kids, including your own grandkids. Your personal obligation is to your children. After you have raised them into responsible adults, your duties of childraising and babysitting are finished. Let your children raise their own offsprings.

   Fifth, accept physical weakness, sickness and other physical pains. It is part of the aging process. Enjoy whatever your health can allow. Sixth, enjoy what you are and what you have right now. Stop working hard for what you do not have. If you do not have them, it is probably too late..

   Seventh, just enjoy your life with your spouse, children, grandchildren and friends. People who truly love you, love you for yourself, not for what you have. Anyone who loves you for what you have will just give you misery. Eighth, forgive and accept forgiveness. Forgive yourself and others. Enjoy peace of mind and peace of soul.

   Ninth, befriend death. It's a natural part of the life cycle. Don't be afraid of it. Death is the beginning of a new and better life. So prepare yourself not for death but for a new life with the Almighty. Tenth, be at peace with your Creator FOR.. He is all you have after you leave this life.

  The second emailed spiritual reflection was sent by Joygi, a former student of ours, who is now in Japan, the land of his Japanese father. Here is the lovely message he sent, entitled: That's God.

   Have you ever felt the desire to do something special for someone you love? That's God who is speaking to you. Have you ever felt the sadness and loneliness of someone who approaches and stands beside you? That's God who has chosen you.

   Have you ever thought of someone who is very dear to you and have not seen for a long time and suddenly that person unexpectedly appears? That's God for there is nothing that ever happens by chance. Have you received something marvellous for which you did not ask? That's God who knows well all the secrets which you keep well hidden in your heart.

   Have you ever found yourself in a difficult situation for which there seemed to be no apparent solution and then, ' in the twinkling of an eye' the answer became as clear as daylight? That's God who unceasingly takes our problems into His hands and helps us solve them.

   Have you ever felt an immense sadness in your soul and then suddenly as if your inner self was infused with love, an inexplicable sense of peace enveloped your entire being? That' s God who consoles you in His arms and gives you peace.

   Have you ever felt tired of life to the point of wanting to die and then suddenly, you were able to find the courage and the resolve to continue your journey full of vigour and hope? That's God. He is always there beside you, lovingly accompanying you every step of the way in your life journey. Everything goes better when God takes the lead.

   Do you think this message was sent to you by chance? That's God who touched my heart. He inspired me to think of you not because you are my friend, but on account of the fact that you are of infinite value in His eyes and in mine.

   Let God touch your heart so that you'll feel moved to share this message with all your friends. Send this message to all your loved ones, friends, and acquaintances… because we all need to know that God is always with us!

   Let us share with everyone the great love God has for us. Glory to GOD! Thank you, my dear God. God's blessings to one and all!

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