Graham and Einstein

Graham And Einstein

In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte, North Carolina, invited their
favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor. Billy initially
hesitated to accept the invitation because he was struggling with
Parkinson's disease. But the Charlotte leaders said, "We don't expect a
major address. Just come and let us honor you." So he agreed.

After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the
rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, "I'm reminded today of Albert
Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time
magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from
Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the
tickets of each passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached
in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his
other pocket. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but
couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat by him. He couldn't find it.
The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who
you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.
'Einstein nodded appreciatively.

"The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was
ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great
physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.
The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't
worry. I know who you are. No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm
sure you bought one.'

Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too know who I am. What
I don't know is where I'm going.'"

Having said that Billy Graham continued, "See the suit I'm wearing?
It's a brand new suit. My wife, my children, and my grandchildren are
telling me I've slowed down a lot lately and I'm not as chirpy as I used
to be. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one
more occasion. You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in
which I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want you to
immediately remember the suit I'm wearing. I want you to remember this: I
not only know who I am, I also know where I'm going."

"God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who
has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son does not have life. I
write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so
that you may know that you have eternal life." --- 1 John 5:11-13

Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust
also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I
would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And
if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to
be with me that you also may be where I am." --- John 14:1-3

Daily Bread Excerpt

Walking Our Faith

Read: Romans 2:17-24

Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? —James 2:22


Often we Christians are urged not just to "talk the talk" but to "walk the talk." The same advice may be expressed in these words: Don't let your behavior contradict your professed belief. At other times we are admonished to be sure that life and lip agree. If our conduct doesn't harmonize with our confession of faith, however, that discrepancy nullifies the testimony of the gospel which we proclaim.

As far as we can know, Mahatma Gandhi never became a Christian, but he made a statement that we who follow Jesus would do well to ponder. When asked to put his message into one short sentence, he replied, "My life is my message."

Certainly we should explain the gospel message as clearly as possible. Yet the clearest explanation isn't going to win hearts for our Lord unless His love is embodied in our lives. To quote the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." And holding himself up as a pattern, he wrote in Philippians 4:9, "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."

Pray, then, that like Paul we may live out our saving faith before the watching world. —Vernon Grounds

Daily Bread Excerpt

Hope For Worriers

Read: Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. —Psalm 23:1

Everyone worries occasionally, but I was once a "professional worrier." My daily preoccupation was mulling over my worries, one by one.

Then one day I had to face an uncomfortable medical test, and I was frantic with fear. Finally I decided that during the test I would focus on the first five words of Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd." This exercise in meditation not only calmed me, but I gained several fresh insights. Later, as I slowly meditated through the entire psalm, the Lord gave me more insights. Eventually I was able to share at conferences what the Lord had taught me.

If you're a worrier, there's hope for you too! Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life, wrote: "When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, that's called worry. When you think about God's Word over and over in your mind, that's meditation. If you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate!"

The more we meditate on God's Word, the less we need to worry. In Psalm 23, David meditated on his great Shepherd instead of worrying. Later, God chose him to be the shepherd of His people (Psalm 78:70-72). God uses those who can honestly say, "The Lord is my shepherd." —Joanie Yoder

The One Flaw in Women

THE ONE FLAW IN WOMEN


By the time the Lord made woman, he was into his sixth day of working
overtime. An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much
time on this one?"
And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my specs sheet on her? She has
to be
completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts,
all
replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap
that
can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure
anything
from a scraped knee to a broken heart-and she will do everything with
only
two hands."
The angel was astounded at the requirements.
"Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one
day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish" But I won't," the Lord protested. "I
am
so
close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She
already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."
The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
"But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You
have
no idea what she can endure or accomplish." "Will she be able to
think?",
asked the angel.
The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think,she will be
able
to
reason and negotiate."
The angel then noticed something, and reaching out,touched the
woman's
cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you
that
you were trying to put too much into this one."
"That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.
The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her
sorrow,
her
pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her
pride."
The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing."
And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they
carry
burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they
want
to scream. They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They
fight
for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when
they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their
family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They
love unconditionally. They cry when their children
excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when
they
hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a
family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no
strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken
heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive,
fly,

walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The
heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They
bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals. They
give
moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to
say and everything to give. [






HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Daily Bread Excerpt

Our Daily Bread

Gloom Index

Read: Acts 16:16-31

At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. —Acts 16:25

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gray skies, blue mood. It's common enough to produce what some have called the "gloom index." That's a way of describing the amount of cloudy weather a region can expect during a winter season.

A related idea is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The theory is that weather-sensitive people experience a certain amount of cloud-induced melancholy.

Other factors might be figured into a gloom index. Think about what Paul and Silas endured (Acts 16). Any one of their troubles was enough to ruin the sunniest day. Imagine the irritations of dealing with greedy profiteers who had turned a demon-possessed girl into a sideshow (vv.16-17). Think about the pain of confronting an angry mob and furious judges (v.22), of receiving a whipping and imprisonment (v.23), and of having your feet locked in stocks (v.24).

But Paul and Silas rose above it (v.25). How did they do that? They were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they had a sense of mission. They were motivated by a desire to obey God and spread the message of Christ.

Like them, we can rise above the mood swings prompted by our circumstances. By being strong in the Spirit, we can overcome the gloom index. —Mart De Haan

SOLUTIONS...

Many years ago in a small Indian village, a farmer had the misfortune of owing a large sum of money to a village moneylender.
The moneylender, who was old and ugly, fancied the farmer's beautiful daughter.

So he proposed a bargain

He said he would forgo the farmer's debt if he could marry his daughter. Both the farmer and his daughter were horrified by the proposal.
So the cunning money-lender suggested that they let providence decide the matter.

He told them that he would put a black pebble and a white pebble into an empty money bag.Then the girl would have to pick one pebble from the bag.

1) If she picked the black pebble, she would become his wife and her father's debt would be forgiven.

2) If she picked the white pebble she need not marry him and her father's debt would still be forgiven.

3) But if she refused to pick a pebble, her father would be thrown into jail.

They were standing on a pebble strewn path in the farmer's field. As they talked, the moneylender bent over to pick up two pebbles. As he picked them up, the sharp-eyed girl noticed that he had picked up two black pebbles and put them into the bag. He then asked the girl to pick a pebble from the bag.

Now, imagine that you were standing in the field.
What would you have done if you were the girl?
If you had to advise her, what would you have told her?

Careful analysis would produce three possibilities:
1. The girl should refuse to take a pebble.
2. The girl should show that there were two black pebbles in the bag and expose the money-lender as a cheat.
3. The girl should pick a black pebble and sacrifice herself in order to save her father from his debt and imprisonment.

Take a moment to ponder over the story.

The above story is used with the hope that it will make us appreciate the difference between lateral and logical thinking.
The girl's dilemma cannot be solved with traditional logical thinking.
Think of the consequences if she chooses the above logical answers.

What would you recommend to the Girl to do?
....

Well, here is what she did ....

The girl put her hand into the moneybag and drew out a pebble.
Without looking at it, she fumbled and let it fall onto the pebble-strewn path where it immediately became lost among all the other pebbles.

"Oh, how clumsy of me," she said. "But never mind, if you look into the bag for the one that is left, you will be able to tell which pebble
I picked."

Since the remaining pebble is black, it must be assumed that she had picked the white one. And since the money-lender dared not admit his dishonesty, the girl changed what seemed an impossible situation into an extremely advantageous one.

MORAL OF THE STORY:
Most complex problems do have a solution. It is only that we don't attempt to think.

THE GREATEST PIECES OF ADVICE

Don't date because you are desperate. Don't marry because you are miserable. Don't have kids because you think your genes are superior. Don't philander because you think you are irresistible. Don't associate with people you can't trust. Don't cheat. Don't lie. Don't pretend. Don't dictate because you are smarter. Don't demand because you are stronger. Don't sleep around because you think you are old enough and know better. Don't hurt your kids because loving them is harder. Don't sell yourself, your family, or your ideals. Don't stagnate. Don't regress. Don't live in the past. Time can't bring anything or anyone back. Don't put your life on hold for possibly Mr./Mrs. Right. Don't throw your life away on absolutely Mr. Wrong because your biological clock is ticking. Learn a new skill. Find a new friend. Start a new career. Sometimes, there is no race to be won; only a price to be paid for some of life's more hasty decisions. To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless. To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy. To fulfill your parenting fantasies, get a puppy. (or a cat!) Don't bring another life into this world for all the wrong reasons. To make yourself happy, pursue your passions and be the best of what you can be. Simplify your life. Take away the clutter. Get rid of destructive elements: abusive friends, nasty habits, and dangerous liaisons. Don't abandon your responsibilities but don't overdose on duty. Don't live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your family. Be true to yourself. Don't commit when you are not ready. Don't keep others waiting needlessly. Go on that trip. Don't postpone it. Say those words. Don't let the moment pass. Do what you have to, even at society's scorn. Write poetry. Love Deeply. Walk barefoot. Dance with wild abandon. Cry at the movies. Take care of yourself. Don't wait for someone to take care of you. You light up your life. You drive yourself to your destination. No one completes you - except YOU. It is true that life does not get easier with age. It only gets more challenging. Don't be afraid. Don't lose your capacity to love. Pursue your passions. Live your dreams. Don't lose faith in your God. Don't grow old. Just grow YOU! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ create your own life then go out and live it without regrets..

Chalk

>>Proverbs 3:5-6
>>Only people who are capable of loving strongly can also suffer
>>great
>>sorrow, but this same necessity of loving serves to counteract
>>their
>>grief and heals them...Tolstoy
>>
>> > This is a true story of something that happened just a few years
>>ago
>>at
>> > USC.
>> >
>> > There was a professor of philosophy there who was a deeply
>>committed
>> > atheist..............
>> >
>> > His primary goal for one required class was to spend the entire
>>semester
>> > attempting to prove that God couldn't exist.
>> >
>> > His students were always afraid to argue with him because of his
>> > impeccable logic.
>> >
>> > For twenty years, he had taught this class and no one had ever
>>had the
>>
>> > courage to go against him.
>> >
>> > Sure, some had argued in class at times, but no one had ever
>>really
>>gone
>> > against him because of his reputation.
>> >
>> > At the end of every semester on the last day, he would say to
>>his
>>class
>>of
>> > 300 students, "If there is anyone here who still believes in
>>Jesus,
>>stand
>> > up!"
>> >
>> > In twenty years, no one had ever stood up. They knew what he
>>was
>>going
>>to
>> > do next. He would say, "Because anyone who believes in God is a
>>fool.
>>
>> > If God existed, he could stop this piece of chalk from hitting
>>the
>>ground
>> > and breaking. Such a simple task to prove that He is God, and
>>yet He
>> > can't do it."
>> >
>> > And every year, he would drop the chalk onto the tile floor of
>>the
>> > classroom and it would shatter into a hundred pieces.
>> >
>> > All of the students would do nothing but stop and stare.
>> >
>> > Most of the students thought that God couldn't exist.
>>Certainly, a
>>number
>> > of Christians had slipped through, but for 20 years, they had
>>been too
>>
>> > afraid to stand up.
>> >
>> > Well, a few years ago there was a freshman who happened to
>>enroll.
>> >
>> > He was a Christian, and had heard the stories about his
>>professor.
>> >
>> > He was required to take the class for his major, and he was
>>afraid.
>>But
>> > for three months that semester, he prayed every morning that he
>>would
>>have
>> > the courage to stand up no matter what the professor said, or
>>what the
>>
>> > class thought.
>> >
>> > Nothing they said could ever shatter his faith...he hoped.
>> >
>> > Finally, the day came. The professor said, "If there is anyone
>>here
>>who
>> > still believes in God, stand up!" The professor and the class of
>>300
>> > people looked at him, shocked, as he stood up at the back of the
>> > classroom.
>> > The professor shouted, "You FOOL!!!
>> > If God existed, he would keep this piece of chalk from breaking
>>when
>>it
>> > hit the ground!"
>> >
>> > He proceeded to drop the chalk, but as he did, it! slipped out
>>of his
>>
>> > fingers, off his shirt cuff, onto the pleat of his pants, down
>>his
>>leg,
>> > and off his shoe. As it hit the ground, it simply rolled away
>>unbroken.
>> > The professor's jaw dropped as he stared at the chalk. He
>>looked up
>>at
>> > the young man, and then ran out of the lecture hall.
>> >
>> > The young man who had stood, proceeded to walk to the front of
>>the
>>room
>> > and shared his faith in Jesus for the next half hour.
>> > 300 students stayed and listened as he told of God's love for
>>them and
>>of
>> > His power through Jesus.
>>

>> > A Woman that feareth the lord, she shall be praised;
>> > Proverbs:31;30

The Lotus Totus

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their
conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you
want.

FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.

FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams
don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only
way to live life completely.

TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer,
smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great
risk.

FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others;
and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps
to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your
voice.

TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.

Little keys to happiness...

Work with joy.
Live with love.
Dream from your heart.
Share what you have.
Care deeply.
Be thankful always.

http://www.2000greetings.com/mycard.htm?c=700

Why Women Cry

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?"
"Because I'm a woman," she told him. "I don't
understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and
said, "And you never will."

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does
mother seem to cry for no reason?" "All women cry for
no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still
wondering why women cry. Finally he put in a call to
God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do
women cry so easily?" God said: "When I made the
woman, she had to be special. I made her shoulders
strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet
gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and
the rejection that many times comes from her children.
I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep
going when everyone else gives up, and take care of
her family through sickness and fatigue without
complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under
any and all circumstances, even when her child has
hurt her very badly. I gave her strength to carry her
husband through his faults and fashioned her from his
rib to protect his heart. I gave her wisdom to know
that a good husband never hurts his wife, but
sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand
beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers
exclusively to use whenever it is needed."

"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is
not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she
carries, or the way she combs her hair. The
beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because
that is the doorway to her heart -- the place where
love resides."

Aaaaaw

Marty wakes up at home with a huge hangover. He forces himself to open his

eyes, and the first thing he sees is a couple ofaspirins and a glass of

water on the side table. He sits down and sees his clothing in front of

him, all clean and pressed. Marty looks around the room and sees that it

is in a perfect order, spotless, clean. So's the rest of the house. He

takes the aspirins and notices a note on the table "Honey, breakfast is on

the stove, I left early to go shopping. Love you." So he goes to the

kitchen and sure enough there is a hot break-fast and the morning

newspaper. His son is also at the table, eating. Marty asks, "Son, what

happened last night?" His son says, "Well, you came home after 3 A.M.,

drunk and delirious. Broke some furniture, puked in the hallway, and gave

yourself a black eye when you stumbled into the door." Confused, Marty

asks, "So, why is everything in order and so clean, and breakfast is on

the table waiting for me?" His son replies, "Oh that! Mom dragged you to

the bedroom, and when she tried to take your pants off, you said, "Lady,

leave me alone, I'm married'!"

The Power of the Human Spirit

>
> > > Sometimes when you know that what you do matters to people, you
end up
> > > accomplishing the most challenging task. Excellent material.
Take time
> > > to read...
> > >
> > > Please take time to read this, and share with our Pinoy friends.
> > > It> '> s not just I-me-myself, career and making money that
counts.
> > >
> > > Just want to share with you the very inspiring speech of our
guest
> > > speaker, > > Dr. Josette Biyo, during San Miguel> '> s Best
Practices Forum held at
> > > the > > Edsa Shangrila last Friday. Dr. Biyo is a public school
teacher from
> > > Iloilo who won the Intel Excellence in Teaching award in the US,
> > besting
> > > 4,000 candidates from all around the world. When asked by the
judges
> > > why > > a Phd holder like her opted to teach in a public school
in Iloilo,
> > > her > > response was, > "> And who would teach the kids?> ">
> > >
> > > The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory in
Boston
> > >> > named a minor planet in her honor. Read the rest of her
story below.
>
> > >
> > > > "> The Power of the Human Spirit> ">
> > > Dr. Josette T. Biyo
> > > 24 October 2003
> > > Edsa Shangrila, Manila
> > >
> > > Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. For a high school
teacher to
> > > speak > > before a large group of business executives for
the first
> > > time is > > overwhelming. But it is indeed a great honor and
a privilege to
> > > speak to > > the group of people who is responsible for
making San Miguel
> > > Corporation > > the top food and beverage company in the
country, and on its
> > > way to > > becoming one of the top companies in the
Asia-Pacific. I am here to
> > > talk > > about > "> The Power of the Human Spirit.> ">
Indeed, the human spirit
> > > has no > > limits. If you dream big, and you have the
determination and the
> > > will to > > pursue your dream, it will become a reality. I
dreamt of making
> > > stars; > > I was given a planet.
> > >
> > > A few months ago, I was featured in the local, national and
> > > international > > newspapers. I caused a stir to be the
first Asian teacher to
> > > win the > > > "> Intel Excellence in Teaching Award> "> in an
international competition
> > > held > > in the U.S. Since its inception in 1997, no Asian
teacher has
> > > received > > this award. But I think what created waves was,
I am a Filipino,
> > > and I > > defeated 4,000 other teachers from around the world,
including the
> > > American > > finalists in their hometown. Because of this, the
Massachusetts
> > > Institute > > of Technology Lincoln Laboratory in Boston
named a Minor Planet
> > > in my > > honor. There is now a Planet Biyo rotating
around the sun
> > > which is > > located between Mars and Jupiter.
> > >
> > > What made me win in this international competition? What made
me
> > > stand out > > from among the best teachers in the world?
My road to attaining
> > > this > > international recognition is a very long 23
years of
> > > improving and > > harnessing my craft as a teacher. I
consistently study and
> > > learn new > > skills to improve my method of teaching. I
want my methods
> > > to be > > interesting, relevant, and fun for students. For
just like any
> > > product, > > the measure of teaching success is clientele
satisfaction.
> > >
> > > I finished a B.S. Biology degree from U.P. in the Visayas
hoping to
> > > be a > > medical doctor. For lack of financial resources
however, I took the>
> > > first > > job opportunity available- teaching. Never did I
regret this
> > > twist of > > fate. The day I entered the classroom, I knew
I would be an
> > > excellent > > teacher.
> > >
> > > My first eight years of teaching were spent in a rural school.
For
> > > lack > > of teachers in proportion to the number of
students, I taught not
> > > only > > biology, but also other subjects outside my field
such as English,
> > > Music, > > and Physical .Education. The materials, equipment,
and facilities
> > > for the > > type of effective teaching I had in mind were
absent. These
> > > challenges > > however did not dampen my enthusiasm for the
job. In fact, I became
> > > more > > creative and innovative.
> > >
> > > I believe that teaching and learning should not be confined
> > > within the > > classroom. Even during those first few years of
teaching, I see to it
> > > that > > the science concepts I discuss inside the class
would have
> > > social > > dimensions. Thus, I took an active role in
school as moderator
> > > of the > > Rural Health and Science Education Committee. I
designed outreach
> > > programs > > for students and teachers. Through these
programs, students were
> > > trained > > to teach primary health care to the people in
the barangays. They
> > > also > > taught barrio folks how to make cough syrup from
plant extracts and
> > > soap > > from coconut oil. Students also gave lectures on
environmental
> > > protection > > and conservation.
> > >
> > > Those eight years of teaching in a rural school has prepared me
for
> > > greater > > challenges ahead. Working with the children of
the poor has
> > > instilled in > > me the importance of service, compassion, and
respect for human
> > > dignity. I > > have learned to love teaching, and I see
it as an
> > > instrument for > > transforming the person and the community.
> > >
> > > After eight years of teaching however, I felt I had nothing more
to
> > > give to > > my students. I resigned from my teaching job and
enrolled as a full
> > > time > > M.S. in Biology student at De La Salle University in
Manila. I was
> > > lucky > > to get a scholarship which included free tuition and a
monthly
> > > stipend.
> > >
> > > To augment my stipend, I taught as part-time lecturer in
the
> > > Biology > > department and worked as research assistant
by one of the
> > > senior > > researchers in the university. This I did on top of
my full-time MS
> > > load. > > I was so engrossed with my studies however, that I
finished my M.S.
> > > degree > > in one year and five months only, after which,
DLSU took me in as a
> > > full > > time assistant professor.
> > >
> > > Teaching college students at De La Salle University was an
> > > entirely new > > experience. With modern and sophisticated
equipment at my
> > > disposal, my > > world opened to the wonders of scientific
research. However, I still
> > > value > > the importance of nature as a big laboratory
such that in my
> > > ecology > > classes, I would bring my students to the seas of
Batangas, the
> > > rivers of > > Rizal, and the lahar-affected areas of Pampanga
to conduct field
> > > studies. > > Pursuing my Ph. D. while teaching also enabled
me to conduct
> > > researches > > which were presented in the country and abroad.
> > >
> > > Research is very exciting. It means sleepless nights,
> > > disappointments, > > physical and mental exhaustion. But the
joy of discovering
> > > something new > > in nature makes it all worthwhile.
> > >
> > > While Manila has provided me with opportunities for
professional
> > > growth, I > > still feel that my heart is in Iloilo. Thus, with
an additional
> > > degree and > > one additional son, I brought back my family to
Iloilo in summer of>
> > > 1995.
> > >
> > > In June 1995, Philippine Science High School Western Visayas
hired me
> > > as a > > Special Science Teacher. Only on its third year of
existence, the
> > > school > > welcomed my suggestions and expertise. I
helped develop its
> > > Science > > Research curriculum and introduced some
innovations for
> > > teaching the > > course.
> > >
> > > Barely a year of teaching at Pisay, I realized that my role was
not
> > > only to > > teach students but to train teachers as well.
This I do by
> > > organizing > > workshops for teachers in the region.
> > >
> > > One day, I received a letter from the students. The letter
said,
> > > > "> Dear > > Ma> '> am Josette, we know you are being
groomed for directorship
> > > of the > > school, and you would want to be the director
someday, given the
> > > chance. > > The thing is, we don> '> t want you to be the
director. We just want you
> > > to be > > a teacher. Pisay needs teachers like you. The
Philippines needs
> > > teachers > > like you.> "> Their letter touched me deeply.
> > >
> > > When I won the Metrobank Foundation Award in 1997 as one of the
> > > outstanding > > teachers in the country, the Pisay community
gave me a poster. The
> > > poster > > was a white cartolina filled with signatures of
students, teachers,
> > > and the > > non-teaching staff. In the center was a
painting of a rose,
> > > and the > > message which says, > "> You are the song that
plays so softly in our
> > > hearts; > > that gives us inspiration to aim for greater
heights and bigger
> > > dreams. > > Congratulations. We are so proud of you.> ">
> > >
> > > In 1998, I won another national award as one of > "> The
Outstanding
> > > Young > > Filipino> "> formerly known as the TOYM in the
field of Secondary
> > > Education. > > Last year, I won the > "> 2002 Intel
Excellence in Teaching Award> ">
> > > in an > > international competition held at Louisville, Kentucky
from May 10-17.
> > >
> > > In Kentucky, I presented to the panel of judges and to about
150
> > > teachers > > from all over the world my method of teaching
Science Research
> > > to my > > students in Iloilo. I told them that the
Philippines is a third
> > > world > > country blessed with abundant natural resources.
However, we face
> > > problems > > such as the rapidly declining environment and
the lack of
> > > equipment and > > facilities for scientific endeavors.
Faced with this
> > > situation, I > > introduced innovations and strategies for
teaching the course.
> > > These > > innovations included: a) building a scientific
library, b)
> > > conducting > > field studies, c) establishing linkages with
research institutions
> > > in the > > country, d) holding science forums in school, and
e) teaching
> > > students > > laboratory and field techniques which would
help them in the
> > > conduct of > > their research work.
> > >
> > > The judges and teachers from different parts of the world were
amazed
> > > that > > even in the absence of sophisticated equipment, my
students were
> > > able to > > produce quality research outputs beyond their
expectations.
> > >
> > > At this point in time, let me show to you what we do in
our
> > > Science > > Research class? ( a five minute power point
presentation of my
> > > class > > activities).
> > >
> > > I went to Kentucky with three high school students from the
Manila
> > > Science > > High School, and one student from the Mindanao
State
> > > University-Iligan > > Institute of Technology. These
students competed in the
> > > International > > Science and Engineering Fair which was held
back to back with the
> > > teaching > > competition. The students from Manila Science
competed for a team
> > > > project > > in Physics, while the student from Iligan
competed for the
> > > individual > > category in the field of Microbiology. These
students were competing
> > > with > > 1,200 other students from around the world.
> > >
> > > May 17, 2002 was a glorious moment for the Philippine
delegation
> > > in the > > U.S. When it was announced that the student from
Iligan won second
> > > place > > grand award for Microbiology, our delegation was
ecstatic. When
> > > it was > > announced that the students from Manila Science won
first place grand
> > > award > > for Physics, our group was delirious. When the grand
award for
> > > > "> Excellence > > Teaching> "> was announced, and for
the first time in the history
> > > of the > > event an Asian teacher won, and a Filipino, there
was a standing
> > > ovation > > from the crowd as the Philippine flag was waved in
the air.
> > >
> > > The Philippine delegation> '> s road to success in
Kentucky was far
> > > from > > smooth. We almost never made it to the U.S.
Our visa
> > > interview was > > scheduled on May 29 when we were supposed
to be competing in the
> > > U.S. by > > May 10. Almost desperate, we went to the Department
of Foreign
> > > Affairs for > > help, only to be told that the Office cannot
give us an endorsement
> > > letter > > to the U.S. Embassy because they cannot guarantee
that we are coming
> > > back.
> > >
> > > It was a painful experience for me and the students. Anyway,
we were
> > > able > > to get our visa on the last minute the most
unconventional way, and
> > > brought > > glory to this country.
> > >
> > > Let me show to you the scenario during the first day of
the
> > > teaching > > competition?.
> > >
> > > When I entered the judging area, one table in front was
occupied
> > > by the > > board of judges. At the right side of the room, the
table was
> > > occupied by > > the finalist from China and her supporters.
The table at the left
> > > side > > was occupied by the finalists from U.S.. and their
supporters. The
> > > center > > table for the Filipino finalist was empty. I sat
there alone.
> > >
> > > I went to the U.S. bringing a CD for my presentation. I also
brought
> > > some > > transparencies and a white board pen in case my CD won>
'> t work. Coming
> > > from > > a third world country, I was prepared for the worst.
It turned out,
> > > I was > > the only finalist without a notebook computer.
Luckily, one
> > > American > > finalist lend me his computer; but before
doing so, he gave me a
> > > brief > > lecture on the parts of the computer and its use.
> > >
> > > I was the fourth presenter. When it was my turn to present, a
panel
> > > member > > asked if I needed an interpreter. I said, > "> No
thanks.> "> A personnel
> > > from > > Intel volunteered to run my presentation. I said, >
"> I can do it.> ">
> > > After > > my presentation, they said, > "> Wow, you> '> re so
cool. You know more than
> > > us!> ">
> > >
> > > What am I telling you? That despite our country> '> s
limited
> > > resources, > > Filipinos can compete globally given the
proper training,
> > > support and > > exposure. Our winning at the international
scene may not
> > > reflect the > > general condition of science education in
the country. But
> > > with our > > concerted efforts, my dear fellowmen, we can move
this country
> > > forward and > > show the world that we are a globally
competitive race.
> > >
> > > Last May, I was in Cleveland, Ohio to present my methods of
> > > teaching to > > 150 teachers from 17 countries. I also served
as the team
> > > facilitator for > > the Spanish-speaking teachers from Brazil,
Costa Rica and Argentina..
> > > Last > > August, I gave a demonstration lesson to educators
from the third>
> > > world > > countries of Laos and Cambodia.
> > >
> > > Filipinos are indeed talented and will excel at the
international
> > > level in > > their individual capacity. But as a country,
we lag behind.
> > > This is > > because we lack the spirit of community
which is very strong
> > > among > > progressive nations.
> > >
> > > When I went home to Iloilo after the competition in the
U.S., my
> > > school > > gave me a very warm welcome. During the convocation,
students and
> > > teachers > > expressed how proud they are of me. I told them,
> "> I am very proud
> > > of you > > too. It is you who has brought me to where I am
now. Our
> > > experiences > > together has brought world attention to
the fact that hey,
> > > there> '> s a > > world-class school out there in Iloilo; a
school with world-class
> > > teachers > > and students. I told the teachers and I quote
Mr. De Quiros that
> > > > "> being > > world-class doesn> '> t mean going
internationally and showing our
> > > best out > > there. Being world-class is passion and
commitment to our
> > > profession. > > Being world-class is giving our best to
teaching. Being world-class
> > > starts > > right inside the classroom.> ">
> > >
> > > In winning this international award, I do not claim to be the
best
> > > teacher > > of the land. There are thousands of best
teachers out there,
> > > working > > silently, giving their hearts to teaching, without
thinking of
> > > benefits or > > rewards. I salute these teachers. In winning
this award, I believe
> > > I was > > just commissioned by somebody up there to deliver the
message that
> > > indeed, > > Filipino teachers can be world-class teachers.
In winning this
> > > award, I > > have shown to the world that Filipinos can be
world-class if they
> > > choose to > > be. And more importantly, I have shown to my
fellow Filipinos that
> > > they > > can be world-class if they choose to be. That if we
do our best,
> > > we can > > conquer the world.
> > >
> > > During the panel interview in the U.S., one judge asked me,
> "> You
> > > have a > > Ph.D. in Biology, why do you teach in high school?>
"> I answered,
> > > > "> And who > > will teach these kids?> "> Another judge
asked if how much am I paid
> > > for all > > my pains. They were shocked when I told them that
I am getting a
> > > net pay > > of not more than $300. a month.
> > >
> > > When your job becomes your mission, your primary concern is
giving
> > > your > > best in everything you do. Knowing that you have
contributed
> > > significantly > > towards the creation of a product which
can make a difference in
> > > your > > company and the larger community is reward in itself.
> > >
> > > Believe in what you are doing. Believe that you can make a
> > > difference. > > Believing however doesn> '> t mean you have
to stop from where you are
> > > now. > > Believing is improving your skills and maximizing
your potential.
> > > With > > determination and the will to win, your company can
conquer the world.
> > >
> > > As members of the San Miguel Family, you are lucky to take
part
> > > in the > > production of high quality and accessible
consumer products that
> > > can be > > found in every Filipino home. Your skills do not
only contribute
> > > to the > > development of the country> '> s economy, but you
also bring out the
> > > spirit > > of fun, joy, and laughter into the lives of the
people; thus helping
> > > make > > everyday life a celebration. Your capable hands can
paint a true
> > > image of > > the Filipino as a people- intelligent,
hard-working,
> > > passionate, > > fun-loving, creative, innovative, > ">
magaling!.> ">
> > >
> > > You could paint one bright picture of this country and its
people
> > > > - by > > your achievements in the workplace, your teamwork,
integrity,
> > > passion for > > success, and your discharge of civic
responsibilities. You can
> > > show the > > world that you are the new technocrats, capable
and willing to
> > > meet the > > challenges of the new order of market
globalization. You can show the
> > > world > > that you are the new citizenry, capable of making
this country a
> > > worthy > > member of the league of peace-loving nations.
> > >
> > > Be proud!
> > >
> > > Thank you very much.

OPEN ONLY IF YOU HAVE TIME FOR GOD
> >
> > God, when I received this e-mail I thought I don't
> > have time for this.
> >
> > And this is really inappropriate during work. Then I
> > realized that this kind of thinking is exactly what
> > has caused a lot of the problems in our world today.
> >
> > We try to keep God in church on Sunday morning, maybe
> > Sunday night, and the unlikely event of a midweek
> > service.
> >
> > We do like to have Him around during sickness and, of
> > course, at funerals.
> >
> > However, we don't have time or room for Him during
> > work or play because that's the part of our lives we
> > think we can, and should, handle on our own.
> >
> > May God forgive me for ever thinking that there is a
> > time or place where He is not to be FIRST in my life.
> > We should always have time to remember all He has done
> > for us.
> >
> > If you aren't ashamed to do this, please follow the
> > directions.
> >
> > Jesus said, "If you are ashamed of me, I will be
> > ashamed of you before my Father."
> >
> > Not ashamed. Pass this on only if you mean it!
> >
> > Yes, I do Love God. He is my source of existence and
> > Savior. He keeps me functioning each and everyday.
> > Without Him, I will be nothing. Without Him, I am
> > nothing. But with Him, I can do all things through
> > Christ that strengthens me. Phil 4:13.
> >
> > This is the simplest test. If you Love God, and are
> > not ashamed of all the marvelous things he has done
> > for you, send this to ten people!
> >
> > Just a Short Story for All!
> >
> > A young and successful executive was traveling down a
> > neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new
> > Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from
> > between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he
> > saw something.
> >
> > As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a
> > brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on
> > the brakes and drove the Jag back to the spot where
> > the brick had been thrown.
> >
> > The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed
> > the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car
> > shouting, "What was that all about and who are you?
> >
> > Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and
> > that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money.
> > Why did you do it?"
> >
> > The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister...
> > please, I'm sorry...I didn't know what else to do," He
> > pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else
> > would stop..." With tears dripping down his face and
> > off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around
> > a
> > parked car. "It's my brother," he said. "He rolled
> > off
> > the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't
> > lift him up."
> >
> > Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive,
> > "Would you please help me get him back into his
> > wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."
> >
> > Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the
> > rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly
> > lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair,
> > then took out his fancy handkerchief and dabbed at the
> > fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him
> > everything was going to be okay.
> >
> > "Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child
> > told the stranger.
> >
> > Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy
> > push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk
> > toward their home.
> >
> > It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The
> > damage was very noticeable, but the driver never
> > bothered to repair the dented side door.
> >
> > He kept the dent there to remind him of this message
> > "Don't go through life so fast that someone has to
> > throw a brick at you to get your attention!"
> >
> > God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts.
> > Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to
> > throw a brick at us.
> >
> > It's our choice.
> >
> > Thought for the Day:
> >
> > If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on
> > it.
> >
> > If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
> >
> > He sends you flowers every spring.
> >
> > He sends you a sunrise every morning.
> >
> > Whenever you want to talk, He listens.
> >
> > He can live anywhere in the universe, but He chose ...
> > your heart.
> >
> > Face it, friend -- He is crazy about you!
> >
> > Send this to every "beautiful person" you wish to
> > bless, and return it to the person who sent it to you.
> >
> > God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without
> > sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength
> > for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the
> > way.

VERSE FOR TODAY:
"Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact
you are doing."
--1 Thessalonians 5:11

THOUGHT:
While Paul's exhortation here is excellent, it is the style
of the exhortation we should especially notice. We live in an
age where we are constantly pressured to emphasize the novel,
new, or improved versions of things. But in our lives as
Christians, we need to remind each other of what we are doing
right and just simply say, "Hey, you're doing well, just keep
doing what you're doing!"

PRAYER:
Faithful Father, thank You for noticing and keeping record
of the things I've done that are good and pleasing to You.
Please help me to keep doing those things that please You, only
do them better, that You may be pleased and glorified. In Jesus'
name. Amen.

VERSE FOR TODAY:
"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there
may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly
united in mind and thought."
--1 Corinthians 1:10

THOUGHT:
For churches to get along, sometimes their leaders must
remind them about unity, using the authority of the One who
made his dying prayer a prayer for unity. We must work
together or perish.

PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, You have presented so many of my prayers to our
Father, but today, I want to thank You for loving me so. I
promise that I will do all I can, to the glory of our Father,
to live at peace and serve those who belong to You. By Your
name and through the blessed Holy Spirit I pray. Amen.

The Higher Standard of Love

VERSE:
"When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other one to him as well."
--Matthew 5:39

LIFE APPLICATION:
Jesus begins this teaching by quoting from the Book of Leviticus (24:20), which says, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." Leviticus did not forbid vengeance, but rather tried to moderate it. Retaliation was allowed, but only in propertion to the injury received. To many of us, this law makes sense. It seems fair.

But Jesus turns everything upside down by forbidding all retaliation--even a proportionate one. If someone strikes you on the cheek, He says, offer the other cheek. If someone steals your tunic, hand over your cloak also. To many of us, this command doesn't make any sense. It's not fair! What was Jesus thinking?

Perhaps he was thinking that by refusing to retaliate, we challenge the method of the wrongdoer. When we refuse to return evil for evil, we invite the conversion of the enemy. To refuse to respond with violence, we take a small step toward lasting peace. Jesus' hard words remind us that the only standard worth measuring ourselves against is not the standard of fairness, but the standard of love.

May God bless you with his love

Just Listen

by: Rachel Naomi Remen, Kitchen Table Wisdom

I suspect that the most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention. And especially if it's given from the heart. When people are talking, there's no need to do anything but receive them. Just take them in. Listen to what they're saying. Care about it. Most times caring about it is even more important than understanding it. Most of us don't value ourselves or our love enough to know this. It has taken me along time to believe in the power of simple saying, "I'm so sorry," when someone is in pain. And meaning it.

One of my patients told me that when she tried to tell her story people often interrupted to tell her that they once had something just like that happen to them. Subtly her pain became a story about themselves. Eventually she stopped talking to most people. It was just too lonely. We connect through listening. When we interrupt what someone is saying to let them know that we understand, we move the focus of attention to ourselves. When we listen, they know we care. Many people with cancer can talk about the relief of having someone just listen.

I have even learned to respond to someone crying by just listening. In the old days I used to reach for the tissues, until I realized that passing a person a tissue may be just another way to shut them down, to take them out of their experience of sadness and grief. Now I just listen. When they have cried all they need to cry, they find me there with them.

This simple thing has not been that easy to learn. It certainly went against everything I had been taught since I was very young. I thought people listened only because they were too timid to speak or did not know the answer. A loving silence often has far more power to heal and to connect than the most well intentioned words.

"Keep your fork..."

>
> > A Woman and a Fork
> >
> > There was a young woman who had been diagnosed
> with
> > a
> > terminal illness and had been given three months
> to
> > live.
> > So as she was getting her things "in order," she
> > contacted
> > her Rabbi and had him come to her house to discuss
> > certain
> > aspects of her final wishes.
> >
> > She told him which songs she wanted sung at the
> > service,
> > what scriptures she would like read, and what
> outfit
> > she
> > wanted to be buried in.
> >
> > Everything was in order and the Rabbi was
> preparing
> > to
> > leave when the young woman suddenly remembered
> > something
> > very important to her.
> >
> > "There's one more thing," she said excitedly.
> > "What' that?" came the Rabbi's reply.
> > "This is very important," the young woman
> continued.
> > "I
> > want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."
> > The Rabbi stood looking at the young woman, not
> > knowing
> > quite what to say.
> >
> > That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman
> > asked.
> > "Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request,"
> > said the
> > Rabbi.
> >
> > The young woman explained. "My grandmother once
> told
> > me
> > this story, and from there on out, I have always
> > done so.
> > I have also, always tried to pass along its
> message
> > to
> > those I love and those who are in need of
> > encouragement.
> > In all my years of attending socials and dinners,
> I
> > always
> > remember that when the dishes of the main course
> > were
> > being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over
> > and say,
> > 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because
> I
> > knew
> > that something better was coming...like velvety
> > chocolate
> > cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful,
> > and with
> > substance!'
> >
> > So, I just want people to see me there in that
> > casket with
> > a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder
> "What's
> > with
> > the fork?" Then I want you to tell them: "Keep
> your
> > fork
> > ..the best is yet to come."
> >
> > The Rabbi's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he
> > hugged
> > the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be
> one
> > of the
> > last times he would see her before her death. But
> he
> > also
> > knew that the young woman had a better grasp of
> > heaven
> > than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven
> > would
> > be like than many people twice her age, with twice
> > as much
> > experience and knowledge.
> >
> > She KNEW that something better was coming.
> >
> > At the funeral people were walking by the young
> > woman's
> > casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and
> > the fork
> > placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Rabbi
> > heard
> > the question "What's with the fork?" And over and
> > over he
> > smiled.
> >
> > During his message, the Rabbi told the people of
> the
> >
> > conversation he had with the young woman shortly
> > before
> > she died. He also told them about the fork and
> about
> > what
> > it symbolized to her. The pastor told the people
> how
> > he
> > could not stop thinking about the fork and told
> them
> > that
> > they probably would not be able to stop thinking
> > about it
> > either.
> >
> > He was right. So the next time you reach down for
> > your
> > fork, let it remind you ever so gently, that the
> > best is
> > yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel,
> indeed.
> > They
> > make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They
> > lend an
> > ear, they share a word of praise, and they always
> > want to
> > open their hearts to us. Show your friends how
> much
> > you
> > care. Remember to always be there for them, even
> > when you
> > need them more. For you never know when it may be
> > their
> > time to "Keep your fork."
> >
> > Cherish the time you have, and the memories you
> > share...
> > being friends with someone is not an opportunity
> but
> > a
> > sweet responsibility.
> >
> > Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND even
> if
> > it
> > means sending back to the person who sent it to
> you.
> >
> > And keep your fork.

VERSE:
"My command to you is: love your enemies, pray for your persecutors."
--Matthew 5:44

REFLECTIION. We must show love for those who do evil to us and pray for them.
Nothing is dearer or more pleasing to God than this.
--St. Bridget

PRAYER. God of love, grant me the great grace to show love and forgiveness for those who do evil to me. Let me at least be able to pray for their salvation, won for them by Jesus.