EIGHT WORDS PER LINE, JUNE 1-30, 2024

 

"Comparisons are good when we want to improve,

As we try our best to do better.

But it's poison to have ourselves personally prove,

Especially our worth against others, whatever the matter.

For each of us have our path to follow,

Where we have been called, enabled, gifted.

No less nor better than the next fellow,

Nevertheless, caring, understanding, respect, still shouldn't be discounted.

May we keep busy with our lot that's given

From the time we said yes to a higher, eternal call.

Live each day a steward of earth, ambassador of heaven,

Making sure we and others stay on course, not fall."

#HappyJune302024

 

"Truly, from those who have been given much,

In work and relations, much is indeed demanded.

For we will never be out of touch,

With life and learning, situations planned or unintended.

And that is the purpose why we live,

As we breathe, think, act, feel, sow and gather.

Out of what we have, to selflessly give,

Because life is better when we all face it together.

May we learn to listen, respect, keep our pace,

And with every intention, to ponder and consider,

How we may share our God's mercy and grace,

How we may encourage others not to surrender."

#HappyJune292024

 

"Because time is gold, people prize punctuality,

But often forget mere presence is blessing enough.

And because life is often harsh in reality,

Silver linings become the crown of life's hardest stuff.

Yes, it's always good to hope, even against all odds,

For that brings sanity, peace and contentment too.

Though we need to acknowledge the good with the bad,

But we need to realize life always turns for me and you.

So let's not give up on faith, hope, love,

Even if misused, abused, disadvantaged and gaslighted by some.

For these convictions we own, gifts from above,

By our Father who calls all to heed His call and come."

#HappyJune282024

 

"Faith is becoming, as it really should be,

Doing the right deed, faithfully walking the talk,

Not only in times when others can see,

But especially in what inspires and motivates our walk.

And because our faith is to One far above,

So also must we strive to be better.

Daily striving to overcome the ignorance of the past,

Everyday moving forward in wisdom, peace, grace and love.

May we live daily in faith that's fruitful,

That we find purpose in what we do.

For then truly, our existence gets meaningful,

Our short journey becoming worthwhile for me and you."

#HappyJune272024

 

"'Life is a never-ending process of learning',

My lifetime motto, a word to the wise.

It should both motivate and drive everything

That we do, experience, encounter, see and surmise.

For even at the point of death, we learn,

From other people, from nature, from life itself.

And every day deserves a good measure in turn,

When it teaches us how to tame and improve the self.

May we never forget life's lessons and go through

The process of being built up, understanding deeper, knowing more.

That our days not just be meaningless going to and fro

But fruitful, abundant, everyday we become better than before."

#HappyJune262024

 

"It's getting rare to see selfless people these days.

Maybe due to life's worsening difficulties and challenges,

Where many are only after what they can take always,

Not caring if they have brought harsh, unwelcome changes.

But the better life needs people who better understand.

Mature, respectful, humble, generous and giving.

For it is not the mighty, but the persevering will stand,

Who bears all in patience, knowing the joy of simple living.

May we be people, graceful and easy to get along,

Willing to be corrected, to give chance to others.

For it's not down here but to a higher calling we must belong,

Believing in faith, that peace, hope and love are what truly matters."

#HappyJune252024

 

"If we have the kind of fear necessary,

Then life wouldn't be so confusing and scary.

For we wouldn't persist in our entitlement and ignorance,

And instead, love and understand, peace we advance.

For anxiety may hound our every waking hour,

But we have a God who has the greatest power.

And we can believe that for every difficulty and challenge,

With every oppression, He will deliver and avenge.

May we therefore not lose hope and trust,

Pray and carry on, and persevere as we must.

Because then we will receive our ultimate reward,

Our faithfulness recognized, as we follow Him forward."

#HappyJune242024

 

"In 'true parable of the talents' sense,

We learn what to do with what we've been given.

If wealth, then to give, without making offense,

If skill, then to teach, to mentor and guide even.

And we learn that is where happiness lies,

Contentment and peace, on giving up envy and greed.

Stressed-free, not running the race for the skies,

A generation of responsible, respectful people we help breed.

May we truly make use of our talents and treasure,

To build others up, in a way building our characters too.

That we may deal with life and people in proper measure,

Bring life, hope and peace for me and you."

#HappyJune232024

 

"Though each of us is unique, and uniquely gifted,

Doesn't mean others can't do what we're doing,

Nor can we not perform where others were trained;

With scientists calling that the plasticity of the brain and learning.

That's why humility and obedience is key to success,

In life, work, relationships, we need to prioritize.

Embrace what's good and right, relieve grievance with redress;

Bring peace, hope and joy, not abuse and victimize.

May we truly be people built up and accomplished in faith,

Our every word and deed without malice, but with mercy and grace,

Motivated not by pride and greed, but selflessness and good faith,

That godly confidence and true contentment rule the rest of our days."

#HappyJune212024

 

"The contented kind are those who see the good in bad,

Who can find peace amidst the chaos, stillness even in pain,

Who can rest easy only after giving the best they had,

Whom life's hard-won lessons are golden treasures to gain.

Because it is a sad life to constantly be comparing

Ourselves with others, knowing each of us have our own issues,

None more valid than others, but each worth respecting,

Deserving of understanding, as we put ourselves in each other's shoes.

May we therefore discern that for those who have the faith,

Everything works out for good, if we allow such mercy and grace

To fill our days, as we patiently wait,

For our ultimate deliverance, the reward at the end of our days."

#HappyJune202024

 

"The cost of freedom is obedience to a higher call,

Stepping out of our comfort zone, to unfamiliar, often disadvantaged territory,

To one where dreams may fade, statuses may fall,

Where patience and persistence pays, not getting our way in a hurry.

But this hard-won freedom actually is its own reward,

Knowing that we have done our best, given what we have.

Making sure no one is left out, trodden, abused, everyone moving forward,

Proclaiming and living daily, our Saviour's hope and love.

May we indeed be people of freedom in all situations,

Exercising the freedom to think, believe, and do what's good and right.

Not in bondage to biased, narrowed thinking, and toxic relations,

But everyday, as His children, bringing peace, hope and light."

#HappyJune192024

 

"In our social media - obsessed world, it's strange

That those who often use it were described as loneliest.

It might be because of the fake nature of online friends,

Because nothing can replace real physical bonds and connections.

Thankfully, there still exist real friendships across the miles,

Crossing time, even without constant chats,

But built up maybe from past meetings,

Yet forged in spirit and common good interest for our entire lives.

Such too is our relationship with the divine.

May we tap into such valuable bonds for our daily motivation.

Always remembering the people who value us, and we treasure so.

Be grateful, bless their existence, be blessed by their distant presence too."

#HappyJune182024

 

"Generosity manifests itself in many ways,

Not just giving directly, but giving chances too.

Like one beloved actor who bided his time in the sideways,

Waiting for his chance, letting those in a hurry to take first lead.

For we have seen there will always be gaps, attrition and burnouts.

That there will be people who can't wait to shine,

Despite the overwhelming burden, just grab whatever is in sight,

Even if still unripe, grabbing opportunities meant for others too.

But our God did not deliver us for that way of life.

Not to take all for ourselves, leaving some for those who can't go fast.

That our lives may be full of peace, free from strife.

Where everyone gets their fill, since His bounty will forever last."

#HappyJune172024

 

"What I observed differently in Quiapo's Friday devotee day,

Is what finally made me understand their Nazareno fervour.

It is that even along very busy Quezon Boulevard,

People may come from the fish market, commuting, ferrying people on public transport, work, or from wherever,

And still stop for a moment to hear Mass and probably pray,

Not even inside the comforts of the church building,

Doing all the standing, sitting, kneeling, yet, still devoting.

Protestants may call it idolatry, and they have freedom to believe so.

But isn't it also idolatry to attend church services,

All decked out in our Sunday best clothes and manners,

Yet inside is full of greed, envy, self-righteousness and entitlement?

If all we ever care about is how people see us,

Aren't we bowing and worshipping before the idol of self-image?

Our Savior has said true worshippers worship in Spirit and Truth.

And by the Spirit, we mean the intent, as in, the intent of the law.

And in Business we understand Truth to mean Honesty, Transparency and Integrity.

May we then truly worship in Spirit and Truth,

In Love, Understanding, Patience, Humility, Selflessness and Generosity.

Then, truly, however we may manifest our devotion,

We can have peace and confidence that our prayers have risen,

Accepted and counted as fragrant incense before our God."

#HappyJune162024

 

"In a world awash with grief, anxiety and doubt,

Where people everywhere, everyday, live with the fear of missing out,

Thankfully, our Savior reminds us whom to trust,

To turn to everytime, not only if we must.

He said then, He is still saying now,

If we believe, if we have faith, He'll show us how,

To not worry, to not be anxious about what we don't know,

About our needs, our future, our health issues so.

May we always remember His words, for they're never a burden,

Nor are we to impressive manners, favors and flattery beholden.

But only to live a life spreading His kingdom of love, grace and cheer,

And let Him be the One who will, our lives steer."

#HappyJune142024

 

"The beauty of knowing, is in overcoming fear

Of the unknown, mysterious, maligned, prejudged and misunderstood.

One discerns people's issues, their motives and ideas we hear,

And learn that we are all members of a great brethren-hood.

And when one understands creation, how its duality

Should render us in awe at its complex workings,

While making sure to be good stewards of its fragility,

We realize the truth behind fake news and dark imaginings.

May we truly be children of our God,

Peace- and life-bringing, ever seeking for what's true.

Giving our best with what we have and had,

Making sure each day always gets better for me and you."

#HappyJune122024

 

"Death indeed is a great leveller, not burials,

All soon forgotten, most of our legacies gone,

And we bring nothing, not even bare victuals,

Our memories remaining only to our loved ones.

But we need not fear what happens after,

If we know and did all the best

We could, in all situations, in whatever matter,

Believing in faith our God will supply the rest.

May we not fear death, rather protect and promote life.

For indeed one must be a friend, the other a gift.

Both natural, should then be wrought in peace not strife,

That our souls be anchored in love, not in doubt adrift."

#HappyJune112024

 

"Time runs so fast, we all can agree,

But especially for those whose hands are full.

So much so we lose track to some degree,

Of its sense, forgetting to appreciate what's beautiful.

But we are all given the same number of hours,

And we are all given the same chances.

To do good, bringing peace and understanding a God-given duty of hours,

To bring hope and life in whatever circumstances.

May we be faithful of time, even if sometimes we run late,

That no moment be wasted on promoting vanity, pride and greed.

For our lives too soon will pass, it is useless to wallow in hate,

But to live each day with grace and mercy, is a blessing indeed."

#HappyJune102024

 

"Everyday we see huge gaps of people's need,

Alongside little though inadequate, yet well-meaning pockets of grace.

And we believe that is where ministry should lead,

One where help is received, even for those souls too exhausted to return praise.

Because if we must live out the faith we profess,

We walk the talk, not brag and boast.

We give more and beyond, rather than confess,

We run the race, not just take shots and post.

May we truly be people of our God,

A holy nation, a royal priesthood declaring His glory,

Sons and daughters bringing peace, washed clean by His blood,

Preaching His kingdom, a tie that binds through eternity."

#HappyJune092024

 

"A topic I mentioned once in finance class is duality,

How some of our business friends work hard,

Yet put figurines, trinkets, to attract more wealth and money,

Faith and superstition alongside marketing and work standard.

The Word calls this idolatry, or worshipping strange gods,

Frowned upon or taboo, yet a daily reality too.

Because though God's people work at home or in foreign lands,

They still hold on to traditions, customs and rituals so.

Isn't it better though, to be free and unburdened,

Trusting our unknown future to an unseen God we believe to be all-knowing.

May we listen to His intent, our hearts unhardened,

Love, work, believe, and obey His will with all our being."

#HappyJune082024

 

"Giving in all forms define the faith we proclaim.

For not only are we encouraged to share financially,

But even our time and talent, energy, cooperating for one aim;

As we make sure each one stay healthy, physically and mentally.

And giving is the ultimate expression of the love we received;

The true gospel of the kingdom we are encouraged to preach.

For more than our words, our actions are better believed,

When we extend peace to all, even beyond our comfort zone's reach.

May we always be generous, giving, selfless and true;

Understanding, respectful of each person's rights and issues.

Ever discerning what is needed, what is the will of our Father too,

As we deal with people in wisdom, by putting ourselves in their shoes."

#HappyJune072024

 

"It's the start of the summer term, of setting expectations,

And some students expected one to have both passion and patience.

It makes us think about how to respond to certain situations,

Our priorities, how we view ourselves and make sense.

It makes us reflect too, that the profession itself is one great blessing,

Motivated beyond the money, but the willingness to share.

So that every stressful and work-laden day deserves thanksgiving,

Believing that wisdom and knowledge will always have plenty to spare.

May we make each moment count, each day worth its 24-hour,

Even if there's no recognition, no pedestalled commendation.

For we believe giving our best is the only one that lies within our power,

While we await our ultimate reward, as faithful servants whom our Great Judge shall call to attention."

#HappyJune062024

 

"Peer pressure is a lifetime burden for us all,

But not always does it only lead to bad,

For beyond feeding envy and insecurity, leading to downfall,

It can show us our uniqueness, appreciate what we have.

While it also fuels our hunger to be appreciated,

We can realize that we need not be liked to feel content,

For we only need to do our best to be satisfied,

Be honest, faithful, just and true, sincere with our intent.

May we not forget too that regardless of how life turns,

We have a God and Savior who cares for us,

Who, in spite of our shortcomings, lifts us up in our downturns,

Gives us wisdom and strength, guides us as long as our lives shall last."

#HappyJune052024

 

"If only life were easy, handed on a silver platter,

But such is not so, and we're often offended.

What we may consider serious, others see a trivial matter,

But there is always another chance for dreams we think have ended.

For successes teach us to celebrate results more than effort,

While disappointments and rejections strengthen our resolve and grit.

So that we learn to acknowledge all those who give us support,

While we discern the many other ways our talents and skills could fit.

May we not give up, not get disheartened,

When people and panels think of us as less than

Their expectations and standards; but always remember,

We have a God who has more than enough for everyone,

Who abundantly provides grace, wisdom, love both strong and tender."

#HappyJune042024

 

"Casting the stone of condemnation is easy for some,

Especially to those who think they're immune to life's downturns.

But when one learns that good and bad both come

To any person, one should keep silent in turn.

For even when one believes themselves saved,

The chances of offending, erring, falling short still occur.

Therefore, self-righteousness has no place, since our Savior gave

Us all a chance to change, to grow, with His will to concur.

May we always remember each of us a work in progress,

And respect, give chance, understand, know our boundaries.

For the gospel that we preach must be undiluted with selfishness,

Free from greed, pride, done in humility, and honest, faithful service."

#HappyJune032024

 

"Wealth is not measured by what we have,

But by what and how much we have given.

Just as our worth lies not in the things we love,

But in generosity and grace, by which darkness is beaten.

People may forget our names, not care about our issues,

Still, we continue to afford respect and understanding.

For it is not our personality that remains and shows,

But by how we have made lives better, wisdom and good sense dispensing.

May we spend our days in peace, giving

Each person a voice, a chance, a way,

Not diminishing each other's light, nor forgetting

We were saved to share God's love and kingdom in any way."

#HappyJune022024

 

"One wonders why truth, good and right are dissed,

Why reason, logic, wisdom, and godliness are disrespected.

Then one encounters self-righteousness, and understands why people are pissed,

That's why the message of the gospel gets convoluted.

And such occurs every day, sadly done by people we know,

How, feeling confident in themselves, seems to have lost the faith.

Thinking that because they perform certain traditions religiously so,

They're better than the rest, singing praises, heaping disdain with one breath.

But the Word says we need to look ar our self-worth,

How, in the sight of God, we're all work in progress.

And instead of hate, judgment, let love bring forth

His mercy and grace, His generosity and goodness."

#HappyJune012024

 

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