EIGHT WORDS PER LINE, NOVEMBER 1-30, 2024
"A recent
quote said it is not happy people who are thankful,
But thankful
people are the ones who are happy.
True, for one
need not be always deliriously joyful,
But gratitude
sets us up for eternity.
And through our
story we learn it's because of One,
Who holds our
lives and affairs in His hand,
So that we may
dream, scheme, and plan,
But we are
limited, not being able to see beyond.
And so may we
not fear what lies ahead,
Nor if somebody
is there with us as we go in our journey,
If by our
Father's mercy we allow ourselves to be led,
Then through
the challenges, our souls will still enjoy peace and harmony."
"To one
insecure, no amount of wealth can suffice,
Nor cover up
perceived inadequacy,
But even pure
intentions must they negatively surmise,
And nitpicked
for every little inconsistency.
Fortunately we
have a Heavenly Father who knows our need
For validation
and attention, for assurance and hope.
And so with His
wisdom, His presence our lead,
And His love
and grace, our faith's matched envelope.
May we learn to
trust and be confident,
On Him Who
began the good work in our lives,
Remembering His
mercies as our answered-prayer precedent,
That He will
complete it until our blessed day arrives."
"We lose
credibility when we create an imaginary enemy,
But build it
when we live with transparency.
For we may
sometimes forget we too are weak,
Even if with
all knowledge we profess and speak.
How much more
proclaiming self-righteousness without moral ascendancy,
When we
ourselves give in to believing in our supremacy,
Even without
knowing a lot, believing only we are right,
When we are
just as hopeless as everyone else in the right fight.
May we always
be humble, circumspect, tactful, grateful
Of the chance
to be alive and to live to the full
A good kind of
life, free from malice and ill intent,
Believing that
someday, eternal victory awaits the patiently persistent."
"A heart
full of light is content on its own,
Humble in
learning from life and other people,
Recognizing
that substance comes from character that's grown,
Built up in
faith and hope, living free and simple.
But a heart of
darkness knows no bounds to envy
Nor to pride,
always seeking other's validation,
With
materialism a curse, imposing a burden so heavy,
Always
prioritizing self in any situation.
May we be
people of substance, with no malice
Nor impure
intent, but upholding what's pure and right,
Promoting
wisdom, kindness, understanding, discernment and peace,
True vessels
through which our Heavenly Father shines His light."
"'Not to
respond when asked a question is rude,
Not to speak
when needed by the situation is lazy,
Not to speak
out when justice and right calls is cruel',
Are hard
lessons we must learn throughout our journey.
And it is
telling when we look around,
Especially when
speaking with wisdom and grace is a beacon
In this dark
world, where sincerity and truth are seldom found,
And life's
challenges prove more difficult with each season.
But to remember
that life is a partnership
Between us and
our Creator, is cause for hope and celebration.
And may we
strive daily with His love in every relationship,
His grace and
presence abounding in our every situation."
"We don't
always know what other people go through,
The least we
could do is keep our distance,
And pray
silently, neither proselytizing nor condemning even if we're inclined to,
But to give
others room to breathe, a chance.
Because like in
the story, each person has to fight
Their own
battles, without being taken advantaged.
Their
weaknesses not used nor their secrets brought to light,
Nor to shame,
coerce, induce, just for us to feel good and privileged.
May we be
people circumspect, carefully planning our every act,
Tactful with
our words, with sincerity and wisdom in all we do.
That we might
keep our souls and sanities intact,
Bring peace and
light, truth upheld, not for us to undo."
"Whatever
we choose to be, we're set for life,
Whether to a
way of living that blesses others, or brings strife.
It's not a
matter of qualification as much as quality,
A life lived
not for self-promotion but humility.
For none of us
is so perfect as to not need God,
Nor so talented
not to appreciate every gift we ever had.
So that we
realize each moment is a privilege,
A chance to
prove wisdom and grace more than knowledge.
May we always
remember we were never self-made,
And beyond
school, we still each receive a grade,
Of being good
stewards of life, relationships, creation,
One worthy of
our Father's Name, His holy and redeemed, spiritual nation."
"Because
the world is contentious enough as it is,
It's not unique
to sow confusion, otherness, hate.
For it's human
default to lift self above, prioritize our piece,
Deluding
oneself to believe one knows better, is good and great.
That's why it's
all the more telling of our character,
To bring peace,
light, sow wisdom and understanding,
To discern, be
tactful, circumspect in any matter,
That our
Saviour's sacrifice be not brought to nothing.
May we prove
ourselves worthy as stewards of life and creation,
With nothing to
be ashamed of, living consistently, faithfully, honestly,
Conscientious,
diligent, hopeful and persevering in any situation,
Always mindful
to live each day responsibly and accountably."
"We don't
always know how it goes,
But we get
saved a lot by judgment calls,
Even when
life's uncertainties keeps us on our toes,
Prudence,
patience, save us from bad and deadly falls.
And ultimately,
it helps us save our lives and souls,
From calamity
and destruction, from a point of no return,
Giving us
chances to mend a life full of holes,
And from our
mistakes and misses to learn.
May we always
be open to discernment and insight,
Welcoming of
opportunity, greater changes leading to better possibilities,
With our path
illuminated by our Father's heavenly light,
As we fulfill
our purpose and perform our daily duties."
"Cheating
death, denying old age and its pains
Doesn't pay,
for they surely come for all.
And all we have
gathered in wealth and gains,
Will not
preserve us when it's time for our call.
But discerning
and accepting our mortality makes us introspect,
To live
deliberately, in humility, live each day with thankfulness,
Afford to
everyone understanding, empathy, magnanimity and respect,
And in spite of
challenges, persevere in hope and cheerfulness.
May we be
people truly grounded in our Creator's wisdom,
In all our
actions and decisions, accountable, transparent,
For soon our
appointed day will surely come,
And the fruits
of our lips and deeds soon will become apparent."
"If all we
seek is other people's acknowledgement and validation,
We will never
level up nor make it.
For people will
always differ in response to any situation,
And may treat
us according to how they see fit.
Yet the Word
says we have a higher order,
One which calls
us to live and share our Father's glory,
Where our
actions match the words we render,
Where faith
overcomes fear, trust winning over worry.
May we always
remember our spiritual anchor and tether,
How it always
calls us back to our Saviour's gospel,
Through a life
thriving in whatever season and weather,
One through
which our Father's light, darkness to dispel."
"Much has
been said about the importance of companion,
But let's not
over-interpret that to require having an intimate "Other",
For the Word
talks about having understanding and communion
Through life's
ups and downs, with one who's always there.
And these could
be those with whom we identify similar interests,
Like-minded,
who share our values and priorities,
So that it is
an affront to humanity as one stubbornly insists,
To be tied to
one who does not recognize one's worth and capabilities.
May we learn to
discern the people whom our God has sent our way,
Acknowledge
their presence in our lives, be mindful
How great is
the privilege of having one who gives us time in their day,
Who inspire and
encourage, never failing to remind us to be hopeful and faithful."
"One truly
educated will manifest itself in lawful obedience,
Not out of fear
but in respectful consideration.
And one truly
loving and loved develops resilience,
Faith in the
face of doubt, courage without condition.
Because
believing in the One who delivers and comforts,
Is a crucible
of what we believe in.
For there lies
peace beyond the image one purports,
And confidence
beyond the material is the reward therein.
May we be
people of substance, loving, considerate,
Obedient to our
Saviour's instructions to discern and understand.
That the future
that lies for us be nothing less than great,
And that our
souls be not lost from His mighty hand."
"Persistence
and humility are underrated requirements for success,
In whatever
endeavor, for whatever end and cause.
Just holding
out, amidst all challenges to peace and happiness,
Being there, on
standby for what may come, just because.
And these are
what our Heavenly Father asks for,
From His
children, to have faith and to endure.
Though
difficult, exhausting, but to still walk a mile more,
While keeping
our minds free of malice, our hearts pure.
May we be
people delivered from the slavery of hopelessness,
And always
remember that truth and justice will have their day,
As we strive
with diligence, honestly conducting our business,
Always finding
the good in whatever situation, in any way."
"A
documentary stated an obvious but uncomfortable fact,
As the world
heats up, kindness goes down.
It seems with
global warming, people lose their tact,
When life's
challenges grows, selfishness and rudeness abound.
But in order to
physically survive, one must acclimatize,
Adjust, stay
hydrated and cool so as not to lose the mind.
For the more we
get offended and in turn aggrandize,
So will joy and
peace run away and leave us behind.
May global
warming develop in us fortitude and resilience,
Though it may
exhaust and weaken, but not destroy our conviction,
To be gracious
and generous, discerning, understanding, with patience,
Help us endure
until the day our efforts come into fruition."
"It's
unfortunate, but in our status-driven world today,
It's easy to
hate on those who have more;
While bemoaning
the fact of their inadequacy in some way,
Some strive to
bring down what they think lies before.
But such is not
the path of wisdom and peace,
For there we
are called to bless, to share,
Not caring
whether recognized or rewarded for our piece
In trying to
make other's lives better, just and fair.
May we be
people willing to give what we can and have,
To make every
day, every place, every way,
A slice of our
Father's kingdom, a spot of heaven and love,
Where His mercy
shines, His grace shining on our path each day."
"A famous
writer said that if you want to enslave a people,
Create an
imaginary enemy, preach it incessantly, and promote yourself as savior.
Such an abusive
situation, but unfortunately, many have been so gullible,
And sold
themselves out to those who are after their purse and favor.
But our Savior
showed us the better way,
Winning over
evil with good, fear and cowardice with faith and courage.
With wisdom and
discernment, understanding for our everyday,
Knowing that
for every situation, our Heavenly Father lights our passage.
May we be
people able to discern between our true enemy and true friend,
Rightfully
assessing the doctrines and values we have been built on.
That for all
our efforts, our journey might result to a rightful and worthy end,
Our Father's
love and mercy, the anchor our soul can ground upon."
"It's part
of being an ambivert, being comfortable in whatever,
That one
understands both the need to talk and keep silent.
But it's
difficult to accept why anyone can monologue to others in an endless chatter,
Nor scream and
shriek, calling it singing, until voices are hoarse and spent.
Thankfully we
believe in a God who's not deaf, no matter
How we feel
frustrated or unheard, seemingly neglected, disrespected
By life and
people, even being dumped on with mental and emotional clutter,
For we know our
effort and patience will receive from His grace, the result we expected.
May we learn to
rein in our tongue, be circumspect,
For life is too
short for regrets, and saying sorry afterward is meaningless.
When we have
intruded into people's space and time without respect.
May we then
each spend our days in ways loving, generous, selfless."
"The bag
shove is telling, as regular commuters say,
Keeping our
luggages in front, rather than back or side,
So as not to
bump or hit others as we make way,
Manifesting
good breeding, education, respect, and many other good virtues aside.
So is helping,
understanding, discerning other people's needs and concerns,
Rather than
always our own, or what makes us feel good.
For true
success and wealth is where a peaceful and insightful heart governs,
Not one out to
promote self, or to flaunt around the neighborhood.
May we be
sensitive to how we live,
How we speak,
how we act, that others may see,
We have been
brought up well, as we generously give,
Of our time,
our skill, our talents and energy."
"One
reason I'm not what people said I should be,
Is that I
prayed to be kept safe from harm, and thankfully,
Our faithful
Father has granted it magnanimously, securely,
Providing for
other things more meaningful, fulfilling, worthy for me.
Like our story
and countless personal histories through the ages,
Our God
designed life for good for those who love Him,
Who pray for
their choices, not decide on a whim,
But heed
correction, listen to the wisdom of the sages.
May we learn to
respect each of our life paths and choices,
Not impose what
we think is good for them too.
For what we
want may not be best nor rightly due,
As each of us
are blessed to walk through life according to our own paces."
"It's the
kind of mental and moral disconnect social media has exacerbated,
People sharing
so much of their lives online,
Even personal,
emotional, but when asked or confronted,
Get offended
and say, to each other's business should people only mind.
But the digital
world has no such thing as privacy,
Much like in
the real world, in our physical relations.
We may think we
respect some, but actually offend many,
With our
tactless words, seemingly pure yet actually selfish intentions.
May we grow
mature, every day deepening our discernment,
Sensitive to
what keeps the peace, what preserves and promote grace,
Because just as
there is no taking back words carelessly spoken in a moment,
So even with an
apology, there really is no real recompense for our rude and offensive
ways."
"Can't say
more than enough, but always, lying is evil,
Penetrating the
deep recesses of the soul, destroying it.
Although it
seems between lies and truth some are comfortable to swivel,
But undeniably,
that's dangerous, more constraining than a horse's bit.
For we know and
experience it to be true,
That in truth,
there is real freedom and deliverance,
And fighting to
uphold it is a responsibility for me and you,
If we want our
community to prosper, society to advance.
May we people
of truth, people in whom there's no malice and guile,
Transparent and
discerning, understanding, humble yet courageous,
Making each
moment count, every second worth the while,
Living with
faith and hope, conviction and noble purpose."
EMPATHY...
something most
of us lack...
Thinking beyond
our interests to how our words and actions affect others...
Putting
ourselves in other people's places, rather than the convenience of judging or
criticizing those that we barely know about or understand...
Wearing someone
else's skin and walking around in them...
Remembering
that Finance and Economics taught us that life is a pie...
And that the
more we amass for ourselves, the more we deprive others of what they should
have...
And being aware
that such thinking is not Marxism or Socialism but the very ideals founded when
the earliest generations among us decided to settle from our hunter-gatherer,
predator-prey, warrior-land-grabber period of humanity...
Because sharing
and giving way are not weakness, but the hallmarks of an enlightened and
actualized human person ...
"To what
extent is envy, I often wonder,
Is it wishing
other people have less than what they possess,
Is it wishing
that we have more of what we can gather,
Or of being the
most, having the best and latest, always on top are all we obsess.
Such is the sad
reality of a hungry and lonely soul,
Even in wealth,
status, company, intimate or large, yet still not content.
Unlike one on
whom discernment and truth has made whole,
Gratefulness,
meaning, purpose and will have rendered in the heart pure intent.
May we be
people who are at peace with who we are,
That even
though life repeatedly shakes, batters, or burdens,
We can still go
the distance no matter how far,
Upon whom
wisdom and horizon, our Heavenly Father only deepens and widens."
"At stake
in one country's major election today
Is immigration
and respect for the rights of women;
Something
radical, though swept under the day-to-day
Humdrum of
living, but undeniably real, and for democracy, a given.
And
consequently, a crucible of the world's faith and ways;
Not just in
terms of race, but of gender and personality.
For truly we
live out our Creator's love and grace,
If we can
respect people's mutiplicity, and our own basic duality.
May our actions
and thoughts be consistent with what we proclaim,
People who need
not present only our best foot forward.
Both feet being
grounded, real, honest, humble, walking towards our worthiest aim;
No excess
baggage of prejudice, but in community with all--progressing heavenward."
"Trust is
a currency, so hard to keep,
But so is
skill, and wisdom so deep.
Just as one
indiscretion destroys trust and faith,
So one
seemingly educated tripped by a careless word said.
Yet we have a
Heavenly Father who invites our trust,
And for our
sanity and soul's safety, believe in Him we must.
Otherwise the
alternative is one of darkness and despair,
No hope of
justice and recompense from a life so unfair.
May we trust
our God, in everything give thanks and pray,
As we deal with
discernment to all we meet each day.
Always opening
our minds to possibilities both good and not so,
With freedom to
choose what's good, in everything we put effort into."
"A regular
theme in crime dramas we love watching,
Is on the
problem of cults and their evil effects.
How these men
and women could sway the vulnerable is alarming,
Considering the
resulting severe trauma and toll on mental health it affects.
We learned too
that these prey on one's weaknesses,
The desire to
get rich or get healed quickly,
To be
validated, to belong; blinding one to another person's abuses,
All because one
gets taken by fake and dubious promises uttered sweetly.
But then we
realize these leaders are subject to the same eternal metric like us,
And may we see
that we are also subject to the same struggles and norms.
May we learn to
give, be wise, in humility working with the gifts each one of us has,
While not
patronizing frauds, scams, or abuses in all its forms."
"There's
no shortage of leadership experts who advocate time management,
And rightly so,
for once gone, it doesn't come back.
We might see
one or few opportunities return in another moment,
But if it's a
battle, we might not be ready for its attack.
And so it would
be best that we follow some wise words,
Redeeming the
time, living deliberately, purposefully, meaningfully,
In making the
most of each chance, consistently sharpening our swords,
Holding on in
faith and hope, patiently, diligently.
May we be
masters of each of our time,
Good stewards
of life, accountable for every chance and opportunity given.
Making impact
that lasts longer than the sounds of a wind-chime,
Even beyond our
earthly existence, leaving an eternal legacy even."
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