Sunday, February 28, 2010

Today's Thought

"We must struggle in order to grow, but without falling into the trap of the power we gain through the struggle; for such power are worthless."

"We must accept that our eternal soul is, at this moment, caught in the web of time with all its opportunities and its limitations. But we could still work on what give us pleasure and filled our hearts with enthusiasm."

"Transformations, always occur during moments of crisis."

--- Paulo Coelho; The Winner Stands Alone
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When I received the divine call to make contribution of my time and energy to a portion of the world that seemed to live in destitute conditions, I have to try to do something transformational in order to change that reality - to transform the lives of those in despair. When I received that call, I knew then that it was given to me for one reason only - to allow me to fulfill my own destiny!

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Saturday, February 27, 2010

Today's Thought

What is integrity? How do you appreciate it?

According to Oprah Winfrey, "Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not."

I research this word at Wikipedia and it expresses as follows:

Integrity as a concept has to do with perceived consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcome.

Some people see integrity as the quality of having a sense of honesty and truthfulness in regard to one's actions.

The etymology of the word "integrity" stems from the Latin adjective integer (whole, complete). In this context, integrity may comprise the personal inner sense of "wholeness" deriving from honesty and consistency of character.

So, what actually is the characteristic of integrity in a person?

I am beginning to learn to ponder over it and ponder over my own self.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Today's Thought

  • "A man learns to skate by staggering about making a fool of himself; indeed, he progresses in all things by making a fool of himself."

-- George Bernard Shaw, Writer and Critic

This quote was sent to me by my buddy Stanley and is a timely wisdom and thought provoking.

The journey of life, to be meaningful and fulfilling must involve challenges which are unique and evolving. The outcome would depend on our perseverance, stamina, determination, courage and the will power.

  • Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood...Make big plans, aim high in hope and work.
- - Daniel H. Burnham (1846-1912)


As Jack Hewitt reminded me this morning when he wrote: "We are in pursuit of a shared vision, and we will be successful"!!

Jack, thanks and we have to get on with the journey!

***

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

2010: The Continuing Journey of Life

Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew.

-- Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)


This was the message I received today from the Bodhi Fellowship. It was a timely reminder. The past two weeks was suppose to be days of celebration as it was the Chinese New Year holidays. But it wasn't a holiday for me as I have so much commitments to meet and the pressure were suffocating. By the grace of God, I saw light at the end of the tunnel and things starts to get right and I am seeing the positive side of events. I am feeling better now.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Story for today

A man and his ever-nagging wife went on vacation to Jerusalem.

While they were there, the wife passed away.

The undertaker told the husband, “You can have her shipped home for $5,000, or you can bury her, in the Holy Land, for $150.”

The man thought about it and said he preferred to have her shipped home.

The undertaker asked, “Why would you spend $5,000 to shipped when it would be wonderful to be buried here on the Holy Land?”


The man replied, “Long ago a man died here, was buried here, and 3 days later he rose from the dead. I just can’t take that chance.”

***

Story Teller: Stanley Ngu

Monday, February 15, 2010

Parable of a Seagull

In the mountains of the Northwest, a man was sitting beside a campfire while he roasted some kind of bird over the fire with eager anticipation. About this time, a forest ranger came upon the camp and asked the camper what he was preparing for dinner. The camper replied that it was a seagull. A frown came over the ranger’s face as he informed this fellow that it was against the law to kill that particular bird, and that he would have to give him a citation.

The camper responded by telling the ranger how he had lost his way and had consumed all of his food. In desperation, he had managed to kill this seagull to maintain his strength. After listening sympathetically, the forest ranger told the fellow he would let him go this time with just a warning, and the camper thanked the ranger profusely.

Just as the ranger was about to leave, he asked the camper, "Just out of curiosity, what does seagull taste like?"

Thinking for a moment, the camper responded, "Well, I would place it somewhere between a spotted owl and a bald eagle."

.... ... ...

***

Friday, February 12, 2010

Another New Year

2009 is gone, and we are journeying on year 2010.

Chinese New Year is around the corner and I am traveling home today to be with my children.

Time to forget about work; unfinished work. It's time to celebrate another new year.

I want to go home ... I want to celebrate ... Happy Chinese New Year.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!

***

Friday, February 05, 2010

Today's Thought


"If we cannot love the person whom we see,
how can you ever say you love God, whom you cannot see?"

--- Mother Teresa

God is known to mankind as Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Ever loving.

Those who ever claim they need to protect their God ... cannot claim that He is Omnipotent!


Every religion teaches the people to love and care for others, particularly, those who are weak, destitute, defenseless or are under threats of oppression, suppression or discrimination. But the behaviors as observed are contrary.


God must be sorrowful to know that there are people who choose to classify Him in personem seeking proprietary ownership in order to differentiate from the others so as to exert an entitlement and exclusive rights.

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Story: WTC coincidence


September 11, 2001

World Trade Centre

A guy with an office on 103rd floor of the World Trade Centre spent the morning at his girlfriend's apartment with his phone turned off. He wasn't watching TV either.

When he turned the phone back on about 11am, it rang immediately. It was his hysterical wife, "Are you OK? Where are you?"

He said, "What do you mean? I'm in my office of course."

His marriage ended. He lost his job. He is single again.

Monday, February 01, 2010

Today's Thought

I could not, at my age, be content to take my place by the wayside and simply look on.

Life was meant to be lived and to contribute beneficially to the society - to those who needs our assistance.

One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life and on those who are in despair.

I have journeyed this life for many decades, in search of my dream and in search of a destination that I had envisioned. The course of the journey was complex, tough, often painful and extremely tiring. I had reach the point, a point of contention, where I am now able to contribute my time and energy, and efforts, for others, the poor and destitute - they are those who deserve it. I had to serve my time back, for humanity, and hopefully, be able to help the needy and poor.

***