Flash Fiction: A Walk in the Park that Turned into a Lifetime Journey

Listening to Our Voices with Eagerness; Learning Our Views to Enlighten us; Laughing at Our Vanity for Entertainment; Living up Our Vows for Eternity. Just LOVING.

 The sun was up so bright, I decided to take a walk and catch fresh air in the park. His voice caught my attention, "Miss, you have twigs on your hair." Eagerly and gently, he helped me pluck the twigs. Next thing I knew, we were talking and laughing as we walked through the parade of colorful spring trees.

Never did I think I would find my wingless angel, a heaven-sent man who would share the joy of living and love me despite and in spite of me on that random day in the park. Only he can tickle me with his funny jokes, empower me with his simple words of motivation, bring out the youth in me with his fun-loving character, effortlessly inspire me by his example, and make me appreciate my self-worth by his unconditional and ever gentle love. With zeal and joy, he courts me every single day even after our wedding, assuring me that we will grow wiser together til our hairs turn white.

Falling in love with him was the most wonderful feeling I ever experienced. Ultimate joy of living made real by his presence. Til our last breath I promise to love him through actions and words. Untiringly loving, appreciating, caring, supporting, balancing him are what I dedicated myself into. Revisiting the walks in the park, reminiscing our challenges and victories, and rekindling our youthful love are what we do now that our hairs are gray. Every joyful thing and more...

Listening to Our Voices with Eagerness;

Learning Our Views to Enlighten us;

Laughing at Our Vanity for Entertainment;

Living up Our Vows for Eternity.

Just LOVING.

Great Day, Sunshine!

Live each day with a purpose. Engage in various activities that fuel your interest. Make a difference in your life and in other’s. Do not monitor what others do. Just enjoy acting upon your personally determined purpose.

 

As long as the sun shines, the plants survive and serve their purpose. In the same way, as long as our hearts beat, we can move and make a positive difference of any degree. When we do good things, others who benefit from them, and even those who just observe us, find hope in us and through us.

We must be thankful everyday we are alive! We have our faculties functioning well. We can move. We can think. We can talk.

I am inspired by the living testimonies of our “these abled” brothers and sisters, who, despite their physical disabilities, manage to make a positive difference in their lives—and even leave an impact on other lives, without these special persons knowing it.

Some enjoy their gift of life by doing good in sports like in Paralympics. Others eke out a living to help their families by doing handicrafts, massage services, and even professional jobs inside the modern steel-and-glass skyscrapers. Still others serve the people through non-governmental organizations, governments posts, or self-initiated services—sweeping their surroundings, cleaning their houses, and the likes.

There are also those unsung young heroes who never let their poverty hinder them to reach for their stars with flying colors.

Yet, many of us so-called normal people complain about life, as if we have no power to change the status of our lives, or worse, as if we are not blessed.

So now, what makes the difference between these special people and us normal ones? Disposition! Because of their gratitude and humility, they give off more love, pronounced hope, and infectious joy.

They are grateful they experience the wonder of life and are humble enough to acknowledge their need for a God to strengthen them and other people to teach and assist them. They don’t compete with and envy their mates.

Instead of looking at their deficiencies, these special people are zealous to learn, willing to take challenges, and appreciate their circumstances. They accept their situations as they are and take off from there.

So to us born complete, let us not puddle ourselves with laziness, anxiety, or envy.

Do not stagnate. Achieve! Do not criticize. Inspire! Do not regret. Enjoy!

As long as you breathe, you have the power to maneuver your life to the direction you want to go. Even though going there doesn’t happen in a flash, you are guaranteed to benefit from a fruitful and joyful journey if you just wake up each day gratefully, pray faithfully, learn earnestly, work passionately, share cheerfully, decide justly, respond humbly, love genuinely, and go to bed peacefully.

We don’t have to be caught in a snag or to go through permanent challenges in life just for us to learn and appreciate the beauty and goodness of life.

Live each day with a purpose. Engage in various activities that fuel your interest. Make a difference in your life and in other’s. Do not monitor what others do. Just enjoy acting upon your personally determined purpose.

One day you’ll just be surprised how much you have learned, how far you have gone, how much you have improved, and how many people you have awakened, if not inspired.

Remember that each day is another day to live in the moment with our God, who provides us with everything we need. Just up to us how we will utilize our blessings.

Time is the only thing that everyone—regardless of abilities, race, sex, and social status—is equally blessed with. While you have time, utilize it doing the things that you love, maximize it for learning, optimize it for service that bears eternal good fruits, and spend it letting your loved ones know how much you love them.

Our general purpose: pass on the light of goodness God has planted in our hearts by utilizing them. Be a torch that lights up long-lasting hope to one life at a time.

Ignite the light in your heart. Bring light and warmth to the people you meet. Reflect Jesus to others.


Great day, sunshine!

Best Answers Do Not Always Come in a “Yes”

Once we already have those best things in life—whether we prayed for them or not—we just know that there they are. The feeling of joy is unexplainable, the peace of heart and mind is indescribable, your gratitude to God is unfathomable… you just simply know inside your tickling heart that “I know that I know that this is it!” 

When I was a kid, I dreamt a lot of both good and really-that’s-good? kinds of dreams. I prayed for some and daydreamt about the others.

Most of the time we think that best answers are only gotten when God delivers right in front of us what we pray for.

I am sure many of our dreams and prayers when we were in kindergarten changed when we graduated in grade school, then changed again when we graduated in college, and perhaps some also changed before we graduated from college, and thereafter.

Imagine if God immediately gives us what we pray for, especially those that we pray for at the height of our emotions… If they happened, perhaps, many of us are forced to like and accept the lives we once dreamt of or the person we wanted to spend the rest of our lives with or the things and people we wanted to have.

We are so lucky our Father knows what is best for us and He is ever patient waiting for the perfect moment to bless us the best things we deserve. While we, on the other side of the paradise, are impatiently urging God to immediately give us what we want.

I am at peace and secure knowing that my God knows me so well and clearly sees my mind and heart. Now, I confidently and gratefully accept His utter “No” knowing that He has something far better for me; His “Silence” knowing that He has best reasons why He is igniting my passion and thirst as I patiently and persistently wait for what I pray for; and His “Yes” knowing it is already His best time—that I am already ready and deserving to truly enjoy His prime cooking.

It is not only God whom we should ask whenever we pray for what we want… we should also ask ourselves if we are already ready to receive and handle the things we ask for. When we already have the things we so long desired, we must be feeling that bone-tickling, breath-taking joy.

I thank God He doesn’t take seriously all my dreams and prayers when I was a kid—to be a nun, a doctor, laundrywoman, BBQ vendor, tricycle driver, construction worker, farmer, flight attendant, and a supermodel… or else, I wouldn’t be His apprentice in His Ministry of Justice right now.

I am glad I received many of my childhood dreams. Some I prayed for, others arrived by surprise.

Those that I prayed for were to pass my college entrance exam in the prestigious university to make my mom, who is a professor, to be proud not only for her students but also for her own child; to become a broadcast journalist (it was being a disc jockey and news anchor that was on my mind), then God made me experience being a DJ, voice talent, and radio announcer and to write for national dailies; to have an exciting work in a corporate world staying in the office half of the time and in the field the other half, then God faithfully answered my prayer with bonuses of rubbing elbow with both local and international celebs, business tycoons, high ranking officials in the national government, and with unsung and modern heroes, and travelling across the country and staying in swank hotels for free; et cetera.

Others I obtained without even imagining of ever having them in my life. Among my surprise gifts is mom’s grade school graduation gift to me—my first motorcycle! At an early age of 10, it was as if I won the lottery. I also became a chess and tennis varsity of our school, when in fact what I only wanted was to enjoy playing as child and teen, respectively; to establish a service-oriented community-based sustainable project—an activity I enjoy and love doing; among others.

I am so grateful to those who helped me receive and enjoy my blessings, and of course to God for always surprising me with His “Yes”, in the same way as He answers me with His “No”

Surely there is a lasting diamond treasure God is forming inside us as He forms our character while He lets us ask hopefully, pray faithfully, expect joyfully, prepare ourselves excitedly, and receive gratefully.

That diamond is the virtue of prudence and patience. Prudence in knowing what God is telling our hearts—when to keep on and when to let go and let God. Patience in waiting while keeping a good attitude.

Let us not preempt God's design for us. Instead, let us make sure we know what we want, it is in line with God’s words, trust God’s best desires for us, and thank Him for His daily surprises.

Don’t cheat yourselves of God’s best for you. Submit to Him and trust His spring of grace—it is overflowing, undbounded, and limitless.

Once we already have those best things in life—whether we prayed for them or not—we just know that there they are. The feeling of joy is unexplainable, the peace of heart and mind is indescribable, your gratitude to God is unfathomable… you just simply know inside your tickling heart that “I know that I know that this is it!” 

No second bests and second rates… only God’s best!

Daily Unspoken Universal Language of Love IV

My last installment for my series of love thoughts for the month of February.

All these were drawn from real life experiences :-)

I thank all my friends for showing me the different faces and degrees of love.

I thank the person whom I loved the most and who, eventually, hurt me the most... without that person I wouldn’t be able to experience how it is to love unconditionally and I wouldn’t know myself this much.

I thank my late father who taught me a lot of valuable and important things about life and love during my formation stage... I can still vividly remember our conversations in our memorable folding bed when I was 4 years old. I love you papa! Our roughly 11 years together was filled with love and fun.

I thank my ever loving and supportive bestfriend-bestenemy, my favorite person, my wonder mother! I love you ma! None of your acts of love and kindness is ever discounted... I am so grateful you are our mother! You taught me the value of giving and loving without expecting anything in return--I realized, they are essential elements in living a joyful and peaceful life.

To my ever loving and faithful Lord God! Thank you for giving me all these people as your vessels of love and blessings! Thank you for calling me and letting me come before You no matter how sinful I am... and for continuously teaching and blessing me as each day unfolds. All the honor and glory be given to You, loving and faithful Lord God! :-)

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Love is one of the ancient concepts that scholars, philosophers, doctors, and psychologists cannot agree on nor describe with some degree of exactitude. But for the layman, love is simply that feeling that inspires one to take a bath daily, act like a superhero, think like google, share like a philanthropist, and steal one's ID picture like a thief in the night.

55/366 of 2012 Infatuation momentarily urges you showoff; while love inspires you to become better and better each day…not to flaunt, but to give the other person the best things you think she/he deserves—yourself being the first in the list.

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Happy 26th EDSA/People Power Revolution

Loving the country and fellowmen is best expressed by being a responsible individual and by possessing common honesty in dealing with others. Patriotism is not an occasional, flurried emotional outburst only manifested in times of crises or national celebrations; but a steady lifetime dedication of serving the country by contributing to our country’s development in our own daily simple ways—picking up your candy wrapper, giving back excess change, helping a kid or an elderly cross the street, driving responsibly, falling in line in taxi bays.

56/366 of 2012 Just like any other goodness we advocate, genuine love for one’s country and race starts with oneself, by being productive and doing good for the welfare of the public, even when no one is looking at you. Just like any other kind of love, be proud of your love for the country and make your patriotism be witnessed and felt by others.

Be informed. Be involved. Light one candle...pass on the light and keep the fire burning.

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Sincere strong friendship shared by lovers serves as their safety buckle when their affinity soars to the heavens, dives into oceanbed, hangs over the edge, and when their hair turns gray and they comfortably sit in their rockingchairs.

57/366 of 2012 There’s a point in every relationship where each party stops loving each other as partners... then they start, loving each other as oneself.

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Inasmuch as love is good, love is also willing to steal, cheat, hide, brag, and lie... Steal your pains; cheat temptations; hide your heart; brag about you to the entire world; lie beside you every single day.

58/366 of 2012 Love makes the pessimist realize countless reasons to thank God for; the stoic give up pride to give way to partner’s happiness; the idealist appreciate flaws as opportunities to make love stronger and sweeter.

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Love is about respecting each other’s individuality. You don’t dictate nor impose, instead, you guide and remain as the balancer. When you’re together, you do your best to help improve each other and to make the person feel loved and extraspecial without ceasing. When it’s time to let go, you respect the decision with an open mind and open heart no matter how painful you feel, and you keep the worthkeeping and love silently without burdening the other person until you’ve totally moved on.

59/366 of 2012 You can live well on your own, but you choose to be with the other person; not because she/he is indispensable, but simply because you love her/him more than you need her/him. Chosing to be with the other person other a little less than love twists story. ;-)

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There’s no greater and truly unconditional love on earth than prental love. Everyday our parents love us in various ways—both in small and great ways. We just don’t notice their love enough because we have it since birth, and we subconsciously know that their parental love lasts for a lifetime. Let us start to nurture our filial love and be expressively grateful to our mamas and papas. We don’t notice it... their getting older, we become occupied by our busy lives, yet their love remain untarnished and kindling so bright that we feel the warmth no matter how physically far we are from them.

60/366 of 2012 Our life is God’s gift to us through our parents. How we live our lives is our expression of our love to God and our gift to our parents.

Daily Spoken Universal Language of Love III

One who loves you most wants something simple (for her/him)...

"To grow old with you and to woo you every single day."

When someone truly loves you, she/he never runs out of means loving you and making you feel special and loved...whenever, wherever you may be at.

Love is behind every miracle. Love improves people; heals wounds and illnesses; makes a grannies feel younger and stronger; attracts joy and successes; and transforms a steel heart into a sweet ball of cottoncandy.

47/366 of 2012 Your relationship will be what you imagine now that it will be. Think positively and act it out now. Nothing too difficult in true love. :-)

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Love gives without remembering; helps without getting tired; forgives without ranting; understands without blaming; receives without forgetting; and cares without bidding a condition.

48/366 of 2012 “Special” in action elevates love notches higher. Don’t be in love with the idea of loving… Make sure the people you love know and feel they are special and loved. :-)

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Love is not so much about how you feel... but how you let the other person feel and think.

49/366 of 2012 Sound travels faster than light. Spoken love becomes real once acted out...consistently.

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When you grow older, you will look past the wrinkles of your loved one and will admire the goodness of his/her heart. You go out dating, enjoying conversations, and joyful & peaceful walks... remembering the days and just savoring the present.

50/366 of 2012 Love does not look for perfection; rather it embraces the flaws and improves it to what seems to be perfection.

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Love is the strong force which can make a genius stupid and a chickenhearted the ablest. Love can destroy or improve and strenghten or weaken. Love prefers to just accept and understand than to be right...yet it has its own gentle way not to tolerate.

51/366 of 2012 Love is the fulcrum which equitably balances the emotion and the mind to bring out the best in each party.

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Love exists in every fiber of our humanity. Love is not just confined between and among humans; but also between man and animals and man towards...work, hobby, food, object, subject, season, color, place, etc. Love is the element which brings colors and meanings to what we do moment after moment.

52/366 of 2012 Where your heart is, there your treasure will also be. Pursue your passion and joy and success will find their way chasing after you.

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Ash Wednesday :-)
As we enter the Season of Lent, let us contemplate on how His great love steadfastly provides answers to our cry for help, heals our broken spirits, and saves us from our self-made troubles… no matter how many times we failed Him.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:13, 17)

53/366 of 2012 "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."—1 John 4:18

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Love is like a special room with an open door... some just pass by it; others peep through it; still others dare to step one foot in; some come in, stay for a time then leave; and select others willingly come in, bring the sun inside, make a colorful world with you, and initiate teaching you how to dance and enliven each of the four seasons so you will never decide to leave the world he made just for you.

54/366 of 2012 You know its love when you recognize the imperfections, deficiencies, and see tails and horns; yet you long to embrace, admire, and zealously help improve the person... and thank God at night for the lovely critter who steals your last bite of chocolate.

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Daily Spoken Universal Language of Love II

Life is more beautiful when filled with love... genuine love. J

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Letting go of someone/something you love is like putting your favorite toy in a donation box. You will miss it but you know someone deserves it more... and peace of mind and joy will follow anytime soon. The universe will repay your good heart and your good deed/intention will attract goodness for sure :-)

38/366 of 2012 One hint to a relationship you can grow old with joyfully is when you can lay with each other and just talk about anything and everything and tap various emotions for hours.

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The magnanimous thing we can do to our loved one is to love in the "now" and not to be trapped in the past nor be fascinated by the anticipation of tomorrow. Loving with your best now rolls up priceless memories and prevents rues.

39/366 of 2012 Love more today than yesterday...

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A person's greatest asset is not a head full of knowledge nor hands ready to drudge all day long to dig out riches; rather, it's a heart full of love that's fueling passion and a corollary of conscience.

40/366 of 2012 Love is that inherent power to do what is right.

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Love is blind. Our mothers loved us first before they could even see us. Nonetheless, love is wise. It coexists with the mind.

41/366 of 2012 You know it's genuine love when it is given even before it's been asked for.

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Love is often unconsciously associated with obsession. Love makes relationships blissful and meaningful while obsession makes relationships painful and meaningless.

42/366 of 2012 Love inspires the zeal. Obsession expires zeal.

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Relationship lasts long if it is a love triangle. You, your partner, and God.

43/366 of 2012 Make your partner your second love—nothing more, nothing less—next to God.

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Loving is not a routine nor a goal. It is the very method of living--the way you look at life and the way you live every moment of it :-)

44/366 of 2012 Love without ceasing. Love without asking... Just love.

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Everyday is a LOVE day. Some just don’t notice they are being loved; while others don’t know they are expressing their love. No one lacks love for God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Consciously love yourself enough, for you cannot give what you don’t have. God, our unconditional lover, will give us more of what we have if we know how to share them.

45/366 of 2012 Know your love language; so everyday you can express it best—quality time, affirmation, touch, gift, or service.

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In genuine loving... simple things make great memories, little time brings lasting joy, mere presence becomes entire world, imperfections effects perfection, difficulties spur inspiration, spaces inspires growth.

46/366 of 2012 Relationship is always best shared through a conversation over a meal.

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Daily Spoken Universal Language of Love

Just a daily love thought for the month  :-)
Inspired by God's love   <')))))<

Nowadays when almost everything has a price tag, love does't make the world go round... money does. But for the ardent sage, LOVE makes the ride worthwhile. :-)

32/366 of 2012. Love is in the air... must be everyday!

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Treat your partner how you would want your dad [mom] treat your mom [dad].

"Single" is an opportunity discover yourself in different aspects, serve your parents and spend time with your family, have fun with friends til you drop, and serve Him with undivided attention :-)

33/366 of 2012. Love must be shared, not contained :-)

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Love even in the most unlikely situation; adore even the simplest facet; and enjoy even the smallest things in life--because one day you will look back and realize they were the minute details that could have brought the best feelings and lessons in life :-)

34/366 of 2012 Love life; go out; and inspire people.

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When you love many (family, friends, a partner) and one is lost, you wouldn't be drowned by tears nor grieve for long... because your permeating love magnets love and assures you that you will never be alone. Love is a positive feeling and never burdening. Love enough that you don't make one an idol. Love unconditionally. Understand maturely. Accept genuinely. Respect sincerely.

35/366 of 2012 Love is a language that everybody understands--wherever you may go.

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Enjoy and seize your time with the persons you love. Love like today is the last. Expose yourself to various feelings and don't be afraid to get hurt. Focus on the lessons pain brings and not on the fleeting negative feeling. Loving is growing! When you stumble; stand up with a grateful and trusting heart--take a rest for a while to retrospect and boost your self-respect. Then, move forward with a refreshed smile and a heart never tired of loving and learning and sharing (the great feeling of love).

36/366 of 2012 Love will make its way to repay all the love you give :-)

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Loving is like that ABC on your kindergarten classroom wall. You can do it anywhere at anytime, with eyes closed, once learned by heart...

Admire the Beauty inside-out

Constantly Devote with Empathetic Fidelity

Generously apply Humor

Integrity, Joy, and Kindness embraced by each

Love in Moderation—but Newly and Openly shared daily

Purposefully give Quiet time to allow Retrospection and Self-actualization

Trust and Understand each

Value each Wholeheartedly with Youthful Zeal

37/366 of 2012 Loving is an overflowing of the heart not of the mouth. It is a constant "work" in progress. :-)

When Smiling Does a Lot and Silence Says More

"...we shouldn't be angry at the people who use, curse, ridicule, or betray us. Instead, we must pray for them because they might be undergoing something we don't know. They might be deeply wounded or confused or lost."


Many of us are familiar with the itching provocative feeling when a friend or a relative uses us for his/her advantage. I myself have my own fair share of such stories.

I am naturally an expressive and frank person. But there are just those moments when I simply choose to just smile and be silent no matter how hurtful or provoking the circumstance is.

I believe it is God working inside me. It isn't my normal response then--either I talk with the person in private or I would be indifferent because of pride.

I have been betrayed by a close friend when we were in high school. She used my name for her to get what she wanted and even tried to stain my reputation by giving statements that she said was from me. I was totally clueless. Good thing, another friend who knows me so well thought that she was so sure I couldn't be involved in that situation and told me about it. Another instance was when another close friend used my name to cover up her situation. She looks naive and sweet, nobody would ever think that it was really her who did such thing--and with my outgoing, outspoken, extrovert personality, everybody would think it was me who's the suspect.

The particular things they did to me were so provoking that I wanted to confront them flat to their faces. But I opted not to. I didn't know what was going on inside me that I preferred not to defend myself; rather, I chose to just smile, just be silent, and pray for prudence and peace that I urgently need.

Time passed. Now I realized situations of same the nature—provoking, tormenting, hurting, and saddening—happen in our lives so we may appreciate even more the support of our families, who as sure as the sun will rise will emerge and console us; know our true friends; receive the grace of self-discipline; and obtain emotional maturity and strength in character in the midst of torrents of feelings running through our veins.

I learned tonight from a Bible reflection that we shouldn't be angry at the people who use, curse, ridicule, or betray us. Instead, we must pray for them because they might be undergoing something we don't know. They might be deeply wounded or confused or lost.

If we truly want to see ourselves as people who are living upright lives (that we even assess our projected integrity), then we must start from within and take the upward steps of forgiveness and understanding to make it real and meaningful.

Whenever people put you down or pick holes in you, just smile. Forgive even if you don't understand why. In your quiet moment, understanding from heaven will descend upon you. Then, your silence will radiate the peace that you hold and will speak to the heart of the one who hurt you in ways you cannot imagine, because God will work it out for you if you just surrender the situation to Him.

PS:

As King David said in 1 Sammuel 16: 11-12 , "Leave him alone; let him curse for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today."

In Psalm 3:3-5 David says, "You are a shield around me, O Lord; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from His holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me."

In Psalm 4:4 David says, "In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds search your hearts and be silent."

Kenosis: Self-emptying for New Year, New Way, and New Life

New Year has become the pop time to change consciousness and ways. We refresh our lives to start anew.

We are in a “kenosis” state or “self-emptying” to make space for new habits and new blessings. We make new resolutions that we want to live by for the new year in order to achieve our new goals (or renewed goals, so to speak).

Dreams. Wishes. Resolutions. Goals. Prayers.

Everybody has new set of things to be achieved in order to enjoy a better and happier life, or simply to put life into perspective. Some focus on the aspect of career, others on love, family, studies, finance, or health.

Whatever or wherever we want to improve any time of the year, we must call on Him through whom and for whom everything is made.

Start the day with prayer and go all out with your best, and surely He will do the rest for us. Prayer reinforces our desires; excellence is what success is chasing after.

For every day of the year… Wake up gratefully. Pray faithfully. Work passionately. Decide justly. Think uprightly. Speak honestly. Respond humbly. Share generously. Go to bed joyfully—ending the day with thanksgiving and hope in heart that surely tomorrow God has more surprises and outpouring in our lives.

New year celebration is good; it brings hope and opportunity for new life.

Nevertheless, let us not discredit the fact that every day brings new hope. The good news is, we can transform our lives any day of the year! All we need is persistent prayer for discernment and determination and courage to follow the path to new life.



PS: We can enjoy and appreciate life more when we share its fruits with others. We will receive more when we empty ourselves so God can fill our lives up with more blessings, healing, and miracles. We will never lack in anything if we remain in Him and let His words remain in us and guide us (John 15:7 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.").

the only Surrender that reaps Victory

In my few months of inactivity in the blogosphere, I experienced and discovered a lot of things (most of them great and wonderful things!) that I wish I could share them all with you in just one seating.

I am an optimistic and grateful person by nature; however, my imaginative and analytic mind occasionally weighs down my high and pumped up spirit—as my imagination causes me interruption and my analysis a paralysis. I dream and aim high, but my time bucket was leaking minute by minute.

So, I resolved to pursue my goals effectively (doing right things) and efficiently (doing things right) to achieve excellent (doing right things right) results.

With this, I immediately started to figure out where I would start and how I would sustain my progress until I achieve my goals and continue to achieving more, for His glory.

From my experiences, observation, and lessons from friends’ stories...
 ‘good preparation’ proves itself to be indispensable;
 ‘punctuality’ associates itself to victory;
 ‘constant practice’ establishes credibility even without the help of words
 ‘taming of tongue’ molds one to be wise;
 ‘gratitude and joy’ invisibly floats one up to success;
 ‘upright character’ sustains one on top;
 ‘positive thoughts and words’ amazingly change lives (yours and others);
…and most importantly,
 ‘unwavering complete faith’ in Him keeps one on the right track.

I saw how the combination of these eight works in the lives of my friends and other successful people. In God’s grace, I myself am now enjoying the harvest of my used-to-be little seed of determination to succeed… which later on turned into my fruitful tree of desire to glorify Him in whatever I do.

When He comes to your life, you will never be the same again. When you taste the rewards of His promises, you will constantly desire to glorify Him. The sweetest surrender of life, ever—completely putting your life in His hands.