Author Topic: Internalizing the Proverbs (Read 8571 times)

Lorenzo · « **on:** January 12, 2008, 09:48:07 AM »

The proverbs are an exceptional part of the Bible, many good morals are transpired from it. A source of good teachings for the youth, and a reminder for those who are active in spiritual life. Please share your favorite proverbs, particular excerpts, and share with us the graces that you have found in reading the Proverbs.

I personally like to take the time to read the book of Proverbs at least once a week. Its words soothes the heart, and directs the just. May it be a blessing and a light to you. As it is to me and many others in here.

Blessings to all.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2008, 02:30:54 AM »

Proverb 2

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and wilt hide my commandments with thee,

That thy ear may hearken to wisdom: incline thy heart to know prudence.

For if thou shalt call for wisdom, and incline thy heart to prudence:

If thou shalt seek her as money, and shalt dig for her as for a treasure:

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and shalt find the knowledge of God:

Because the Lord giveth wisdom: and out of his mouth cometh prudence and knowledge.

He wilt keep the salvation of the righteous, and protect them that walk in simplicity,

Keeping the paths of justice, and guarding the ways of saints.

Then shalt thou understand justice, and judgment, and equity, and every good path.

If wisdom shall enter into thy heart, and knowledge please thy soul:

Counsel shall keep thee, and prudence shall preserve thee,

That thou mayst be delivered from the evil way, and from the man that speaketh perverse things:

Who leave the right way, and walk by dark ways:

Who are glad when they have done evil, and rejoice in the most wicked things:

Whose ways are perverse, and their steps infamous.

That thou mayst be delivered from the strange woman, and from the stranger, who softeneth her words;

And forsaketh the guide of her youth,

And hath forgotten the covenant of her God: for her house inclineth unto death, and her paths to hell.

None that go in unto her, shall return again, neither shall they take hold of the paths of life.

That thou mayst walk in a good way: and mayst keep the paths of the just.

For they that are upright, shall dwell in the earth; and the simple shall continue in it.

But the wicked shall be destroyed from the earth: and they that do unjustly, shall be taken away from it.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2008, 05:53:58 AM »

Chapter 3

Attitude toward the Lord

My son, forget not my teaching,
keep in mind my commands;
For many days, and years of life
and peace, will they bring you

Let not kindness and fidelity leave you;
bind them around your neck;
Then will you win favor and good esteem
before God and man

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
on your own intelligence rely not;
In all your ways be mindful for him,
and he will make straight your paths

Be not wise in your own eyes,
fear the Lord and turn away from evil;
This will mean health for your flesh
and vigor for your bones

Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with first fruits of all your produce,
Then will your barns be filled with grain,
with new wine and vats will overflow.
The discipline of the Lord, my son, disdain not
spurn not his reproof;
For whom the Lord loves he reproves,
and he chastises the son he favors.
For a Father will always discipline his child, as he does so with Love for child

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2008, 06:02:39 AM »

Chapter 4

The Good and the Evil Way

Hear, my son, and receive my words,
and the years of your life shall be many
On the way of wisdom I direct you
I lead you on straightforward paths

When you walk, your step will not be impeded
and should you run, you will not stumble
Hold fast to instruction, never let her go;
keep her, for she is your life

My son, hear me, the path of the wicked enter not
walk not on the way of evil men;
Shun it, cross it not,
turn aside from it, and pass on
For they cannot rest unless they have done evil;
to have made no one stumble steals away their sleep

For they eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence
The way of the wicked is like darkness;
they know not on what they stumble
But the path of the just is like shining light,
that grows in brilliance till perfect day

My son, to my word be attentive,
to my saying incline your ear;
Let them not slip out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
For they are life to those who find them,
to man's whole being they are health

With closest custody, guard your heart,
for in it are the sources of life
Put away from you dishonest talk,
deceitful speech put far from you
Let your eyes look straight ahead
and your glance be directly forward
Survey the path for your feet,
and let all your ways be sure
Turn neither to right nor to left,
keep your foot far from evil

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Julai · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2008, 07:17:18 AM »

Same here dong, I love reading the book of Proverbs too. Infact, one of the markers of my Bible is set in the book of Proverbs. I find reading it very uplifting for my spirit. Here's something very nice from Chapter 17, verse 9:

"If you want people to like you, forgive them when they wrong you. Remembering wrongs can break up a friendship".

Chapter 15, verse 32:

"If you refuse to learn, you are hurting yourself. If you accept correction, you will become wiser".

Reading verses from the book of Proverbs made me realize that I still have a lot of things to change in myself and it makes me pray all the time for God to give me the gifts of wisdom and understanding.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2008, 05:52:52 AM »

Those are beautiful verses, Juls.

You know whenever I am in despair because of the overbearing burden of my work, or whenever there is a problem at home, I will always give time to read the psalms and the proverbs, as a way to release my anguish and my stress to the Lord. Each proverb, each psalm has a story for us in our life, and each has a lesson for us to follow, which correlates to the problems we have in life.

Ako, I try to read the psalms if time permits, and it is truly soothing. Some of the psalms are so beautifully written that I even cry just reading it. My favorite one for example is Psalm 17, and this one excerpt gives me strength for my daily struggles, "I have kept the way of the law, my steps have kept to your paths; my feet have not faltered; I call upon you, o answer me, O God. Turn your ear to me, hear my prayer, show me your wonderful love. You who deliver with your right arm those who seek refuge from their foes; keep me as the apple of your eyes; hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the violence of the wicked. Let me see your face; when I awake, let me be filled with your presence."

Thanks for sharing, Juls

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Julai · « **Reply #6 on:** February 05, 2008, 06:05:58 AM »

Hi dong! I truly adore you for giving time to read the Bible despite your busy schedule. Keep it up dong. I read Proverbs chapter 18 today during my prayer time. And verse 20 struck me as it says :

" You will have to live with the consequences of everything you say. What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words".

The verse reminds me to be very careful about my words, because sometimes, especially if I'm in the verge of anger, I say words without even thinking twice if I really have to utter those. And when the anger subsides, the regret is there. Regret for saying words that I don't really mean.. So I have to be very careful next time.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #7 on:** February 05, 2008, 06:15:01 AM »

Hi Juls! Good afternoon!

Bitaw, one of the things I need to work on is my anger jud. I too am guilty of saying things that are too harsh, and really don't mean it, but the spur of the moment inclines me to the act. I too linger on regret for saying such things.

One of the best things that I thank the Lord jud is my conscience, and I try my best to repent for my sins. I have visited his house in the middle of the night just to pray and ask for guidance; and you know what? It is in the silence and in the dark that I can feel him. I go to visit church whenever I feel lonely or sad, and whenever i am by myself at night in church, I can feel a sense of fulfilling. You know when you feel happy or content after a prayer?

What really inspired me the most jud was one time when i went to church visit at night several years back; and another student visited church 5 minutes after i arrived. Its very comforting to know that there are also others who are called to do the same things, or visit HIM at the night.

Again, Thank you Juls.

Bless you !

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Julai · « **Reply #8 on:** February 05, 2008, 06:24:33 AM »

No matter how sinful we are dong, what's important is our willingness to change and to repent and struggle to change for the better.

Yeah, I also felt the empowering feeling that you said right after praying. It's so uplifting..Havn't tried visiting the Church in the middle of the night though. Dong, can I ask about your religion?If you don't mind..

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #9 on:** February 05, 2008, 07:20:59 AM »

I am Roman Catholic, Juls

I would like to say that I am a reborn Catholic. I was baptized into the faith, my interest in the faith wasn't as strong as it should have been during my adolescent years, but as I began my college career, I re-confirmed my Catholic faith through bible studies, as well as reading the bible and orienting myself towards the sacraments. When I was separated from my family when I started college, the emptiness that I felt was filled with evangelized faith.

I truly believe that we all find our communion with God, there is a special time for everyone. You know it when it occurs. It is instinctive.

To admit, Juls, I cannot deny that I have had thoughts about the priesthood. I have asked the Lord to cleanse me of those thoughts, as I do not think I can make such a total sacrifice. It is a weight that I cannot bear, and it is a thought that I dread, as I am unworthy to wear the cloth of a priest.

I had friends in high school, though, who I never thought would go into the priesthood, but they are now minor seminarians. What a weight they must bear on their shoulders.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #10 on:** February 07, 2008, 06:43:22 PM »

The Words of Lemuel,
Chapter 31

The words of Lemuel, King of Massa, the advice which his mother gave him:

What, my son, my first born!
what, o son of my womb;
what, o son of my vows!

Give not your vigor to women,
nor your strength to those who ruin kings

It is not for the kings, O Lemuel,
not for the kings to drink wine;
strong drink is not for princes!

Lest in drinking they forget what the law decrees,
and violate the rights of all who are in need

Give strong drink to one who is perishing,
and wine to the sorely depressed;
When they drink, they will forget their misery,
and think no more of their burdens

Open your mouth in behalf of the dumb,
and for the rights of the destitute;
Open your mouth, decree what is Just,
defend the needy and the poor

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grazie7y · « **Reply #11 on:** February 08, 2008, 08:17:00 AM »

Dong, let's try to share our thoughts in these verse like a bible study of sort.

Reding this verse, my literal interpretation is that drinking was never good for anybody because the person's judgement becomes jaded when he or she is drunk.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #12 on:** February 08, 2008, 09:12:53 AM »

I think that is a great idea, Ate Ging. I'm up for a bible study in here.

When I read the above-mentioned proverb, it was telling me to listen to the words of your mother. I found it rather strengthening that it is necessary for us to listen to our mother, and abide in her words to do no harm but good. In the excerpt that mentioned to Lemuel to evade in drinking in alcohol; it was telling me that it is better not to indulge in things that are unnecessary for you. The wealthy do not need to indulge themselves in excess goods, but rather instead of spending it on yourself, it is better to give to the poor and share your own wealth. That is the message that I got in reference to:

"Give strong drink to one who is perishing,
and wine to the sorely depressed;
When they drink, they will forget their misery,
and think no more of their burdens"

What I personally liked in this was the excerpt that said:

"What, my son, my first born!
what, o son of my womb;
what, o son of my vows!

Give not your vigor to women,
nor your strength to those who ruin kings"

This is telling me to be slow when it comes to finding a love one and the blessing of parents is key.

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grazie7y · « **Reply #13 on:** February 08, 2008, 03:33:24 PM »

"Give strong drink to one who is perishing,
and wine to the sorely depressed;
When they drink, they will forget their misery,
and think no more of their burdens"

Reading and re-reading this excerpt, one thing came to mind is that we should be sympathetic and compassionate to the less fortunate and downtrodden and whoever needs comforting. By doing so, we are taking a part of their problems thus making things bearable for them.

When my Uncle died two weeks ago, things became bearable for my family back home because of the support of the community.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2008, 05:55:30 PM »

It feels better to know that others care for you, or are thinking about you. That way, they become one with you in the greater body of mourning and or in prayer. It is an indescribable feeling; but if I could put it into words, it is like one who is trying to reel in a big catch. However, the catch is too big to be caught, but before the catch could escape, an extra hand or two help you in reeling the fish in. Knowing that others care for you or are willing to help you lightens the burden of mourning or any grievous event.

In this particular proverbial excerpt, I have a deep feeling that the Holy Spirit is telling us three important things:

1) Love your mother; never talk back to her or condescend her, the woman who bore you into this world and endured the pains of labor for your own sake. It is understandable if you argue with your father, but your mother should be treated like a delicate rose. Her opinions are for our own interests; take counsel in her words even if you disagree with what she has to say. As our own savior, Christ Jesus dearly loved his own Mother, the Virgin Mary, o most Immaculate born without sin, so too must we love our own mothers. For even God-made flesh did so to a humble Nazarene woman of the House of David.

2) Do not take advantage of the poor nor should we fail in thanksgiving. Any blessings we have are due to the good graces of God and good work ethic; what better a way to show our thanks than to give a little back to the church or to those who are in need. Merciful is the Lord to those who give mercy for they shall inherit the Kingdom of God.

3) Speak the truth and support those who cannot support themselves. The Lord abides in love and in the just, as He is the judge of all judges, he who laid down the law to Moses and to all the prophets before the Word was made flesh. Give true counsel to those who need it; just as you and I would like to hear counsel from others when we need it.

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grazie7y · « **Reply #15 on:** February 09, 2008, 03:38:46 AM »

No one can ever go wrong if they allow the Holy Spirit to work on us just like how He manifested in you by seeing the meaning in His Words! I can humbly say, I learn a lot from your interpretation.

Mothers should be treated the same respect we offered to Mama Mary. For my mother alone, she bore us 13 children into this world, nurtured us and dealth with us with all our pabadlong! She was there the moment we tried to assert our independence by starting to walk and not wanting her to hold us. Oh yeah, we stumbled and fall and there she was ready to pick us up.

Dong, whenever I see destitute people, I see God in them. How could we not help if there's anything we can help? There's always something we can do. A comforting word, a smile, an ear to listen to, there's a lot and then there's a HUG...

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #16 on:** February 09, 2008, 04:10:53 PM »

Amen, Ate Ging. What a strong woman must your Moma must have been to raise 13 children and also a wife to your father!

You are a woman of grace, Ate Ging for your pity and your kindness to the poor. I believe that what you say is true, that the Lord is in everyone especially those that are in difficulty; he is within all of us. The Holy Spirit is inside all of us, every human being despite our creed, religion, sex, age, upbringing. Either one is a christian, a buddhist, a muslim, hindu, the Spirit resides in all of us. He is there with us from the moment of our conception to the moment of death; he suffers with us as well as during the good times.

When I had a discussion with my college catholic priest, Father Mark Hoffman, one of the the things that we discussed about was the act of contrition and the status of the body as well as the soul. His words ushered such a deep effect on me, which touched me to the very bones. Tests, that is what we are subjected to in life; and the Lord allows us to be tested either through temptations as well as through divine presence. As like you said, per se the begging and the calling of the poor. Christ is in those who are suffering, from the common street begger, to the child who is hungry, to the dying, to the one who is depressed. Though sometimes to us it feels as if they seem 'abandoned' by God, that is not true. God loves them, and pities all of them, He loves them that he is there with them, He is there with them and feels every suffering. He will not abandon us, even those who are wicked, murderers, liars, deceivers, non-believers, He is with them. He dwells within them, even if they do not recognize his presence, the Spirit of God is within them as he is within you and I. We are all his children, and the salvation that he guarantees to us Christians, is the same for those of other faiths. Even if they were not exposed to the teachings of Christ, people of different religions still manifest a sense of humility, grace, love, mercy, and the Lord is not blind to that. All religions, peaceful religions have some kind of understanding of the 'Truth'. Though they do not see the complete truth that is revealed to us in Christian doctrine.

The beauty of the conversation I had with my pastor was that it opened me to acceptance of others. And the Church tells all of us to pray for all our brothers and sisters, and to keep ourselves open to the presence of God. He is with us jud, when we are alone, or when we are with friends, during the happy days to the sad days. From our birth to the very end in our death bed, He will not abandon those who call on Him. Scripture tells us that the Lord is like a Sheppard who will willingly leave his 99 secured sheep to find the 1 sheep that was lost. And when he finds that one lost sheep, he will open both arms and await the lost sheep to come to the Sheppard; it is our own choice to either go to him or not. He will fight even the fiercest of wolves for us, and will never leave us, even unto the end of the World. That is how much our Father loves us.

Ate Ging, I think you are one of the very few that can feel the presence of God in the poor. The spirit of God is strong within you, and that is why He has ushered you with blessings, you are God-fearing, and yet loving and compassionate to family and friends. The Lord God smiles when he hears you, 'te. As he promised to all of us, "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain the mercy of God."

You are an example for all of us, Ate Ging. Thank you kaayo for sharing with me about your personal experience with comforting the poor and seeing a part of God in them. I do believe what you said is true.

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grazie7y · « **Reply #17 on:** February 09, 2008, 05:18:43 PM »

Salamat, Dong for your kind words! Bitaw Dong, here's what I believe. As I said earlier, I see the Lord's face in these needy people. But on the other hand, by us helping the needy in whatever way we can, we are allowing others to see Jesus in us too. Confusing ba? God manifests to us every day through the people. I had lots of encounter which I thought was with God. One day, a couple was denied entry to the public bus because they didn't have enough money for fare. I didn't help right away but I knew they really were in need so I did. I gave them bus tickets and a little money for their lunch. I only had a little money but I gave them 5 dollars. I asked the lady if that was enough for their lunch, and with eyes of disbelief and in tears, she told me, "this is more than enough!" Then she looked straight to my eyes, then looked up to the sky and said, "Thank you, Lord!" You see, at that time, I still thought those needy people were God who manifested to me. I just had a very comforting feeling that I saw Him in the face of those people.

I knew I am blessed, Dong. God was there ready to whip me, so to speak if I am out of the path already. One day, I was still in Manila, there was a heavy down pour that caused flooding in Metro Manila. I was living in Ortigas area so I was safe but of course, tv coverage was bad and only showed the worst part of Manila. My bestfriend in Cagayan de Oro called long distance, which she never did before. She was so worried about me upon seeing how bad the flooding was. Oh, I was so haughty! I told my bestfriend, I was in the best place of Manila and besides, even if there was flooding, I was living in the 4th floor of the Condominium and I was sure that by the time the flooding gets to my floor, Noah's ark is already ready by then. See, how boastful I can get?

That was a Friday. Saturday morning, I just got my laundy and put it on my bed because I was gonna re-arrange my closet. I went to the kitchen to get ready a sandwich for lunch then I heard this weird sound. I didn't know where it was coming. I thought it was in the elevator just outside of the kitchen door. It wasn't. When I checked my bedroom, the sprinkler went off and so dirty, stale and stained water was all over! My bedroom was FLOODED! I was told that was the first time ever in that 11-year old building that the sprinkler went off and there was not even a smoke or anything to trigger it. Then I remembered, didnâ€™t I say to my bestfriend the day before that there was no way I could ever be flooded because I was in the 4th floor? The wife of my boss offered me a place to stay in their house that night but I kindly refused. I stayed in the coach that night and spoke to the Lord.

I found myself smiling and felt Godâ€™s presence. I could see Him in the dark, with both hands in His hips and a challenging smile on His lips, and said, â€œWhat can you say, my child?â€ I replied with a question. God, how could you love me this much to wake me up before I could go deeper to my sleep? And how could you come down so fast? Wasnâ€™t it just a day ago that I mocked my bestfriend for worrying about flooding?

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #18 on:** February 09, 2008, 05:50:20 PM »

Amen, Amen, Ate Ging.

Blessed are you 'te! He always teaches us a lesson jud no? And He always comes and provides for us whenever we need it.

You know I have to share with you an event that I will admit that strengthened a bit of my faith, which was not as strong as it was several years ago. Ate Ging, I will admit that before I even started college I was a student of science, and awed by it completely. There was even a time, Ate Ging, that I even questioned the very existence of God. I would go to church with my parents only because they made us go, my heart was not open to the word of God, as during my high school years I even rejected the notion of it; merely I used to agree with words of Jung and Nietzsche, who stated "God Is Dead, Religion is for the narcissistic and infantile." And when I went to college for the first time, I thought that this would be a time of self discovery and away from my parent's cultural influence. Or so I thought.

As soon as my parents left me in my college dorm, instead of feeling a sense of liberation, the total opposite covered my spirit. I felt an indescribable feeling of loneliness; a total emptiness in my chest. Even with my friends, I still felt it, I would just wear a mask to hide the deep emptiness in my heart.

Then several weeks into that first semester of my freshman year in college, I was actually walking to to go to Carnegie Hall for class. I usually leave for class about 1 hour early in order to review before class begins, but this time instead of going straight to the building, I took another path. This path cuts through the back of campus and led me to the direction of Ford Chapel, which is the ecumenical chapel here in Allegheny College. I don't know why but I had this strong feeling, a deep calling or urge that called me to go inside the Ford Chapel. I did so. When I went inside, I noticed that the Chapel was completely empty, yet the lights were on during the middle of the day, which I found very odd. Something tho was in that church, I could feel it, i felt a presence there. I went to the seats and sat down and began to pray. I started to pray the Lord's prayer and all I know is that I completely missed my class because I was in the chapel for over an hour, I began to cry as I prayed to release tension and express my longing for my family. I called out for the Lord to forgive me for my sins, for my futile ways, and as I prayed all I could see with the periphery of my eyes was a light from the sun that shined through the glass mirrors in the church. Its radiant light, filled with color shined to my face and to my own body. It was as if the Lord heard my prayers and as if he was the one that led me to that church. But to tell you, the emptiness that I felt was filled. I did not depress so much over my family, rather, I was filled with comfort. The comfort that is in prayer.

And several days passed after this event, and I remember I took that same path again though it was in a later time of day. It was around 3pm or 4pm and even before I passed the Ford Chapel, the church bells rang and played a beautiful hymn as I passed by it. As if I was called to the church, as if the Lord was telling me to visit HIM. Instead of going to the library, which I planned to do that day, I went in the church to pray again. And the seat that I sat in had the Catholic Bible on it, fully opened to Genesis. It was as if the Lord was telling me to re-establish my faith. Since then, I have been a frequent member of the catholic choir here in college, and attend bible studies. 3 years have passed since, and I still cannot forget that event, where I found God.

I did not find HIM, but HE found me.

I cannot explain it 'te, but I can still remember the feeling that led me to visit the Ford Chapel for the first time. Whenever I offer a rosary prayer I always begin by praising the Lord God, Christ Jesus for His arrival to my life. That he would even spare me, a lowly and humble sinner, that he even came to my life so that I may not only study science, but understand why it was formed in relation to Christian doctrine.

Today, in the present, I frequently visit the Ford Chapel at night or at midday. I offer my prayers to the Lord in privacy, and Sing homilies to HIM, thanking Him for all of the blessings that he has showered upon me in studies or in the awards that i have been given. Such things such as Dean's Scholar, Presidential Scholar, Bonner Scholar, Trustee Scholar, Biology Honors Scholar, are nothing to me. Mere pieces of paper. He strengthens me Always when I ask for him to be with me. Even in the present, Ate Ging, before I begin a study, I will pray for the Lord to be with me. Before I take an exam, I pray, before I sleep I pray. And I truly am grateful for all of the things that he has provided me.

It really is true when they say "Awakening". I was blind, but now I can see. I was deaf, now I can hear.

Truly, the Lord works in mysterious ways. But PERFECT are His ways. Everyday, Always.

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grazie7y · « **Reply #19 on:** February 10, 2008, 08:07:12 AM »

Dong, thanks for sharing your spiritual experiences with me. I was so moved to tears by your story and your honesty of how you felt about going to church with your family when you were younger. Blessed are you who believed in Him and accepted Him in your heart.

Dong, question. After you were re-born in that day at the Ford Chapel, did you ever felt empty since then? You know, the feeling that when you wanted to talk to Him and you couldn't feel His presence. Back then in the Philippines when I was so busy at work, I had my work as my life. Going to church every Sunday (at the last mass of the day )was just a force of habit. There was one day I felt so tired and exhausted and alone. Yes, very alone. Overwhelmingly alone. I called for Him but I didn't feel His presence. I always believe that God resides in our heart so I sort of knocked my heart to no avail. I panicked. I cried my heart out. I fell asleep. The next morning, I felt light and there I felt again God presence in my being.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #20 on:** February 10, 2008, 10:21:53 AM »

[mp3tube]8f7887044befaf093fbf23575ee51a91[/mp3tube]

Yes, Ate Ging.

There was a time where I was filled with the spirit, but after some time I felt an emptiness when I went to church, as if prayers were flat in my lips; a sense of 'loss' of presence. But you know 'te it is common for those whose faith is rekindled. We are called to test our faith, and it is in this time that the Lord observes us if we are true to our prayers and to Him when he is apart from us. I've actually talked to my chaplain about it several times 'te and it was documented that most of the Saints too felt a sense of 'loneliness' after they were visited by the Spirit, as a way to test the person's faith. You know, one clear example of this was the late Blessed Mother Teresa, who at first was filled with the Holy Spirit in her youth and in her middle age. It was the Spirit that guided her in her mission to join the Convent as well as to spread the word in India; but there was a time that she even wrote in her diaries that she felt a sense of 'loneliness', 'emptiness' from the Lord. However, despite this, she still remained true to her faith despite the internal conflict. She stayed true to her faith, to the holy works for the church and to God. Ang lesson ani, Ate Ging, is to never give up despite the emptiness that we feel in this world. The Lord is with us always, and it is in the most difficult of times, the times where we think he is not with us, that he really is with us. We must trust in Him and search for him, as he is there with us till the very end.

Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come, endure them patiently; steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer.
Romans 12:12

Ate Ging, you know the time that I feel most in communion with the Lord is when I visit church by myself. I go to the chapel whenever I just want to release my pains or my worries, I pray and try to talk to the Lord when I am by myself. When no one is there, I can feel as if I can be myself with Him. I tell you this, 'te, when I go to church-visitations at night, I will always cry because it is so powerful.

Ate Ging, the last time I felt a very strong feeling of the warmth of the Holy Spirit was when I visited Our Lady of Lordes Roman Catholic Church several days after the death of my friend Rob. I went to church all that week and when I entered church, I would pray before the crucifix, crying and sobbing crying out to the Lord for the forgiveness of my friend, asking why he allowed my friend to kill himself, blaming myself for my stupidity and idiocy in not noticing the depression of my own friend and failing to ever consider that he would kill himself. I was very angry, Ate Ging, angry at God for allowing this to happen and most of all allowing me to be so blind in not doing anything when I could have. And this still eats at me, at my mind that I could not even help save my own close friend. I cried so hard when I was in Our Lady of Lordes Church that night 'te, I was there at night by myself pa jud. And you know during my crying and sobbing, as I recited the Apostle's Creed, I said these words:

"I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He arose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy *catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen "

when I finished the prayer, I raised my head and felt a complete sense of spiritual content. My tears were dried from my eyes, and the anger that I had with the Lord was removed from me. On my knees, 'te Ging, I went from the front of the altar to the Holy Figure of Christ Jesus and lit a candle and prayed. I dont know why my friend Rob killed himself and I know that I should not have blamed the Lord for his actions, rather, it was in church that I realized that I need to put more trust in God, not 3/4th trust, not 1/2 trust, but 100% trust jud. We don't know why things happen the way they do, but they just do. All we can do is to ask the Lord to instill within us the mercies and strength to endure the hard and difficult times in our lives; just as he blesses us with the good and happy times.

God is good. All the time.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #21 on:** February 10, 2008, 11:33:54 AM »

Chapter 8, Proverbs:

The Discourse of Wisdom

Does not wisdom call,
and understanding raise her voice?
On top of the heights along the road,
and the crossroads she takes her stand;
By the gates at the approaches of the city,
in the entryways she cries loud:
"To you, O men, I call;
my appeal is not to the children of men.
You simple ones, gain resource, you fools, gain sense.
"Give heed! for noble things I speak;
honesty opens my lips.
Yes, the truth my mouth recounts,
but wickedness my lips abhor.
Sincere are all the words of my mouth,
no one of them is wily or crooked;
All of them are plain to the man of intelligence,
and right to those who attain knowledge.

Receive my instruction in preference to silver;
and knowledge rather than choice of gold.
For wisdom is better than corals, and no choice possession can compare with her.

"I, wisdom, dwell with experience,
and judicious knowledge I attain.
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;
Pride, arrogance, the evil way,
and the perverse mouth I hate.
Mine are counsel and advice;
Mine is strength; I am understanding.
By me kings reign,
and lawgivers establish justice;
By me princes govern,
and nobles; all rulers of the earth.

"Those who love me I also Love,
and those who seek to find me.

With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
My fruit is better than gold, yes, than pure gold,
and my revenue than choice silver.
On the way of duty I walk,
along the paths of justice,
Granting wealth to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.

"The Lord begot me, the firstborn of his ways,
the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago;
From of old I was poured forth,
at the first, before the earth.

When there are no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no fountains or springs of water;
Before the mountains were settled into place,
before the hills, I was brought forth;
while as yet the earth and the fields were not made,
nor the first clods of the world.

"When he established the heavens I was there,
when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep;
When he made firm the skies above,
when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth;
When he set for the sea its limit,
so that the waters should not transgress his command;

Then was I beside him as his craftsman,
and I was his delight day by day,
Playing before him all the while,
playing on the surface of his earth;
and I found delight in the sons of men.

"So now, O children, listen to me;
instructions and wisdom do not reject!
Happy the man who obeys me,
and happy those who keep my ways,
Happy the man watching daily at my gates,
waiting at my doorposts;

For he who finds me finds life,
and wins favor from the LORD;
But he who misses he harms himself;
all who hate me love death."

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grazie7y · « **Reply #22 on:** February 10, 2008, 04:41:24 PM »

Dong, I keep on reading and re-reading this and I am still trying to understand this chapter. I particularly like this excerpt:

Receive my instruction in preference to silver;
and knowledge rather than choice of gold.
For wisdom is better than corals, and no choice possession can compare with her.

If we follow the will and teachings of God as written in the Bible, we have in us more than any material things one can possibly have. As a believer of God, we should not compromise God over wordly possesions.

We heard about priests particularly in the rebel-infested area of Mindanao being killed while spreading the words of us. They knew already that their lives are in danger and yet they still follow the callings of God to serve Him. They risk their lives so that people can know more of God. That to me is exemplary!

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #23 on:** February 11, 2008, 01:21:44 AM »

Ate Ging, your interpretation of this particular chapter is exactly the same one I had in my mind. Yes, I posted it because I too was overwhelmed by the multiple messages that are given to us. But you struck the main point right on the nose (pardon my figurative expression).

I love reading your interpretations, Ate Ging. They are like sweet sugar to the ears.

Do you want to choose a particular proverb chapter next? Please, share your favorite proverb if you want.

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grazie7y · « **Reply #24 on:** February 11, 2008, 02:58:43 AM »

Dong, would you mind doing the honor in choosing the proverbs? I will browse too the proverbs I will share here. Thanks, Dong!

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #25 on:** February 11, 2008, 04:53:38 AM »

My favorite part in this proverb is:

Then was I beside him as his craftsman,
and I was his delight day by day,
Playing before him all the while,
playing on the surface of his earth;
and I found delight in the sons of men.

"So now, O children, listen to me;
instructions and wisdom do not reject!
Happy the man who obeys me,
and happy those who keep my ways,
Happy the man watching daily at my gates,
waiting at my doorposts;

For he who finds me finds life,
and wins favor from the LORD;
But he who misses he harms himself;
all who hate me love death."

Wisdom, understanding, both are of God. It is an inspirational phrase, for students and for those who wish and yearn to learn. As we all yearn to understand our subjects, so too must we also try to learn and understand the mysteries of God. Though we may be compelled to study subjects, do not forget to glorify the One who created the matter, the laws, the concepts that we so dauntly engage in studying. God is in everything, everywhere. The more we understand science, the more we uncover a little bit of the glorious intelligence of our Lord.

Again,
"Those who love me I also Love,
and those who seek to find me.

With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.

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grazie7y · « **Reply #26 on:** February 11, 2008, 05:33:34 AM »

Proverbs on pride and humility:

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.

Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

Pride only breeds quarrels,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

The LORD tears down the proud man's house
but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact.

The LORD detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.

Before his downfall a man's heart is proud,
but humility comes before honor.

It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxuryâ€”
how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean and without sin"?

Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
the lamp of the wicked, are sin!

The proud and arrogant man-"Mocker" is his name;
he behaves with overweening pride.

Humility and the fear of the LORD
bring wealth and honor and life.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
someone else, and not your own lips.

A man's pride brings him low,
but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #27 on:** February 12, 2008, 03:36:12 PM »

Reading this proverb is very humbling for me,

Our pride, my pride, your pride, pride itself is something that must be limited, and something that we must evade from increasing. As the Lord clearly tells us that an excess of will bring the man and woman down, do not glorify yourself so much as that it ever surpasses the glorification of God. We must remember that tho we may be successful now, in the future, all of the good graces we experience is through the Goodness of the Almighty Father.

Pride is something that can distort the soul, and if it is left unchecked, will give anyone a false sense of superiority and lead to our stepping over of other people; violation of other's rights, transgression of other's. Pride leads to hate, and though all of us experience pride, we must humble ourselves for the Lord loves the one who is repentant, those who corrects his own ways; for the Lord abounds in the meek, the simple and faithful in the Lord.

When I read this proverb, It reminds me about the psalm regarding the 'Rich Man'. The rich man who rejected to travel with Christ Jesus because his pride prevented him from selling his belongings and giving the poor to walk with Christ. This is a lesson to us; to listen to when we are called and hide not our love for the sake of pride.

Just as he humbled the greatest of all the seraphs, cherubs, all the angels in Heaven, Lucifer Child of Dawn, so can he humble those who are in earth.

Just as a father will discipline a child who steals from his parents and other siblings; so too will He discipline us in the same manner.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #28 on:** February 12, 2008, 03:38:13 PM »

What about you, Ate Ging? What is your interpretation?

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grazie7y · « **Reply #29 on:** February 13, 2008, 03:29:00 AM »

Dong, I specifically chose these proverbs because at this time I am trying to reflect on what I can share to my friend who is in big financial trouble. She has no reason to be in this hole but she is. My other friends can not think of any other reason but because of her PRIDE. Her spiritual compass has been distorted because of this thing called PRIDE. Because of that, it's catching up on her now. She always thought she was far better than the other. She put down people like she said one of her friends are low IQ. She buys things beyond her means so she looks better than the others. "Look at those people, they still look like probinsyana when we are now in New York!", I heard her say that one time and I told her, "what's that got to do with you? They are obviously happy and contented and at peace". I say things frankly to my friends even if it hurts so she stopped talking to me except at times when she has problems. Then came this news that she is in financial trouble again and worst, she used my name to borrow money from her friend who is lending money with 10% interest/month. You see, it was PRIDE that she could not tell her friend that it was her who needed to borrow money. It was PRIDE that she didn't tell me what she was up to not that I would let her use my name if she asked permission!

I had a long talk with her over the weekend. I reminded her how she has gone astray. I told her to reflect on the pain she caused to her other friends because of her demeaning attitude. Then I asked her if she still goes to church which she used to. And she said, she stopped going to church. I told her to seek refuge again to God. She has to have peace first in her heart before she can think clearly on how to go about dealing with almost 40k dollars payables. This i remember most when I was thinking of my friend:

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.

Aside from my own experiences, I take the experience of my friends and learn from it. Pride is so easy to get out of hand. Pride leads us to seek POWER and POWER then corrupts us. PRIDE is quite tricky but with the Lord's guidance, we should be able to distinguish the PRIDE that corrupts and PRIDE that benefits people and glorifies God.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #30 on:** February 13, 2008, 03:40:02 AM »

Tinuud jud, Ate Ging. Your powerful statement shook me to the bones jud, 'te. It reminds me that right now as I am young and opt to proceed to future studies, to never forget my background and where I come from. Ate Ging, I will admit to you my brothers and sisters of my own faults and of my own sins, for being too proud before, for allowing myself to care not for others who did not like me or due to the competition I had in classes and in research. I told my mom about this and what she told me brought reality to me. And truly without my mom, who tells me the brutal honest truth, i would have already gone astray.

"Bran, anak, do not forget where you come from. Your lolo and lola did not even have education pero they were able to send me and your titos and titas to school. Do you look down on them for no education? Ang mama ug papa sa imung Daddy, do you look down on them because naa ra sila didto? Ayaw jud pa bastos-bastos ondoy, kai your ginikanans come from a humble and simple background jud. Ikaw, eldest ka , you must lead through example so your younger sister and brother will learn through you"

"Mo give thanks ka sa ginoo, ondoy, kai naka anhi ka kai gi taga-an man ko ug imung daddy ug chance to come here sa America. Be humble doy, ayaw pa saka-saka kai gamay ra man jud ta sa ginoo"

I listened to my mother's words. And I control my pride, I let it go whenever it is attacked, because it is not worth it.

Ate Ging, thank you kaayo for sharing this proverb. It teaches all of us a lesson. And for me, personally, it reiterates what my Mother and Father tell me all the time. "Be God-fearing"

I hope your friend learns from her mistakes as well, and that she changes her ways in looking down on other people.

Truly, I mean this when I say this, Salamaat kaayo for sharing this.
Your words speak the truth, Ate Ging.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #31 on:** February 13, 2008, 08:13:09 AM »

Proverbs 12:18

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

Remark:
When you end a conversation, do others bleed or grow? Do others love talking with you, because it is pleasant and profitable? Or do they avoid you, because they fear your harsh and painful words? Are there those that leave you bleeding? Do some encourage and help you? A manâ€™s words reveal his heart (10:20; Matt 12:34-37). Wise men teach their own mouths (16:23), and they avoid the swords of others (9:7-8; 16:27; 21:19; 23:9).
Death and life are in the power of the tongue (18:21). You can cut a person with your words, like the piercings of a sword; or you can heal and nurture him with kind and helpful words. Which are you best at? Which are you known for? Which do you want for your speech? Your number of close friends reveals the kind of mouth you have (18:24).
The tongue is an unruly evil; it is a world of iniquity; it defiles the whole body; it sets on fire the course of nature; it is a fire from hell; and it is full of deadly poison. Wild animals can be tamed, but the tongue can never be tamed. If it could be tamed, you would be perfect. God ignores modern self-esteem and damns your tongue (James 3:1-12)!
There are two kinds of persons and speech. Some people only know cutting words; and some are generally or always gracious. Harsh and unkind speech betrays a bitter and hateful heart. Gentle and kind words reveal a happy and loving heart. Speech can be destructive, or it can be healthful. There are no other options. Your words identify you.
Christians should always speak graciously, with only a pinch of salt â€“ criticism â€“ seasoning it (Col 4:6). This balance of 98% graciousness and 2% reproofs is how we speak to please God. Biting criticism, harshness, and sarcasm outside this balance are wrong (Eph 4:31-32). You should speak to others, as you want God to speak to you!
Your speech should be a tree of life to others (15:4), and it should be appreciated for its sweetness and health (16:24) and beauty (25:11). If you have few friends and family members who seek you out for conversation, then you need to examine your speech. The rule does not lie. If you have few close friends, it is because you are verbally offensive.
Backbiting, slandering, whispering, and talebearing, which create deep piercing wounds, should never be part of your speech, as they prove an unfaithful spirit (18:8; 26:22). If you criticize others to a person, that person safely assumes you will criticize him to them! And no man wants to be the object of gossip, so he avoids you. Start saying good, kind, and thankful things about others, and you will find men wanting to be your friends!
Jesus said harsh speech could be murder (Matt 5:21-22). Anger and name calling without very valid reasons for holy purposes are violations of the sixth commandment. Foolish and unlearned questions, debate, railing, reviling, and answering again are all sins (II Tim 2:23; Rom 1:29; I Pet 3:9; Titus 2:9). The holy God of heaven expects men to always speak respectfully to employers and honorably to their wives (I Tim 6:1-2; I Pet 3:7).
Good speech is at the right time (15:23), with gracious and acceptable words (10:32; 15:1; 25:11). Such speech causes so much pleasure that men want to kiss the speaker on the lips, and kings want him as a close friend (24:26; 16:13; 22:11). So be slow to speak (Jas 1:19), search out good words (15:28), and say them carefully (17:27-28).
The Lord Jesus Christ could verbally destroy Pharisees and other fools of His day with His learned tongue (Matt 7:28-29; 21:27; 22:46), and sometimes it was appropriate for Him to shut their mouths in order to teach the simple (21:11; 26:5). But He generally chose gracious speech that amazed His hearers (Ps 45:2; Luke 4:22; Tit 2: 8 ). If you want to be wise, instead of wearing a WWJD bracelet, talk the rest of this day as the Lord did.

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grazie7y · « **Reply #32 on:** February 13, 2008, 09:08:06 AM »

Tinuud jud, Ate Ging. Your powerful statement shook me to the bones jud, 'te. It reminds me that right now as I am young and opt to proceed to future studies, to never forget my background and where I come from. Ate Ging, I will admit to you my brothers and sisters of my own faults and of my own sins, for being too proud before, for allowing myself to care not for others who did not like me or due to the competition I had in classes and in research. I told my mom about this and what she told me brought reality to me. And truly without my mom, who tells me the brutal honest truth, i would have already gone astray.

"Bran, anak, do not forget where you come from. Your lolo and lola did not even have education pero they were able to send me and your titos and titas to school. Do you look down on them for no education? Ang mama ug papa sa imung Daddy, do you look down on them because naa ra sila didto? Ayaw jud pa bastos-bastos ondoy, kai your ginikanans come from a humble and simple background jud. Ikaw, eldest ka , you must lead through example so your younger sister and brother will learn through you"

"Mo give thanks ka sa ginoo, ondoy, kai naka anhi ka kai gi taga-an man ko ug imung daddy ug chance to come here sa America. Be humble doy, ayaw pa saka-saka kai gamay ra man jud ta sa ginoo"

I listened to my mother's words. And I control my pride, I let it go whenever it is attacked, because it is not worth it.

Ate Ging, thank you kaayo for sharing this proverb. It teaches all of us a lesson. And for me, personally, it reiterates what my Mother and Father tell me all the time. "Be God-fearing"

I hope your friend learns from her mistakes as well, and that she changes her ways in looking down on other people.

Truly, I mean this when I say this, Salamaat kaayo for sharing this.
Your words speak the truth, Ate Ging.

You are so blessed, Dong, to have a mother or parents who lead you and correct you to the right path. I can almost hear your mother when I was reading your post.

Other parents are success-driven that they don't think anymore of their children's spiritual well-being. You know what you said about your grandparents' not having education, it really brought me back to my own mother. Our mother didn't even finish elementary. Her family was so poor and yet they are loving family. Our mother was one of my Dad's family's house helpers and then they fell in love. My Dad was so blessed to have my mother and so are we her children. Most of us graduated college (except all the boys) from our hardwork and of course, God's blessings, but we are always reminded of our humble beginning, of the time that we could hardly eat anything before we go to school. It's easy to just think that we were so unblessed then but if you look at it better, we are so blessed to have that experience to look back now and appreciate more of what we have. Also, we were able to relate to those people who were like us then and be more compassionate and understanding and helpful and be humble.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #33 on:** February 13, 2008, 10:10:39 AM »

Ate Ging, I thank God everyday for giving me loving and graceful parents. What helped me the most was when my Lolo Ciano came to America in 2003-2005. We had many talks, which lasted from the afternoon to the dead of night. It brought me to tears listening his story. When Lolo was only 12 years old he quit elementary school because he was the eldest of 12 children, and his family was form Barangay Anas in Valencia. They came from a very poor and humble background; and Lolo would work in the basak in the day, working to get casava, rice, pick coconuts from the trees; and whenever he had free time he would go fishing with his brothers and his fellow farmers. When he was only 16 years old, he witnessed with his own eyes the Japanese who came to Bohol and he told me one time that one soldier tried to run after him because Lolo was watching them, thank God for my Lolo's speed, he was able to run to the bukid and escape the Japanese who would have surely killed him as they did the young Filipinos in Valencia. He told me that he and his brothers saw with their eyes a japanese soldier throwing a baby in the air and catch it with their bayonnet because the mother and father was suspected to know rebels. I thank the Lord God that i did not have to see such times, such brutality. And what more it humbled me that my Lolo told me this, telling me what he saw through his own eyes. When he was my age, he worked as a hired hand in Cagayan De Oro, as a boy. He provided money to his siblings and sent many of them to college. Luuy pood si Lolo kai he was able to go back to Bohol and there he met my Lola, then-Ms. Fortunata Tan. She was a businesswoman and ingoon si Lolo he 'caught a fortune' hahaa, meaning my Lola. Lolo and Lola, through hard work and through the help of family were able to start a prosperous jeep business. That is why, they were able to send all their children to college; 2 boys graduated as Engineers, 1 boy became an administrator and 2 of the girls (one is my mother) graduated as nurses. In the words of my own Lolo, "Na luuy ang ginoo namo, ondoy, kai luuy man jud mi, imung lola ug ako". It brought me to tears, Ate Ging, to hear such stories from my Lolo.

Ako, my brothers and my sister are enjoying the fruits of the hard labor of my lolo, my lola, and my parents. That is why na lipay2x jud na siya to see all of us, his apos, to be successful in our studies. When Lolo was with us I would always prepare his food, do everything he asked of me, because that was the least I could do for my grandfather, his body is so weak because he worked so much all throughout his life. And I learn so much from him, humble kaayo siya, and very gentle hearted.

I thank the Lord God for my Grandfather and my Grandmother, who instilled such humility in my mother, who then instills it and teaches me in the right path. In always telling me where "you come from".

And if I do something bad, Ate Ging, the face of my Lolo appears in my mind. His eyes, which are so deep and filled with emotion and faith. I fear in ever disapointing my beloved Lolo Ciano.

Ate Ging, your mother and your father are good and honest people and it is clear that they are good people, honest and faithful; your words and your actions reflect their goodness. They raised a good daughter, and that is what counts the most. Bitaw no? The Lord is kind jud, and hard work does pay off.

Ay...now I'm thinking of my Lolo. I miss him so much :'( :'(

Lolo with Andre, 2003

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grazie7y · « **Reply #34 on:** February 13, 2008, 01:21:43 PM »

Nakahilak ko Dong sa imong story and more so when I saw the face behind the story, your Lolo Ciano! I saw in his face the lines of hardwork and perseverance and love to his family!

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grazie7y · « **Reply #35 on:** February 13, 2008, 01:56:35 PM »

Proverbs 12:18

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

Remark:
When you end a conversation, do others bleed or grow? Do others love talking with you, because it is pleasant and profitable? Or do they avoid you, because they fear your harsh and painful words? Are there those that leave you bleeding? Do some encourage and help you? A manâ€™s words reveal his heart (10:20; Matt 12:34-37). Wise men teach their own mouths (16:23), and they avoid the swords of others (9:7-8; 16:27; 21:19; 23:9).
Death and life are in the power of the tongue (18:21). You can cut a person with your words, like the piercings of a sword; or you can heal and nurture him with kind and helpful words. Which are you best at? Which are you known for? Which do you want for your speech? Your number of close friends reveals the kind of mouth you have (18:24).
The tongue is an unruly evil; it is a world of iniquity; it defiles the whole body; it sets on fire the course of nature; it is a fire from hell; and it is full of deadly poison. Wild animals can be tamed, but the tongue can never be tamed. If it could be tamed, you would be perfect. God ignores modern self-esteem and damns your tongue (James 3:1-12)!
There are two kinds of persons and speech. Some people only know cutting words; and some are generally or always gracious. Harsh and unkind speech betrays a bitter and hateful heart. Gentle and kind words reveal a happy and loving heart. Speech can be destructive, or it can be healthful. There are no other options. Your words identify you.
Christians should always speak graciously, with only a pinch of salt â€“ criticism â€“ seasoning it (Col 4:6). This balance of 98% graciousness and 2% reproofs is how we speak to please God. Biting criticism, harshness, and sarcasm outside this balance are wrong (Eph 4:31-32). You should speak to others, as you want God to speak to you!
Your speech should be a tree of life to others (15:4), and it should be appreciated for its sweetness and health (16:24) and beauty (25:11). If you have few friends and family members who seek you out for conversation, then you need to examine your speech. The rule does not lie. If you have few close friends, it is because you are verbally offensive.
Backbiting, slandering, whispering, and talebearing, which create deep piercing wounds, should never be part of your speech, as they prove an unfaithful spirit (18:8; 26:22). If you criticize others to a person, that person safely assumes you will criticize him to them! And no man wants to be the object of gossip, so he avoids you. Start saying good, kind, and thankful things about others, and you will find men wanting to be your friends!
Jesus said harsh speech could be murder (Matt 5:21-22). Anger and name calling without very valid reasons for holy purposes are violations of the sixth commandment. Foolish and unlearned questions, debate, railing, reviling, and answering again are all sins (II Tim 2:23; Rom 1:29; I Pet 3:9; Titus 2:9). The holy God of heaven expects men to always speak respectfully to employers and honorably to their wives (I Tim 6:1-2; I Pet 3:7).
Good speech is at the right time (15:23), with gracious and acceptable words (10:32; 15:1; 25:11). Such speech causes so much pleasure that men want to kiss the speaker on the lips, and kings want him as a close friend (24:26; 16:13; 22:11). So be slow to speak (Jas 1:19), search out good words (15:28), and say them carefully (17:27-28).
The Lord Jesus Christ could verbally destroy Pharisees and other fools of His day with His learned tongue (Matt 7:28-29; 21:27; 22:46), and sometimes it was appropriate for Him to shut their mouths in order to teach the simple (21:11; 26:5). But He generally chose gracious speech that amazed His hearers (Ps 45:2; Luke 4:22; Tit 2: 8 ). If you want to be wise, instead of wearing a WWJD bracelet, talk the rest of this day as the Lord did.

I once read a story about a man and a son. The son was so verbally abusive. His father was sad. He talked to his son kindly and gently in terms of parable. They were in their backyard trying to fix their fence. The father said that hurting words are like nails that pierce through the wood planks. The son understood that and he promised not to be verbally abusive anymore. Then, the father removed the nail from the wood plank and showed to the son the hole. Even if we are sorry for the hurting words we hurled to people, yes it can be healed but the scar represented by the hole still remains.

I am no saint. At times, I allow my temper to get the best of me. I sometimes so passionate in conveying my words that without knowing it, I came out so strong and hurting. I always ask the Lord to guard by tongue so as not to unnecessarily hurt people. My guiding verse is that of Matthew 15:11 - It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man."

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #36 on:** February 14, 2008, 10:15:34 AM »

Sometimes, Ate Ging it is always better to tell the truth than to sugar coat things for a person. Ate Ging, when you tell the honest truth to people about their misconduct, it isn't your fault that they are offended. Nay, they are offended because their soul, their consciousness is awakened to the reality of their actions and it is their pride, that makes them believe that you are wrong and they correct.

It is always better to tell the truth, and be genuine behind the the words you use than the inverse.

As for me, I can admit to you that nothing can hurt me more than my mother's words. I would rather be disciplined with my father's belt 100 times than take ten minutes of my mother talking to me in anger. I don't know if it is a trait for all Valencianons or Boholanos, but when they tell the truth and the honest to God truth, it cuts deep. It opens your soul to your actions and your sins. And it sinks in. So strong that it awakens you to reality and accepting your wrongs. That is why, I'd rather be corrected by my mother for mundane things than suffer her deep comments if I wronged something or someone.

And I accept it, who else will tell me the truth and correct me besides my own mother? She who bore me into this world, and taught me how to walk, think, eat, talk.

The truth hurts sometimes, but the truth is the only way. The other leads to deceit, and to damnation. For the Truth comes from God, and Lies come from the Devil, accursed and doomed to the pit of Oblivion.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #37 on:** February 14, 2008, 10:47:19 AM »

Proverbs
Chapter 21

Like a stream is the king's heart in the hand of the lord;
wherever it pleases him, he directs it

All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes,
but it is the Lord who proves hearts.

To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Haughty eyes and a proud heart-
the tillage of the wicked is sin

The plans of the diligent are sure of profit,
but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty

He who makes a fortune by a lying tongue
is chasing a bubble over deadly snares

The oppression of the wicked will sweep them away,
because they refuse to do what is right

The way of the culprit is crooked,
but the conduct of the innocent is right

It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop
than in a roomy house with a quarrelsome woman

The soul of the wicked man desires evil;
his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes

When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser;
when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge

He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor
will himself also call and not be heard

A secret gift allays anger,
and a concealed present, violent wrath

To practice justice is a joy for the just,
but terror for evildoers

The man who strays from the way of good sense
will abide in the assembly of shades

He who pursues justice and kindness
will find life and honor

The wise man storms a city of the mighty,
and overthrows the stronghold in which it trusts

There is no wisdom, no understanding,
no counsel against the Lord

The horse is equipped for the day of battle,
but victory is the Lord's

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #38 on:** February 23, 2008, 02:24:45 AM »

Earlier this week, I was a witness to a fight that occurred in Brooks Walk, which is the pathway that leads to the Campus center from Brooks Hall all the way down to the Weiss Center. I was walking in Brooks Walk and observed a couple fighting, it wasn't a regular fight, it was nefarious, to say the least. Both parties engrossed themselves in negative comments on one another, as if trying to destroy the other's feelings. There was one comment that the woman said to her partner, "I hope you die, you filthy _______". I don't know if you guys engage in such things, but I totally was affected by this because after the woman said that to her xbf, she left, and as soon as she left, I saw him cry. Such words, such filthy and hurtful words, should have never been said.

And as it reminded me a particular excerpt in the Book of Proverbs, that reminds us of evading such acts. That such words, can pierce the heart much stronger than a tip of a sword of a side of a cane.

Proverbs, Chapter 15 states:

A mild answer calms wrath,
but harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise pours out knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool spurts forth folly.
The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but a perverse one crushes the spirit.
The fool spurns his father's admonition,
but the prudent is he who heads reproof.
He who rejects admonition despises his own soul,
but he who heeds reproof gains understanding

The fear of the LORD is training for wisdom,
and humility goes BEFORE honors.

Peace be with you all.

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grazie7y · « **Reply #39 on:** February 23, 2008, 08:50:11 AM »

Oh my, this is so sad, Dong!

I am one person who easily get affected if somebody is saying hurting words, even if it's not meant for me. When I get hurt, I really cry and it's not nice a feeling to feel. That's why I really resent when somebody's trying to say hurting words. Yes, we can apologize but we already caused a scar in other people's heart. I am not saying I haven't said something hurting to anybody but I live each day hoping I will not hurt anybody.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #40 on:** April 09, 2008, 07:41:28 AM »

Dong, thanks for sharing your spiritual experiences with me. I was so moved to tears by your story and your honesty of how you felt about going to church with your family when you were younger. Blessed are you who believed in Him and accepted Him in your heart.

Dong, question. After you were re-born in that day at the Ford Chapel, did you ever felt empty since then? You know, the feeling that when you wanted to talk to Him and you couldn't feel His presence. Back then in the Philippines when I was so busy at work, I had my work as my life. Going to church every Sunday (at the last mass of the day )was just a force of habit. There was one day I felt so tired and exhausted and alone. Yes, very alone. Overwhelmingly alone. I called for Him but I didn't feel His presence. I always believe that God resides in our heart so I sort of knocked my heart to no avail. I panicked. I cried my heart out. I fell asleep. The next morning, I felt light and there I felt again God presence in my being.

Ate Ging,

Do you ever get a feeling of sadness and emptiness when you do not go to church? Or when you forget to attend a mass?

I'm feeling it right now as I have not attended mass in over a week now.

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grazie7y · « **Reply #41 on:** April 12, 2008, 04:57:47 PM »

Dong, thanks for sharing your spiritual experiences with me. I was so moved to tears by your story and your honesty of how you felt about going to church with your family when you were younger. Blessed are you who believed in Him and accepted Him in your heart.

Dong, question. After you were re-born in that day at the Ford Chapel, did you ever felt empty since then? You know, the feeling that when you wanted to talk to Him and you couldn't feel His presence. Back then in the Philippines when I was so busy at work, I had my work as my life. Going to church every Sunday (at the last mass of the day )was just a force of habit. There was one day I felt so tired and exhausted and alone. Yes, very alone. Overwhelmingly alone. I called for Him but I didn't feel His presence. I always believe that God resides in our heart so I sort of knocked my heart to no avail. I panicked. I cried my heart out. I fell asleep. The next morning, I felt light and there I felt again God presence in my being.

Ate Ging,

Do you ever get a feeling of sadness and emptiness when you do not go to church? Or when you forget to attend a mass?

I'm feeling it right now as I have not attended mass in over a week now.

Dong, sorry I just saw this post. Dong, there is no way I can forget to attend mass especially on Sundays. It's like forgetting to go to sleep or forgetting to eat when I am hungry.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #42 on:** September 21, 2008, 11:51:00 AM »

For the past three weeks I've been meeting up with 5 fellow medical students for our daily study sessions after class; usually we meet up from 5pm and review till 10-11 pm. Payal, Korosh, Gary, Githu and Adriana are my study mates and I cannot thank God enough for His blessings on me in allowing me to meet them and forming our closely-knit study group. Individually, we have strengths in different subject(s) either it be in Embryology, Anatomy, Histology and Medical Ethics; however, when combined we have the ability to move the mountains

What I mean by this is that it really does take humility to accept one's weakness in a particular subject and the need to supplement that weakness in the help of a friend and what better a way to augment learning and self study than to share knowledge with one's fellows.

I was reminded of this when I took a break from studies earlier this afternoon and decided to read from Proverbs. And as I poured my fingers through Proverbs, Providence led me to a beautiful verse in Proverbs Chapter 15. There is a specific verse, 22, in it that poured into my heart today, "Plans fail when there is no counsel, but they succeed when counselors are many." as well as in verse 31 to 33: "He who listens to salutary reproof will abide among the wise. He who rejects admonition despises his own soul, but he who heeds reproofs gains understanding. The fear of the LORD is training for wisdom and humility goes before honors."

Reading this particular message in Proverbs reticulizes my understanding and at its whim, has obliterated any doubts I had in some of my fellow's abilities. I learned from it that it is also important to trust individuals as they trust you. And my study group mates trust me, as well as depend on my lesson plans. But I realize that I have learned alot from them; especially in the Histoogical aspects. And as I thought about it today, I really realized the blessing Providence has given me. He has given me the ability to communicate with my fellows, and most of all, He has given me their wise counsel so that any doubts I may have would be corrected.

In obeisant adoration and in reflection, I give glory and shout the Omnipotence and Wisdom of Providence. From which, Man has received the grace of understanding and reasoning.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #43 on:** April 25, 2009, 02:17:26 PM »

A reading of Proverbs Chapter 3 verses 25 to 34.

This is entitled, "Attitude Toward Fellow Men"

Be not afraid of sudden terror,
of the ruin of the wicked when it comes;
For the Lord will e your confidence,
and will keep your foot form the snare.

Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim
when it is your power to do it for him.
Say not to your neighbor, "Go and come again, tomorrow I will give,"
when you can give at once.

Plot no evil against your neighbor,
agians thim who lives at peace with you.
Quarrel not with a man without cause,
with one who has done you no harm.

Envy not the lawless man
and choose none of his ways;
To the LORD the perverse man is an
Abomination,
but with the upright is his friendship.

The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
but the dwelling of the just he blesses;
when he is dealing with the arrogant,
he is stern,
but to the humble he shows kindness.

The words in this particular excerpt in scripture speaks truth, particularly when it concerns people who are antagonistic to you, count not their actions, but instead of paying their transgressions with transgression, let their actions end with them.

For the Lord tells us that he will repay those who are wicked to you, so let us remember that prayer is the best hope. Pray for those who talk ill about us, pray for their souls, and their own peace of mind, because they need it.

Be kind to them, and understanding and stern in view. For the Lord will bless you and your homes, at the sake of the wicked.

Be humble, and He will show you loving kindness.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #44 on:** October 02, 2011, 11:49:48 AM »

The Fear of the Lord

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:28-31

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #45 on:** October 02, 2011, 11:51:19 AM »

The Fear of the Lord

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:28-31

In other words, when a man decides it is time to marry a woman, i-pili-a gayod ang babaye nga ma hadlok sa GINOO....

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #46 on:** October 05, 2011, 02:35:05 AM »

Proverbs 27:9-10 :

9 Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of a friend's counsel that comes from the heart.
10 Your own friend and your father's friend, forsake them not; neither go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near (in spirit) than a brother who is far off (in heart).

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