Give Love on Christmas

Last year, I was doing some Christmas shopping in a toy store and decided to look at Barbie dolls for my nieces.  A cute little girl, daintily dressed was excitedly looking at the same Barbie doll that I was checking, she was holding rolled money clamped tightly in her little hand.   When she came upon a Barbie she liked, she would turn and ask her daddy if she had enough money to buy it.  He usually said "yes," but she would keep looking and keep going through their ritual of "do I have enough?"

As she was looking, a little boy dressed ruggedly wandered in across the aisle and started sorting through the battery operated car toys and video games.   Obviously he was wearing a pants probably a couple of sizes too small. He, too, had money in his hand, but it looked to be no more than hundred pesos or so, at the most.  He was with his father as well, and kept picking up the small car toys and other video games. Each time he picked one up and looked at his father, his father shook his head, "no."

The little girl had apparently chosen her Barbie, a beautifully-dressed, glamorous doll that would have been the envy of every little girl on her neighborhood.  However, she had stopped and was watching the conversation between the little boy and his father.  Rather frustrated, the boy had given up on the car toys and had chosen what looked like a leaftlets of stickers instead.  He and his father then started walking through another aisle of the store.

I saw the little girl spoke with her dad and she put her Barbie back on the shelf, and ran over to the video games.  She excitedly picked up one that was lying on top of the other toys, and raced toward the check-out counter.   I picked up my purchases and got in line behind them.   Then, much to the little girl's obvious delight, the little boy and his father got in line behind me.  After the toy was paid for and bagged, the little girl handed it back to the cashier and whispered something in her ear. The cashier smiled and put the package under the counter.

I paid for my purchases and was rearranging things in my purse when the little boy came up to the cashier. The cashier tapped the counter bell three times at the little boy purchases and then said, "Congratulations, you are my hundredth customer today, and you win a prize!"  With that, she handed the little boy the video game, and he could only stare in disbelief.  It was, he said, exactly what he had wanted!

The little girl and her father had been standing at the doorway during that time, and I saw the biggest, prettiest, toothless smile on that little girl that I have ever seen in my life. Then they walked out the door, and I followed, close behind them.   I heard the father asked his daughter why she had done that. I'll never forget what she said to him.  "Daddy, didn't Nanay and PawPaw want me to buy something that would make me happy?"  He said, "Of course they did, Baby."  To which the little girl replied, "Well, I just did!"

With that, she giggled and started skipping toward their car.  Obviously, she had decided on the answer to her own question of, "do I have enough?"

I feel very privileged to have witnessed the true spirit of Christmas in that toy store, in the form of a little girl who understands more about the reason for the season than most adults I know!

May God bless her and her parents, just as she blessed that little boy, and me last night! Have a Merry, Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year to each and everyone.  God bless.

Everything is Possible for those who Believe

One Sunday morning after the mass, I stayed awhile to pray and lighted some candles.  There are many things that I would like to thank for but I know God knows everything inside me.  As I was heading home, I saw a vendor selling some fruits.  The lansones was so inviting…I asked how much per kilogram, the vendor said that it cost a hundred pesos per kilo.  I was surprised that it cost so much because when I was in Zamboanga City the lanzones was only twenty pesos per kilo.  I was contemplating if I will buy the fruit or not since I am holding fifty pesos in my right hand, however I decided to suppress my hunger pangs for that particular fruit and went on my way home.  After crossing the street I saw a disabled woman walking towards me, her left arm was outstretched due to her disability and her gait was not quite well, her right arm normal but she looked frail.  As we came closer, she was begging so I gave her the fifty pesos that was in my hand that time.  You know what?  I saw the most beautiful SMILE in her face and it gave me happiness that time.  I was able to inspire that woman…in a very small gesture of sharing is so uplifting to one’s soul.  I felt so great and I am so thankful that God is always good.  That I am in good health and I felt so fortunate.  I know with that fifty pesos I gave to that woman will go a long way for her needs that moment.  I prayed to God to give her more blessings and heal her condition.  I know there are others who we meet along the way but we ignored their needs.  Hence, when you share something small to those less fortunate for them mean so much.  We can find joy in the simplest things and see beauty in each person you meet.  When times are difficult, remind yourself that no pain comes to you without a purpose.

Lifetime Commitment

Amador came into my life, it is for a REASON, to meet a need I have expressed in my heart.  He came to assist me through difficult times, provided me with guidance and support, to aid me physically, emotionally, or even spiritually. He may seem like a God send to me, and he was always there for me and my children.

People were/are there for a reason, you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will just say good bye to you to an end or sometimes without saying good bye…just like that, we feel numb and don’t know what to do. Sometimes they just walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand.  What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.  When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh and make you SMILE. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real!  But, only for a season and eventually ends. 

LIFETIME relationships teach you a lifetime of lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway), and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas in your life.

As I am celebrating my brand new life ahead:  I am formulating a mission statement, especially a personal one, this is not really easy, but once done, it gives one a sense of ownership, a guide to live by.

A mother of two wonderful blessings, Benjo and Winbie, a lifetime commitment.  A parent, friend, companion, mentor, support to mold each child from infancy to adulthood.  To guide and lead each child to become an upright citizen and worthy child of God.  To love with utter selflessness in all understanding, sympathy, forgiveness amidst the challenges of this changing world each moment, a pleasure, what joy!  My cup overflows and I am thankful I am the vehicle for them.  Time will come when I will face my creator to humbly say:  “Mission accomplish!”

Cup of Tea

While I was going through some books at one of the bookstores, my eyes caught one particular title: Sip a cup of tea. I browsed and found it interesting. A young woman about 27 asked me if reading inspirational books will help a person’s life change. I said something about life lesson at that moment and I felt I was providing her with an important life lesson. You can never be too young to learn the secrets that will help you nurture and develop your true potential as a woman or as a person.  After we had finished talking I sat down and really thought about all of the things I know for sure. The lessons I have learned so far that have molded me into the person that I am today. One thing I know for sure is that today the world is moving at SUPERSONIC speed. I used to think  I was imagining it because I was getting older, but that's not the reason. I know this because people of all ages are feeling the same ramp up in energy. So now, more than ever, we have to slow down and discover who we really are.
Keeping in me my strong faith with God.  Our society wants us to believe that the only road to success is hard work. I have not found that to be the case and I have experienced much success in my life (at least). That doesn't mean you become lazy and unfocused, quite the contrary. What it means is creating consciously so what you want is what you get (well, when I was a little girl, I was my Papa’s girl….what Wina wants, Wina gets!). When you consciously create you are using everything that's available to you and the results are awesome. Now, let me show you a list of the things I know for sure:
1. we are truly God’s creation, at the core of who we are is spirit
2. we are very powerful and when we learn to tap into that power, all things are possible
3. we are artists who every day sit in front of blank canvas and create our lives, our reality
4. when we learn to detach from outcomes, we attach more fully to our natural power
5. there is no right or wrong, just life experiences designed to make us more aware
6. when you rise up from fear and pursue passion you go from living your life in black & white to technicolor
7. that each and every one of us is a unique and magnificent creation
With this in mind, I know the importance of going inside for the answers. We should know that's where the power lies.

Yours truly,
Edwina J. Go

Have you heard that three cups of tea every day support mental activities and improve concentration?
Sip a cup of tea: Institute of Tea -- which is owned by consumer goods company Unilever, which sells tea in around 150 countries -- is a research center whose mission is to “increase the knowledge about tea from bush to cup.” This institute, which does research to reveal the effects of tea drinking on humans’ physical and mental health, publishes articles on the issue regularly in a journal. There are more than 50 experts working at the institute. The nutritionist Jane Rycroft from the institute explained that the theanine in tea increases the alpha activity in the brain. She said drinking two or three cups of tea every day helps improve concentration and makes the brain more alert.
Source: Women’s Health, Todays Zaman, April 25, 2010

Music of the Heart

In every human heart there is always a special song.  A melody that touches the heart and soul, a melody that can do no wrong. Sometimes we hear a sad song when good friends part or simply for a broken and tired heart.  Sometimes we hear a happy song when we are celebrating a special day.  Or simply it is just for a beautiful morning.  With any song there are many movements and the memories lingers on and on, but that divine melody never ever relents.   Life is made up of many songs.  Each song is special.  Each song belongs in one's heart.  But there will always be one song that is uniquely mine.  The music of the heart accompanies us throughout life. In happy moments and in struggle.  But it will always be there to bring comfort and peace.  With this melody comes the greatest release. Embrace that special song in your heart.  That divine melody and you will never ever part.  It will always be there when you need to hear it.  Be still, be at peace and listen to it.  Always give thanks for that special song from above.  Listen to the music of the heart and fill the world with love.

Reality of Life

Life isn't just full of happiness, we have our own ups and downs, everything around us, it's sunsets, it's love, it's tears.  It's the thoughts of yesterdays memories, that can wash away all our fears.  It's that very painful experience, that each one of us has had.  It's the laughter that fills the air, it's the tears when you are sad.  It's loving that someone special,
that at one time made you smile.  It's the pain of losing that person, but the memories that make it worthwhile.  In time when we'll all be old, it's the good times we'll never forget, it's the memories we'll always hold.  It's the hug that we all need, when we'd rather drown in our sorrow.  It's the hope in every one of us, that makes us hold on for tomorrow.  But there are lots of things that we have to be thankful for like the accomplishments, the many blessings and to mention also the hardships because they have served to make us stronger.  I will marvel God's simple gifts, my family, my children, my friends and all others.  Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people.  I will make someone SMILE and I will go out of my way to perform an  unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know.  I will give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down and I will tell that person how special she/he is.  Because all of these are simply the reality of LIFE and I want to live life to the fullest.

Life is an Apple

In May 18, 2007, I passed a different route from my usual. On my way home…along the way a busy road nearby, I chanced a beggar, a little girl, and very young selling small round rugs for a living. I have met so many beggars in my lifetime. Some would just get your attention because you seem to be well-off, so to speak. Others have heart-breaking stories to move you with so much sympathy. But this little girl really touched my HEART. I bought a couple of her merchandise. It cost only two pesos but I gave her one hundred pesos and I told her to keep the change. I saw her face sparkled and lighted up with a big grin and a SMILE, the most beautiful and warm smile I have ever seen in my entire life as she repeatedly thanked me for what I gave her. As she went along her way and crossed the streets, I saw her went inside Seven Eleven Store and bought some doughnuts. I watched her bring the doughnuts to her family in a corner nearby the streets. From a distance, my eagerness to see her how she shared the doughnuts to the rest of her siblings made me feel elated with JOY. Likewise, the family was also smiling and I can feel their JOY as they partook the doughnuts. There was no commotion, no shouting, and no grabbing but instead there was a lot of giving. They were so happy with so little.  I walked and crossed the streets to their direction. I introduced myself and talked to them for a few minutes before I headed home. They were so simple and very warm. They even offered me some doughnuts and I took the smallest munchkin to join them. To tell you, even the doughnut that I usually eat from time to time tasted extra good. I said to myself, “Life is an APPLE"…this is the best day of my life….again. These people were real people. They were sincere with the JOY they shared. They had dignity in their poverty. They had HOPE. They had LOVE and most especially they had GOD. This is just one of my stories and I wanted to share it with you. It touched my HEART and I hope it also touched yours. Everyday as we go about our daily task we encounter a lot of experiences, some would give us frustrations, other would make us upset but only few had left "foot prints" in our HEARTS.Learn to appreciate little things around us because we will never know that one will inspire us in some ways or the other. It did to me. Life is an APPLE, indeed!!!

Do Small Things with Great LOVE

In one of stormy days of 1986, I was on my way to school where I was a faculty member in the College of Dentistry, when I saw something I’d never seen before. Lying on the sidewalk against a building in four inches of cold muddy water by the drainage was a man sleeping with only a cardboard blanket to keep him from being completely exposed to the freezing cold. What really broke my heart was when I realized that he wore no shoes or socks. I thought to stop and help him but was not quite sure what to do. As the traffic light turned green, it seemed life was demanding that I move along. So I did. Back in the "anything I wanted was mine" environment, I promptly forgot about the man on the street. Several days later, prior to my scheduled classes, I was having coffee and donut in one of the coffee shops. All of the "important" people had left and it was just me and the janitor remaining. I had seen him quietly go about his business every day while I was there, and he never said a word except "Good morning" or "Can I get anything for you, maam?" He always had a smile to give to everyone. When I asked him how he was feeling today, he told me that he’d been having to ride his bike to work in that muddy flood and that he’d been feeling rather sorry for himself. . .that is, until he saw a man sleeping down on the corner of San Rafael Street with just a piece of cardboard for covering from the cold and no shoes. I almost choked on my Donut as I heard him go on to relate how he was so moved with compassion for the man that he went around the corner to a store and bought the man a pair of socks and shoes. As I heard his story, I saw in my mind a poster that used to be in an old friends bedroom when I was a teenager. It was a picture of a child handing someone a flower and the caption read: "The smallest deed always exceeds the grandest of intentions." I stood there wishing it was me who had bought the shoes and socks for the man, when I finished my coffee and headed for school. As I got into the faculty room, everybody was rushing to go to their respective classes, except one faculty who was just idle sitting in one corner and asked me to listen to his story. He relayed a story about Mother Teresa, who when asked once how she had accomplished such great things in her life responded, "None of us can do anything great on our own, but we can all do a small thing with great love." When I went home that day, I looked for the man on the street. He was gone, but I knew it wouldn't be long before someone took his place.

I hope my personal story will enlighten you as well…God bless and wish you all the best.