Upset

The preacher placed two identical jars on the table next to the pulpit.

He quoted 1 Samuel 16:7 'The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

"These jars came from the same factory, were made of the same materials, and can hold the same amount. But they are different," he explained. Then he upset one and it oozed out honey. He turned over the other, and vinegar spilled out.

"When a jar is upset, whatever is in it comes out. Until the jars were upset, they looked alike. The difference was within, and could not be seen. When they were upset, their contents were revealed. Until we are upset we put on a good front. But when we are upset, we reveal our innermost thoughts and attitudes, for 'out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.'" (Luke 6:45)

What if someone tipped you over today? What would flow out? Would you reveal the "honey" of grace and patience, or the "vinegar" of anger and sarcasm?

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (1Peter 4:8)

Have a terrific day knowing that the one who upsets you may be just looking for some honey - Don't give them vinegar!

Feasting & Fasting

From Fasting To Feasting

Fast from judging others;
Feast on seeing the best in people.

Fast from emphasis on differences;
Feast on the unity of life.

Fast from despair;
Feast on hope.

Fast from thoughts of illness;
Feast on the healing power of God.

Fast from words that destroy;
Feast on phrases that are encouraging.

Fast from discontent;
Feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger;
Feast on patience.

Fast from being negative;
Feast on being positive.

Fast from worry;
Feast on trust.

Fast from complaining;
Feast on appreciation.

Fast from hostility;
Feast on peacemaking.

Fast from bitterness;
Feast on forgiveness.

Fast from constant activity;
Feast on slowing down.

Fast from disrespect;
Feast on recognizing the sacred in all life.

Fast from self-concern;
Feast on compassion for others.

Do you want God to Heal You ?

I got sick last week. Twice.
I bet one reason was so I could write about healing today. (I’m getting worried. Everything is so personal with me. What if I write about exorcism?)
Last Thursday, after eating my breakfast, I felt an ache in my stomach.
It was my usual breakfast: A tall glass of carrot juice with apples thrown in. Plus two bananas. Or some other fruit. Been eating this way for years.
So I didn’t know why I had the sore tummy.
As the searing pain continued, I took a shower, got dressed, and rode the car. I figured the pain would disappear.
But it didn’t.
As I sat in the car, I still felt the fiery throb in my belly.
That was when it hit me: This was acid!
It didn’t click right away because it’s been two years since I felt it.
After living with my body for 40+ years, I’ve learned a lot of things about it.
That I’m incredibly macho and completely irresistible to the girls, shucks, that’s obvious. That my brain is deranged and hallucinatory, I learned that too.
Kidding aside, here’s one thing I learned about my body: When I’m over-stressed, my stomach acids would hit turbo.
But here’s the great thing. Every time I have acid in my stomach, I’ve learned how to heal it. No pills necessary.
All I did was close my eyes (By the way, I wasn’t driving!), place my hands on my chest, and inhale and exhale very slowly. And I said over and over again, “I’m totally, completely, perfectly loved.” I breathed in God’s love into my life.
And in minutes, I felt the pain vanish. Completely.
Sickness Is A Message
But here’s the funny thing: I didn’t know I was stressed out!
Sure, I knew I was juggling lots of stuff. But what’s new? I lead 9 non-profit organizations, plus a few personal businesses. I thought I was managing my work pretty well. But here’s the curious thing—my physical body picked up my inner stress even before my conscious mind knew about it.
When my subconscious mind couldn’t get through to my conscious mind, it would speak directly to my body.
Today, I listen to my body more. Why? I believe that 90% of the time, a sickness means your soul is telling you something. Disease is a message. Because you don’t pay attention to your soul, your soul is using your pain to slap you on your face and cry out, “Listen to me, will you?”
But what do we do? We swallow a pill to deaden the pain. Wrong move. The message was not heard. The wound isn’t healed.
But in the car, I listened.
And my soul quietly told me, “Bo, your To-Do-List has become just too long. Who are you trying to please? Relax in God’s love. Don’t try to win love. You’re already loved. There’s nothing to prove!”
I didn’t only listen. I acted on it. I began to relax. It was like I hit the “refresh” button of my life and saw my work for what it is: Play.
I felt wonderful.
I was healed.
But funny, two days later, I got sick again.
The Second Time I Got Sick
Two days later, I ate in a seafood restaurant.
I ate something really bad and had the runs.
Sorry to be graphic here, but I now know why they call diarrhea the runs. Because I was literally running from one toilet to another.
Believe me, I’ve never thanked God enough for the clean toilets along the road going home. My reward? I now know the best toilets along C-5 Hi-way. It was like Good Friday for me. Not Visitas Iglesias but Visitas Toiletas.
This time, let me make it clear: My sickness had nothing to do with my soul. My soul wasn’t giving me any secret messages. And I couldn’t remove the pain no matter how much I inhaled and said, “I’m totally, completely, and perfectly loved.”
I just ate something rotten, period.
I drank lots of liquids, took a pro-biotic pill, and I was well by evening.
Why am I telling you this? I believe 10% of our diseases are totally biological—and I thank God we’ve got doctors and medicines.
Perhaps your sickness is purely genetic or purely environmental. My point here is that not all diseases of the body are diseases of the soul.
But when it’s not purely biological, you need to go to the roots.
Stress Ain’t Good
The medical community has already said this again and again: A huge majority of our diseases are psychosomatic. (Psyche means soul. Soma means body.) Doctors have been saying this message for decades. But incredibly, the percentages are getting higher.
Forty years ago, doctors were saying that 50% of diseases were psychomatic.
Thirty years ago, they raised it to 60%.
Twenty years ago, it was 75%.
Just yesterday, I read the report: Some doctors now believe that over 90% of our diseases have emotional roots. And if I may dare say—spiritual roots.
Some studies even show that specific negative emotions weaken certain organs of our body. Anger weakens the liver. Grief weakens the lungs. Worry affects the stomach. Fear hurts the kidneys. And guilt lowers your immune system to fight diseases. And when you hate yourself, your body starts destroying itself.
People say that heart disease is the number one killer in the world. Every year, 30% of all deaths in the world are related with heart disease.
But that’s superficial data. I’d dig deeper. I believe that the number one killer in the entire planet is not heart disease but stress. Why? Stress is the number one cause of heart disease. (Nope, it’s not crispy pata, chicharon bulaklak, and aligue. Not a license to eat them, but just clarifying the facts.)
But Where Does Your Stress Come From?
This may be hard for you to believe, but your stress doesn’t come from your job or your boss. Even if he has the thick moustache of Hitler. Your job is merely the location of your stress.
I believe your stress comes from a broken relationship with yourself, with others, and with God.
Stress is not a job problem. It’s a relationship problem.
You’re not at peace. That’s why you’re stressed out.
That’s why you took in more than you could chew.
That’s why you’re working hours aren’t human.
That’s why you’re carrying a burden of 10 people.
That’s why you’re trying to prove something.
That’s why you’re trying to be loved.
Because you don’t have peace.
And note: Peace is about relationship.
That’s why when some men brought their paralytic friend for Jesus to heal, He shocked the crowd because before he said, “Get up and walk,” he said, “Your sins are forgiven.” This is an incredible revelation. Before Jesus healed his body, he healed his soul. More specifically, he healed his relationship with God.
Here’s my wild belief. In a deeper sense, the #1 killer in the world is not even stress, but it’s cause. In essence, there is only one sickness: A lack of love. And that’s why I believe there is only one medicine. Only love heals.
I’ll say it again: Over 90% of the diseases of the body are diseases of the soul. Because the body is a blueprint of the soul, the body manifests the wounds of the soul.
How does one get healed? There are only three steps.
1. Locate the Wound
2. Clean the Wound
3. Strengthen the Body
If you want to be healed, you need to go through these crucial steps.
Step #1:
Locate The Wound

Yesterday, I showed a brand-new basketball to my audience.
I said, “The ball is your body, the air is your soul. They’re one.”
I then dropped the ball. Instead of bouncing, it landed on the ground with a loud “flop”.
I said, “There’s nothing wrong with the ball. There’s something wrong with the air inside the ball. It’s the same with your body. Your body is sick perhaps because your soul is sick. To bounce well, you need to repair the air of the ball. In the same way, to function well, you need to repair your soul.
Locate the wound.
Most likely, the wound is not in your body but in your soul.
Let me give you an example.
Let’s say you feel pain in your leg. But in reality, the cause of the pain is a pinched nerve in your spinal cord.
So even if you hire the most expensive masseurs from China to massage your leg, you won’t get healed. Even if you apply imported ointments from Germany on your leg, you still won’t get healed.
That’s why I believe the first step of healing is to locate the wound.
Let me give you a more common analogy.
Is There Really A Problem Child?
When a boy is rebelling, drinking, taking drugs, parents will knock on my door and beg me, “Bo, please talk to our son. He’s a problem child.”
But from my experience (around 75% of the time), the problem child is only a symptom of a problem parent. I’m not kidding. Perhaps the boy is manifesting the conflict in his parents’ marriage. Or the boy is manifesting the immorality in his father’s life. Or the boy is crying out for love and affection from his emotionally-distant father.
If his parents locate the wound (themselves!), then they won’t ask me to talk to their son. They’ll ask me to talk to them! They’ll ask me to help them sort out their marriage. They’ll ask me to teach them how to build a relationship with their kids. Because if the problem parents are healed, the problem child is healed too.
Here’s my last example, and I know it’s something you can relate to.
Don’t Just Treat The Symptoms
My friend Sean suffers from ulcers and high blood pressure. So his doctor prescribes him maintenance medicines and he takes them regularly. The pills are expensive and the leaflet in the box says it may damage his liver if taken for a long period of time. Sheeesh. That’s the problem with not listening to the message.
Because I know Sean, I told him, “You’re so stressed! Almost everyday, you work until 12 midnight. If you really want your ulcers and high blood pressure to be healed, you need to de-stress your life. Get peace.”
Sean shook his head. “I can’t. My job is my stress. How can I live without my job? That’s why I’m taking meds.”
How many Seans are there in this world?
They want to be healed but they don’t want to locate the wound.
They just want the symptoms to go away.
Healing won’t happen unless he says, “I’m wounded in my soul. Please heal me.” But the Seans of the world don’t say that. Instead, they will say, “Me? Wounded? Nah. I just need a pill and I’m ok.”
After locating the wound, you need to heal it by doing something very simple.
Step #2:
Clean The Wound
A few centuries ago, people didn’t believe in germs. Scientists hadn’t developed the germ theory yet.
So for many Wars, many soldiers died not because of gunshot wounds but because of infections. When the wounded soldier came for treatment, doctors didn’t clean the wounds. They just bandaged them. And millions died.
Today, we know that many wounds don’t even need ointments.
Just clean it—and the body’s healing system will heal the wound.
It’s the same with the soul.
Once you locate the wounds of your soul, clean it from the overstaying dirt: Sin, Guilt, Fear, Worries, Grief, and Resentments.
And the only cleansing agent I know is forgiveness.
To clean a wound, you need to ask forgiveness and give forgiveness.
It’s the only way.
Ask forgiveness from God. Ask forgiveness from those you’ve hurt in the past. Give forgiveness to those who hurt you. And forgive yourself for your own failures. (I have met many who God have forgiven—but who can’t forgive themselves.)
Sadly, I’ve met people who are sick with cancer today because of a deep-seated anger towards an adulterous husband, a horrible father, a selfish mother… Anger is a powerful emotion. At right amounts, it stirs you into action. (That’s why God gave us the ability to get angry.) But if you keep anger in your heart for too long, it becomes a deadly poison that will kill you.
Clean the wound of your soul.
If you want physical healing, heal your relationships.
Your relationship with God.
Your relationship with others.
Your relationship with yourself.
Finally, the last step of healing.
Step #3:
Strengthen The Body
The body has it’s own powerful healing system.
Locate the wound, clean the wound, and it’ll heal itself.
But you need to provide it with the nutrition it needs.
For the soul, its food can only be love. We’re sick because we lack love. Fill it with love, and healing happens spontaneously.
Learn to love yourself as God loves you.
Learn to say, “I’m totally, completely, and perfectly loved.”
You have nothing to prove.
Relax in His love.
Release all stress from your life.
And start giving love more.
Why Some Don’t Get Healed?

One day, someone asked me, “Bo, my father has cancer. I’ve been praying for his healing for two years now. Why is he still sick? Why doesn’t he get healed?”
So many have asked me this disturbing question before.
My honest answer: I don’t know.
I can’t explain why sometimes, the healing happens in a blink of an eye.
Sometimes, it happens gradually.
Sometimes, it happens without even seeing a doctor. No surgery. No medicines. In a snap, the person is well.
Sometimes, it happens through surgery, medications, and hospital care.
And sometimes, the healing doesn’t happen. The person dies.
Why? I can only guess. And my guess is Romans 8:28—all things work for good to those who love God.
All sickness can be used for a greater purpose.
Perhaps it’s to bring you closer to God.
Perhaps it’s to bring you closer to your family.
Perhaps it’s your path to inner peace.
If you’re sick right now, I urge you to listen to God speaking through your soul. Perhaps there’s a message in your sickness. Once you hear the message, do it.
If you’re sick right now, fill your life with love.
Receive love. And give love.
Like my young friend Gemma.
To end my article, I’ll allow her to speak to you—first person.
Gemma Pasimio
I don’t look sick but actually I am.
I’ve been battling with cancer since September 2006. A tumor was found in my right ovary so I had a major operation. Upon biopsy it was found to be malignant. I was simply told I have cancer. My heartbeat stopped for a moment when I heard the word “cancer”. How can I have cancer when I’m so young? Am I gonna die? I cried a bucket of tears but my doctor assured me that I’m not gonna die because my cancer was discovered at an early stage – Stage 1C. However I have to undergo chemotherapy for 6 months.
Initially it was difficult for me to accept the harsh reality. It was painful for my family, friends, and for my boyfriend. My boyfriend promised to walk with me throughout the difficult journey.
I had my first chemo in October 2006. After 10 days, I lost my long straight dark brown hair. I was completely bald and had no hair in my whole body. I felt so ugly. I looked like a freak. I didn’t want to get out of the house for fear that people would look at me strangely. I was that insecure. But my insecurity hit rock bottom in November 2006.
Because 4 days after my second chemo, my boyfriend of 3 ½ years, who promised to stay with me no matter what happened, broke up with me to be with another woman. He simply decided to leave me when I was battling with cancer.
I thought, God was truly punishing me! Why did I fall for a man who I thought would love me unceasingly, unconditionally, whether or not I was sick, whether or not I had hair? I was angry with God. I was angry that I was sick, that I was bald, that I was ugly, and that my boyfriend left me.
In April of this year, my cancer spread in both my ovary and abdomen. Doctors said my cancer advanced to stage 3c-4a. They also said I needed 2 major operations and undergo chemo afterwards. I asked, if I go through this again, can you assure me that I will be completely free from cancer? As expected, there was no guarantee.
So my answer to them was simple — “no to operation, no to chemo”. Why would I allow the doctors to open me up again if they couldn’t guarantee that the cancer cells will no longer spread? Why would I have another chemo if there was no assurance that I will be completely free from cancer? Therefore I said “no”.
That day, I decided to do two things: Grow closer to God and enjoy my life as much as I can. Today, I serve in Singles for Christ. I love God and have given myself to Him.
And I’m enjoying my life so much, I can now swim 50 laps in 40 minutes. I go to the gym. Since the start of this year, for the first time, I’ve joined 3 marathons, completing 5 kilometer races.
I’ve resigned from my stressful job and now operate my own little business.
Today, because of my faith and my positive attitude towards life, where I avoid useless stress in my life, I’m receiving God’s healing. Today, my medical tests show that even without chemo or surgery, both of my tumors have now shrunk!
With God at my side, I live one day at a time. Everyday is such a beautiful gift from Him. And I enjoy each day so much. I’m happy and at peace. God is my healer and I give my life to Him.
Here’s my bet: Gemma is healthier than many of us who don’t have cancer.
Fill your life with love, and healing will happen spontaneously.
May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez

Gardening for Beginers ....

PLANT FOUR ROWS
Author Unknown

Plant four rows of peas.
Prayer
Penitence
Patience
Preparation

Plant four rows of squash.
Squash gossip
Squash indifference
Squash criticism
Squash negative thinking

Plant four rows of turnips.
Turn up for Church
Turn up whenever needed
Turn up with a friendly smile
Turn up with determination to be a better person

Plant four rows of lettuce.
Let us soar to new heights
Let us come together in harmony
Let us share God's love, and
Let us practice forgiveness

Enjoy the harvest!

Testimony of Francis Bok .. redeemed Sudanese slave

The Killer and the Rosary.. a story of Ted Bundy

To understand that Our Lady needs us, it helps to begin with the awareness that we also need her and that her help never fails those who pray to her with a sincere heart. This American Monsignor is a good witness of that.

On May 14, 2009, Mgr. William Kerr, a leading human rights figure, died. Mgr. Kerr often spoke of his very first hospital assignment, where he ministered to a young burn victim dying from his injuries. Later, he recalled, he would be called upon to perform even more ghastly duties.

In 1978, the police called Msgr. Kerr in the middle of the night to accompany them to a sorority house in Tallahassee. When he arrived he was told that all but one of the girls in the house were dead or near death, killed by the infamous serial killer, Ted Bundy. After administering last rites to one of the college girls who was dying, the police on the scene asked Fr. Kerr to speak with a girl who had survived the massacre unscathed. They had a very specific question: Why did Bundy stop right inside the door to her room, drop his weapon, and leave without touching her?

The young woman refused to speak to anyone except a priest. When Fr. Kerr approached the near-catatonic girl, she told him that her mother had made her promise, before going off to college for the first time, that she would pray the Rosary every night before bed for protection. Even if she fell asleep praying the Rosary, which she had that night. When Bundy came into her room to murder her as he had the other girls, the beads were still clutched in her hands.

Ironically, Bundy later sought out Msgr. Kerr as a spiritual counselor while he waited on death row. Over the course of their sessions, Bundy explained to Mgr. Kerr that when he entered the girl’s room, he just wasn’t able to continue with his spree, he dropped his weapon, and he fled.

Such is the power of our Mother’s protective mantle. Such also is the wisdom of a mom, who managed to give her daughter the most efficient, powerful weapon - the rosary, which later saved her life.

Are you a giver or a taker ?

She was nuts.
When I was a teenager preaching in small prayer groups all over the country, I’d see this woman sneak into the room—trying hard to conceal her face—carrying a mammoth of a tape recorder inside a white plastic bag over her shoulder.
And like clockwork, before I step down the pulpit, she’d sneak out and leave quietly, vanishing into thin air.
This woman would be present in every single talk.
I can only imagine the lunacy of this woman. If she wasn’t listening to me live, she was listening to me on tape.
So naturally, when I go home, I knock on my mother’s door and say, “Mom, how many times do I have to tell you, stop doing that! You embarrass me!”
My mother would open the door and with an innocent look that could win an Oscar ask, “Huh? What are you talking about?”
But behind her, I could already hear my voice being played from her recorder.
“Mom, you’re getting too proud,” I said, “and that’s pride just the same. Look at your room. It’s a national museum of my talks, my articles, my photos…”
Mom said, “Bo, don’t you know that God has given mothers an exception to that rule? Mothers can be very proud of their children.”
“Where did you read that? Vatican III?”
“Go away now. I’m busy,” she said.
No doubt about it. My Mother is the Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer of Bo’s Fans Club International.
Today, at 84 years old, she hasn’t changed.
Every Sunday, I preach three times at the Feast: 8am, 10:30am, and 1pm.
Would you believe? She attends all three sessions and listens to me preach every single time. Not content with that, before leaving the house on Sunday, she’ll first watch me preach at six in the morning on TV5.
And from Monday to Saturday, she wakes up really early just to listen to me preach through Radio Veritas at five in the morning. And in the middle of the week, she’ll ask my sister to put on the internet so she can watch me at http://www.preacherinbluejeans.com/
Mom loves me. No doubt about it.
I also remember one thing about her…
Mothers Are Givers
We were a big family. Six kids.
And whenever there was a birthday or some other special event, we’d always have fried chicken.
Like all kids, we would fight for the “drumstick”. Because chickens—for some reason—only have two legs.
All those years growing up, I always thought that Mom’s favorite part of the chicken was the neck. Because every time we had fried chicken, she chose it.
Later on, I realized she chose that piece because no one wanted it.
Why? Because my mother was a giver.
I guess most mothers are givers. They’d rather starve as long as their kids are able to eat.
I love my Mom. I really do.
But I’ve resigned myself to this undeniable fact—that I’ll never love my mother more then she loves me. It’s impossible. She loves me so much. My heart is filled with love today because Mom and Dad loved me. I am who I am today because of that love.
I repeat: I think most mothers are givers.
My own wife is a giver too.
Yes, she is the Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer of Benedict and Francis Fans Club International—our two boys.
When Bene was a toddler, he drew a line for the first time. She screamed, almost in tears, “Bo, look at your son! He was able to draw a line! A line!”
That’s the role of the mother and the father—to affirm, to inspire, to love.
Today, my wife homeschools our kids.
It’s not easy. I’m so proud of my wife. She gives 100% of herself when she teaches our boys at home. Each morning, she’d wake up early to prepare her lesson plans—for two little boys! She’d choose the activities, prepare test papers, and draw charts for them. She’d spread out the paraphernalia needed—crayons, scissors, clay, blocks, gizmos… Everyday, she’d teach our kids from 8am to 3pm.
No doubt about it. My wife is a giver.
I repeat: I believe most Mothers are givers.
When they’re not, bad things happen.
Why Many People Have Problems
I thought all mothers and fathers are givers. Not true.
How did I find out?
In my 30 years of ministry, I’ve met people who have so much emotional baggage, so much hurt and violence in their hearts, that they’ve made terrible choices in life. Consequently, they have monstrous problems. They have addictions. They have really bad relationships.
And through the years, I’ve found out one common thing among most of them: Their parents weren’t givers. They were takers.
Their mother or their father were selfish people—thinking only of themselves, shouting at their kids, beating them up, verbally abusing them, or abandoning them all together. When these children became adults, they made terrible choices in life, because they were so desperate for love—they had no anchor, no confidence, and no inner peace.
Sometimes, the problem wasn’t selfishness. Just ignorance.
“As a child,” my friend said, “my mother gave me away to her older sister. Like I was a puppy.” Most of these people, now adults, still wonder why they were given away. They have a big hole in their hearts that they desperately want to fill.
My friend, if your parents weren’t givers, go to God.
God is the greatest giver.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son.
Yes, God is the Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer of your Fans Club International. He watches every step you make, listens to every word you say. He loves you so much.
And He wants you to be a giver too.
The Lifestyle Of Giving
Do you want to receive anything?
More joy? More wisdom? More friends? More money?
Here’s what you do: Give away that exact same thing that you want to receive.
Because that’s how the universe works.
Whatever you give, you receive.
Take the case of wisdom.
I give wisdom to people. I’ve written 14 books so far. (By the way, I’m now launching my 15th book, entitled, Don’t Worry, Be Happy.)
But between the author and the reader, who gains more wisdom? The reader reads the book once. But the author rewrites his book ten times. Guess who remembers the truths more? Yes, I give wisdom. But I gain ten times the wisdom I give away.
Or how about happiness.
Who are the happiest people in the world? Those who are able to give happiness to others.
That’s just how God made the world. We receive what we give away.
Even money.
When God Blesses Our Tithing

Yesterday at our meeting, I asked Randy Borromeo to share his story with us. Randy is our Feast preacher in Makati and the guy in charge of our media ministry.
Like me, Randy gave his life to God when he was 12 years old.
He shared how as a young kid, he started tithing or giving 10% of his allowance to God.
When he was a teenager, he recalled that life was hard. He had 9 siblings. And one day, his helper Aling Esther said, “Randy, there’s no food in the house.”
Randy told her, “Pray to the Lord. God will provide.
So Aling Esther prayed, “Lord, give us four viands!”
Randy was shocked. “Aling Esther, why did you ask for four viands? One is enough!” He turned around and prayed, “Lord, you better answer her prayer. I don’t want us to lose face.”
A few minutes later, someone rang the doorbell.
Randy opened the gate and saw a woman carrying a tray of food. It was Mrs. Cabigao, their neighbor. “It’s my birthday today! I hope you can use some food…”
Randy quickly counted the viands on the tray. There were four viands!
As the family gathered around the table, still mesmerized by how God blessed them, the doorbell rang again. When they opened the gate, it was Mrs. Cabigao again, this time bringing ice cream for everyone. God gave more than what they asked for.
Randy said, “Even if life was hard, I tithed. Because I saw that God cannot be out-given.” And almost 30 years later, he continues to tithe. Whatever he gave, God gave back to him many times over.
Let me share with you one last story.
Be A Giver Until The End
One day, a woman was dying of cancer.
In a few days, she would celebrate her birthday. And deep in her heart, she knew it was the last birthday she’ll ever have. But there was no bitterness or sadness.
So she called all her closest friends and invited them all to a party. She told them the truth: “You better come,” she said, “because I think this will be my last birthday party.”
Her friends came and they had lots of laughter together.
After the meal, she brought all of them to her living room.
She faced them and said, “For years, I was in the gathering phase of my life. Today, I’m no longer in that phase. I’m in the surrendering phase. As I’m about to depart this earth, I no longer need material things. I have only one need in my life now. I need to love. I need to love you. So before you go home, please allow me to love you…”
She then spread on the table all her most precious belongings—a favorite teacup, a lovely pitcher, a scarf, a warm jacket, a watch, a few pieces of jewelry…
She said to her friends, “Please bring one gift that you need. I don’t need any of them anymore. So that every time you use it, hold it, or look at it, you’ll remember that I love you. It’ll be our connection.”
Many tears were shed in that party. But much laughter as well.
Six weeks later, this woman went to Heaven.
She was a wise woman.
She gave until the last breath of her life.
She knew the language of Heaven.

Banksy Video

Video of photos ofBanksy graffiti art with the Beatles tune 'Help' performed by Rick Wakeman.

Telegrams to Padre Pio… a story from Austria-

Shortly before Easter 1950, I found out that a dear friend of mine who lived in Innsbruck, had suffered a heart attack while visiting her sisters in Vienna; she was in hospital hovering near death. I wondered what I could do. Whenever I have asked myself this question on similar occasions, I have always felt the entirety of my wretchedness and my inability to offer real help.

Of course I can pray. To be sure, we never pray in vain, even if we are conscious of the weakness of our own prayers. But in these kind of cases we need powerful prayers; so I sent the following telegram to San Giovanni Rotondo. “Padre Pio, we very much recommend to your prayers Mrs N.B who is seriously ill in Vienna, so that she may improve, have priestly assistance and go back home”

Almost immediately I received the response from San Giovanni Rotondo “Padre Pio prays for the sick woman, sends his blessing and his best wishes” My friend recovered from her heart attack almost immeditely and her health improved day to day, she was also visited by a priest and was able to go back home to Innsbruck.

And thus all 3 things I had asked for in my telegram, at a moment when, humanly speaking there was no hope left, were granted to the letter.

Carry on Wayward Son..

No one knows the day or the hour

A few months ago a lady had a Mass offered for her sick brother-in-law who was a cancer patient, she was looking after him, a full time job at that stage.

After the Mass a few of the parishioners were invited back to the house for tea & biscuits. They talked for a while and she shared her concerns for her brother-in-law.

Whilst she was a devout Catholic, he had no time for God at all. A very intelligent man, the living room was filled with plaques and certificates that hailed his achievements in his academic and professional undertakings and as a civic leader and local hero, but faith was absent and she feared for him as he had already exceeded the life expectancy predicted by the doctors, another credit to his will of iron.

That evening he was not at home, but at the hospital scheduled to receive a blood transfusion. The nature of his illness meant that he had a low “blood count” and so needed regular transfusions.

After tea, the group decided to pray together for a while, first for the lady who was so exhausted in every way and also for her patient. They prayed for the current problem with his blood, also that he would be relieved of his pains and be able to sleep again (it had been almost a year since he had a nights sleep, every few minutes he woke up because of the pain), and also for him to open his heart to God and receive the faith.

Meanwhile in the hospital, at the same time, 9pm, the patient was hooked up to a machine which measured his blood count, while the doctors were preparing for the transfusion. The blood count was measuring a low level, then suddenly it went up and was reading what would be considered Normal. The doctors were a bit baffled by this, but continued with the transfusion. (The patient told his sister-in-law about this strange event, on his return, before she told him that he was being prayed for). That same night he slept like a baby too, and was able to do so in the next few months with little or no pain killers.

The same group of parishioners visited him again after his release from the hospital and whilst he became more open and requested prayers, as he always felt better afterwards, he was still unwilling to believe what God had done for him. (perhaps the blood count machine was malfunctioning, perhaps the pain killers were working better all of a sudden, maybe its psychological , if you know you’re being prayed for maybe it makes you feel better !etc etc) The more people that witnessed to him the wonders of God, the more hard headed he seemed to become !

Some months passed and on January the 3rd 2006, he passed away.

On January the 2nd he was rushed to hospital with a chest problem, which turned out to be Pneumonia.
But on January 1st, at his own request, he was Baptised and became a Catholic the peace and joy that filled him at that moment visible to all present. The Lord knew the day and the hour and He answers prayers !

Israel set free from Egypt

This is the favourable time: now is the day of salvation. When Israel came out of Egypt, Jacob's people from a land of strangers, Judah became his sanctuary and Israel his domain. The sea saw it, and fled;the Jordan flowed backwards at the sight;
the mountains leapt like rams;the hills, like yearling sheep.Sea, what was it, what made you flee? And you, Jordan, why did you flow uphill? Mountains, why did you leap like rams? Hills, like yearling sheep? Tremble, Earth, at the presence of the Lord,
the presence of the Lord of Jacob, who has turned the rock into a pool of water
and made a fountain out of the flint. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. This is the favourable time: now is the day of salvation.

Push !

Once there was a guy who was told by God to push a large boulder for him. So after some years, the man became frustrated and God asked the
man why he was so sad. So the man explained, "I've been pushing this rock for so long and I've failed you because I failed to move it.
It's not going anywhere"

And so God looked at the servant and said,
"I never told you to move the rock, I only told you to push it. It's my job to move the rock, not yours." And so God moved the rock and
then told the man that he had not wasted his time at all.
"Look at how strong you've gotten all this time pushing and your body is in great shape and has a great tan."

Coffee, milk and one sugar to go..

It was a freezing afternoon in November, an artic wind howling outside. I went outside for a smoke and I noticed across the square there was a taxi, with the bonnet open, broken down. The driver was sat inside most probably waiting for a breakdown truck to arrive.

I paid little attention to it, until the Lord suggested (that voice of conscience) that I go and ask him if he would like a hot drink; you would think he had asked me to sacrifice my first born son, such was my resistance. I was busy and could think of a litany of reasons not to bother. But after a brief wrestle, 3 falls and 1 submission I went inside and put the kettle on.

Crossing the square I wondered at the reaction I might receive from the cab driver. I tapped on the window. He was on the phone and kept me waiting, giving me the opportunity to appreciate just how cold it was becoming out there.

He opened the window and I explained that I noticed he had broken down and would he like a hot drink. He leapt from the cab rejoicing at my offer and thanked me so enthusiastically you’d think he won the lottery.

Somewhat relieved and having established his preference, I dashed back to make it and returned with mugs of coffee (in the best mugs) and we had a chat about diesel engines, getting air in the fuel line and quite a lot of his life story.

As we parted I was amazed to think at how Our Father in heaven, the creator of the universe, was still busy, in this instance giving his undivided attention to a stranded cab driver, seeing his needs but not merely as an observer; getting one of his children to go and attend to that need. Truly He is present in even the smallest details of life.

It puts me in mind of a story I heard from the end of the second world war when allied soldiers stationed in a bombed out village were asked to help out. The villagers asked them to re-build a statue that had taken pride of place in the main square but had been blown-up.

They set about collecting the pieces of broken statue and painstakingly putting it back together again. They found most of it, just a couple of pieces that could not be found, and they placed the completed work back in the main square, and covered it up so there could be a grand unveiling for the townsfolk.

When it was unveiled people were a bit shocked as their statue of Jesus had the hands missing. Underneath, the soldiers who had worked on it, placed a sign which reads “I have no hands. Won't you please lend me yours? "

We are His partners in reaching out to our brothers  and sisters.

Love Your Enemies

Some years ago, a tiny Korean orphan arrived in the United States to join her adoptive family. She was nine months old and weighed only 9 ½ pounds. She grew and blossomed in her new home, but remained a diminutive size.

Her new name was Edie.

One day when Edie was in second grade, she ran home from school, crying. She was frightened. That day, three new girls had been enrolled in her class.

During the first recess, they picked the smallest girl in the class as the object of their anger and frustration. They pinched, poked, and pushed tiny Edie and threatened to beat her up.

Edie had spent an hour in the principal's office with the three girls and was assured the teachers would be watching. The girls were given a warning.

Edie's mother held her little one and comforted her. She learned later, after speaking with the principal, that the girls had been troublemakers at several other schools. They were being given one more chance at a new beginning.

"These girls must have been very hurt in their young lives to be so angry. Her mother said. "The Bible tells us, "Be kind to your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. Edie, let's pray."

Then they prayed for the girls and asked the Lord for a plan of action.

A plan began to take shape. "I can't go to school with you everyday, so you will need to stay close to a teacher when you are at recess or in line to go into school." said Edie's mom.

"If the girls start to pick on you, tell them, "I'd really like to be your friend Are you brave enough to do that?" Edie's mother asked. "The Lord asks us to be kind to our enemies, let's see what happens, okay?

The tiny girl perked up, and with a smile, looked at her mother and said, "Yes, Mom, I'll try."

The next morning, and everyday before Edie left for school, she and her mom prayed for her to be safe and brave, and for the girls to be open to God's love. Everyday, the girls shoved into line behind Edie and called her names and tried to get in a poke or two.

Each time, Edie looked up at them and said, "I'd really like to be your friend." She did have to look up at them since they were so much taller than she was.

The teachers kept an eye on the proceedings, but did not need to interfere as the girls were not hurting her.

After about two weeks, Edie came home looking so discouraged. She told her mother that she didn't think it was working. After they talked about it some more and prayed, she decided to keep trying and continued to faithfully tell them, "I'd really like to be your friend."

One day the following week, Edie ran home as fast as she could and ran into the house shouting, "Mom, Mom, guess what happened today? Just like I always did, I said I'd really like to be your friend, and one of the girls said, "Okay, Edie, we give up, we'll be your friend."

Edie and her mom thanked the Lord for His faithfulness.

A short time later, as the girls were trying to become friends, Edie asked the teacher if she could sit at a table with these girls in the classroom. She had noticed that they were disruptive because they didn't understand the lessons. Edie became their tutor.

Toward the end of the school year, when Edie's parents went to school for a parent teacher conference, the teacher told them, "Because of Edie's kindness, those girls have completely turned around and are productive members of the class." She felt she had witnessed a miracle. And so did Edie's mom and dad.

How many people go through life never experiencing kindness? They don't see it in strangers, and some don't even find it in their own families.

Without experiencing kindness, it becomes impossible to express kindness toward others. The result of this tragic lack is seen everywhere.

What a different society this would be if everyone who has received kindness would be kind to others, especially the unlovely.

Nobody's Friend

My name is Gossip.

I have no respect for justice.
I maim without killing.
I break hearts and ruin lives.

I am cunning and malicious
and gather strength with age.

The more I am quoted
the more I am believed.

My victims are helpless.
They cannot protect themselves against me
because I have no name or face.

To track me down is impossible.
The harder you try,
the more elusive I become.
I am nobody's friend.

Once I tarnish a reputation,
it is never the same.
I topple governments
and wreck marriages.

I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights,
heartaches and indigestion.
I make innocent people cry in their pillows.

Even my name hisses.
I am called Gossip.
I make headlines and headaches.

Readers,
before you repeat a story,
ask yourself:
Is it true?
Is it harmless?
Is it necessary?
If it isn't, don't repeat it.

Measure for Measure

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day,
while trying to eke out a living for his family, he heard a cry
for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran
to the bog. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a
terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer
Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and
terrifying death.

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparce
surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and
introduced himself as the father of the little boy Farmer Fleming
had saved. "I want to repay you," said the nobleman. "You saved
my boys life."

"No, I cannot accept payment for what I did," the farmer replied,
waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came
to the door of the family hovel. "Is that your son?" the nobleman
asked. "Yes," the farmer replied proudly. "I'll make you a deal.
Let me take him and give him a good education. If the lad is
anything like his father, he'll grow to a man you can be proud
of."

And that he did. In time, Farmer Fleming's son graduated from St.
Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become
known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming,
the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the nobleman's son was stricken with pneumonia.
What saved him? Penicillin. The name of the nobleman? Lord
Randolph Churchill. His son's name? Sir Winston Churchill.

Someone once said what goes around comes around. Jesus said it
much better. "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure,
pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured
into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured
to you." Luke 6:38

Now Let Me Fill You !

I fill you with My Love. I fill you with My forgiveness. I fill you with My generosity. I fill you with My gifts. I fill you with My strength.

I touch your eyes. See yourself as you really are-as I see you. See Myself in the people around you. See the needs in the people whom I call you to serve.

I touch your ears. Hear My voice. Hear My expressions of love and gratitude for the person you are and the things you do to please Me. Hear the pleas of the people whom I call you to serve.

I touch your mouth. Speak My words. Hold back all that is unloving, unkind, unholy. Proclaim the kingdom of God in the way that I call you to serve.

I touch your heart. Your stony heart is replaced by My sacred and pure heart. I heal the pain from old and new wounds, and I give you the pain that I feel in My heart, caused by the sins and wounds of others, and through this I call you to love the sinners unconditionally.

I touch your hands. Reach out and heal others with Me. Give to them My embrace. Stroke their shoulders to give them My encouragement, and pat their backs to give them My affirmation.

I touch your feet. Go wherever our Father sends you. I will be with You always. I walk with you. My Spirit guides you, keeping you on the right path. Be assured, you will not make lasting mistakes, you will not stray for long, for I am walking with you. I have everything in My control. Fear nothing, My wonderful, dear, dear friend. Fear nothing, for My love for you is all consuming, and always victorious.

I LOVE YOU!

My Wish for You in 2009

After serious & cautious consideration. ..

Your contract of friendship has been renewed for the New Year 2009!

It was a very hard decision to make. So try not to screw it up!!!

May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts.

May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!

May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy.

May the problems you had forget your home address!

In simple words . . . May 2009 be the best year of your life!!!