Thoughts to Ponder

Bitterness: A Sin, A Solution

2011-04-20T06:26:00.000-07:00

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.” - Ephesians 4:31-5:2

As usual, I was browsing the web to check if bitterness really is a sin; I have stumbled upon the following article which prove that it really was; but it also offered a solution for it. Enjoy reading it:

For the better part of my life I have been involved in some athletic endeavor. During my active years I suffered many various injuries of which, for the most part, I have recovered. Although I carry some scars, and can recount the injuries in my mind, I have forgotten the pain that accompanied these injuries.

Physical pain basically falls into one of three categories. Type One is well known and easily understood. There is an obvious pain caused from injury such as a burn or a cut to the skin. Type Two, is the pain of inflammation, such as a sprained ankle where swelling, redness, and heat are readily evident. The Third type of pain is caused by abnormal and excessive sensitivity to our body’s nervous system. This is medically known as “supersensitivity.” The basic problem is that the nerves going to the painful area are unwell. Doctors call this “neuropathy.” These unwell nerves tend to magnify ordinary outputs and change them into painful sensations. Such pain can not be “cut away” and “pain killers” and other pills generally mask the pain but briefly. What the nerves are in need of is some type of energy that will facilitate the healing process. That is why massage therapy, heat, or thermal energy, is often used to provide mechanical energy to revitalize the sensitive area.

I have said these things by way of introduction, first to try to understand the supersensitive pain that I now feel in my Christian walk, and, second, as a confession of my sinfulness. I presently find myself in the throws of painful bitterness from things that have been said directly to me and the perception that I have about my spiritual condition. In a recent discussion, with a Pastor friend, he diagnosed my problem as one of bitterness towards one particular individual and the infectious results of my lack of forgiveness. As a result of this discussion I have prayed and come to the following conclusions.

First, I can not afford to nurse bitterness in my life. The consequences are too costly. I presently see two clear choices; (1) I can choose bitterness and risk loosing everything that I profess and hold near and dear, or, (2) I can choose the Holy Spirit and His positive power which I need for the putting aside of this dreadful sin. Secondly, I must identify and define bitterness. I must understand why I am bitter and towards whom this bitterness is ultimately directed.

In the opening text, we are given instruction to get rid of all bitterness. Before one can begin discussing how and why this must be done, it is first crucial to realize that the basis for all our actions in this regard must be what Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross…we are to be imitators of God in our actions.

Bitterness is self induced misery, and it produces chain sinning. A chronically bitter person is his own worst enemy and he becomes difficult to maintain a relationship with. Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897) defines bitterness; Bitterness is symbolical of affliction, misery, and servitude (Ex. 1:14; Ruth 1:20; Jer. 9:15). The Chaldeans are call the “bitter and hasty nation” (Hab. 1:6). The “gall of bitterness” expresses a state of great bitterness (Acts 8:23). A “root of bitterness” is a wicked person or a dangerous sin (Heb. 12:15).

“The Greek word translated “bitterness” is said to have originally meant “pointed, sharp, penetrating, painful (to the feelings), and bitter (to the taste).” Finally it was used of personal experience when something was unpleasant and undesirable. “In our language the concept of mental bitterness comes from the idea of something that has a sharp or unpleasant taste. We speak of something being bitter if it causes us grief or is hard to bear.” “Bitterness is just resentment that has been held on to. It has become rancid and rotten. It is kept in and it gets worse. The links in the chain continue. There is a connection between bitterness and hatred, and a very clear biblical identification between hatred and murder. What I am saying is that hurt can lead to murder. Some might object that this teaching is to strong. But the strength of it is from the Bible.

Each of us have an inner sense of what is right, or fair, or just. When that is violated a natural result is to react, to right the wrongs and correct the injustices or to become bitter. When one becomes offended or disappointed by others and allows the hurt to germinate in the heart, bitterness and resentment will take root. This is characterized by an unforgiving spirit and generally results in a negative critical attitude which is sinful and self-defeating. Such bitterness when allowed to fester, will destroy and kill. Someone said, “Bitterness is a devastating attitude of sin. It triggers a wide range of other sins, such as: hatred, cruelty, antagonism, self-pity, unteachableness (implacability), vindictiveness and desires for revenge and prideful ambition (arrogance).”

It is part of the human experience to suffer from pointed, sharp, and painful words or actions from another human being. These experiences are motivated by jealously, conceit, hurtful intentions, and ignorance. Yet being the recipient of these experiences does not lessen the pain. “Most of the time, bitterness is caused by people we cannot escape, or people we love, or people we cannot confront, or people we respect and trust.”

Eventually, the pain will resolve itself if the recipient does not responded in a sinful manner. Such pain will resolve in sin when it is allowed to penetrate and bury itself deep within the heart and soul. This type of pain is not one that is noticed on the surface of the skin, nor does it manifest itself with red whelps on the body. What it does do is that it makes the recipient very sensitive and protective of potential situations where his conduct might elicit a negative response. There is a lack of trust and a defensive and self-protective attitude (a “poor me” attitude). This type of pain is virtually incurable and indestructible. Therefore, we can not wait for the person that has offended us to respond and ask for our forgiveness. We must forgive them now before bitterness takes root; it becomes a unilateral forgiveness; it does not depend on the other person!

Second, I must identify and accept the root of the bitterness. The root of the bitterness does not in itself reside toward the person which offended me. The root of the problem is in repentance. Peter’s advise to Simon, who was described as “poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity,” was to repent and ask God for forgiveness. Why should we ask for forgiveness when it was someone else’s actions or words that cause the bitterness? Because the whole counsel of God’s Word agrees that for the root of bitterness to form we must turn away from God and His grace.

Deuteronomy 29:18—Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood; {gall: or, a poisonous herb}

Deuteronomy 32:32—For their vine [is] of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes [are] grapes of gall, their clusters [are] bitter: {of the vine: or, worse than the vine}

Matthew 7:16—Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Acts 8:23—For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and [in] the bond of iniquity.

It is a hard reality to accept that ultimately one’s bitterness has been directed towards God. By harboring this bitterness I have not allowed His grace to operate fully in my life. I have allowed the bitterness to reach an epidemic state in that I have become bitter towards His church, ministers, and sheep. I have failed to realize that Christian growth is a constant battle against the forces of Satan in my own heart. The battle is spiritual in nature and is fought against my own vicious and destructive thoughts, emotions, and immature ungodly actions.

In the Old Testament Jonah was a bitter man. God said to him, “Doset thou well to be angry for the gourd? I do well to be angry, even unto death.” Here Jonah believes he had a right to his anger. He was saying in effect, to God, “I like being angry, you are wrong to forgive these people…I don’t want you to forgive these people.”

People enjoy holding things against other people. But the Ephesians text requires us to remove all bitterness and to maintain a tender heart. The question is, “Is it possible to be kind, compassionate, tenderhearted and yet bitter at the same time?” These are inner attitudes. Tenderness, the definition, involves a tender loving heart. Bitterness, although inner, is also on the outside, but it is not possible to have two different, contradictory attitudes on the inside.

Paul says to get rid of all bitterness and to be kind and compassionate one to another. Therefore, the bitterness must go. But before it can be removed, it is necessary to know what it is—and that it is there. The bitterness that I am now experiencing originated with the sin of another person. We do not usually get bitter towards evil outside of our own personal contact. Bitterness is based upon somebody else’s sin who is close to us, who did something to us. The problem is that we must not let this sin towards us fester into a sore of sin within us. Scripture in Hebrews 12:15 says that we have no right to harbor bitterness, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”

Here bitterness is described as a root. Although the root is underground and difficult, if not impossible to see, it is the root that supplies the nourishment to the plant; if a tree is supplied from a bitter root the entirety of the tree is bitter. The fruit that is born bears a direct relation to the root producing it. The roots of an apple tree provides apples; if the tree contains bitter roots the apples, although attractive, are not fit to eat.

So what is the solution. The world has two solutions. Keep the bitterness in, and make yourself sick, or let it out and spread the sickness around. God’s solution is to dig up the root and expose it to the Son. The Son will dry and wither the root of bitterness through the grace of forgiveness and the spiritual weapons that are provided to His sheep.

These spiritual weapons at our disposal are the weapons of prayer, faith and love. We use prayer as a weapon against our abusers by praying for either their repentance or for their enlightenment to their oversights; faith is a deep trust in the Lord Jesus Christ that the battle has already been won and the victory guaranteed in what was accomplished via His cross; and love is displayed in godly actions in our dealing with those that are enemies in a manner that may open the door of their understanding or repentance. When these weapons are not utilized by me, how can I expect understanding or repentance to be forthcoming from the offending individual? It becomes a matter of forgiveness on my part regardless of the offenders acknowledgement or repentance of his accusations and actions! “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish” (Jam. 3:14,15). Such bitterness is not from heaven but straight from the pit and is of the devil. Every evil practice results from this attitude. But why is it so difficult to get rid of bitterness even though one realizes it is sinful? In order to get rid of bitterness it must be brought back to the heart. Instead, we must often look at the offender and what he did. In order to get rid of it I must recognize it is my problem before I can confess and forsake it.

“The world’s solutions for bitterness should not be used by Christians. When Christians copy the world they become conformed to the world and make poor choices. The Bible says to get rid of all bitterness. One must not keep it in and one must not share it with others. We must surrender it to the Father, through the Son.” “When somebody else says he is sorry, it does not get rid of our bitterness. The only thing that can rid us of bitterness is confession before God because of the Lord Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. This is the only solution!”

25 Signs That You've Been at the Same Job Too Long

2011-04-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

I have accidentally read this article while browsing on the web for personal finance and personal improvement articles:

It's actually written by G.E. Miller in his blog (?) Wise bread:

We live in an age of short attention spans, low patience, instant gratification, and unrealistic expectations. Duration of employment is at an all-time low, and most of us don't make it past the two-year mark, on average. That being said, we've surely been around the guy or gal who has simply just been around too long. And just maybe, that guy or gal is you!

That's right, without realizing it, there might be signs that you've reached the limit on your current job, and it might be time to consider an employer or a career change. What follows are some warning signs that the writing is on the wall (all meant to be humorous, but some might be painfully true):

1) You start to refer to all new hires as "pups" and "spring chickens." - here in our office it's "newbies"

2) You play office trivia at lunch with other tenured folk just to make the "pups" and "spring chickens" feel out of place. - ahemm...

3) They ran out of clever title changes to make you feel special about doing the same work. - actually, they add new work to make us feel "wanted" (am I so bitter here?)

4) You start getting plaques for how long you've been around. - I think for us here, it stopped during our 6th year (which was last year, boy am I staying that long?!?)

5) They start naming plants around the office after you as some sort of twisted memorial. - good thing this is not yet happening here:-)

6) You stop caring that last night's leftover fish that you're microwaving for lunch stinks up the entire break room. - I could't care less how my left over dish smells like (maybe I'm too hungry?!?)

7) You work in a company of thousands of people, you have a common first name, and your email alias is your first name. - I have yet to check if there are hundreds of them named like me:-)

8) You bring up the "office softball game from 10 years ago," only to sadly realize mid-thought that nobody you're talking to was even there 10 years ago. - gee...I have been staying 7 years in this company, I just hope that this won't happen to me:-)

9) HR has to tell you to "use or lose" your vacation days. - they are actually doing this every year for each employees!

10) You know everyone's kids' names, and remember them. - yep!

11) You only stick around for the sole purpose of getting drunk and making an ass out of yourself at the annual Holiday party. - good thing is that I don't love partying:-)

12) You're the only person the IT guy completely avoids because he's scared of you. - actually my batch mates are scared of me...and I don't know why, I don't bite and I haven't even physically hurt any of them!

13) There are empty liquor bottles in your cubicle...and you just don't care. - mine is magazine rack full of scratch papers and files from 7 years ago:-)

14) You can't remember when you didn't spend an hour a day at watching YouTube videos at work. - gee...this is not accessible in our office; the restrictions are too strong!

15) You reminisce about the '80s all the time, only to painfully realize later that most of the people you work with were actually born in the late '80s. - heheh...mine is 90's...I'm still a kid during 80's:-)

16) Your boss is younger than you. Yeah.... - no comment:-)

17) You remember actually cashing a paycheck from the same employer. - is this for the bonuses?!?

18) You get nostalgic about how things used to be...and those things used to really suck back then. - it's actually the opposite for us here...at least for me:-)

19) You are grandfathered in to an actual pension. Man, those were nice. - I think we only have insurance in our company, not pension.

20) You tell your boss about a job offer you received and they just laugh. - so far I haven't done so:-)

21) Business casual now means jeans and a polo shirt. - for us casual means jeans and polo shirt; business attire is slacks with some "passable" formal looking blouse (for girls).

22) You brought your kid to work on "bring your kid to work day" when they started school but they couldn't make this year's because they have their own job now. - I've been married for 4 years and still, no kid yet and yeah...sometimes their making me the topic about it :-(

23) You reference a scene in Office Space, comparing it to your job, at least once a week. - I have yet to find out what 'Office Space' means:-)

24) You stop getting performance reviews because your boss ran out of BS suggestions for "areas to improve." - might be happening soon:-(

25) 9-to-5 literally means 9-to-5. - for us it's 9x5 (9 hours a day, 5 days a week)

10 Unnecessary Sources of Stress

2010-11-30T21:28:00.000-08:00

Been feeling an incredible amount of stress lately? It’s possible that most of the things you’re concerned about are things you don’t even have to worry about at all!

1. A cluttered environment is one of the main sources of stress. Make it a point to keep things in order so you wouldn't have to keep on forgetting about where you placed your stuff!

2. Stop worrying about your lines! Getting older is a process we all go through and can’t stop. Freaking out every time you see even the tiniest hint of an age line will only help them multiply. Focus on finding ways to feel fab no matter what age you are!

3. Laugh if you want to, cry if you want to, scream if you want to. Never let what other people (might) think stop you from expressing yourself or doing things you feel you need to do.

4. Don’t worry about your weight if you don’t have to. People who go on unnecessary diets deprive themselves of everything good - food, company, and a great mood.

5. Don’t make a habit out of lying. The more of them you tell, the more tangled the web you weave will be; until you can no longer extricate yourself from it unharmed.

6. Many women suffer from poor time management. Instead of spending hours agonizing over what to do next; because there’s just too much on your plate, take half an hour to an hour to organize the things you need to do throughout the day.

7. Low self-esteem makes it easy for us to give up on things because it tells us we can’t do anything before even trying. Build your confidence by doing one thing you thought you could never accomplish in a day!

8. Most of us have the awful habit of prolonging the inevitable. We know we’re going to have to face the music eventually, but we continue to find ways to put things off until we absolutely no longer can. Deal with it now and get it over with!

9. Prolonged arguments can be a large source of stress, especially if they involve people you love. De-stress by making sure you smooth things out as soon as possible.

10. Yes, the world could end tomorrow, hell could freeze over, and the wonderful life you’ve spent years building could come to end—-but who’s to say it’s happening for sure? Stop anticipating the worst before it even happens! Just enjoy life and live it one day at a time.

10 Toxic People to Avoid

2010-11-29T23:19:00.000-08:00

Feel as if you’re surrounded by negative vibes?

Maybe it’s because you keep hanging out with the wrong people. Keep your mood up by avoiding these 10 types of people:

1. The Judgmental – These are people incapable of accepting opinions counter to theirs, who have a default bias on everything. If you can’t deal with them, don’t bother; they’ll rarely see it anyone else’s way.

2. The Parasite – They’re clingy types who prey and become dependent on their unsuspecting victims. The only way to deal with parasites is to either teach them how to stand on their own or to avoid them altogether!

3. The Know-It-All – A know-it-all is someone who knows a lot of things and loves rubbing it in everyone’s face, or someone who professes to know a lot of things but actually knows very little. Know-it-alls exude a certain kind of authority and arrogance that can easily deceive people, so be careful not to get fooled!

4. The Dementor - These ghostly creatures from the Harry Potter series suck the life and happiness out of a person. In our world, you’ll always feel tired and spent when you’re around a “Dementor." They can’t help but bring negativity wherever they go, so keep happy by steering clear of these mood downers!

5. The Killjoy – Every time you come up with a bright idea, the Killjoy is ready to shoot it down. They’ll counter you, pull you down, and ultimately ruin your mood. What you can do is block them out: don’t let them keep you from doing the things you want to do.

6. The Rude - These people have no boundaries and don’t respect your feelings and privacy. They have a weak sense of propriety and do things in the most improper ways at the most inappropriate times. Luckily, these types are easy to recognize and therefore, avoid!

7. The Puppet-Master – These master manipulators can easily bend you to their will. They know what strings to pull to get you to do their bidding without you even knowing it. The best thing you can do is to be wary of these people and refuse to allow yourself to be used.

8. The User-Friendly – These fair-weather friends seem to appear only when they need something and disappear just as quickly when they’ve gotten what they wanted. They don’t know how to give but are great at taking, which is especially bad for people who have a hard time saying “no."

9. The Plastic – You can never really tell if they’re being sincere. These people are kind to your face but can’t wait to zing you once you’ve got your back turned. There’s no surefire way to spot a Plastic, but what goes around comes around, and they’ll get their karma in one way or another.

10. The Traitor – These people may seem like your friends, but they’re really waiting for the perfect moment to pull the rug from under your feet. As much as you might trust them, love them, and have already spent years and years cultivating your friendship, these people are more than capable of selling you out in a second! If there’s anything you can do to protect yourself, it’s to be careful. Think before revealing certain things about yourself to others—they can’t fire at you if you don’t give them any ammunition.

Open and Closed Doors

2010-05-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

Well...what you know, just when I was about to question my own decisions and beliefs, God point me to an article that would help me to understand his will better....

OPENED AND CLOSED

We need to learn to thank the Lord for closed doors just as much as we do for open doors. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us.

If he didn't close the wrong door we would never find our way to the right door. Even when we don't realize it, God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors. When one door closes, it forces us to change our course. Another door closes; it forces us to change our course yet again.

Then finally, we find the open door and walk right into our blessing. But instead of praising God for the closed door (which kept us out of trouble), we get upset because we "judge by the appearances." And in our own arrogance, or ignorance, we insist that we know what is right. We have a very present help in the time of need who is always standing guard.

Because He walks ahead of us, He can see trouble down the road and HE sets up road blocks and detours accordingly. But through our lack of wisdom we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour signs. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying "Lord how could this happen to me?"

We have got to realize that the closed door was a blessing. Didn't He say that "No good thing will He withhold from them that love Him?" If you get terminated from your job - don't be down, instead thank God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves - it might be a better job, or an opportunity to go to school. If that man or woman won't return your call - it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go).

One time a person had a bank he had been doing business with for many years tell him "NO" for a $10,000 loan. The Lord led him to call another bank. That bank approved a $40,000 loan for him at a lower interest rate than his own bank had advertised.

I'm so grateful, for the many times God has closed doors to me, just to open them in the most unexpected places. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." (Psalms 37:23) The Mountain top is glorious, but it is in the Valley that I will grow!

Thank God for open and closed doors.... Amen

The Great Avon Experience

2010-03-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Wow...it's almost 4 months since I last wrote an entry here...to my followers, forgive me for being in hiatus...in this entry, I'll explain the reasons why I wasn't able to update this blog of mine during those months....

Last week of November last year, my older sister recruited us (my sisters, cousins, some of her friends and others) to be her agents in Avon...because of this, she was promoted to the position of a Manager.

Hubby was hesitant at first...he told me that I might be pushed to my limits just to sold their products. I, on the other hand, was thinking that this could be a sign from heaven that my long time dream of having a business of my own might get started.

While being interviewed before becoming one of their Sales Agent, the interviewer ask me the reason why I wanted to join their Direct Selling Team. I told her that I wanted to gain financial freedom and to have a flexible time by means of pursuing my own business.

I'll tell you that it was actually kind of hard on my part to ask someone to buy the products I'm selling...there's no problem with the quality or price of the product I'm selling; It's just that I'm too shy to sell things...

But since we have a sales quota to meet every month and I really wanted my older sister to succeed...I learned to be an outgoing, friendly and approachable person. Not only that, I also became patient and somehow had slowly but surely unravel the joy of listening.

I learned that it's important to sell these products but it's more important to listen to their concerns, opinions and suggestions. I also noticed that selling is good but getting their payment is more important (Avon Products are sometimes sold in installment basis after delivery of product to the customers).

I also observed that most of the Top Selling Agents of Avon are humble...unlike in the Corporate World wherein you see the Boss or Superiors wearing good clothes (since they are required to) that sometimes dictates the kind of salary they are receiving...this top selling avon agents are no show-off...you'll see them wearing jeans and sometimes homey clothes...they would wear accessories but most of them are avon products...they promote the products they are selling by wearing or using it themselves.

Their bank accounts are bursting with money from the products they have sold yet you won't see it in the way they project themselves to the world. Sometimes, they are often treated just like a commoner...yet they'll surprise you in Every month's meeting by the announcements that they are among the top sellers.

They serve as an inspiration by living a simple life, humbly leading and providing you with techniques and insights...they are an epitome of a good citizen who uses his / her potential well to help others and glorify GOD for the talents and skills he gave them.

Well...reading this entry, I must say that it's true...I really am proud to be an Avon Sales Agent!

Lessons in life learned while playing Bejeweled Deluxe 2

2009-11-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

Most people do their thinking while in the shower. Mine's the opposite. Realizations come into my mind while I'm already pre-occupied doing something.

The following comparisons about being an employee vs being an Entrepreneur occured into my mind while I was busy trying out the Classic and Action (Timed) version of Bejeweled Deluxe 2:

UNTIMED / CLASSIC VERSION
(This one for me, represents the world of the employment)

1) This game starts at a very low score compared to the timed version

realization: Usually, a newly graduate or newly employed person starts out at the bottom and works his/her way up the corporate ladder.

2) To get advance into the game; you need to proceed to the next level

realization: In job, you have to be promoted in order to climb into the corporate ladder.

3) Bonus points is good but is still small in amount

realization: You received bonuses and benefits while working in a company but, it's still minimal compared to the rewards you will get if, you become successful in enterprising.

4) Since this is an untimed version, you can hang on while playing without necessarily pressing the "pause" button

realization: you can put some work on hold if you are already stressed out; specially if the deadline for that work is still far.

5) Hypercube (this is a unique gem in the game which when use properly to swap with another gem can help you eliminate all of the same type of gems)

realization: This is pure luck...a once in a lifetime chance or opportunity that elevates your career to it's highest level.

6) No More moves sign / Loose turn

realization: for me, this represents employee burn out and more often than not, signifies the dead end or stagnation of your career....time for you to try new things out.

TIMED / ACTION VERSION
(This one for me represents the world of Entrepreneurship)

1) The starting score is relatively high compared to the classic version

realization: In the world of Entrepreneurship, the stakes or risk are often high, especially when you are starting out; yet the results vary depending on your effort to make the most out of it.

2) Since this is a timed version, you will have to press the "pause" button to put the game on hold

realization: If the marketing strategy that you have is not working properly; you have to put everything in halt, to come up with a better plan to increase your revenue. Otherwise you will be beaten by the competition if you remain stagnant. This also means that you have to think and act fast to seize up every opportunity for innovation; or else your competitor might outwitted you.

3) Bonus points is high and strategies to improve your score are plenty

realization: In the world of enterprising, once you have mastered the game, boundless opportunities manifest in front of you to help you improve your earning potential.

4) As you advance into the next level; you also advance into the finish line

realization: In the world of entrepreneurship; as you advance into the next level, you are also meet up with new challenges and excitement as you watch your business and efforts being recognized and your profits going up.

5) Hypercube (this is a unique gem in the game which when used properly to swap with another gem can help you eliminate all of the same type of gems.)

realization: This is a once in a blue moon contract or opportunity that makes your business known and sets you apart from the competition; a certain kind of trade mark that only you can possess.

6) Time Bar gets thinner and shorter as you don't make a move / Time Bar gets thicker and longer everytime you make a move

realization: as you take more challenges (through innovations) and calculated risks; your business has a high chance of staying afloat; but when you stay in the routinary path; you face stagnation.

7) No more moves / Time is Up

realization: It means that you have already reached the peak of your business and it can either face stagnation (if you don't innovate) or a new beginning (if you are up to the next challenge).

so there you go...take your pick as to which path would you like to try out (mine's Entrepreneurship in the future).

Leap of Faith

2009-10-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

Tuesday of the previous week...One of my productive and talented colleagues send an emotional farewell message to us; as it is her last day for Work. Starting next week she'll be having a new job and we won't be seeing her that much. A majority of my colleagues were sad...I do too...but I was more excited that she'll be embarking in a new challenge on her life. I remember when I was her age (I'm a few years her senior) I often found myself doing the same thing. The previous employment that I have and this present one are the jobs where I spent the most years. Often it would just last for a few months until a year. This is my fifth job, by the way.

Leaving your present job to start with a new one is not always an easy decision to make. Especially if you have already spent a few years working there and have already befriended a lot of your colleagues and had learned how to love the job itself. But as always; there is a lot of reasons entailed to reach that hard decision.

I too, had a fair share of colorful experiences regarding Job Hopping. Below are the reasons behind it:

***The Pay was not that Good

It may sound cliche'; but back when I was still in college; there was a time that my Father can no longer afford to send us to school; not willing to stop our education..my sisters and I looked for a job. And so...we became "working" students - landing menial jobs like being a canteen helper (for my older sister), service crew (my younger sister) and data encoder (me) while on vacation, during weekends and holidays. Since these jobs are done only on a part time basis (to avoid conflict with school); the pay was not enough. So...after graduating from college; I finally experienced how it is to have a full time job:

***Monotonous Routine / There is no room for Growth

When you are a newly graduate; don't expect that you will be able to immediately land the kind of career or job you were always dreaming of. I for one, started out as a toll operator - connecting long distance and overseas calls. I only spent two months on that kind of work and then left; to learn more about office stuffs and improve my computer skills (office applications were relatively new at that time); which landed me to my third job:

***Harsh / Toxic Environment

I did get what I wanted. I worked as a clerk on a contractual basis of employment (under a human resource agency) and was assigned to the Accounting Department. There; I learned how to use the photocopying, printer and fax machine (don't laugh...I weren't given a chance to learn how to use them on my previous jobs, remember?); I was able to re-learn stuffs about accountancy....unfortunately, since I made a very serious mistake of throwing out cancelled invoices in the thrash can (so stupid of me); I became the subject of cruel jokes in that department. Because of that, I was de-motivated and no longer find enthusiasm towards my work there. And so...again, I resigned and find my fourth job:

***Office Politics / Unhappiness

Again; I worked as a Data Encoder (although the HR Officer thought I was overqualified - having earned enough experiences from my previous jobs and passed the Professional Civil service Examinations). I learned a lot while being assigned on their Engineering Department. I did multi-tasking; I handled customer calls, dispatch technicians towards their service destination, help out on customer relations officer and supervisor's weekly and monthly reports and a lot more. The monthly salary was minimal (considering I was doing a lot of work outside of my normal job description). But the benefits far outweigh them. They had paid sick leaves (just half of what you left unused); Salary bonus (equivalent to midyear bonus); Profit Sharing (employee's share from a percentage of the company's annual profits) and 14th month pay (equivalent to what you received from the mandatory 13th month). I gained lots of friends while on this job. Unfortunately, since they did not fulfill their promise of promoting me to a higher position (despite of the additional workloads - without additional pay) and because some of my colleagues started mud slinging (to promote themselves); I became unhappy....and so again....

Here I am. on my fifth job (and hopefully the last one); where I met the productive and talented colleague of mine whom I mentioned above. Before she resigned; we were sharing a lot of stories, dreams and aspirations.

As you have read above; when I was younger, jumping from one job towards another was easy for me to do - in order to find what I can't have from the previous one that I have. But as I read books, articles and blog entries pertaining to personal finance, I realized that Robert Kiyosaki (author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad) was right; hopping from one job to another would just make you feel restless and would always give you the same results.

That's why I promised myself that if ever I would resign from my present employment; I would like to permanently, if not irrevocably remain self employed...or ambitious as it may sound - be an Entrepreneur myself.

That way, I would be able to use what I studied in college and take charge of my destiny instead of just allowing myself to follow the "employment" path like everyone else does.

I pray that hopefully; someday...this dream of mine materializes.

Realizations....

2009-10-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

Last September 26, our country was devastated by the typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana). The Greater part of the eastern metropolis such as Quezon City , Pasig , Marikina and Rizal suffered mostly. Even our City (Pasay ) did not escape from it. We also suffered from waist deep muddy flood.

During that time, I realized valuable lessons in life:

1) If you can detached yourself from material things, it would be easy for you to let go when it’s time to let go…no matter how much those tangible things mean to you.

As I watch the flood swiftly entered our house in a matter of 3-4 hours, my mind went blank. My husband’s motorcycle was submerged on the water, so does our Refrigerator and Washing Machine. The material things he worked hard for while he is abroad.

2) Our Life is really borrowed. If it’s your time to go….no amount of money can spare you from the inevitable.

I prayed the rosary twice on that fateful Saturday while Ondoy was throwing lots and lots of rains. I asked God to make it stop so as to spare us; yet it didn’t. So I realized I was not praying right. Then I prayed again and said to God “Thy Will be done.”

3) A person’s life is not defined by the material things he or she possesses.

Hubby called around eight in the evening while the Heavy Downpour from Ondoy’s wrath is damaging the metropolis. I told him about my worries - that some of our major appliances are submerged in the flood and it would definitely cost us that much to have it repaired. He was so calm when he told me “Don’t worry about it; it’s just a material thing, what’s important now is that you’re safe.”

4) Each Natural Calamity really serves as a Great Equalizer.

I was watching the news about the other victims of this typhoon and my heart was really broken. I was actually trying to control my tears to fall. In the town of Marikina , where most of the victims lived in an exclusive subdivision or village, a great deal of their material possessions are damaged. My in-laws who lived in Cainta where victims too (they lived in a subdivision); they lost most of their possessions. Even Actors and Actresses we saw on the television where victims too. When natural disasters like this struck, we are all equals. There’s no rich or poor – we are both victims.

5) When you are blessed – then you should be a Blessing to others too.

I realized that my family and I (my in-laws and relatives included) are indeed blessed; Despite of the damages the flood cause in our possessions, our lives are still spared. I was deeply sad when I saw the dead people whose lives were not spared from the flood. Whatever help I can provide for those victims I should give now while I still can. So, despite of the fact that hubby and I spent a lot for repairs and helping my in-laws (financially) for their lost; I devote time to do whatever help I can do...even if it's small like donating my old clothes and shoes and slippers I no longer used.

God and Nature really had a way to teach us valuable lessons in Life.

Moving Forward - The Day I Lost my Champ

2009-09-23T00:08:00.000-07:00

C.H.A.M.P. - Champion in Attendance Maintenance Program

For five years and eight months, I was a Champ. Our company even recognized my effort for maintaining a perfect attendance for all of those years.

Today, is the day I lost my Champ....much as I want to feel sorry for myself...I know sooner or later that I have to let it go.

Why? Because I realized that the more I cling into it; the more I take for granted the other opportunities that are manifesting in my very eyes...

I was liked a horse whose eyes are partially covered - I keep on aiming on what my visions can see....even if it's the same thing over and over again.

It's over now and I just have to let it go...otherwise, it would eat up my whole system. A lot of my co-pioneers used to be so desperate to be in my position when I was still a champ....Yet, today, if you look at them; you will notice that by letting go of that feverish desire; they have achieved more than they can dream of....

I wish to be like them...

And so....for one last time, I look back at what my being a champ gave me - a Digital Camera, a trip to Palawan, a trip to Hongkong, trip to Bohol and a DVD Player plus thousands of pesos accumulated from each month that I have completed a perfect attendance. Perfect attendance for being a champ means no lates; no overbreaks, no emergency leaves, no sick leaves and no undertimes.

I also earn the adulation of other employees and yes....the envy of some of them....including the people who I thought where my friends.

Tough as it may seem to accept; I mentally list down what might I gain for letting go of my champ...

My time will now be more flexible and not tied by rules; I can now call in for sick leave and not pretend to be okay when I knew I'm not, If something important came up, I can ask for an undertime or an emergency leave, I will now have more attention towards fulfilling my other dreams and looking for other opportunities outside of my job - such as pursuing my graduate studies and researching for some timely and appropriate small business.

I also realized that since I lost my Champ; I had to be more focused on where I spent my money now...for almost six years...I did not save any of the cash incentives I got for maintaining my perfect attendance. I just spent them as I pleased.

It also dawn on me that I can actually buy for myself those things that my champ can give me....If only I can learn to better manage my finances (since I am still supporting my family) - I can have trips abroad, trips on local tourist spots and even the gadgets.

By also watching carefully over my finances; I also learned that I have more than enough to compensate for what I lost (Php 1,000 every month) and just have enough to save for the rainy days.

In short; no matter how hard it may be to accept (for me) that by letting go of one thing that binds me to my work seriously; My visions were cleared to better see the vast opportunities that awaits me.

Parents and their Kids

2009-09-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

This Entry is about my Father. Ever since I was a kid, my mother would always say that I am 90% of my Father when it comes to my attitude.

He is a disciplinarian - so do I. Although he really mellowed down and became a lenient one when we were growing up and me? I just became the spoiler - at least when it comes to my nephews.

He takes care of this things (especially clothes) very well and he doesn't want anyone to "mess" up or "meddle"with his stuffs. Especially when you didn't ask for his permission - if you are borrowing his things. I was very much like him and as I grew up, we both tried very hard not to be "over ruled" by the stuffs that we own.

He is temperamental - This, according to my mother is the most significant trait that I have inherited from him. How true, Although I worked so hard to calm down and teach myself to relax, there are still days that I find it easier to adopt to a challenging task than to be sensitive enough to handle my emotions against those people who pisses me off.

When I was younger, I was always in denial of the last trait that I got from him. Maybe because I know in my heart that it's a negative one and that it is the most overwhelming attitude that I got from him.

However, when I was growing up and already employed, I also learned that I possess the following admirable traits from him:

Diligence - My father always believe in working hard. No short cuts. If you love your work, in return, it will love you too.

Punctuality - Even though my Father is a compulsive drinker and always finds reasons to get drunk whenever he and his pals (and sometimes relatives) are together; he still makes it a point that no matter how sick he was (from hang over) he would still see to it that he is up for work next morning. He still does the same thing nowadays even if he is no longer employed and operates his own jeepney (courtesy of his big sister). It is because of this trait of his that I inherited that I was able to received recognition from our company as the only employee in five consecutive years who was able to achieve a perfect attendance.

Honesty - As a child, he clearly made a point that he would be gentle with us if we confess and tell the truth about the mistakes or sins we have commit. This attitude however, sometimes put me into trouble. Whenever my sister would conspire with me to hide something from our parents, especially our mother, they would still find a way to know the truth - just by asking me. Which in turn, makes my siblings annoyed at me.

So you see, we do have a lot in common. But since no individuals are the same (as the word clearly suggests); we do have differences from one another, which sometimes...causes the two of us to clash:

Forgiving Heart - My father doesn't hold grudge. He maybe rough or mean at times when somebody pushes him to the limits. Still, at the end of the day, he would always forgive. I, meanwhile, learned that if a person betrayed me or caused me a heartache, expect that I'll be distant towards that person. And sometimes, it would take time before I finally forgive and forget what that person did to me before.

Too trusting - When it comes to luck, my father was presented with a hundred fold of opportunities to elevate himself through entrepreneurship. He, however, chooses to entrust his small businesses to the care of those persons who in return only cheated him.
I may not have my own business yet, but when it comes to money, I do my own assignment. I choose to have my affairs monitored time to time just to avoid any issues that I won't be able to handle later on.

As I walk to this journey of life, I learned about myself through him. He is a living example of whom I should be and should be not. Ranging from his frustrations (better life for us and nice retirement for him), realized ambitions (having his own house & lot - courtesy of my sister) and secret wishes that are yet to be fulfilled (travel around thru airplane).

This similarities and differences that we both have just made me realized the feeling that I thought I lost a long time ago...when I learned to be cynical - that no matter how much I proved to the world that I am strong and independent; inside me is a child that truly is my father's daughter....who up to now, even though she is already grown up....still looks up to her father.

Aging Parents & Bleak Retirement Days

2009-08-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

We filipinos are family oriented. Most of the time, even if we are already married, we still choose to stay in our parent's custody.

Maybe out of respect to them or because of the dependency we have from them or vice versa. In western countries, if a child reaches the right age, he/she has a choice to leave his parent's custody and strike out on his own.

In our country, this practice is often times deemed "modern". While a child can leave his/her parent's custody once she/he strikes out on his own, there are still times that we ask for their help financially or the other way around.

Investment for the education is quite expensive, most of the parents expect their kids to "return the favor" to them after the kid has finished studying.

The sacrifices they endure to send us to universities is really admirable. Most of the time, they choose to prioritize our welfare instead of thinking for their retirement.

Thus, majority of them are presented with the worries of how they would faced their sunset days once their kids got married. With nothing left for them after decades of working hard for their kid's sake.

Resentment and Bitterness always accompany them whenever this worries for their retirement days manifest.

Although it is acceptable not to help them once we have a family of our own, we still have to think of the consequences. Karmic effect, if I may say.

They've done everything to give us good education and provide a good life for us - which some of them didn't experience in the first place from their own parents.

They say that once you become a parent, only then you will understand what your parents has gone through for you.

So, if we believe in the "mirrorring effect" of the universe, we should do our best to thank our parents for what they did for us. And even if they are not asking for it, we should be sensitive enough to offer help to them as a form of "debt of gratitude".

In this way, we are also serving as a good example to our kids (once we have our own) for them to emulate when time comes that we are on our own "sunset days".

Planning ahead of time, living a frugal life and prioritizing needs over wants would greatly help us achieve the kind of retirement we dream of.

Living a frugal life, teaches us to want and love what we already have and gives us a lesson to make do with the little that we have. It also teaches us to value our resources well.

By prioritizing needs over wants, we slowly learn how to fight the temptation of splurging on things that we don't really need.

Planning ahead of time ensures that we won't be having the hard life our parents had endure for us. Although nothing really prepares us for the unexpected; it will still served as a good "cushion" for us if ever we accidentally "bump" into the unknown.

This also lessens the burden of having to deal with a bleak retirement days.

Passionalism

2009-08-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

Being passionate about the things that we do is important. It gives us the drive or "kick" that we need to turn our dreams into reality.

I have been through a lot of frustrations in my life. When I was younger, I used to be so passionate about the things that I do. That's why people around me would always say that I am artistic and creative.

Somewhere along my growing up years, I learned the harsh truth that life is not always full of roses. If it is, I would always find myself hurt by the torns after enjoying the roses.

In my search to fulfill my ambitions and dreams, I learned to lessen my expectations and to be realistic. My Idealism has slowly deserted me after practicality has been the name of my game.

Recently, my older sister has subscribed to Avon Direct Selling. What cause here to enter this world of marketing? her lack of money - this drives her to pursue selling products through her sisters - us.

Before, she would just be contented with her earnings from her job and save the rest of their (my brother in law included) money in savings. As circumstances beyond her control (they need to support the college education of her husband's younger brother) would occur, this made her decide to try her luck in direct selling. I must say that she is a good salesman - she can sell products everytime a new brochure of avon arrives.

Her passion to earn from another form of income separated from her job made her pursue direct selling. Ah...passion, what really is passion? It is the kick or drive that pushes us to turn dreams into reality. To work hard despite of numerous obstacles to have our ambitions materialize.

The other day, I was watching Go Negosyo hosted by Gladys Reyes - Sommeareaux; before she ended the program, she advised the televiewers to identify their passion and pursue the things they were passionate about.

I then wonder if she was passionate about skin care maintenance; as she is like Lucy Torres Gomez - flawless. Gladys now owns KSA Magic Soap that is distributed to some drug stores, malls and Beauty & Wellness boutiques.

As I wonder about this thought, I admired her and ask myself what am I really passionate about. Nothing particular came into my mind. Except my wishful thinking that hubby and I would spend each days together and that he no longer needed to work abroad just for the two of us.

I then asked myself how would I be able to turn this wish into reality (except of course by the help of some fairy godmother) and an answer came into my mind:

Try Enterprising - selling products to your colleagues and friends. But then, that would mean I would compete with my sister (whom I am helping to sell her products) and my other colleagues who are already selling their items to our officemates. Besides, I have observed that their sales (from the products) inside the office is really not that good because most of our colleagues are frugal.

then I heard from one of my best pal (who now lives in the province) that apart from having her two owned tricycles operated, managing her small store with animal feeds, she is also into baking! I was suprised, glad and a little envious (at least I'm not hypocrite) of her achievement.

I was wowed by her new feat; she told me that it was hard to earn money but it was so easy to spent it. How she needed to be like what she is today because she's sending her two kids to school. Mind you, her husband is also an OFW, and he earns a lot compared to my husband...because he is already an officer. This friend of mine is a stay at home mom which gives her a lot of opportunities to explore things she would later learn she is so good at - Enterprising.

Somehow, I wish that I was like her. My husband earns only enough for us. We are supporting his father with his monthly allowance. And my family still needs my help to pay some of their utility bills - even if I already have my own to pay with.

Then, I asked myself and God if there is still a way for me to pursue my dreams - to turn them into reality. The answer was BE PASSIONATE.

Slowly, I learned that striking at every opportunity that you meet is not always the answer but rather by carefully analyzing if accepting that challenge or opportunity that knocks on your door would made you a step closer to your goal.

Sometimes, we were driven by greed, envy and jealousy that what we see in our neighbours - we also wanted to achieve.

As I journey through this life, I learned that our destiny is shaped by how we react towards that things that happen everyday, how we value what we believe in and how we fight and work hard to make our dreams come true.

I just hope that as soon as I can, I would be able to pursue my passion (regardless of all the obstacles and hardships that I'm facing - which only spiced up my life anyway) and turn it into reality. That way, I would be able to glorify GOD for properly using the talents that he gave me.

The Case of a Vanishing Friend (after borrowing Money)

2009-07-04T23:19:00.000-07:00

This is the first time that I'll be writing my views on personal finance inside a blog. It may come from a naive mind but it's base on experience. It has been my long time dream to share my ideas and thoughts about personal finance. Feel free to drop in your comments.

Yesterday, after doing my grocery shopping, I had my snack (merienda) at McDonald's Glorietta. On the table next to mine sat three college students (all girls) wearing uniforms in a white dress. I overheard one of the girls sharing her stories regarding one of her friends. How that friend borrowed Php1,000 from her to buy herself a new dress she'll be using in a party. After that, she borrowed Php800 again from her to buy a pair of shoes to complement her dress. After the said borrowings, the said friend of her slowly dissapears and she never heard from her again. After hearing her story, I thought why she let the said friend of hers abuse her generosity? Doesn't she have any ways to confront her friend? Or maybe the said friend really doesn't have any plans to pay her at all. I looked the said girl and wonder if she doesn't have any financial problems at all? (as most students do, since their expenses are often shouldered by their parents). I may sound harsh and bitter here, but back then when i was still a student, I was more lenient towards spending money, until I tried how it is to be a "working" student.

Yes, I tried working during daytime and attend school at night. I first worked as a trimmer on one of a garments factory near our school. I get paid 50 cents for trimming excess threads on a child's jacket. The finish product after going through Quality Assurance or Q.A. are shipped to Germany. It's only on a consignment basis. So, there were days, even months, that I don't have work if they don't have any orders coming for the said product. Since most of my classmates are working student, I asked for their help to find me a job. I landed as a data encoder, this help me honed my typing skills, but the pay is based on each documents you typed. sometimes, we get paid 1 peso per document, most of the time, we only get a few cents for each documents we typed.

Looking back, I really appreciate where I came from. When I was newly employed, (after graduating from college) I had the same experience with one of my colleague, but it was only Php200 that she borrowed from me, and she called me to apologize since she wasn't able to pay me. After that, I never heard from her again, Cellphones where a privilege back then and I don't have any other ways to contact her, so I just let it go. I learned from that experience. Today, I still have friends - but only few or selected ones whom I can trust and who have the same values such as mine when it comes to money.

I just hope that girl that I overheard talking about her experience from her abusive friend would learn her lesson one day - once she starts working on her own and earn her income.