Happy New Year 2007

Hai all,
well it's Dec 31st, the last day of 2007.
I would like to say

Gaby's with Mom and Dad

Gaby's on Vacation, photos taken at Gua MAria Kerep Ambarawa & Sendang Sono

Marriage and Love

MARRIAGE & LOVE


"You don't marry someone you can live with, you marry someone you can not live without"



Remember that successful marriage depend on two things :
(1) Finding the right person
(2) and be the right person


"woman marry men hoping they will change
Man marry women hoping they will not
so each is inevitably disappointed""To be happy with man you must understanding a lot and love him a little,
to be happy with woman you must love her a lot and not try to understand her
at all"

"Men reach their sexual peak at eighteen.
Women reach theirs at thirty five.
Do you get the feeling that God playing
a practical Joke"

Gaby and Papi

Seneng deh Gaby deket ama papi, percaya gak tiap malem Gaby bobo ama Papi (soalnya papi selalu kebagian shift 1 buat nemenin Gaby), baru deh ntar sekitan jam 2 pagi Gaby bobo ama Mami, soalnya kalau bobo bertiga gak muat, habis Gaby bobo-nya guling2 sana sini.

Asian Idol

JAKARTA, Indonesia : Singapore's Hady Mirza has been crowned the region's first singing champion at the inaugural Asian Idol competition in Jakarta on Sunday. Voting via text messaging began when it was televised simultaneously to all six participating countries, with an unprecedented millions of viewers.
Hady defeated five other Idol winners from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
That's suprised me, since I keep watching the Asian Idol show last Saturday from start to end, and well I think he's so ordinary compare to the other five, he's just average. I thought that It must be Mau Marcello (Philipiners) or Mike Mohede (Indonesia) who's gonna be the First Asian Idol since they're both sing better than the other four, well Jaclyn Victor is good enough to be considered.

Then I came to the conclusion why Hardy Mirza could win the competition not because of his outlook such as the judges said, but more likely for the reasons :

• Even Singapore is a small country with population only 1.45 millions, most of them have a cell phone so most of the society can send an sms to vote to Asian Idol
• Each Singaporean must send sms to vote Asian Idol more than once (hundreds might be ^_^ he..he)
• Even India and Indonesia has the largest population, it doesn't guarantee their Idol could win, since many of the population still struggle for food and living, own a cell phone or watching such a TV show never cross their mind. Sad but true huh...
• Idol Competition using Voting sms tool, can not provide the best result if follows by countries with large different number of GDP. Yes it did success in American Idol, Australian Idol or other developed country. But here...well not veryone own a cell phone.

So Hardy Mirza couild win, because he had organized and prosperous country, and everyone in Singapore love him. Everyone in Indonesia love Mike too, but I'm not sure that everyone knows him, ask poor people in the village, I bet they don't have idea who Mike is. And Even Indonesian knows him and love him anyway, I'm not sure that ordinary people in Indonesia (if they do not know Mike personnally) would like to vote for Mike in premium rate (rp 2000 per vote) for hundreds or tens in each.
So next time we held such a competition like Asian Idol, make sure the rule is fair.

what I'm compalining about anyway...my poor country?? Just a thought

Beautiful Analogy

A BEAUTIFUL ANALOGY!

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer.

"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people?
Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.

The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt.

The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did,
there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! " answered the barber. "What happens, is, people do not come to me."

"Exactly!"- affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens, is, people don't go to Him and do not look for Him.

That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

Beautiful Analogy

A BEAUTIFUL ANALOGY!

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer.

"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people?
Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.

The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt.

The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did,
there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! " answered the barber. "What happens, is, people do not come to me."

"Exactly!"- affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens, is, people don't go to Him and do not look for Him.

That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

VIOLET

http://violet1977-violet.blogspot.com/

Hi There...it's my new Blog

New in blogsphere, still learning how to make a good Blog. Here I'll try to writeonly global issues (not personally I wish, cause I've already make another blog to write my personal life), anyone who like to discuss about Life and Culture especially in Indonesia, please stopping by.

It's almost Christmas

Don't find anything cross my mind, wish I could write something smart actually, but my mind blown away.
Well it's almost Christmas I guess I just wanna say...let's prepare our heart and mind to welcoming new born King.

It's almost Christmas

Don't find anything cross my mind, wish I could write something smart actually, but my mind

It's almost Christmas

Don't find anything cross my mind, wish I could write something smart actually, but my

Indonesia Matters

http://www.indonesiamatters.com/
My favorite blog recently...talking about Indonesian matters such politic & culture.
I myself doesn't have any interest to political issues, but discussion on this blog is really open your mind, even if you agree or not with the topic.

Indonesian Blog

Just a thought..
I've been thinking how to make people read my blog, already tried to advertised my blog to some  friends, but it seems like most of my friends don't like to browse another kind of web unless Kompas, detik, liputan 6, yahoo, gooogle or some XXX things.
I've read my favorite blog recently http://www.indonesiamatters.com/, and there Patung the owner of the blog, has making a long list (top 200) of Indonesian blog, completed with rank and hit. And obviously my blog is not on the list cause he's trying to focus on Indonesia kind of topic.
I create my blog to write personal things on the first place, but this morning I've been thinking why not trying to write some serious topic about Indonesia. Trying hard to think about my beloved country, but nothing cross on my mind.
We read a newspaper and watching tv all the time, but it's hard to rewrite it again. Well dunno yet, but must find a way letter. No trying to be favous one, but only wishing that something I write might helping people who read it.

Christmas Animation Part 2

More cool Xmas animation to add to your E-Card...Enjoy...it

Christmas Animation

Still about Christmas, wanna add some cool Christmas decocative on your E-Card, please check this out

Gaby's Grown Up

Ehm...Yummy...nyam nyam

Parents Job Descpription

To all the parents and the ones who are looking forward to it! Enjoy your wonderful children!

 
PARENT - Job Description

 This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way,

I don't believe any of us would have done it!!!!

 

POSITION:

 Mum, Mummy, Mama, Ma

Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION:

 Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.

Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities.

Travel expenses not reimbursed.

Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 The rest of your life…

Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.

Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.

Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60   in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.

Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.

Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.

Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.

Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.

Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.

Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.

Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.

Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

 

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:

 

None.

Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

 

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

 None required unfortunately.

On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

 

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:

 Get this! You pay them!

Offering frequent raises and bonuses.

A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that university will help them become financially independent.

When you die, you give them whatever is left.

The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

 

BENEFITS:

 While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Child Abuse

Just wanna share something in my mind...........

Tadi pagi selintas nonton berita (lupa di TV mana) ada berita tentang child abuse ke baby 3 bulan yang kalo gak salah denger juga namanya Amelia, Can you imagine??? she's only 3 months baby girl.....
Gak habis pikir deh orang gila mana yang tega2nya berbuat kayak gitu, sekarang si baby lagi dirawat di rumah sakit (lupa RS mana, habis nonton-nya juga sambil siap2 mo berangkat kerja), kondisinya parah boo..hiks..hiks..sedih deh liatnya, di bagian muka penuh luka bekas sundutan rokok (can you imagine...?????!!!) trus ada luka di bagian kepala ama tangan & kaki. Aduuuhh...pokoknya bener-bener deh kalo gw ketemu orang yang ngelakuin itu semua pengin gw bales habis2an tega2nya doing something that horrible to 3 months baby girl.
Denger dari berita itu juga, yang ngelakuin orang tua angkatnya, coba pikir ngapain dia ngangkat anak kalau cuma untuk di-child abuse. Seharian ini gw kebayang terus neh sama wajah gak berdaya si baby Amelia ini, may God bless her with lot of Joy and love in the future.
Inget Gaby sayang, tadi pas gw nonton berita lagi gaby bobo . Thank God, Gaby punya bibi pengasuh yang sayang banget sama dia, jadi gw gak kawatir ninggalin Gaby kerja seharian.

Is there anything we can do to prevent such an abuse..???
Pernah juga gw nonton tayangan investigasi di salah satu stasiun TV soal penyewaan bayi untuk mengemis. Jadi diceritakan di situ pengemis2 di jalanan yang suka bawa2 bayi, bayi2 tersebut mereka sewa dari agen seharga 2 juta per bulan. Entah si Agen dapat bayi2 dari mana, kemungkinan besar korban2 penculikan atau anak2 yang ditelantarkan. Yang sedihnya lagi pas di tayangan investigasi tsb diperlihatkan si "ibu" palsu ini menggeletakkan bayi2 sewaan mereka di trotoar begitu saja di panas terik. Pengin marah gak sih rasanya, bayi2 yang masih dibawah setahun itu dipanas2in di pinggir jalan gitu aja, mentang2 mereka bukan emaknya. Trus gw jadi mikir, untuk makanan & kebutuhan susu bayi2 itu apa mereka penuhi juga, jangan2 biarpun bayi2 tersebut kelaparan tidak dipedulikan (Oh God please take care of them ...the babies I mean).

Kalau udah gini, rasanya jadi pengin setuju aja ama PERDA yang ngelarang kita ngasih duit ke pengemis2, habis banyak pengemis2 palsu yang mereka justru melanggar HAM dengan melakukan child abuse ke bayi2 dan anak gak berdosa.

Thoughts

"Thoughts"

 1. Anger is a condition in which the tongue,
    works faster than the mind.

 2. You can't change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying over the future.

 3. Love ......and you shall be loved.

 4. God always gives His best to those who leave the choice     with Him.

 5.  All people smile in the same language.

 6.  A hug is a great gift, one size fits all.       It can be given for any occasion and it's easy to exchange.
 7.  Everyone needs to be loved,
     especially when they do not deserve it.

 8.  The real measure of a man's wealth is what he has
     invested in eternity.

 9.  Laughter is God's sunshine.

 10. Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it.

 11. It's important for parents to live the same things they teach.

 12. Thank God for what you have, TRUST GOD for what you need.

 13. If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday
     and the worries of tomorrow, you have no today to be      thankful for.

 14. Happy memories never wear out....
     Relive them as often as you want.

 15. Home is the place where we grumble the most,
     but are often treated the best.

 16. Man looks at outward appearance but the Lord looks within.

 17. The choice you make today will usually affect tomorrow.

 18. Take time to laugh for it is the music of the soul.

 19. If anyone speaks badly of you, live so none will believe it.

 20. Patience is the ability to idle your motor,
     when you feel like stripping your gears.

 21. Love is strengthened by working through conflicts together.

 22. The best thing parents can do for their children, is to love each other.

 23. Harsh words break no bones but they do break hearts.

 24. To get out of a difficulty, one usually must go through it.

 25. We take for granted the things that we should be giving thanks for.

 26. Love is the only thing that can be divided, without being diminished.

 27. Happiness is enhanced by others but does not depend upon       others.

 28. You are richer today if you have laughed, given or forgiven.

 29. For every minute you are angry with someone, you lose 60 seconds of happiness that you can never get back.

 30. Do what you can, for who you can,      with what you have, and where you are.

 31. The best gifts to give:
     To your friend, loyalty;
     To your enemy, forgiveness;
     To your boss, service;
     To a child, a good example;
     To your parents, gratitude and devotion;
     To your mate, love and faithfulness;
     To all men and women, charity;       and To God, your life. 

Malaysia Truly Malingsia

Masih pengin ngerasanin negara tetangga yang annoying banget neh, tadi iseng buka milist dapet link resmi dari Kementrian Malay http://www.heritage.gov.my/
Iseng-iseng buka, surprise bgt neh, di situ ada soal CONGKAK (Di Indonesia Congklak) http://www.heritage.gov.my/kekkwa/index.php?bahan=viewbudaya.php?id=966 sama TARIAN BARONGAN (Di Bali Tari Barong), mirip bgt boo http://www.heritage.gov.my/kekkwa/index.php?bahan=viewbudaya.php?id=966.

Udah gitu untuk costum Tari Barong versi Malay mirip banget neh sama yang di Bali. Dan yang paling hebat mereka upload secara detail + gambar2nya di situs resmi goverment. Jadi penasaran di Indonesia Kementrian Pariwisata situs resminya apa ya???

Inget slogan Pariwisata malingsia eh Malaysia ini kan MALAYSIA Truly Asia, and mereka serius lho, maksudnya serius mengclaim budaya negara2 tetangga buat di akuin sebagai budaya originalnya mereka, kan mo wujudin Truly Asia, jadi termasuk Bali ma Maluku juga.

Annoying bgt neh bacanya (kok gw jadi ngamuk2 gini ya), buka aja deh link-nya, masih gondok soal Rasa Sayange kemarin eh nambah2. Herannya biar ramai di blogger kok kayaknya pemerintah kita anteng aja ya, berita yang hangat di TV kalo bukan soal Gunung Kelud ya soal Al Qiyadah (btw over reacted dari masyarakat soal Al Qiyadah ini justru bisa mem-blow up soal pelanggaran HAM baru lho di Indonesia), gak ada usaha soal budaya kita yang dibajak habis2an sama negeri tetangga. Kayaknya sudah waktunya deh pemerintah melegalkan (dalam bentuk copyright) semua budaya asli Indonesia, biar kalo ada yang ngebajak bisa di claim ke Jalur Hukum.

Does anyone know a link to our Kementrian Pariwisata web site ???

Rasa Sayange

Malaysian theft of the “Rasa Sayange” song, before they claimed our two island named Simpadan & Sikatan (am I right??? the named of the island I mean), and what do the Goverment done about it...NOTHING.

It's widely discuss among the blogger about this Topic.
"Rasa sayange" is a title of Indonesian folk song sung by the people of Mollucas in the Eastern of part Indonesia. Although no official facts recorded, this song was believed created by Ambonese man, the late Paulus Pea. The controversy started when Malaysian Tourism Rasa Sayang Commercial, an advertisement, used to promote Malaysian Tourism industry has sparked a rift between Indonesia and Malaysia because the Malaysians considered the song are also owned by them and the other people of the Malay Archipelago since hundreds of years ago.

Indonesian Version:
Rasa Sayange, Rasa Sayang Sayange,
Eeee Lihat Dari Jauh,
Rasa Sayang Sayange

Malaysian Version:
Rasa Sayang Hey, Rasa Sayang Sayang Hey,
Hey Lihat Nona Jauh,
Rasa Sayang Sayang Hey

1.      "Rasa Sayange" song was recorded by PT Lokananta, Solo, Indonesia on August 15, 1962 on gramophone disc. The master copy of this first record is still kept by PT Lokananta. This is known as the first recording of this song

2.      The gramophone disc was distributed as souvenirs to the participants of the 1962 Asian Games IV in Jakarta, and the "Rasa Sayange" song was one of the Indonesian folklores on the disc, together with other Indonesian ethnic groups' folk song such as Sorak-sorak Bergembira, O Ina ni Keke and Sengko Sengko Dainang

3.      Since 1960's "Rasa Sayange" song has been introduced to kindergarten children, making it one of the most popular folk song in Indonesia

4.      The use of 'e' at the end of 'Sayange' is the dialect tone of Ambonese Malay, which distinguish them with the other ethnic groups in Malay Archipelago

5.      In 2007, Malaysia controversially claims this song as a Malay Archipelago folk song

Rasa Sayange" is not only sung by the Malays but is also very popular among the Portuguese in Malaysia, and is a favourite during festivals at the Portuguese settlement in Ujong Pasir here.

The head of the Portuguese traditional music group at the settlement, Manuel Lazaroo said the song handed down by their great-grandparents.

"The word "nona" in the lyrics of the "Rasa Sayange" song in Portuguese means a young lady or an unmarried woman," he told Bernama here today.

He said this in reaction to allegations by some quarters in Indonesia that Malaysia had "stolen" the song and made it a jingle for the country's promotion Visit Malaysia Year and Malaysia Truly Asia programmes.

The Portuguese first arrived in Melaka in 1511. There are currently about 1,200 Portuguese staying in 118 houses in Ujong Pasir.

Lazaroo, 66, however, said he could not say from which country the song originated or who composed the "Rasa Sayange" but that it had been sung since the time of his forefathers.

"I was taught to sing the song since I was a small boy and so were the other children," he added.

Lazaroo, who is the ninth generation in the settlement, said the "Rasa Sayange" could be regarded a song of the Malay archipelago.

Meanwhile, the settlement's head, Peter Thomas Gomes, 50, said the Portuguese community liked to sing the song because it exulted joy and merriment.

"The song is popular among the Portuguese and also other communities. I was taught the song when I was still in school," he added.

But it is a fact that one cannot claim copyright just because one knows or was taught about it or popular between them.

Baby Sleep Training

What is sleep training?
Sleep training is the process of helping a baby learn to get to sleep and stay asleep through the night.

Some babies seem to develop a regular sleep routine quickly and easily. But many others have trouble settling down to sleep — or getting back to sleep when they've been wakened — and they need help and guidance along the way.

When can I start and what are the stages of sleep training?
The first three months
Don't try to impose a sleep schedule or training program on a newborn. Your new baby will need to feed every few hours, around the clock, so it's normal and healthy for him to sleep for just a few hours at a time. Respond promptly to his cries, feed and comfort him, and try to sleep when he does to minimize your own sleep deprivation.

Beginning at about 6 weeks, you can reinforce your child's biological rhythms by establishing a regular bedtime routine. At about the same time every night, for instance, give him a warm bath, read him a book, and then feed him before putting him to bed. (For more ideas, see our article on bedtime routines.) Try to get your baby up at around the same time every morning and put him down for naps at the same point in the day.

At this stage, consider your routine and your baby's sleep schedule as a work in progress: During the first three months of life, your baby will gradually sleep more at night and less during the day. You'll need to keep adjusting the schedule as your baby matures and develops.

3 to 6 months and beyond
Typically, by age 3 months or so, babies have started to develop more of a regular sleep/wake pattern and have dropped most of their night feedings. And somewhere between 3 and 6 months, experts say, most babies are ready for sleep training and are capable of sleeping through the night. They're not talking about eight hours, though — they generally mean a stretch of five or six hours.

Of course, every baby is different: Some may be ready earlier, others later. And some will sleep seven hours or longer at an early age while others won't do so until they're much older.

Before starting sleep training, make sure your baby doesn't have any medical conditions that affect his sleep. Then be flexible about how you apply your chosen program and carefully observe how your baby reacts. If he's very resistant or you see a change for the worse in his overall mood and behavior, stop and wait a few weeks before trying again.

If you're not sure whether your baby's ready for sleep training, ask your doctor.

Sering banget pas my baby rewel karena gak nyaman ato pengin maen terus padahal tengah malam buta, gw pengin Gaby cepet-cepet besar jadi bisa ngerti kalo diomongin, habis sekarang kalo tengah malem dia bangun trus jerit-jerit excited pengin ngajakin maen gw bilang "ssst..sstt bobo ya cayank masih malem" eh dia malah ketawa-ketawa gak ngerti kalo mami lagi ngantuk and pusing berat. Trus juga kalo pas lagi jalan2 ke mall berdua doank ama husband jadi kepikiran kapan neh bisa ngajakin Gaby biar kita kelihatan family, gak kayak orang pacaran. Tapi nyokap gw suka bilang sih nikmatin waktu kamu sekarang, enjoy every moment before you regret it in the future, kalo sekarang diomongin gitu sih boro2 masuk ke kuping, apalagi kalo pas Gaby rewel pengin banget dia cepet besar.
Tapi mungkin emang kata-kata orang2 tua tuh bener ya, habis mereka kan dah experienced, so from now on I'll try to enjoy my every moment

CONCENTRATE ON TODAY'S DATE

    By Steve Goodier © 2004

It's been said well, "If you have to look at the calendar, concentrate on today's date." It doesn't hurt to look back occasionally and learn lessons from the past. And we should also look ahead and prepare for the future. But mostly...it is a good idea to give today the best we've got.

 

Actor Sylvester Stallone once said of his acting success, "It's been a lovely ride - I just wish I'd been there to enjoy it." Have you ever felt that way? That life has been good - even great - but you weren't really there to enjoy it? He went on to say,

"It's been like a blur - like trying to sightsee through a quaint New England town at three hundred miles an hour. I'd like to retrace my steps in the snow and see what I missed. I mean, I've been to Europe ten times in the past ten years, but I can't remember anything. If I didn't have some of the door keys that I took by accident, I wouldn't remember where I stayed. My whole life is door keys."

 

Have you ever felt like your life is.car keys? Office keys? Keyboard keys? A blur?

 

Older people used to tell us when we were young parents to "enjoy these years." "They go by faster than you realize," these friends would say. And most of the time I'd think, 'They can't go by soon enough!'

 

I've always loved my children, and I am forever grateful I am a parent. But some days I couldn't wait for them to grow up.

I remember long nights - long nights when babies were up because they couldn't sleep, or didn't feel well or just decided to use that extra time to exercise their lungs. I remember long nights - long nights lying awake waiting for teenagers to come home.listening for the car engine so I knew they were all right. And if someone would tell me to enjoy those years, I'd shake my head and think, 'I'll enjoy it when they grow up. I'll enjoy getting my life back!'

 

But then the boys did grow up and they left home. And do you know what? Our friends were right. Those years went by faster than I expected. They seem like a blur now.and I wonder if I enjoyed them fully.

 

Thomas Mann said, "Hold every moment sacred... Give each its true and due fulfillment." For these moments, I'm learning, are all we really have.

 

Next time I look at the calendar, I'll concentrate on today's date.

Sering banget pas my baby rewel karena gak nyaman ato pengin maen terus padahal tengah malam buta, gw pengin Gaby cepet-cepet besar jadi bisa ngerti kalo diomongin, habis sekarang kalo tengah malem dia bangun trus jerit-jerit excited pengin ngajakin maen gw bilang "ssst..sstt bobo ya cayank masih malem" eh dia malah ketawa-ketawa gak ngerti kalo mami lagi ngantuk and pusing berat. Trus juga kalo pas lagi jalan2 ke mall berdua doank ama husband jadi kepikiran kapan neh bisa ngajakin Gaby biar kita kelihatan family, gak kayak orang pacaran. Tapi nyokap gw suka bilang sih nikmatin waktu kamu sekarang, enjoy every moment before you regret it in the future, kalo sekarang diomongin gitu sih boro2 masuk ke kuping, apalagi kalo pas Gaby rewel pengin banget dia cepet besar.
Tapi mungkin emang kata-kata orang2 tua tuh bener ya, habis mereka kan dah experienced, so from now on I'll try to enjoy my every moment

CONCENTRATE ON TODAY'S DATE

    By Steve Goodier © 2004

It's been said well, "If you have to look at the calendar, concentrate on today's date." It doesn't hurt to look back occasionally and learn lessons from the past. And we should also look ahead and prepare for the future. But mostly...it is a good idea to give today the best we've got.

 

Actor Sylvester Stallone once said of his acting success, "It's been a lovely ride - I just wish I'd been there to enjoy it." Have you ever felt that way? That life has been good - even great - but you weren't really there to enjoy it? He went on to say,

"It's been like a blur - like trying to sightsee through a quaint New England town at three hundred miles an hour. I'd like to retrace my steps in the snow and see what I missed. I mean, I've been to Europe ten times in the past ten years, but I can't remember anything. If I didn't have some of the door keys that I took by accident, I wouldn't remember where I stayed. My whole life is door keys."

 

Have you ever felt like your life is.car keys? Office keys? Keyboard keys? A blur?

 

Older people used to tell us when we were young parents to "enjoy these years." "They go by faster than you realize," these friends would say. And most of the time I'd think, 'They can't go by soon enough!'

 

I've always loved my children, and I am forever grateful I am a parent. But some days I couldn't wait for them to grow up.

I remember long nights - long nights when babies were up because they couldn't sleep, or didn't feel well or just decided to use that extra time to exercise their lungs. I remember long nights - long nights lying awake waiting for teenagers to come home.listening for the car engine so I knew they were all right. And if someone would tell me to enjoy those years, I'd shake my head and think, 'I'll enjoy it when they grow up. I'll enjoy getting my life back!'

 

But then the boys did grow up and they left home. And do you know what? Our friends were right. Those years went by faster than I expected. They seem like a blur now.and I wonder if I enjoyed them fully.

 

Thomas Mann said, "Hold every moment sacred... Give each its true and due fulfillment." For these moments, I'm learning, are all we really have.

 

Next time I look at the calendar, I'll concentrate on today's date.

Before We Complain

Tinggal 2 hari lebaran neh, si bibi ama si mbak udah pulang kampung my baby jadi gak ada yang ngurusin (maminya masih ngantor bo) udah import nyokap mertua, tapi akhirnya semua orang tetep gak ada yang bisa istirahat, ya udah akhirnya Gaby terpaksa deh dititipin ke rumah mertua, nyokap kan lebih nyaman momong Gabydi rumahnya sendiri. Baru sehari sih dah kangen berat ma Gaby hik :(
Udah gitu semalem pulang kerja, rumah masih kotor banget cucian numpuk banyak, duuh tambah pusing jadinya kangen juga ama si bibi yang selalu membuat semuanya beres.
Baru ngerasain neh susahnya jadi House wife merangkap career woman.
So pas gw baca ulang puisi ini...kayaknya kena banget deh..

BEFORE….WE COMPLAIN

Today before you think of saying an unkind word 
Think of someone who cant speak 
Before you complain about the taste of your food 
Think of someone who has nothing to eat 
 

Before you complain about your husband or wife 
Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion 
Today before you complain about life 
Think of someone who went too early to heaven 
 
Before you complain about your children 
Think of someone who desires children but they're barren 
Before you argue about your dirty house someone  didn't clean or sweep 
Think of the people who are living in the streets 
 
Before whining about the distance you drive 
Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet 
And when  you are tired and complain about your job 
Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who  wished they had your job 
 
When you want to complain about the rules of Christianity 
Think about how'd it be to burn in hell for eternity 
Before you complain about those you are around 
Think of someone who has no one who are lonely and down 
 
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another 
Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker 
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down 
Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around 
 
Life is a gift 
Live it... 
Enjoy it... 
Celebrate it... 
And fulfill it. 
 
And while you are at it give love to someone today 
Love someone with what you do and the words you say 
Love is not meant to be kept locked inside of us and hidden 
So give it away 
 
God is love 
Give Love to someone today! 
 
Written by: C.S.L.

Redefine Yourself

It's quiet long but worth it to read...happy reading

Redefine Yourself!

Unless You Change Your Self-Portrait, Your Life Will Never Change!

(Note: This is Part 5 of the 8-Part Series, How To Get Rid Of Bad Habits Now!)

 

I was only a kid then. 

But to this day, I can never forget our old electric fan.

 

If you’re my age, you’ve probably seen those monsters: An electric fan made of pure 100% steel and heavy as a boat.  And with blades that could chop your head off.

 

One day, we switched it on, and the blades made so much noise, you’d think there was an army helicopter right inside our home. 

 

That was when my cousin Chuck dropped by and volunteered to fix it.  He was known in the family as a “jack-of-all-trades-but-master-of-none” kind of guy.  We should have focused on the “master-of-none” part.  Because after he “fixed” it, the noise was totally gone—but so was all signs of life.  Our fan was now dead.  “Chuck, you killed it!” we told him.  “Well at least, it’s quiet now,” he said, “and we can sell this junk!”

 

That was when my Uncle Tom came ambling through the door.  “He’s good with his hands,” my father said.  So we asked him to check what was left of our fan.

 

Uncle Tom took it apart, and after almost two hours, put it together again. He plugged it—and with bated breath—we saw the blades moving again!  And without the noise too.

 

But no wonder, because the blades made one complete spin every…60 seconds!  It was so slow, we wondered if it was now a clock.

 

That was when one of my sisters asked, “Who made it anyway?”  

 

Someone said, “Hitachi.”

 

Another sister of mine said, “Then let’s bring it to Hitachi.  If they made it, I’m sure they can fix it.”  Once in awhile, my sisters can say sensible things too.  (Just kidding.  I’m the only boy in the family, and the youngest too.  So I have the license to tease them.)

 

True enough, we brought it to Hitachi, and in a few days, the fan was running perfectly.

 

You Have A Self-Portrait In Your Heart;

Many Times, It’s A Lie.

 

In your mind, you already have an image of who you are.

 

It’s a Self-Portrait. 

 

And it’s so incredibly powerful; it actually determines your entire life.

 

This Self-Portrait—how you define yourself—comes from your collective experience of your failures and successes.  It also comes from how other people treat you.   And it comes from how you’ve treated yourself all these years.

That’s why your Self-Portrait could be a lie.

 

It’s like asking my cousin Chuck and my Uncle Tom to fix you up.  They don’t have your blueprint.  They really don’t know who you are.

 

Because they didn’t make you.

 

Go to your Manufacturer instead.

 

Delve deep within you and you’ll see your label stitched to your soul: “God’s Own, Made in Heaven.” 

 

He’s got your blueprint.  He knows all your working parts.  He knows you more than you know yourself.

Because He made you, He possesses your most accurate Self-Portrait.

 

Friend, in your heart right now, you carry a Self-Portrait—a way of looking at yourself.  Question: Where does it come from?

 

My Self-Portrait Was A Lie

 

Years ago, I had a raging pornographic addiction (1)

 

At 3am, I would wake up and roam the streets, looking for my “fix”—pornographic material.  (There was no internet porn at that time, so I had to scrounge for cheap porn magazines.)  That was who I was many years ago.

In my mind, I had only one Self-Portrait: I was lustful.  I was uncontrollable.  I was sick and ugly and shameful.

 

And stronger than my sexual addiction was my approval addiction.

 

Desperate to fill in my hunger for love—and desperate to escape my inner shame—I was desperate that people like me.  I’d bend over to get people to love me, no matter what the cost.  I was a pathological People-Pleaser.  And I was miserable as hell.

 

Yes, I failed in the past.  Too many to times to count!

 

Oh, I shouldn’t be here writing to you now.

 

Yet here I am, authoring books and preaching to thousands.  I’m leading four organizations and a worldwide ministry.  I’m a successful entrepreneur running my little businesses.  I’m a happy family man with a lovely wife and two great boys.

 

I shouldn’t be enjoying all these.

 

I should be in the dumps.  Destroyed.  Hopeless.  Lost.

 

So what happened?

 

In a phrase, I changed my Self-Portrait.

 

Because every time I came to God in prayer, He wouldn’t agree with my rotten Self-Portrait.  He would insist on changing it.  Each time, He would tell me I was wonderful, beautiful, loved, and powerful beyond my wildest imagination.

 

He also told me that it didn’t matter how much I failed. 

 

Surprisingly, He didn’t even look at my failures at all…

 

Let me share with you my three giant Lessons on Self-Portraits:

·        Get your Self-Portrait from God, Not From Anyone Else

·        Keep Focused on your Divine Self-Portrait

·        No matter what happens, never give up your Divine Self-Portrait

 

Lesson #1:

Get Your Self-Portrait from God,

Not From Anyone Else

 

Change the Self-Portrait you carry in your heart.

 

Because you will act according to your Self-Portrait, whether it is true or not.  It could be a total lie (“You’re evil, you’re selfish, you’re ugly, you’re poor…”), but because you believe in it, you’ll be faithful to it and manifest its reality.

 

That’s why when you change your Self-Portrait, you actually change your life.

 

Remember: God’s Portrait of you is very different from the Self-Portrait you carry about yourself.  While yours is usually based on your past, His portrait of you is always based on your future.

 

So He paints a Portrait of you that is always beautiful and amazing and lovely.

 

How do you get your Self-Portrait from God?

 

Listen to His quiet voice within you.  What does He say in your heart?  And what does He say through His Word?  And what does He say through the Church?

 

He says many things about you, but let me re-visit these 3 simple but powerful Portraits. 

·        I’m a Child of God

·        I’m a Friend of God

·       I’m a Champion of God

 

This is who you really are.  Remind yourself of these 3 Self-Portraits, and your life will change!

 

Your First Self-Portrait:

You’re More Important Than The Universe

Because You’re A Child Of God

 

I’ve shared this story before, but let me share it again.

 

Every Saturday night is sacred for me. 

 

Because that’s when I go up to my “cave”, my tiny home office at the back of my house, to prepare for my weekly talk for the next day.  (By the way, you’re most welcome to join us.  I preach at the FEAST every Sunday at Valle Verde Country Club, beside ULTRA, in

Pasig.  Choose between two sessions—7:30am or 10:00am.   You’ll be very blessed!  For details, call Tel. 632-7259999).

 

One Saturday night, I arrived from Pampangga.  As I drove home, I had my plans all set up.  After kissing my wife and hugging my kids, I’d make a beeline towards my cave, shut the door, and prepare for my talk.

 

But my plan was not to be.  Because as I entered my home and hugged my kids, my 7-year old said, “Daddy, can you play with me?”

 

“Sure!” I found myself saying automatically, hiding any sign of reluctance from my voice.  You see, through the years, I’ve had a lot of practice saying “Yes!” even if all I wanted to say was, “No!  Can’t you see I’m busy?”

 

As a father, I’ve made it my policy to always say “Yes!” when my son asks, “Daddy, can you play with me?”  Because I know that a day is coming when my son will no longer ask that question, “Daddy, can you play with me?”  He’ll grow up fast and will have other things to do.  So while he asks that question, my answer should always be “Yes!”

 

God Always Says “Yes”

To What Is Best For You

 

So I sat on the floor and played Pokemon with him. 

 

As I held the tiny Pikachu figure in my hand, I began to think of the thousands of people who would be listening to me at the FEAST the next day.  I also thought of the thousands more around the world who would be listening through TV, Radio, and the internet.  So what was I doing there sitting on the floor with this yellow plastic mouse-like creature in my hand?

 

Answer: Doing my most important ministry, which is, loving my son.

 

At the end of the day, my son is more important than the thousands of people who listen to me.  Simply because I’m his Daddy and he’s my son.

 

Why did I share this story to you?

 

Never forget that you’re God’s Child.   

In His heart, you’re more important than the entire universe. 

 

When you call on Him, He’s there. 

 

When you pray, He’s listening. 

 

When you ask, He gives you the best version of what you’re asking for.  (Not necessarily what you ask for, because you sometimes ask what is second best.)

 

You’re His Child.  Bask in His love for you!

 

Each morning, wake up and shout to the universe: “I’m a Child of God!”

 

Your Second Self-Portrait:

God Talks To You Each Day

Because You’re A Friend Of God

           

One day, a man came up to me and asked, “Did you come up with Kerygma?” 

 

“Yep,” I said, “Started it way back in 1990.”

 

“And after that, you published 6 more magazines, Didache, Gabay, Companion, Sabbath… what are the others?” he asked.

 

“Fish, our teen magazine, and Mustard, our kids’ magazine.”

 

He grabbed my arm and asked, “Bo, can I ask you a question?”

 

“Shoot,” I said.

 

“Where do you get all your ideas?  Aside from the magazines, you launched last Preacherinbluejeans.com and Kerygmafamily.com…  Man, I’m serious.  Where do you get all your ideas?”

 

To tell you honestly, I couldn’t answer him. 

 

Because I felt my answer would have sounded cocky.

 

I wanted to tell him, “I’m a friend of God and He talks to me.”

 

Not with bolts of lightning and peals of thunder.  But through ordinary, beautiful inspiration.  Why?  Because He’s my friend and friends talk to each other each day.

 

Wait a minute.  In case you’re thinking that I’m putting myself on a pedestal here, read my next sentence: If you look back at your life, you’ll realize that God has spoken to you too.  He has been guiding you throughout your life.  Because He’s your friend too.

 

There’s nothing special about me.  I fart.  I snore.  I sleep with my mouth open.  I leave my dirty socks on the floor (Sorry, Sweetheart).

 

 We’re all Friends of God.

 

 You’re God’s Friend.  And God likes talking to you.

 

 Jesus says, No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you (2)

 

 Each morning, shout to the universe, “I’m a Friend of God!”

 

Your Third Self-Portrait:

You Can Do All Things

Because You’re A Champion of God

 

Whenever I face a problem, I speak these mighty words out loud: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me+(3).

 

Let me tell you a story that happened just three months ago.

 

Three months ago, I was worried.

 

Because we bought an Audio System for the FEAST worth a staggering, mind-blowing P2.4 Million.  (It has the power to fill huge stadiums.)  And I also promised the guy who sold it to us that we would pay him in three months time.

 

Frankly, I didn’t know how in the world we could pay him in three months.

 

Let me tell you why: Last year, our group, Light of Jesus, built more than a hundred houses for the poor in our Gawad Kalinga village in Montalban, plus more than fifty houses for the poor in He Cares, a street kids ministry.  At the same time, we also built a P9M building for our Light of Jesus Center.  Because of these wonderful projects happening all at the same time, our pockets had now holes in them.

 

So three months ago, when I signed on a promissory note that we’ll be paying P2.4M for the Audio System, it was utter insanity…

 

My Friends Are Getting Used To My Insanity

 

But after all these years, I’ve gotten used to my insanity, and so have my friends.

 

I figured I didn’t have a choice either, as our weekly FEAST was growing in number and we really needed the beefed-up Audio System.

 

So after I signed that piece of paper, I went on stage and spoke to our FEAST audience.  “Friends, we need to raise P2.4M in three months for our Audio System.”  The crowd in front of me looked at me with a huge question mark on their faces, waiting for a punch line.  They probably thought I was joking.

 

When they finally realized I was serious, I heard someone in the front row whisper, “Is it the full moon?  Bo isn’t thinking straight again.”

 

After my announcement, we passed the offering basket for the Audio System.  True enough.  On that day, we collected the humongous, astronomical, gigantic sum of… (drum roll please)… P12,000!  Wow, if this pace kept up, I calculated that we’d reach P2.4 Million in, oh, four years.  Man, we needed a miracle.

 

During those three months, I don’t know how many times I said, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  I’m a Champion of God!

 

And as the weeks went by, the miracles came.

 

First, the wonderful man who sold the Audio System slashed his price to P2.0M.  He said he no longer wanted to make a profit from us.  (Bless his soul and business, Lord!)  Second, a lot of people began giving sacrificially.  Even friends from abroad sent their donations faithfully.

 

And today, the Audio System has been fully paid.

 

In 27 long years of my ministry, God has never failed me yet.

 

Each morning, shout to the universe, “I’m a Champion of God!”

 

Lesson #2:

Focus Your Eyes On

Your Divine Self-Portrait

 

Ronni is a good friend and a very successful businessman.

 

When I asked him why he’s so successful, he told me a very peculiar reason: He said that when he was growing up as a kid, his father prohibited them from talking about gossip around the dinner table.  They couldn’t talk about showbiz actors, their neighbors, or the usual trivia that people talk about. 

 

Instead, they always talked about business. 

 

Imagine being a 5-year-old boy.  And all around you, people are talking about how to increase sales, how to satisfy customers, and how to market your product!

 

As a child, these daily family conversations around the dinner table painted a powerful picture in Ronni’s mind about who he would become one day.  Subconsciously, he already knew he was going to be a successful businessman. 

 

Today, Ronni owns two companies worth millions.  (By the way, if you want to meet Ronni, he’s one of my financial mentors.  Join my Truly Rich Financial Coaching Program and you’ll meet him.  However, we only accept graduates of the How To Be Truly Rich Seminar.  For more information, call Beckie at Tel. 632-7229562 Tuesdays to Fridays, 9:00am to 6:00pm)

 

For years, Ronni’s father made him focus on a powerful Self-Portrait. 

 

And it has become a reality.

 

Friend, you have to learn how to focus.

 

Don’t focus on the negative things happening in your life.

 

Accept it, yes.  Acknowledge it, yes.  Don’t deny it.

 

But don’t dwell on it, meditate on it, and analyze it to death.

 

Instead, focus on what God is telling you.

 

Because as you eat around the Banquet of Life, your Heavenly Father likes talking about how great you are—and how great you will be.  Listen to Him.  Focus on His Words.  And be blown away by how beautiful you are in His eyes.

 

Lesson #3:

No Matter What Happens,

Never Give Up Your Divine Self-Portrait

 

When I think of Self-Portraits from God, I think of Joseph in the Old Testament. 

 

Because Joseph had a dream about who he was in God’s eyes (4)  In that dream, he saw the sun, moon, and stars bowing down to him.  This became his fantastic Self-Portrait.  He saw himself as a Child of God, Friend of God, and Champion of God.  And through all the trials of his life, he held on to this Divine Self-Portrait. 

 

Joseph kept on rising after each fall, even if others kept putting him down.

 

Consider this list of failures:

·        Joseph was thrown into a pit.

·        Joseph was sold as a slave.

·        Joseph was falsely accused of rape.

·        Joseph was thrown into prison.

·        Joseph was forgotten in prison!

 

 Through all these, Joseph must have asked, “Lord, what about that vision, the dream, that Self-Portrait that you gave me?  Was it fake?”

 

But Joseph never gave up.

 

Each time failure struck him like a lead pipe hitting his head, he held onto the Self-Portrait God gave him in his heart.  He believed that he was going to be a winner.

 

For we walk by faith, not by sight.(5)

 

And in the end, Joseph’s Self-Portrait came true. 

 

He became Governor of all of Egypt.

Let me tell you one last story of another electric fan…

 

Use The Power Of Pictures

In Your Heart

 

When he got married, Rudy was so poor, he couldn’t even buy an electric fan.  He and his wife were renting a tiny room for P90 a month.  And this tiny room got warm during summer, and without a fan, it got really hot.

 

But even in his poverty, Rudy believed in his dreams. 

 

He was also a great believer in having pictures to remind him of his dreams 

So he did the ridiculous.  He got a newspaper, cut out a photo of an electric fan, and pinned it on their wall.  And each time he saw the photo, it reminded him of his great goal in life (at that time): That he’d be able to buy an electric fan for his beloved wife. 

 

Whenever he saw beads of perspiration on her forehead, he’d go to the photo, and “press” the switch of the fan.  He focused on his dream.

 

Four days later, Rudy heard a knock on the door. 

 

When he opened it, he saw his neighbor holding an old electric fan.  The neighbor said he was moving out and wondered if Rudy wanted to buy his old fan for P50.

 

Rudy was overjoyed.  “Yes!” he said.

 

In four days, the real fan now the replaced the photo.

 

The next photo he pinned on the wall was a beautiful white van.  Foolish, right?  How in the world can a poor man who couldn’t even buy an electric fan now dream of buying a van? 

 

But he kept on dreaming for that van and worked hard.  The white van came.  And so did the larger homes.  Both here and America.

Today, Rudy is a multi-millionaire.  Because he had pictures that guided him through his journey.  (And in case you’re wondering, yes, Rudy is also one of the financial mentors in my Truly Rich Coaching Program.  I hope you can meet him one day.)

Having photos work!

 

Hang In Your Heart Your Divine Self-Portrait

 

But I’m asking you not just to hang a photo of an electric fan on your wall.

 

Use the power of pictures for a more important task: Hang a photo of yourself in your heart—the kind of person God wants you to be in the future.  Like Rudy, I want to you focus on that photo—your Self-Portrait—and dream big dreams. 

 

See yourself as a holy person. 

 

See yourself as a loving person. 

 

See yourself as a successful person. 

 

And see yourself as a “truly rich” person.

 

Redefine yourself.  Now.

 

 

 

I remain your friend,

Bo Sanchez

 

 

(1)        For my full story of how God healed me, you can read my book, Your Past Does Not Define Your Future.

(2)        John 15:15

(3)            Philippians 4:13

(4)        Genesis 37:5-11, 23, 28

(5)        2 Corinthians 5:7