Maging Listo at Buo ang Loob: Two Traits We Must Possess In These Last Days

April 6, 2024 Saturday | English Worship Service

As I was listening earlier in the preaching of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, two phrases emerged with emphasis, these two phrases were repeatedly mentioned, not only as a statement, but being of a declarative form and being a command in nature.

1. Maging listo at

2. Buo ang loob.

The message is to use these two traits to ensure that the devil cannot gain victory no matter how small. It is our duty to always be on guard and not let the enemy sneak upon us - - because it is always prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Researching the meaning of "listo", it's akin to "mapagmatyag", smart, always on the lookout... dahil ang ahas ay tuso; gaya ng ginawa niyang pandaraya sa sinaunang tao-- Eba at Adan. Diba't alam nila ang utos ng Diyos? -- na puede silang kumain ng alinmang bunga ng puno sa halamanan ng Eden maliban lamang sa bunga ng isang puno sa gitna niyaon. And yet, despite their knowledge of the truth and God's command, Eve was deceived by Satan, she was hoodwinked (nabola) by casting doubt and creating an imaginary pleasurable aftermath if she eats the fruit, eventually entangling Adan by giving and letting him eat as well.

This encounter is truly simple in nature, in a quick snap, the husband and wife got devoured by the temptation and trick of the devil. Hence, the command -- "maging listo", we should be smart, quick to decipher that the enemy is playing tricks already against us; and we must be able to stop it, be steadfast to stand our ground and let God's commands and counsel emerge victorious. 

We must be always sober and be alert, for in this way, we get to ensure that there's no space for the enemy to lure us, tempt us, or cast doubt in our mind.

We must remember to fight for our faith... "makilabang may pagsusumikap, ipakipaglaban ang pananampalataya ng buong tapang at buo ang loob", because this is our "passes" in reaching the Holy Land. For if we fail and get defeated, it's the same as saying "here on earth, we are already experiencing sorrows, tribulations, and pain; do we allow further to experience the same in the next life to come?"

The choice if is yours to take.

Who doesn't want to be saved? It's a rhetorical question.

___

With abundance in love, Brother Eduardo repeatedly mentioned in his preaching how much he loves us. "Mahal ko Kayo", was said twice, thrice or even on the fourth time-- highlighting the need for us to do what is expected of us, in order reach and gain the greatest reward, a reward that cannot be measured because it's far beyond compare, that is-- to live in heaven for eternity.

--billymacdeus

What Is A Top Notch Confidence Booster?

 

Hi there!, internet surfer... as you stumbled upon this page, take note that you are reading, and digesting the following thoughts from the perspective of someone who-- just like you, is also a human being -- with its own experiences, burdens and joys with this life's journey, someone who-- also, has its own share of highs and lows, its own fears, anxieties, comfort and positivity.

What matters right now, is you're being open minded to weigh-in these opinions, ready to cast your own intellectual decision making whether you'll act on these thoughts, or just leave it in your mind--which may soon be forgotten.

These are the times when most individuals are short spanned when consuming internet media. You may have observed, folks now are in to mindless scrolling through visual intake of reels, tiktok videos and the likes. Gone are the days when most people would indulge into reading articles or flexing their vocabulary muscles and reading comprehension. But, fret not! You are one of those few persons in this planet who chose to put their reading skills in action -- in fact you've come this far, and that's great! Because your attention span has not overcome you.

To answer the question in the title above -- what is a top-notch confidence booster?, it is the so-called "spritual drive". To define this phrase is best to give an example; remember a time in your life when uncertainty slowly seeping-in? Gradually, problems and trials arise, non-stop, seeming endless; but you assure yourself, no storm will last forever. And yet, the weight of enduring the tough times started to worry you, depression is kicking-in, you started losing hope, you started to doubt the solutions you're trying to implement because previous attempts kept on failing.

And yet, how come until now, you're still here? (reading and contemplating things.)

Because of your spiritual drive! You chose not to give up, because the tiniest sliver of hope is huge enough to reposition your compass, to re-boost your confidence and slowly climb out the ladder of darkness once and for all.

Your spiritual drive is your inner self comprising of your holistic experiences, compounded, molded, and tested, refined... until it became faith.

Whichever channels and historical etymology of how you nurtured your spiritual drive, congratulations to you! Each of us are unique, no perfect clone of our DNA, our footprints-- similar to thumbprints are unique as our own journey.

To cap off this write-up, don't let your spiritual drive spiral downward-- at times you'll be tested, at times you feel like giving-up again, but always call to your mind, and mostly to your heart, that the confidence is already within you, keep on taking care of it, growing it, enough to build a solid foundation--anchored with unwavering faith.

-Othello

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36 Questions To Ask Someone If You Want To Fall In Love (Or To Strengthen Your Romantic Relationship)

Hanap mo ba ay exciting na game of love ngayong February together with your partner / friend / sinisinta / nililigawan / wifey / husband / S.O. / ka-M.U. / close friend, or ano pa mang label yan which involves romantic feelings?

Eto po, ang 36 Questions To Ask Your Partner (if you want to fall in-love or strengthen your relationship) leading to a deeper understanding for both of yourselves.

(This game was lifted and popularized by The New York Times... link at the end for the magazine's write-up)

Instructions:

step 1... Get yourself and your partner in a comfortable place or location with less or no distractions.

step 2 ... Turn your gadgets into silent mode/turned-off notifications.

step 3 ... Prepare something to drink or eat because the Q&A takes around an hour.

step 4... Be patient, be a good listener, open your heart to each other and be honest.

step 5 ... Read the first question aloud, then both you and your partner will answer alternately. Listen and understand.

step 6 ...  The 2nd question will be read this time by your partner, and both of you will answer again alternately.

step 7... Do the rest of the questions similar to how you and your partner have done on steps 5 and 6.

GOOD LUCK!

Begin:

1. If you could invite anyone in the world to dinner, who would it be? Why?

2. Would you like to be famous? In what way?

3. Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?

4. What would constitute a "perfect day" for you?

5. When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else? Describe.

6. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30 year old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?

7. Do you have a secret hunch of how you will die?

8. Name three things you and your partner appear to have in common?

9. For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

10. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

11. Take 4 minutes and tell your partner your life story in as much as detail as possible.

12. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?

13. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future, or anything else, what would you want to know?

14. Is there something that you've dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven't you done it?

15. What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

16. What do you value most in a friendship?

17. What is your most treasured memory?

18. What is your most terrible memory?

19. If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?

20. What does friendship mean to you?

21. What roles do love and affection play in your life?

22. Alternate sharing something you consider a positive characteristic of your partner. Share a total of five items.

23. How close and warm is your family? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most other people's?

24. How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?

25. Make three true "we" statements each. For instance, "We are both in this room feeling...."

26. Complete this sentence: "I wish I had someone with whom i could share..."

27. If you were going to become a close friend with your partner, please share what would be important for him or her to know.

28. Tell your partner what you like about them; be very honest this time, saying things that you might not say to someone you've just met.

29. Share your partner an embarrassing moment in your life.

30. When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself? Describe.

31. Tell your partner something that you like about them already.

32. What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?

33. If you were to die this evening, with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven't you told them yet?

34. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?

35. Of all the people in your family, whose death would you find most disturbing? Why?

36. Share a personal problem and ask your partner's advice on how he or she might handle it. Also ask your partner to reflect back to you how you seem to be feeling about the problem you have chosen.

Congratulations! you've answered all the questions.

Last piece of Instruction (the hard part): you have to look into your partner's eyes for four minutes.

In silence.

It's hard, and you'll squirm, but you'll learn an incredible amount.

Good Luck!

End.

--Othello

Here's the article from The New York Times - To Fall In Love With Anyone Do This

Top 5 Why Thanksgiving Is Important: INC Year-End Thanksgiving 2023

 

In every situation no matter what the circumstances, be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus, quoted from the book of Thessalonians from the bible.

The Top 5:

#5 - It's a basic responsibility and obligation to offer Thanksgiving.

From the perspective of human nature, It is just right to give Thanks to someone who have done something good to you, whether that's a favor asked, or it was freely given.

It just feel right, as well as it's a basic instinct to be thankful by showing care and gratitude. Imagine when someone tried to open the door for you because your hands are full -- it's automatic, you say THANKS to them.

 

While we as humans tend to say thanks to people, all the more that we should give Thanks to someone who we believe as our Creator - and that is the God Almighty.

 

 

 

#4 - It's a commandment, a will from God.

This is anchored from the book of Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 18: In every situation, be thankful and continually give Thanks to God for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

On a personal note, I do understand that each of us  has their own beliefs and faith -  some of us are Christians- some are not, some listeners may be Atheists, or Muslims, or a member of tribal faiths or denominations, we are not here to shove this teaching or create divisions, we are just merely professing   and sharing. Nevertheless, we strive to create altruistic values for the good of mankind.

 

 

 

#3 - Thanksgiving is a source of prosperity for the life ahead.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo believes that giving thanks is not merely saying the words "Thank you Dear God" or praises of thanks through prayers. It's also accompanied with Signing Hymns of praises, of thanksgiving, and most of all, giving monetary offerings.

 

Some people thought that INC requires 10 percent of member's income as a form of tithe or offerings. That is not true - In fact, we give offerings based on our heart's desire. This is anchored from the book of Corinthians: 

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

 

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

 

 

#2 - Thanksgiving is a token of gratitude to God.

When we offer thanks to Him, He is glorified. If you're familiar with the story of the nine lepers, surely we can attest that being grateful for what we have receive is indeeed satisfying from the eyes of God.

Let's not be one of the nine lepers who were unngrateful and did not return to say their gratitude. But instead, let's imitate one of the 10 lepers who came back and proclaimed, "Glory to God, I am healed"!.

 

Surely, the Bible says in the book of Psalms 

Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing

 

When we offer thanksgiving, you don’t hide what the Lord has done; tell Him what He has done for you not because He doesn’t know or He has forgotten, but to show appreciation.

 

  

#1 - Thanksgiving is a way of reminiscing the Goodness of the God Almighty

 

2023 as a wrap for each of us, to you or for your family, friends, acquaintances or loved ones is truly unique.

 

We had our own shares of victories and struggles.

Remember when we got sick, and possibly some even got hospitalized. We were at our lowest point, hopeless as it may, but we chose to hold on to the sanity of our minds, we chose hope, and we reached out deep in the corners of our heart to God. Here we are right now, still thankful and looking forward to what the future awaits.

 

However, some of us, may have been orphaned this year, some of your loved ones or close to your heart may have passed away this year. It was truly heart breaking. Hearing the news about someone passing away is one of the life changing episodes in our lives, but we chose to move forward and heal the grief, we chose to look at the brighter side and process acceptance. We are thankful no matter what.

 

Some of us may have lost their jobs or source of living, it's the stormy stage of our lives… financial burdens is quite hard to carry, putting food to the table for the sake of our families and letting them see you still, with a smile,  despite the hurt and heartaches we carry in the background. Above all these, we chose to step a little bit more, we chose to fight the battle and carry on for hope, until our prayers were heard. That is indeed, something to be thankful for.

 

Others may have experienced mental breakdown because of the outpouring trials in life. The difficulties  and stressors, the seemingly insurmountable problems we have encountered. That sometimes we were at the edge of losing it because it's already too much. We cried in the corner of our room, alone with tears flowing down our face. However, we did not give up, we recalled that life is still beautiful, that life is something we should live - not only during sunshine but as well as even on rainy days.

 

Thanksgiving is indeed a way of reminiscing and remembering how grateful we are, for we have passed through the sorrows and tribulations in our journey. We are thankful because no matter what we've been through this year 2023, we are still here. Lonesome as it may, powerful for some as it may, contented as it may, joyous because of the achievements as it may, proud and comfortable as it may, romantically happy for some as it may, financially capable as it may…..

 

The list goes on… but the bottomline is, we chose to be thankful no matter what.

 

~ O

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Why Am I More Inlove Now, than 30 Years Ago?

Why am I more in love now, than 30 years ago?

 

Okay so this may seem like a silly question, but I'm approaching 30 years being married and I am wondering why these days I am way more in love than I was when we got married, exponentially more so.  I will see her face amongst others when at a party and all I want to do is walk over and give her a kiss, and sometimes I do.   I'm finding her way more attractive now than when we got married.  She's always had a great figure and been a bit of a hottie, but I'm just way more attracted to and in love now than I think I was when we first got married.

 

Yes I was in love when we got married, but these days it just seems to be that I'm infatuated with her.  Sex nowadays is awesome, not a reason for me to cum, but much more about the intimacy, the touch, the embrace and I focus way more on her pleasure than I did 30 years ago.  

 

But this is more than sex - I will walk past and steal a kiss, grab a hug or just give her a compliment, but I am doing this far far more than I did during our early years.

 

So basically my question is, have others noticed their love for their significant other increase tenfold as you mature in your relationship?

-Redditor: steveplat66 

 

Redditor: FrostySquirrel820:

"True love, if tended properly, continues to grow daily."

Insight - Attachment Theory, proposed by John Bowlby and later developed by Mary Ainsworth, suggests that strong emotional bonds are formed between individuals, particularly in intimate relationships. When partners tend to their emotional needs, provide support, and foster a secure attachment, it creates a foundation of trust and intimacy. This secure attachment serves as a basis for the continued growth of love.

Redditor: EpicSteak

"Married 34 years, she is beside now me sleeping. I love and lust her more than ever.

Her smile lights me up, her touch is like nothing else and the sex better than ever

Different now with hurting hips, or a stiff back but you work around it. 😄"

Insight - Self-Determination Theory, proposed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, emphasizes the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in human motivation and well-being. In a loving relationship, when partners feel respected, understood, and valued for who they are, it fulfills their need for relatedness. This sense of connection and belonging contributes to the ongoing growth of love.

Redditor: MVIII

"My theory is that as you age you become more intune with your true authentic self. So when you love you love with more authenticity. So it feels stronger and just all round... More loving"

Insight  - Emotional Intimacy involves the sharing of one's innermost thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities with a partner. When partners actively engage in deep conversations, practice active listening, and provide emotional support, it fosters a sense of closeness and intimacy. This emotional connection is vital for the continued growth of love.

Redditor: RoyalPaddy

"I can’t explain it well - but I think the longer you are together, experiencing life together, weathering the ups and downs, making memories together, trusting each other and appreciating each other- that all makes love grow deeper and stronger."

Insight - Positive Reinforcement, Based from behaviorist theories, the concept of positive reinforcement suggests that behaviors that are rewarded tend to be repeated. In a loving relationship, when partners express affection, appreciation, and validation for each other, it reinforces feelings of love and strengthens the emotional connection. This positive reinforcement encourages continued acts of love and nurtures its growth.

Redditor: SingsJazz
"Approaching our 20th anniversary. I love my husband very, very much. I am extremely grateful for him and never take him for granted. He, on the other hand, is borderline obsessed with me. I have to laugh -- it really is kind of adorable. We both feel very lucky to have found each other. Wish we had met when we were younger. We savor every day together. A good marriage can be the heart and soul of a well-lived life."

Insight - Reciprocal Altruism, In psychology, reciprocal altruism refers to the idea that individuals are more likely to engage in altruistic behaviors when they expect a similar level of kindness or support in return. In a loving relationship, partners who reciprocate each other's acts of kindness and care create a positive feedback loop. This mutual exchange of affection and support strengthens the bond and contributes to the growth of love.

 

In summary, true love is not static; it is a dynamic and evolving force that can thrive when nurtured. By attending to each other's emotional needs, engaging in reciprocal acts of kindness, and creating a secure and supportive attachment, partners can continue to strengthen their bond and allow love to grow daily. These principles align with various psychological theories that emphasize the importance of connection, reciprocity, and emotional intimacy in intimate relationships.

-O