Goodbye (“God be with you.”) and Hello (“Wishing you a good health.”) may sound contradictory words but for real, these words are so relevant and interrelated with each other.
How do you say “Goodbye” for the current year? How do you say, “Hello” for the coming year? Every year, people around the world have different beliefs, traditions and practices as observed in their own unique culture. These practices were not only be seen at the end of the year but throughout the months of the year. Variation of these practices occurs when people adopt and adapt certain changes due to some influential factors as days pass by. Throughout the year, many things had happened in our life as manifested by tears of joy, tears of pain or tears of grief. Every moment in life is so significant that marks our lifetime history. For the younger children, their clock might seem so slow while for the elderly people, it might seem so fast. Infact, they have the same clock speed.
What shall we do? Perhaps, we shall live normally with our fullest potentials. Learn how to enjoy a wonderful, happy and peaceful life. Everything starts with a wiser decision whatever the reasons or purposes that we want to be or need to achieve. Never pressure or stretch out ourselves beyond our limits and capabilities. Learn how to turn out our negatives into positive outcomes. The turning point starts in our own feet to move towards the direction that we aim to attain. Appropriate mindsetting is necessary to get into the turning point indepedently.
“Hello” and “Goodbye” are still there not because of the reason that “Nothing is permanent.”, but because God is always with us permanently wherever we go and whatever we do and also saying, “Hello and Goodbye.” to us.
It was Saturday before the sun sets in August 20, 1966 at around 6 pm when I was born in our ancestral house at Poblacion, Santa Cruz, Zambales, Philippines. This was my real birthday.
My parents were Guillermo Menes Meron (41) and Teofila Montehermoso Mas (41). Both of them were naturally born and residents of Santa Cruz, Zambales.
My Three Pillars
I spent my childhood and teenage years in my home town. I treasured wonderful and beautiful memories there. My supporting father, caring aunt and loving mother served as the three pillars of my life.
Even though, the three pillars of my life were gone one at a time, still, I really missed and loved them so much. I would like to thank, appreciate and recognize them for their unconditional love; for providing me what I need; for allowing me understand what life is and knowing its purpose.
My Journey
I spent most of my adult years in Meycauayan City, Bulacan, Philippines and some few years abroad rendering essential public services. Life experiences built up stability on me; surpassing any challenges along the way to attain my goals.
My family, friends, relatives and colleagues are always there to advise and help me. Most of all, I would like to thank God for giving me life, blessings and another year; for continuously guiding me on my journey in life.
I wish for a healthy, wealthy and happy life on my birthday.
It has been a tradition of all Christians around the world to celebrate Christmas. It is the season where families and friends come together to participate on some religious practices in their respective churches. Besides, people around the world are busy during this holiday season. Sellers and buyers of items feel happy most of the time. People mostly feel happy during Christmas season. Most of them have Christmas bonuses, parties, food and gifts.
On the other hand, some people around the world feel exactly opposite of the majority. They sometimes feel blue like the sky for whatever reasons. Although, they have Christmas bonuses, parties, food, gifts, families and friends with them but still there is something lacking to make them happy indeed. Perhaps, they feel blue if they do not have anything; if someone is missing or away from them; if someone is sick; if no one remembers him/her; or if someone is permanently gone and never come back.
However, anybody might feel bluer than the sky if he/she never knows the reason why there is Christmas; if he/she never knows the real purpose of Christmas; if he/she never knows our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, before you do anything this Christmas, just look at the sky first and offer a prayer to our Almighty God; to our Lord Jesus Christ and to God’s creation.
In times of sorrow, can you still remember the last few words of a dying person that you love most? I would like to share with you the last few words and cries of my loving mother that might break your heart and bring your eyes into tears.
10. While on her bed, my mother said with eyes closed, “Catawan, engangaro wan Mo cami. Pano na cami a pinalsa Mo?” (Zambal)
(Tagalog) “Diyos ko, Kaawaan Mo kami. Paano na kami na nilalang Mo?”
(English) “God, have mercy on us. How about us of your creation?”
At the age of 94, my mother still remember the Almighty God who created everything. In her entire life, she frequently prayed to God and attended the Holy Mass regularly.
9. On her bed, my mother said with her eyes closed, “Indo, Caca, taganan moyo co. Indo, Caca, taganan moyo co.” “Takpan! Takpan!”(Zambal)
My mother was a good helper. She was very kind to children and elders.
2. Still on her bed, my mother said softly with eyes closed, “Abuloyon moyo co.” (Zambal)
(Tagalog) “Tulungan ninyo ako.”
(English) “Help me.”
My mother helped her family. She really loved them so much.
1. Still on her severe body condition, my mother uttered softly, “Ya.” (Zambal)
(Tagalog) “Oo.”
(English) “Yes.”
My mother had strong influential words that anybody should decide and follow. She disciplined, guided and mentored us appropriately.
My mother just nodded her head when I talked and asked her until her complete consciousness had gone.
Yes, my mother was gone but her legacy, advises, courage, greatness, kindness, faith, laughter, memories, dreams and so forth remain in our hearts as we live.
Do you believe that what you think might lead to your destination? Maybe some of you will agree while others would disagree. Whether you believe it or not, sometimes it happens to you unconsciously. Yet, you do not know the reasons after all. Here are some points to explain it further.
Your thoughts
People have different thoughts. These thoughts are created and formulated in their minds based on how they perceive and interpret certain things by observation alone. Most of the people always suggest us to think positively in order to have a positive result. Some people are always thinking negatively in advance prior to what real or what it really happens.
Your frequent thoughts might be shown up in your emotions
People with positive thoughts all the time are mostly cheerful, happy, feel satisfied, excited, confident and hopeful. On the other hand, people with negative thoughts always are mostly angry, hate certain things, feel envy, stressed, frustrated, disappointed, sad, weak, depressed and sick.
Your strong emotions might be shown up in your actions
People that show strong emotions are obviously visible through their actions. Happy people excitedly share their experiences and thoughts. Hopeful people are usually go to their churches to pray and praise God for all the blessings they had received. While angry people have common enemies. They get easily irritated and do violent actions against their enemies. They usually used curse words against them. Stressed people wanted to be alone. They blame others for their own mistakes. They have no initiative to move or they act and move slowly. They easily get sick and fell unwell most of the time. They reason out illogically and do abrupt things disorderly.
Your visible actions might be shown up in your behaviors
People with repeatedly done actions repeatedly develop into habitual behaviors unconsciously and unintentionally. People who are doing right actions according to the norms of the society and laws of the land show appropriate behaviors in any place at any time. On the other hand, people who are doing wrong actions most of the time show undesirable and unacceptable behaviors to the people living normally in the community with sets of standards norms, policies and laws.
Your shown behaviors might be developed into your characters
People with desirable or undesirable behaviors have distinct characters. People who follow laws and orders are distinctively obedient. People who are actively engaged in public service and ready to help others show kindness, friendliness, helpfulness, unselfishness, generosity, concern, love and care. On the other hand, people with undesirable behaviors are mostly disobedient, dishonest, disrespectful, stubborn, lazy, chaos, misbehaved, selfish, unfair, show jealous, envy, offensive, violent, illogical, fake, materialistic, dominant, fraud, abusive, aggressive and greed.
Your dominant characters might be shaped up into your personality
People with dominant, distinct characters develop into good or bad personality. People with good personality are definitely liked by everybody. They are liked to be their friends, companions, business partners and even life-time partners at home. They like these people because there is no conflict in between them or issues arise among them. They live happily together with peace and harmony. On the other hand, people with bad personality are strongly disliked by anybody. They often hate these people. They do not want to see them. They do not want stay with them or even work with them. According to them, living with these bad people can make their lives miserable. Thus, they just want to escape from them as soon as possible.
Your type of personality might influence your decision
Good people or bad people have certain decision in life. The decision of the good people after thorough critical analysis on certain things relies absolutely on the welfare or benefits of everybody. They decide fairly, wisely and righteously. They consider Church teachings, state laws and rules of conduct, norms, environment, causes and effects, human rights and privileges in their decision-making process before giving the final decision. On the other hand, the decision of bad people depends on their own vested interest alone. They never mind other’s decision. Bad people discriminate and dominate them.
Your firm decision might lead into your purpose
People’s decision has its own purpose. For the welfare of the entire humanity is the purpose of the good people. The love of God, fellowmen and environment is the priority or primary concern of the good people. On the other hand, greed and power is the purpose of the bad people. They want to control everything including humans.
Your own purpose in life might lead towards your destination
People’s goals and objectives in life are counted and considered by either righteousness of God or deceiving-character of Evil. Indeed, good people once they died, their soul will surely go to heaven and sits beside the Lord. They will have eternal happiness and serenity. On the other hand, bad people once they died, their souls will surely proceed to the hell with the Devil. They will have everlasting sufferings and restlessness.
Thoughts to Destination
Therefore, what do you think now? Do you think positively or negatively? Whatever you are thinking every now and then, this might be your own destination later on. Just remember: “What you think is what your destination.”
Life has several meanings to everyone. Its meanings vary from one person to another. The lives of the newly born baby and the old-age grandmother are quite different from the lives of active and functional people. Life is too short for persons who loved by their fellowmen. Life is too long for persons who were hated by their countrymen. Life is beautiful for people who are experiencing prosperity, good health, massive wealth, unlimited power and influence. But to people with sickness and who are experiencing poverty, discrimination, inequality and unfair practices, life is miserable.
Life does not exist without the essentials elements that can sustain it. The existence of life is the primary subject of human study of all time. Life creates a purpose. This purpose serves as the framework of any living organism. Life has a beginning and an end. The quality of life depends on its purpose. Success in life does not rely on its length but rather on the quality of time and means on how they spend it.
Life is significantly meaningful if the person knows how to value it. People should know how to understand what life is. They should also know its origin and whom they owe it. They can reflect its possible positive or negative consequences in the near future. Thus, whatever it is, what is really life to you?
Thanks God, I am still alive,
Coz I have the mission to survive,
And have the human rights for life.
They need my presence and tender, loving care,
Thus, they always ready to support my basic needs.
Thanks God, I am still alive,
To breathe the fresh air and hear the sound of the wind,
To see the raindrops falling on the green leaves,
To smell the favorite foods on the table,
And ready to eat fruits and drink milk any time.
Thanks God, I am still alive.
To hear the Holy Mass every Sunday,
To strengthen my faith on Him and receive His blessings,
To glorify and praise Him because of the wonderful things,
That He had given to me including my own life.
When was the last time that you had visited your mother or your child? When was the last time that you had spent time to talk with your mother or your child? When was the last time that you had served foods and spoon fed your mother or your child? When was the last time that you lifted up your mother or your child? When was the last time that you had changed the diaper and dressed up your mother or your child? Maybe your answer varies from one another. Your answer might be a few minutes ago, a few hours ago, a few days ago, a few months ago, a few years ago, a number of years ago or it never happened.
Good Friday is a day of sorrow. This was the day when the Blessed Mother, Virgin Mary, cried over the death of her beloved Son, Jesus Christ. This was the same day when the Lord Jesus Christ tearfully seen His loving mother crying continuously until no more tears came out from His mother’s eyes. The truth behind this was the moment of dying brings out pains physically, mentally and emotionally particularly between the mother and child. Sometimes, the bonding break up may lead and result into a severe depression if not properly managed by concerned individuals.
How often do you celebrate Thanksgiving Day, once a year or every day? Whom do you celebrate with the Thanksgiving Day? Do you celebrate it with your family, with your close friends or with God? Why do you celebrate Thanksgiving Day? These are some questions in mind that require definite answers.
Many Faces of Thanksgiving Day
In the United States, Thanksgiving Day in November signifies family reunion. The family members are usually reunited in their ancestral house. They prepare and cook delicious food in the morning until afternoon. They have family dinner with a whole-oven Turkey dish on the table. They pray and give thanks to God and to one another. After the dinner, they have some fun too. The following day, most of them go into shopping malls because of item sales.
In the Philippines, Thanksgiving Day in December falls at Christmas Day. It also signifies family reunion. Filipinos attend the Holy Mass first in the early morning. Like American people do, Filipinos are reunited in their ancestral house. All family members from great grandparents to great grandchildren as well as extended family members are present in the house. They prepare and cook Filipino foods as well as other foreign foods. They happily singing and dancing too. Other families prepare some fun games. They also pray and give thanks to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They exchange Christmas gifts with one another.
In some Muslim countries, Thanksgiving Day falls after the end of Ramadan. It also signifies family reunion. Muslim people prepare and cook foods too. The family members stay together for a dinner. They give thanks to Allah for everything. They celebrate it after a 40-day of fasting and abstinence. They also give gifts to others.
Significance of Thanksgiving Day
Whoever we are, whenever the day and whatever our traditions, Thanksgiving Day has significant role in one’s life. It does not only signifies strong family ties. It does not only describes unique cultural heritage. Thanksgiving Day interactively links us to the Almighty Creator who provides us everything that we need because of unconditional love and incomparable care to us. This is the real essence and the true meaning of Thanksgiving Day in the heart of anyone.
How do we value teachers? How do we appreciate and recognize them? I hope all of these are not limited in the school setting but in our very own simple little ways from the day-to-day basis starting from their superiors down to their learners. They really deserve such kind of valuing, appreciation and recognition beyond their expectations.
Teacher I
To my elementary teachers, you taught me the basics of education. I learned how to read with comprehension, listen carefully, write legibly, speak clearly and count correctly.
To my high school teachers, you explained me the academics. I learned the basic subjects and electives. I learned the how’s and why’s of certain phenomena.
To my college professors, you taught me how to apply certain things. I learned how to grow professionally. I learned how to teach the youth.
To my graduate professors, You taught me to understand beyond unexpected things. I learned how to become a professional and well-experienced teacher with distinctions throughout the decades.
Teacher II
To my aunt, Indo Simay. You taught me the essence of helping others. You showed me the values of patience, love and care specially to our own family and relatives. You reminded me the power of prayers and strong faith to God. You had been my second parent when my real parents stayed with the families of my brothers and sisters farther away from our hometown.
Teacher III
To my parents, Guillermo and Teofila. You were my very first teachers. You taught me the true meaning of life. You guided me towards righteousness. I learned good and right things from you. I treasured most the core values in life that you shared with me. In spite of everything, I learned how to succeed by myself without putting anybody down. You were great mentors too. You mentored me how to understand life, to help others and love one another. I learned how to show concern with the elders, sick people and less fortunate citizens.
Master Teacher
To God, You are my Master Teacher. You are the greatest teacher I have ever known. I do worship and praise You most. I give all the glory on You. I do appreciate all the things the You created and provided for me. I would like to thank You for giving me dedicated and committed classroom teachers as well as very loving. caring parents, relatives and friends.
“I am telling you. Be kind to others. Help others who need your help. God bless you.”
Hands-on 