BEaUty

There is only now

Only now that we can be

Be and see beauty

Beauty in simplicity

Simplicity in living and loving

Loving ourselves, our neighbors, our world

Our world that has forgotten

Forgotten how to love and to live

To live with optimism and gratitude

Gratitude for the miracle

The miracle of each day made by God

God, who looks after me and you

You, who know better than anyone

Anyone, anywhere, doing anything

Anything worth this or that

that there is only now

World Poetry Day

There is a certain sadness I feel in seeing an empty playground. It seems to have become a vestige of a bygone era...

Summer is upon us and the school year is about to end and yet I don't see very many children filling the outdoors with their contagious giggles and laughter. Gadgets, high-tech toys and computer games seem to have truly redefined the way children play. I have nothing against keeping up with the times but the old-fashioned part of me still believes strongly in the most elementary forms of play.

Ahh, such is life. No one can stop the hands of time. All we can do is hope for the best and pray for the rest.

As we celebrate World Poetry Day, I dedicate the poem below to children all over the globe. May you all grow in love and peace and see the goodness in this world that the Almighty Father has created.

For Play's Sake

© 2010 Julie Ann Caringal

Squeak, squeal goes the swing
in the heat of the early afternoon sun.
The playground was nursing a broken wing
for it was deserted, empty, and without any fun.

The wind tried its best to be of help
by blowing some life to the merry-go-round.
It went spinning and turning in circles for a while
but the movement was slow and without a sound.

The slide also felt down and disappointed
with the lack of adrenaline rush and thrill,
while the monkey bars wept and cried
for existing as an unconquered metal hill.

The see-saw bobbed up and down
as if saying, "How do you do?"
to the men and women, once children,
who came for their final adieu.

Live and let live -
savor your youth.
Don't remember and regret
what time and tide will not soothe.

Hide and seek, take a peek,
and true treasure you shall find.
For this haven holds for you
a happiness that is one-of-a-kind.

Midnight Sun

It took me awhile to get on a jeepney tonight and with nothing much to do but look at my surroundings, I was mesmerized by the moon shining in all its glory that moment. I suddenly had the urge to take out my camera and take a quick snapshot of the scene as I saw out of the corner of my eye the vehicle that would take me home.

As I was unloading all the burden of the day by some quick late night web surfing, this photo reminded me of a poem I wrote back in college when all my nerves were on the edge because the heavy weight of school was about to come crashing down on me.

Midnight Sun

© 2010 Julie Ann Caringal

Shuffles of paper reached my ear

As if they have been magnified to the near thousand

The slightest sound shattered the silence

That engulfed my mere existence

I heaved my twentieth sigh

Since that morning of unpleasant beginnings

My eyes focused on nothingness

As my vision flickered away from reality

Regaining the slightest sanity I have

I blinked once, twice, thrice

And everything that was came rushing back

All too clear that I have many more miles to go

My hands moved as if they had minds of their own

No matter how gone my conscious mind seemed to be

Sleep was taking over my humane self

But something seemed to always push it away

Suddenly a loud creaking noise registered full force

Quickly snapping me to my awareness and defense

Beads of sweat formed in every pore

As I stood still as I ever could

Was the Hangman outside waiting for me?

Or has my imagination gone wilder than before?

My heart finally returned to a normal pace

As I realized my need to immediately retire

Moving all responsibilities aside in a clutter

I moved my eyes to glance at the window

Shadows were overcast by the faint glow of a bulb

Leaves that looked alive waved eerily by

The midnight sun was taking its toll

Radiating in all its mighty power

Its aura hypnotizing me like never before

Warning me that time is running out, however

Silence swallowed me - lulling me to slumber

Washing me with what was like fairy dust

Life sure isn't about books or notes or paper

And so I relaxed incautiously for the first time in hours

Slowly... slowly... the dark curtain covered my eyes

- and bade me a whisper of a simple goodnight.

We all deserve a break.

manKIND

Today, Bloggers Unite for Human Rights 2009.

We believe that all people are born with basic rights and freedoms - life, liberty, and justice.

For this event, I became particularly interested in Youth for Human Rights International. I browsed their site and learned a few things - important things.

I learned that 'in 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights', a copy of which can be downloaded from the YHRI website. In fact, there is a petition urging "all member countries to follow the wishes of the General Assembly and cause the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories."

There are 30 of these rights namely:

1: We Are All Born Free & Equal
2: Don't Discriminate
3: The Right to Life
4: No Slavery
5: No Torture
6: You Have Rights No Matter Where You Go
7: We're All Equal Before the Law
8: Your Human Rights Are Protected by Law
9: No Unfair Detainment
10: The Right to Trial
11: We're Always Innocent Till Proven Guilty
12: The Right to Privacy
13: Freedom to Move
14: The Right to Seek a Safe Place to Live
15: Right to a Nationality
16: Marriage and Family
17: The Right to Your Own Things
18: Freedom of Thought
19: Freedom of Expression
20: The Right to Public Assembly
21: The Right to Democracy
22: Social Security
23: Workers' Rights
24: The Right to Play
25: Food and Shelter for All
26: The Right to Education
27: Copyright
28: A Fair and Free World
29: Responsibility
30: No One Can Take Away Your Human Rights

In a world where boundaries are often overlooked and overstepped, I think this is something worth knowing. I have studied the Philippine Government and Constitution when I was in my senior year in college and it has been truly helpful knowing where I stand as a citizen of my native land. However, living in a world where the the planet has become but a global village, I strongly believe that this Universal Declaration of Human Rights must be made known to every person.

In line with taking action for Human Rights, I pay my tribute to the late great Michael Jackson. His song, "Heal the World", is closest to my heart among his many dearly loved music hits. The video below of his performance on January 31, 1993 in Pasadena, California is for me his most stellar performance.

Too often, people are remembered for the good that they have done when they have passed away. While they are here, we often notice what's wrong more than what's right. We live with other people as if they'll live forever but the instant they are gone, we pay them tribute as if they never left. When will we ever learn to cherish people while they are still here?

It was really sad to see the Michael Jackson's life go downhill. He started as a very promising young boy full of talent and aspirations. Unfortunately, he ended becoming less and less the person God wants him to be. Nevetheless, the life of one of the most famous music icons of our time - harsh controversies, humanitarian efforts and all - was not without society's influence.

I quote: "I am what I am because of who we all are"...

"Ubuntu" is an idea present in African spirituality that says "I am because we are" - or we are all connected, we cannot be ourselves without community, health and faith are always lived out among others, an individual’s well being is caught up in the well being of others.

(Source: Wikipedia)

The way his journey ended reminded me of Vincent van Gogh's own struggles portrayed in Don McLean's song "Vincent". Sadly, while millions of people adored him, only a few was able to stand by his side when he asked, "Will you be there?"

Indeed, the King of Pop was gone too soon.

Image from Afrobella

Michael Joseph Jackson

August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009

Thank you for the music.

We Had Him

by Maya Angelou

(read by Queen Latifah in Michael's memorial service)

Beloveds, now we know that we know nothing, now that our bright and shining star can slip away from our fingertips like a puff of summer wind.

Without notice, our dear love can escape our doting embrace. Sing our songs among the stars and walk our dances across the face of the moon.

In the instant that Michael is gone, we know nothing. No clocks can tell time. No oceans can rush our tides with the abrupt absence of our treasure.

Though we are many, each of us is achingly alone, piercingly alone.

Only when we confess our confusion can we remember that he was a gift to us and we did have him.

He came to us from the creator, trailing creativity in abundance.

Despite the anguish, his life was sheathed in mother love, family love, and survived and did more than that.

He thrived with passion and compassion, humor and style. We had him whether we know who he was or did not know, he was ours and we were his.

We had him, beautiful, delighting our eyes.

His hat, aslant over his brow, and took a pose on his toes for all of us.

And we laughed and stomped our feet for him.

We were enchanted with his passion because he held nothing. He gave us all he had been given.

Today in Tokyo, beneath the Eiffel Tower, in Ghana's Black Star Square.

In Johannesburg and Pittsburgh, in Birmingham, Alabama, and Birmingham, England

We are missing Michael.

But we do know we had him, and we are the world.

Part of You

Color My Life, Lord

© 2009 Julie Ann Caringal

White is for the beginning

Plain, simple, and true

Waiting for the Light to strike

Revealing colors we never knew

Blue and green are for nature

The calmness of the soul

A refreshment for the spirit

In which we are made whole

We also need some spark of hope

To guide us on our way

A flame’s orange and yellow

We must bring along day by day

Black and purple are for reflections

Many faithful times of prayer

For life is not without trials

Or burdens we must bear

Pink and red and a million others

Are for love and all that is good

Color my life wonderfully, Lord,

For from Thy palette I understood

Today, the company I work for celebrates it's 10th anniversary. I am very joyful to be a part of its milestone. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless it and all the people involved especially those who give their faithful time and effort at work and those who receive the fruits of those endeavors. For its mission and vision... to God be the glory!

Let's start the month right.

Araw ng Kalayaan

MABUHAY ang PILIPINAS!

Long live the Philippines!

Today, Filipinos celebrate Philippine Independence Day. After more than three centuries under Spanish rule and other foreign colonizers, the Pearl of the Orient is finally out of its oppressive shell.

I don't have anything monumental to share that I've done this June 12th besides this blog post but this I have and want to say: I am proud to be a Filipino. I take pride in sharing in the colorful culture and rich history of the Philippines. This country is home to admirable heroes both acclaimed and unsung. Moreover, the Filipino has truly proven himself to be a global individual - able to adapt and excel in various fields in different places all over the world.

However, it is undeniable that in spite of the physical absence of foreign invaders from the country, some effects of being a colony for so long is still very much present in the society at this point - in lifestlye and mentality. There is still much to be done for all of us to leap as one nation.

Are we truly FREE?

Tagubilin at Habilin

G. Pete Lacaba

Mabuhay ka kaibigan

Iyan ang una’t huli kong tagubilin at habilin,

Mabuhay ka

Sa edad kong ito, marami akong maibibigay na payo, mayaman ako sa payo

Maghugas ka ng kamay bago kumain

Maghugas ka ng kamay pagkatapos kumain

Pero huwag kang maghuhugas ng kamay para lamang maka-iwas sa sisi

Huwag kang maghuhugas ng kamay kung may inaapi na kaya mong tulungan

Paupuin mo sa bus ang matatanda at ang mga may kalong na sanggol

Magpasalamat ka sa nagmamagandang-loob

Matuto sa karanasan ng matatanda pero huwag magpatali sa kaisipang makaluma

Huwag piliting matulog kung ayaw kang dalawin ng antok

Huwag pagaksayahan ng panahon ang mga walang utang na loob

Huwag makipagtalo sa bobo at baka ka mapagkamalang bobo

Huwag bubulong-bulong sa mga panahong kailangang sumigaw

Huwag kang manalig sa bulung-bulungan

Huwag papatay-patay sa ilalim ng pagitin

Huwag kang tutulog-tulog sa pansitan

Umawit ka kung nag-iisa ka sa banyo, umawit ka sa piling ng barkada

Umawit ka kung nalulungkot, umawit ka kung masaya

Ingat lang, huwag kang aawit ng My Way sa videoke bar at baka ka mabaril

Huwag kang magsindi ng sigarilyo sa gasolinahan

Dahan-dahan sa matatarik na landas, dahan-dahan sa malulubak na daan

Higit sa lahat inuulit ko, mabuhay ka

Maraming bagay sa mundo na nakakadismaya, mabuhay ka

Maraming problema ang mundo na wala na yatang lunas, mabuhay ka

Sa hirap ng panahon, sa harap ng kabiguan kung minsan ay gusto mo nang mamatay

Gusto mong maglaslas ng pulso kung sawi sa pag-ibig

Gusto mong magbigti kung napakabigat ng mga pasanin

Gusto mong pasabugin ang bungo mo kung maraming gumugulo sa utak

Huwag kang patatalo, huwag kang susuko

Narinig mo ang sinasabi ng awitin, gising at magbangon sa pagkagubilin

Sa pagkakatulog na lubhang mahimbing

Gumising ka kung hinaharana ka ng pag-ibig

Bumangon ka kung nananawagan ang kapus-palad

Ang sabi ng iba, ang matapang ay walang takot lumaban

Ang sabi ko naman, ang tunay na matapang ay lumalaban kahit natatakot

Lumaban ka kung iningungudngud ang nguso mo sa putik

Bumalikwas ka kung tinatapak-tapakan ka

Buong tapang mong ipaglaban ang iyong mga prinspiyo

Kahit hindi ka sigurado na agad-agad kang mananalo

Mabuhay ka kaibigan

Mabuhay ka

(I got the Philippine flag picture by via Google and landing on Doomnet.)

Mama, I love you

Para sa isang Dakilang INA 

© 2009 Julie Ann Caringal

INAkay mo ako 

noong ako'y sanggol pa lamang

bINAntayan bawat araw, bawat gabi

at bINAlot ng wagas na pag-ibig

INAlalayan mo ako sa aking paglaki

kung saan saksi ang buong mundo

INAruga mo ang bawat isang

magandang katangian sa puso kong ito

 
Ako'y iyong INAalo

sa panahon ng kalungkutan at pighati

at ako'y iyong pINApatawad

anuman ang pagkakamali

Kaya abot langit ang aking pasasalamat

sa Poong Maykapal

na ibinigay Niya sa akin

ang isang INAng walang katulad

Happy MOTHER's Day, Mama!

Peace be with you

It never fails to amaze me how my prayers are answered, how life moves along a course I never thought would be possible, and how God simply holds my life in His hands. Early morning birds have been chirping outside my window since yesterday. It was such a lovely surprise! And to think that I assumed it is a wonderful sound I wouldn't hear again until I go home in the province.

Work this week has been really fruitful in many ways. I'm discovering certain things about myself far more than I ever imagined to figure out in only five days. Sadly, these past days may have been calm for me but I feel deep down that I haven't really found time to escape from all the 'noise'.. and I mean all the noise both without and within me. I often have my quiet time but lately, I know I haven't had the opportunity to truly let my being be engulfed in silence or better said - embraced by peace in connecting with God.

The Undying Saga Lives On

© 2009 Julie Ann Caringal

Jousting here and there, a battle is well kept

And the knight still holds on to his sword

The news spreads all over the earth

While the unseen impact grows with time

Over vast lands and over wide seas

A battle begins and a battle ends

In every victory a new flag is raised

In every defeat an old flag is brought down

Mystery upon mystery is unfolded by understanding

Each revelation witnessed by the glorious silver moon

Even the bright sun dries away the morning dew

Uncovering a whole field of marvelous discoveries

Eventually, wave upon wave crashes up on shore

And washes away the set of footprints on the sand

But still the beach remains a beach

And an ocean remains and ocean

Render this amazing cycle of fall and of flight

As the undying saga of life and journey lives on

In the hands of the valiant warrior and knight

With his paper as his shield and his pen as his sword

This weekend as I go to Nasugbu, Batangas for our company outing, I hope to find a few moments to be in true solitude with God - to talk to Him heart to heart and listen in silence.

Be with me in serenity, O Lord.

I found you

The artwork above was originally drawn by my classmate, Liz, during our freshman year in college. As we were adjusting to university life during the first few weeks of the academic year, Liz and I exchanged stories about high school. I've shown her several pictures including a photo of me and three of my closest friends in senior year. Liz, as the talented artist she is, cartoonized us and ta da! - the drawing featured above was born. (I added the colorful texts.)

After our first year in college, though, Liz and her family moved to the United States. She didn't continue with her Psychology degree there; instead, she pursued studies in the arts. I believe that that is really what she wants. We have kept in touch until now and I have seen her works. They are absolutely brilliant! :) Art is truly her calling.

Upon remembering Liz and thinking about friendship, I decided to share this with you:

The Journey Unfolded

© 2009 Julie Ann Caringal

You and I started something together

Something indescribable and something unbelievable

And through the years we've gone farther

We can say it’s been quite unpredictable

Nevertheless, it was the perfect present

Given to me and you by the God Almighty

"To be taken cared of well," He said

Like a dream that unfolds into reality

A road to take in the span of a lifetime

Filled with joy, success, laughter, and ease

But can be barred still by many dangers

Yet full of turns, signs, decisions and opportunities

A lot of people we've met along the way

Became our friends – companions they remain

And with every step in this journey before us

We tried to make everything perfect, but all in vain!

Now I see only one thing is proven true:

An adventure once experienced is truly a great gift

Like the journey unfolded before our eyes is worth all...

This poem is monumental for me. It has a very special story.

I wrote this poem about five to six years ago when I was in high school. I was part of my school's student publication then. I really loved to write, especially features articles and poetry. While net surfing at home one time, I came upon Poetry.com and found out that they hold poetry contests. I instantly became interested in joining. I submitted "The Journey Unfolded" and hoped that my poem will be considered.

After a few days, I figured that I didn't win the contest but I don't remember being sad about it. I know there are a lot of other great poets and writers out there. All I wanted to do was join and see what happens. No big expectations. More importantly, I wanted to share the message of my literary piece to others and I was glad to be able to do so through that opportunity.

One day, the postman came with a letter addressed to me. It was from Poetry.com - what were the chances? I felt as if it was suddenly Christmas and Santa came to town while I was eagerly opening the envelope to read the letter. A printed copy of my poem was inside and in the letter, Poetry.com mentioned that they liked my work and wanted it to be a part of their anthology! Wow! I rushed to find Mama to tell her all about it. The events after that are now a blur although I probably have it written down in one of my journals now tucked away in the attic. (I'll go through them tomorrow.)

The amazing twist to this story is this: While I was thinking of what to write about in my blog, I stumbled upon Liz's drawing, edited it, and decided to look for a nice poem to go with it. I went through my collection of poems that I've written years ago and for the first time in five years more or less - the wonderful memories of "The Journey Unfolded" came rushing into my mind.

I went to Poetry.com in the hopes of finding my poem there to convince myself that the memories I have came from something real. In the 'Search for a Poet' box, I typed my name... Lo and behold! My poem is still there. I was really, really nicely overwhelmed to see it with my own two eyes. I was grinning from ear to ear. I felt like singing the music of my heart filled with the joy similar to finding a lost treasure.

"The dream was always running ahead of me. To catch up, to live for a moment in unison with it, that was the miracle." 
- Anais Nin

Let us celebrate 'the journey unfolded'. Let us celebrate friendship!

P.S. In case you're wondering, I'm the girl second from left in the drawing. :)

Matters of the Heart

It is the day before Valentine's Day. In line with the celebration of this highly popular event, a thought crossed my mind and I decided to put it into writing. I remember jotting down some quotes regarding youth a few years ago and one of them is very relevant for the 14th of February.

"Young men make great mistakes in life; for one thing, they idealize love too much." 

- Benjamin Jowett

I agree. (I noticed he used the term men but I would like to believe he meant 'man' in general because young women fall into the same trap, too.) Nowadays, it's not hard to find people wearing rose-colored glasses when it comes to love. With the amount of 'idealism' being bombarded by the media regarding love and relationships - confusion and sadly, destruction, is often the result. Many young people enter premarital sex, deal with unwanted pregnancies, commit abortion and so on.

I came across this webpage on Christianity -- Youth Issues - Relationship and one of the thoughts there that struck me was this: "Immature love demands perfection." How true! Even I once dreamed of that fairy tale-like love story complete with "and they lived happily ever after". Thankfully, I know better now. I am also glad to share of the GREATEST LOVE STORY ever told summed up in John 3:16 - 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

On this eve of Valentine's Day, I share to you this poem. It is my own reflection of why the heart symbolizes love.

HEART TO HEART

© 2009 Julie Ann Caringal

Many have sought to understand

this one word of letters four.

Two vowels, two consonants,

a pair like never before.

People have talked about it,

more so now than ever.

But they forget an important thing..

to listen well, nay, listen better!

For the heart is a shape

made from a union, no doubt, of two:

the left ear and the right ear,

which attend to matters both Godly and true.

If you lift your hands to heaven

and place them side by side,

again the heart is made visible

where prayers and charity reside.

The heart embodies love

for another good reason.

It is the best, yet most unnoticed,

 analogy and conclusion.

From that moment in the womb

until the day one dies,

every single heartbeat

is where the answer lies.

For the heart, too, is unconditional;

it 'suffers long and is kind'.

It 'bears all things, endures all things';

beats long after fallen is the mind.

Remember now and remember well,

this one word of letters four.

Two vowels, two consonants;

 fulfilled only in God forevermore.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
- Proverbs 4:23 

Have you checked in today?

Greetings!

I received this forwarded e-mail from an acquaintance yesterday evening. Honestly, I am not a fan of chain letters; I haven't received one in a long time. Nevertheless, quite a number of the best stories, poems and messages that I've read are forwarded e-mails from families and friends. I would love to put down the real author's name, however, I do not know who he or she is - but what I do know is this is worth sharing.

It's Me, Just Checking In Today
A minister passing through his churchin the middle of the day,
decided to pause by the altar
and see who had come to pray.

Just then the back door opened,
a man came down the aisle.
The minister frowned as he saw
the man hadn't shaved in a while.

His shirt was kinda shabby
and his coat was worn and frayed,
the man knelt, he bowed his head,
then rose and walked away.

In the days that followed,
each noon time came this chap,
each time he knelt jus t for a moment,
a lunch pail in his lap.

Well, the minister's suspicions grew,
with robbery a main fear.
He decided to stop the man and ask him,
'What are you doing here?'

The old man said, he worked down the road.
Lunch was half an hour..
Lunchtime was his prayer time,
for finding strength and power.

'I stay only moments, see,
because the factory is so far away;
as I kneel here talking to the Lord,
This is kinda what I say:

"I just came again to tell you, LORD,
how happy I've been,since we found each other's friendshipand you took away my sin.Don't know much of how to pray,but I think about You everyday.
So, JESUS, this is Jim checking in today."

The minister feeling foolish,
told Jim, that was fine.
He told the man he was welcome
to come and pray just anytime.

Time to go, Jim smiled, said 'Thanks.'
He hurried to the door.
The minister knelt at the altar,
he'd never done it before.

His cold heart melted, warmed with love,
and met with Jesus there.
As the tears flowed, in his heart,
he repeated old Jim's prayer:
"I just came again to tell you, LORD,
how happy I've been,since we found each other's friendshipand you took away my sin.Don't know much of how to pray,but I think about You everyday.
So, JESUS, this is me checking in today."
Past noon one day, the minister noticed
that old Jim hadn't come.
As more days passed without Jim,
he began to worry some.

At the factory, he asked about him,
learning he was ill.
The hospital staff was worried,
but he'd given them a thrill.

The week that Jim was with them,
brought changes in the ward.
His smiles, a joy contagious.
Changed people, were his reward.

The head nurse couldn't understand
why Jim was so glad,
when no flowers, calls or cards came,
not a visitor he had.

The minister stayed by his bed,
he voiced the nurse's concern:
No friends came to show they cared.
He had nowhere to turn.

Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up
and with a winsome smile;
"The nurse is wrong, she couldn't know,
that he's in here all the while

everyday at noon He's here,
a dear friend of mine, you see,
He sits right down, takes my hand,
leans over and says to me":

"I just came again to tell you, Jim,
how happy I have been, since we found this friendship, and I took away your sin.
Always love to hear you pray,
I think about you each day, and so Jim, this is JESUS checking in today."

Unrest

FALL

© 2008 Julie Ann Caringal

Clear as water

Time glows, flows, follows,

Marvels and accepts

The path laid out by Thee

Strong as rocks

Man presses on

Struggling, moving, going along

The course planned out for he

Gentle as leaves

The Spirit lay rest

To embrace in warmth

The sorrow of a heart to be

I've been told many times that "change is the only permanent thing in this world". This change, concretely proven in figures, is seen in how foreign exchange rates vary everday, how temperatures rise and drop every now and then, and how stock market numbers skyrocket or plummet all the time. On a more personal note, change is noticed in the way we behave in different situations. We smile when we are happy, cry when we are sad, tremble when we are nervous, and so on.

Plans change. People change. Everything seems to be everchanging.

I was watching the news tonight and the main theme that permeates from all that was being broadcasted on the television was UNREST whether financial, political, social, emotional, or physical. With all the talk about retrenchment, unemployment, bankruptcy, and what-have-you, one cannot miss the instability our world is facing. Deep down, I sometimes get the feeling that we are on a dangerous edge of unrest. A chain of unfortunate events has already led the world to where it is now and I can't help but think that a single but significant event can tip the scale.

I myself am currently on a transition stage. Any decision I make at this point will definitely affect my tomorrow. You are probably dealing with certain changes of your own. And in essence, we are all bound together as one human race facing an uncertain season of our lifetime.

Ultimately, I think it boils down to spiritual unrest, which reminds me of this song by Bukas Palad:

One More Gift

Refrain:

If there's one more gift

I'd ask of you, Lord

It would be peace here on earth

as gentle as your children's laughter

All around, all around

Your people have grown weary

Of living in confusion

When will we realize

That neither heaven is at peace

When we live not in peace

(Refrain)

Grant me serenity within

For the confusions around

Are mere reflections

Of what's within..

What's within in me

(Refrain)

The second verse speaks of the inner turmoil that each one of us (including myself) experience - an inner battle that is manifested in a million and one ways. The ground we are standing on might be shaking terribly but I always have this TRUTH to hold on to, which I wish to share with you:

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

- Hebrews 13:8

The Message states the same Bible verse: "There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn't change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he's always totally himself." Wow! Isn't that amazing? The reassurance that the Lord gives us in His unchanging being brings PEACE in my heart and spirit. I hope in this reminder, or perhaps realization for some, you find serenity as well.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
- John 16:33

For me, the word 'change' often go hand in hand with the question 'why?'. Now I know the answer: in Christ alone is the eternal.

If you still have questions about this Truth, you will find your answers by reflecting on Life's Greatest Question. I am praying for you.