Be Inspired and Enriched!

One of my friends, Fr. Jesus Richie Santos, sdb, shared this article on how to have a meaningful marriage. 1. Conflict is your friend. There are differences in every relationship - what makes or breaks a marriage is how partners choose to resolve those conflicts. Ignoring them is not the solution. That would be like ignoring cancer in the hope that it will go away by itself. Actually when conflicts are resolved successfully, the relationship can move to an even higher level of stability and intimacy. Use the following tips to resolve conflicts in your marriage. 2. Listen with empathy . Empathy is your ability to see things from your partner's perspective. Listen to your partner and tune in to his/her feelings. Whatever your partner is feeling "makes sense" from his or her perspective. When you start to "get it", you will know not only what your partner is feeling - you will also understand why. You are ready for the next step. 3. Respond with empathy . Tell you...

If you are currently on a search, here are some suggestions or 5 Steps you may want to embark on: Step Number 1: Spend Time with Yourself: Reflection Time As soon as you get the news about a possible retrenchment, schedule a day or two half days of silent reflection. This means that you have to give yourself a time to listen to your inner voice. But before you start enumerating your talents and all that you possess within you, take a walk or go to a place that makes you relaxed and at peace. Perhaps, a serene place or a unique setting which triggers happy memories. Enjoy being with yourself. Take in the beauty and the joyful atmosphere around you. Feel complete.During this time, appreciate the goodness within you. Be grateful for all that has been, including the not-so-good times in your life. These have helped form who you are today. Congratulate yourself. The fact that you are alive today is a result of how you made several decisions in the past to take care of yourself.Understand ...

The preacher at the Ash Wednesday Mass spoke about the necessity for us to prepare and learn. He said that in order to prepare for a life in the secular world, we need to learn how to read, write and count. On the other hand, in order to prepare for our life in the eternal world, we need to pray, give (alms) and be reconciled (to have peace). A pretty simple lesson. And we hear this every year. The most difficult part is how to practise what we hear and learn. On my way to church, I saw a number of people briskly walking along the park, but towards the direction of the church. I tried to guess that these people were going to church. They were coming from the left side of the park, from the right side and from the front. But, as this is the centre of town, I thought, well, you must be dreaming. People nowadays do not walk fast just to make it on time for a church service. So, I tried to figure out those brisk-walking people: a young professional looking guy in his crisp black suit, a mi...

After a very hectic Summer holiday period, today marks the last day to enjoy the company of friends and nature. Today is also Australia day, a day to rediscover and appreciate all the beauty and privileges that this rich town offers to its residents. The boys went cycling, swimming, playing Wii and PS2, hitting balls in the driving range, visiting family and friends. We also had a lot of time playing in the backyard and on the floor tickling each other and singing nice and sometimes silly songs. We had time to go to church and to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. We also celebrated birthdays, baptisms, New Year and welcome relatives from overseas. We had some time to review and consolidate financial circumstances. It is also the time to renew and fortify our goals and dreams. We had time: to pray, to listen to God and to people around, to read, to plan, to be reminded to focus on our dream and mission. But most of all, after the noise of celebrations, I had the time to journ...

Sydney's weather today was that of a perfect summer's day. What made it more perfect was that my husband Raj finally found the time to spend about an hour in the golf driving range with our eight year old son, Rafael. Just the two of them - Mum and little brother were not there. When Rafael came back to the place where they left me to do some tasks, he looked a bit exhausted. But I could see in his eyes a feeling of pride and inner joy. His face beamed as he smiled shyly. As if saying, "Papa spent some time with me, just me! My day rocks!" Rafael wanted to get his own set of clubs, hoping perhaps that he will spend more time with Papa. Just him and Papa in the big boys arena: the driving range. For now. Raj is always strict with him. But today was different. It was bonding time. Let's have more summer days. And even more bonding time between the father and the son.

Is it really possible to live a joyful life? How do we live a joyful life? During tough times, it is very easy to get washed into the tide of doom and gloom, of hopelessness and despair, of depression and helplessness. One of the early Christians instructed at Phillipi: 1 - Show a gentle attitude towards everyone 2 - Don't worry about anyting 3 - Ask God for what you need 4 - Have a thankful heart 5 - Fill your mind with good things He even added that if you put these into practise, your hearts and minds will be safe. And the God who gives peace will be with you. If we strive to think of things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable, we shall be able to live in joy. Indeed, inner joy and peace are possible. If you decide, first of all, to live a joyful life. Decide then to live joyfully, and all else will follow. Some writers say, if you regularly and consciously think of joy and peace, you will attract joy and peace into your life.

Christmas Parade After watching the Sydney Christmas parade, we followed the whole contingent to Tumbalong Park. The boys wanted to see again the big blown-up animals. They were bigger than Santa! They were very excited with the colours and costumes of the parade participants. All these simple things must have given them a feeling of a festive celebration, so it must be Christmas!!!