Be Inspired and Enriched!

I sometimes feel sad when people who believe startdeclaring that they are experiencing spiritual dryness. Although I understand that a certain form of dryness or crossing the desert can be experienced, I doubt if these people have actually done their part to make their spiritual journey more meaningful. People close to me have often used this as reason for shying way from practices which I belive actualy helps them. When I ask them if they actually pray daily, read the scriptures daily, meditate or reflect daily,or attend spiritual retreat regularly, the answer is usually on the negative. Spiritual development is a process. Spiritual life is a moving, flowing act or state. It can not be static. One has to continue to improve, to act, to do and even to be. It is hard work. What you put in is what you get. Or even more. And it is hard work when we develop a relationship. such as a friendship. We spend time and effort to be present and be involved in the life of the other. The...

As a newly–50 woman, I wanted to do the right thing: Have a mammogram as soon as possible. I had been having it pretty regularly in my forties so it is just a matter of continuing a routine. However, this time, I was pretty tentative, scheduling and cancelling mammogram appointments for about seven times. I also decided to do it after my birthday party so I could be as peaceful and joyful in my celebrations. I then finally managed to confirm a schedule. The procedure was done quickly and the when the result was available after three weeks, the secretary informed me that I had to go to the Royal Hospital for women to have further tests. I was in a bit of a shock for a while and several thoughts came rushing in. Am I going to do die soon? And some of life’s most important questions, such as, have I done what God wanted me to do here on earth? Have I completed my mission? Then, I had to do the practical aspects. Who should I inform? How do I go to the hospital? Then, I went ...

The first few weeks of the year usually welcome us with stories about trips and holidays. Everyone is energised and so full of hope and excitement! Well, have you already started planning what you want to do next this year? I know that some are planning to go on a cruise or an overseas trip. I am sure you are so looking forward to it. They always say that half of the fun is in the planning and telling everybody about your impending trip. Late last year, I finally decided to go overseas for twelve days to visit my parents and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It was a short yet a really meaningful one knowing that I was able to visit them, especially my Dad, who is sick. I also had a chance to meet high school classmates I have not seen since I was 17 years old! I was also hoping to spend a bit of time with two close friends which did not happen. So, the overseas trip was both satisfying and also disappointing. And then, early this year, my family, with three o...

Christmas is meant to be a time for people to be joyful, reconciled and at peace, with God, with oneself and with others. For Christians, it is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. For people of goodwill, it is also a time to be happy and be one with those celebrating the joyful season. People celebrate with family, friends, colleagues and even neighbours. But, what about those of us who are not surrounded by these people? Or, perhaps live far away from them? Can they still joyfully celebrate Christmas? Well, it is a personal decision. Firstly, we have to decide whether we want to be part of the joyful season or not. Secondly, forget about buying presents or receiving them. I am sure we all reach that stage in our lives where we actually do not need to receive or expect presents anymore. Although, we still need to be gracious when receiving them. Thirdly, once we have decided that presents are not really important, we have to accept that real j...

On the weekend, I gave a talk on the topic of Loving Your Neighbour at a Parish-Based Retreat. I have given this talk before so I felt confident in accepting the invitation to speak. I prepared the slides and the materials. Before the afternoon session started, I had set up the slides, the music, the movie and the sound amplifier. Everything worked. However, thirty minutes before I was due to speak, I went to a room and prayed to the Holy Spirit that I may speak about God's real message that could touch at least one of those present. When it was my time to speak, everything did not work - the remote control, the projector, the slides, the sound and the video (movie). But I had to start. So, I grabbed my Bible and started to read the Parable of the Good Samaritan. I shared a bit about what touched me in that passage, the words that came up very strongly and how this story can be compared to our situation today. When the projector came up again, I quickly went through the slides...

Like life, we would like to end our year on a good note. If you made a list of things you wanted to do this year, may that be a goals list, a New Year’s resolution or just a simple list of what you planned to do this year, have a look at it again today. Have you already done some or most of those things on the list? Early in the year, I created a 4-Pronged Goals List for myself. The 4 areas in life that I wanted to focus on this year. Spiritual Development, Creative Development, Financial Development and Family Relationships Development. As I try to develop these areas, I also planned to focus on 2 main values: Patience and an Inner Life. Although I like to plan my year, I also want to be open to where God leads me. I believe that this year, God has helped me and my family tremendously, although sometimes not according to our plan. But His own plan in His own time. How about you? How has God touched, changed or disturbed your life this year? Have you touched someone’s lif...

On a Friday late afternoon, I prepared all the necessary documentation and updates for the following Monday. I went home very pleased with myself that everything will be ready and smooth when the School (which I'm managing) starts again on Monday. On a Sunday evening, I had a terrible headache that I was not able to check up on my son all the things and homework that had to be submitted on the Monday. So, the next day, although I got up early, I needed some time to do the things that may have not been done the day before. And yes, nothing has been done after I went to bed. So, everyone was quite frantic that morning and, needless to say, I was late for my morning train. On my way to the office, I still had that feeling that everything will be smooth and quiet as I have prepared everything on Friday. Lo and behold! The School was flooded! All the students were waiting for me at the Church foyer. All of our classrooms located at the basement had their carpets stripped. You only have ...