true love

Are your palms sweaty, is your heart racing, And your voice caught within your chest?

• It isn't Love, it's Like.

You can't keep your eyes or hands off of them, am I right?

• It isn't Love, it's Lust.

Are you proud, and eager to show them off?

• It isn't Love, it's Luck.

Do you want them because you know they're there?

• It isn't Love, it's Loneliness.

Are you there because it's what everyone wants?

• It isn't Love, it's Loyalty.

Do you stay for their confessions of Love, because you don't want to hurt them?

• It isn't Love, it's Pity.

Are you there because they kissed you, or held your hand?

• It isn't Love, it's being Unconfident.

Do you belong to them because their sight makes your heart skip a beat?

• It isn't Love, it's Infatuation.

Do you pardon their faults because you care about them?

• It isn't Love, it's Friendship.

Do you tell them every day they are the only one you think of?

• It isn't Love, it's a Lie.

Are you willing to give all of your favorite things for their sake?

• It isn't Love, it's Charity.

Does your heart ache and break when they're sad?

• Then it's Love.

Are you attracted to others, but stay with them faithfully without regret?

• Then it's Love.

Do you accept their faults because they're a part of who they are?

• Then it's Love.

Do you cry for their pain, even when they're strong?

• Then it's Love.

Do their eyes see your true heart, and touch your soul so deeply it hurts?

• Then it's Love.

But do you stay because a blinding, incomprehensible mix of pain and elation pulls you close and holds you?

• Then it's Love.

Would you give them your heart, your life, your death?

• Then it's Love.

Now, if Love is painful, and tortures us so,
why do we Love?
Why is it all we search for in life?
This pain, this agony?
Why is it all we long for?
This torture, this powerful death of self?
Why?
Because it's...
Love

an exercise of affirmation

I AM _______. Simple and to the point, this fill-in-the-blank exercise helps me focus on what I need to be or do, what I have to be or do. It’s an exercise of affirmation, one that encourages me to push myself more and be happy with myself.

How does this go? Fill the blank with a positive trait or characteristic you want to possess. For example, when in a situation that requires you to relax (think panic moments before an exam), try saying the line “I am calm” over and over in your head. The more you say it, the calmer you will be. It’s all about claiming the feeling and owning it.

The “I am ___” line also works when you need to finish a task. Try it when you’re feeling lazy to clean your home. Repeat “I am decluttering the living room” in your head or out loud, and this can help bring you to action.

The “I am ___” lines I use most often are “I am calm” and “I am focused.” The first line helps me a lot before a presentation, a time when the butterflies in my stomach are flying wildly around. The second line helps me when I’m getting overwhelmed with work.

Try the exercise for yourself. I hope it helps you get centered and accomplish what you’re set out to do.

Love Letter From God To You:

My Child--

You may not know me, but I know everything about you--Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up--Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways--Psalm 139:3

For you were made in my image--Genesis 1:27

For you are my offspring--Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived--Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation--Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book--Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live--Acts 17:26

I knit you together in your mother's womb--Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born--Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me--John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love--1 John 4:16

Simply because you are my child and I am your father--1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could--Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father--Matthew 5:48

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs--Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope--Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love--Jeremiah 31:3

I will never stop doing good to you--Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession--Exodus 19:5

And I want to show you great and marvelous things--Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me--Deuteronomy 4:29

For it is I who gave you those desires--Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine--Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager--2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles--2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you--Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart--Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes--Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth--Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus--John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed--John 17:26

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you--Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins--2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you--1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love--Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me--1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again--Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen--Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father--Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is Will you be my child--John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you--Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad. Almighty God

Learn To Write In The Sand

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. At a specific point of the journey, they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one, who got slapped, was hurt, but without anything to say, he wrote in the sand: "TODAY, MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE".

They kept on walking, until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who got slapped and hurt started drowning, and the other friend saved him. When he recovered from the fright, he wrote on a stone:
"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE".

The friend who saved and slapped his best friend,asked him, "Why, after I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now you write on a stone?"

The other friend, smiling, replied: "When a friend hurts us, we should write it down in the sand, where the winds of forgiveness get in charge of erasing it away, and when something great happens, we should engrave it in the stone of the memory of the heart, where no wind can erase it"

FROG

A group of frogs was traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit.

When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the unfortunate frogs they would never get out.

The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead.

Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and simply gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could.

Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and suffering and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out.

When he got out, the other frogs asked him, "Why did you continue jumping Didn’t you hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

—————————–

This story teaches two lessons:

1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them. Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path.

The power of words….it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times.

Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another. May your words be a blessing to someone today.

PRAYER

"Lord Jesus, through the gift of your Holy Spirit, you fill us with an indomitable spirit of praise and joy which no earthly trial can subdue. Fill me with your resurrection joy and help me to live a life of praise and thanksgiving for your glory. May I witness to those around me the joy of the gospel and the reality of your resurrection."

THOUGHTS OF A BLOOD DONOR

I gave my blood; CHRIST gave HIS.

I gave a pint; He gave ALL.

The needle is small and sharp;

the nails were lare and dull.

The cot is soft and restful;

the cross rough and painful.

The nurses are kind and gentle;

the soldiers cruel and mean.

The crowd applauds my sacrifice;

they that passed by reviled HIM.

Mine is type O positive;

HIS is positively for all.

Mine, at best, will prolong life for a little while;

HIS, without doubt, saves all

FOREVER!

how to pray

before you start praying please remember the 3 P's in prayer, place, posture, passage

1. set aside a few minutes every day. do not say anything just think God

2. then pray orally, use simple words, used your own words.

3. do not always ask when your pray instead spend most of your time of thanking God.

4. never used negative thoughts in prayer, be positive

5. always express willingness to accept Gods will

6. pray for other people especially your detractors

how to be HAPPY

think:

if your are ask with this :

WHO DECIDES WHETHER your shall be HAPPY OR UNHAPPY?

The answer is - YOU DO!

I want to share you a story of an old man asked: Why he was so very happy and he must have a wonderful secret of happiness. the old man replied:

NO i have no great secret, it's just plain and simple:

When i get up in the morning, I have TWO choices - either to be HAPPY or to be UNHAPPY, and so what do you think I do?

I JUST CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY AND THAT'S ALL THERE IS IT.

how to affirm

When you praise them or otherwise support their sense of identity, they will feel good about themselves and confident about you and your intent.

When they do something that you want them to do, congratulate them. Tell them they have done well. Support their sense of identity.

Say things like:

• That's right.
• Good.
• You can do it.
• There! Doesn't that feel good?

There are other ways of affirmation, for example by getting themselves to see themselves as clever, beautiful, skilful and otherwise wonderful.

• Step outside and see how wonderful you are.
• You are God's creation, just like all the people you admire.
• How do you feel now? Is it good?
• There -- you did that all by yourself.

When affirming a person, it is important to really believe and mean what you say.

Affirmation works directly on the need for a sense of identity. By supporting the identity in any way, you also support self-confidence and self-belief, including in the ability to change and respond to hypnotic suggestion. Confidence in the self also increase confidence in your self, creating a bond that increases suggestibility.

Trust Define

Trust is both and emotional and logical act. In practice, trust is a bit of both. I trust you because I have experienced your trustworthiness and because I have faith in human nature.

We feel trust. Emotions associated with trust include companionship, friendship, love, agreement, relaxation, comfort.

There are a number of different ways we can define trust. Here are the dimensions of trust and consequent definitions.

1.Trust means being able to predict what other people will do and what situations will occur. If we can surround ourselves with people we trust, then we can create a safe present and an even better future.

2.Trust means making an exchange with someone when you do not have full knowledge about them, their intent and the things they are offering to you.

3.Trust means giving something now with an expectation that it will be repaid, possibly in some unspecified way at some unspecified time in the future.

4.Trust means enabling other people to take advantage of your vulnerabilities—but expecting that they will not do this.

So what?

So learn about trust, how it works and how to build it. If you do it well, other people will give you the earth. If you betray them, they will hunt you to the ends of the earth.

GIVING WITHOUT EXPECTING ANYTHING IN RETURN

Focus on your actions not their reactions. An important lesson about anxiety is that when we focus on external outcomes that are beyond our immediate control, we give up control of our emotions and will begin to feel anxious and helpless. The same is true in meeting people, approaching people, talking to people, trying to help people, trying to entertain people, etc. If you focus on their evaluation or approval of you, spending time with you, giving back to you, or any other reaction outside your control, you increase your anxiety and helplessness.

Therefore, focus on approaching people, being friendly, your talking and listening, your openness and honesty, your assertiveness, and your thinking positive thoughts. You can control what you think and do. The result will be that you are setting attainable goals that you have control over. Knowing that can give you peace.

In the long run, you may not want invest much energy in a relationship if you do not receive enough of what you want. However, in the short run, focus on your actions as ends in themselves to "practice your act" and be the kind of person in a relationship that you want to be. Eventually others will respond positively as you get better at it and as you approach the right people.

Also, say this to yourself, "My gift recipients have the freedom to do whatever they want with my gifts (my attention, help, etc.)--since it is now theirs." It is OK for them to reject the gifts and you can still feel good because you gave in the spirit of true unconditional, non-demanding love.

the power of touch

Physical touch is basic basic human need. However some of us need lots or more of it than others to feel important and loved, a pat on the shoulder, an embrace, holding ones hands, a hug.

think this:

Are they always reaching to hold your hand?
Do they frequently put an arm around you?

A person whose primary love language is physical touch would much rather have you just quietly hold them than offer any words of encouragement or advice.

Love Languages Quiz

Click this link or copy paste for the Quiz:

www.greaterquest.com/LoveLanguages.asp

Words of Affirmation

According to Mark Twain “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Verbal appreciation speaks powerfully to persons whose primary Love Language is “Words of Affirmation.” otherwise known as word of appreciation a Simple statements, such as, "i love you" “You look great in that haircut,” or “You must be the best cook in the world! I love your adobo,”" are sometimes all a person needs to hear to feel loved.

Aside from verbal compliments, another way to communicate through “Words of Affirmation” is to offer encouragement. Here are some examples: reinforcing a difficult decision; calling attention to progress made on a current project; acknowledging a person’s unique perspective on an important topic. If a loved one listens for “Words of Affirmation,” offering encouragement will help him or her to overcome insecurities and develop greater confidence.

IF YOU MUST LET SOMEONE DOWN, BE SURE IT ISN’T THE FRIEND WHO HELPED YOU UP WHEN YOU WERE DOWN

We all have short memories. We become preoccupied with our own interests and daily cares, and it’s easy to lose track of friends.

There will always be times when you must choose between what you wish to do and what you must do. When you are faced with such decisions, make sure you always remember those true and loyal friends who were there when you needed them, and never, under any circumstances, abandon them. When you let down a friend who helped you when you needed it most, you will not only adversely affect the friendship; you will seriously damage your own self-respect.

When you fail a friend, regardless of how heavy your own burdens may be, you also fail yourself. If you absolutely cannot do what good friends would like, find another way to make it up to them.

It is You and God Anyway

people are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered

forgive them anyway.

if your kind, people may accuse you of selfish

ulterior motives; be kind anyway

if you are successful, you will win some false friends and

some true friends ; succeed anyway

if you are honest and frank, people may cheat you

be honest anyway and frank anyway

what you spend years building,

someone could destroy evernight; build anyway

the good you do today, people will often forget tommorrow;

do good anyway

give the world your best anyway

you see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;

it was never between you and them anyway

“You are precious in my sight, I treasure you & I love you

In his Gospel, Saint John expresses that “God is love.” If we can grasp only those three words, we shall go far, very far.

What captivates us in those words? The fact that they transmit this luminous conviction: God did not send Christ to earth to condemn anyone, but for every human being to know that he or she is loved and to be able to find a road to communion with God.

But why are some people gripped by the wonder of a love and know that they are loved, or even cherished? Why do others have the impression that they are neglected?

If only everyone could realize that God remains alongside us even in the fathomless depths of our loneliness. God says to each person, “You are precious in my sight, I treasure you and I love you.” Yes, all God can do is give his love; that sums up the whole of the Gospel.

That God loves us is a reality sometimes hard to comprehend. But when we discover that his love is forgiveness above all else, our hearts find peace and are even transformed. And then, in God, we become able to forget what assails our hearts

Are we sufficiently aware that God trusts us so much that he has a call for each one of us? What is that call? God invites us to love as he loves. And there is no deeper love than to go to the point of giving oneself, for God and for others.

All who choose to love and to say it with their life are led to ask themselves one of the most compelling questions of all: how can we ease the pain and the torment of others, whether they are close at hand or far away?

But what does it mean to love? Could it be to share the suffering of the most ill-treated? Yes, that’s it.

Could it mean having infinite kind-heartedness and forgetting oneself for others, selflessly? Yes, certainly.

And again: what does it mean to love? Loving means forgiving, living as people who are reconciled. And reconciliation always brings a springtime to the soul.

Shortly before his death, Christ assured his friends that they would receive a consolation: he would send them the Holy Spirit who would be a support and a comfort for them, and who would always remain with them.

In the heart of each person, Christ still whispers today, “I will never leave you all alone; I will send you the Holy Spirit. Even if you are in the depths of despair, I remain alongside you.”

Welcoming the comfort that the Holy Spirit gives means seeking, in silence and peace, to surrender ourselves to him. Then, though at times dire events may occur, it becomes possible to go beyond them.

Are we so easily upset that we need to be comforted?

There are times when all of us are shaken by a personal trial or by the suffering of others. This can go so far as to undermine our faith and extinguish our hope. Rediscovering the trusting of faith and peace of heart sometimes involves being patient with ourselves.

One kind of suffering leaves a particularly deep impression: the death of someone we love, someone we may have needed in order to keep going forward here on earth. But such a trial can sometimes be transfigured, and then it opens us up to a communion.

A Gospel joy can be restored to someone in extreme distress. God comes to shed light on the mystery of human suffering, going so far as to welcome us into an intimacy with himself. And then we find ourselves on a path of hope. God does not leave us all alone. He enables us to advance towards a communion, that communion of love which is the Church, at one and the same time so mysterious and so indispensable … The Christ of communion offers us this enormous gift of consolation.

Seeking reconciliation and peace involves a struggle within oneself. It does not mean taking the line of least resistance. Nothing lasting is created when things are too easy. The spirit of communion is not gullible. It causes the heart to become more encompassing; it is profound kindness; it does not listen to suspicions.

To be bearers of communion, will each of us walk forward in our lives on the road of trust and of a constantly renewed kind-heartedness?

On this road there will be failures at times. Then we need to remember that the source of peace and communion is in God. Instead of becoming discouraged, we shall call down his Holy Spirit upon our weaknesses.

It was then about four in th eafternoon.

( Jn 1:35-42)

John sees how important time is. Time is Gold, Time is Precious, Time has its Purpose .

And there is Time for Every thing:

time for sowing and time for reaping

time for building and a time for destroying

time to cry and time to laugh

and so on

Think:

"What time" is it now in your life?

How much time your are willing to share to your self , others, God and to your life's quests?

What are you looking for?

The 2 disciples was not ignored by Jesus : he spoke to them and pump up a process of communication, that leads to deeper relationship with himself.

In our life we have the option to choose to closed our self to one another or to a particular person, or we can be vivid and true to one another's person, words and deeds, and start chatting and interacting which can be very and for sure be rewarding.

Think:

How does the thought of interacting with others in this life make your feel? Why?

What are you looking for? this is the question ask by Jesus to the two disciple ( Jn 1:35-42)
Now if were you ask you with the same question , what would be your answer?

Think:

What am looking for in my life?

The YE Dynamics

The Road to Emmaus ( Luke 24:13-35 )

two disciples were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all the things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days:" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see."

And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them,

he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight.

They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?"

And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread

My YE Facilitators Handbook