There is a lot to be said about crying out loud with all your might. How often do you hear someone yelling a swear word when they are hurt? They don't hold back; they just let it out along with the anger and frustration that accompanies the pain.
Well, do you know it's alright to yell at God, too? In fact, He is waiting for you to tell him your troubles. You may have grown up with a traditional mindset that all prayer must be done on your knees, with your hands folded, your head bent, and your voice down to a mere whisper.
I love the story of blind Bartimaeus. When Jesus was coming into the city of Jericho, there was a large crowd following Him and it was hard to get within earshot of Him. Bartimaeus figured out that the only way he had a chance to receive his healing was to yell. The more people told him to shut up, the louder he yelled. He did not care what others were thinking. His health and welfare were at stake here! He knew this may be his only chance to get this close to the Man "who healed all that were oppressed of the devil". (1 Acts 10:38)
Well, his strategy worked! Jesus heard him, commanded him to come near to Him and asked what he could do for him. As he got up, he threw off the shawl which by law all blind people had to wear. When Bartimaeus told Jesus that he would like to receive his sight, he was simply told: "Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole." From that moment on he was blind no more! (Mark 10: 46-52)
Now all the people, including Jesus, knew by his garment that this man was blind. Bartimaeus may have just continued to sit there, hoping that Jesus would pass by, say a prayer, and heal him. He could have asked others to have mercy on him, taken him by the hand, and brought him to the Healer. Yet again, he might have thought to himself: "well, I was born this way; there must be a purpose for it. If the doctors cannot heal me, then maybe Jesus can't, either." He might also have told himself that all he needed to do was pray quietly.
There are times when in quiet, confident trust, you thank God in faith for your needs.Just as it is to your advantage to yell out in order to be heard above the crowd, so it is good to cry out loud to God. Whenever you express a heartfelt cry to God, whether singing praises, or crying out in faith for your needs, you are making a declaration. You are giving notice to the devil that you refuse to listen to his defeatist whispers and that your hope is focused only on the Lord. Psalm 149: 5-9 declares that, if you know Him and praise Him out loud in faith, you can overcome those who persecute you and even change oppressive governments!
These things are from my faith but never the less, those of other faiths can recognize that it is true to all religions. Whatever your religion may be, it is in us all to cry out to the heavens for help and guidance. We seek for answers and hope it can be answered.
Bar advice. Good Friday is almost upon us. Lets us remember the sacrifice by others long ago for the place we live and things we have. Do something good n the world for others. It will come back to you in a greater fold. Bring blessings to others and you to will be blessed.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Monday, April 2, 2007
考 Driving test don'ts.
I remember this girl Brenda, who use to come to the bar, telling me that she was always doing her driving lessons. I don't know whether she took the test already or not but I hope she passed. Especially after all those days rushing to meet up with the instructor and all that.
Anyway here's a little tease to make you laugh about what you should not do or say if you want to pass your driving test.
1) Challenge the instructor to a drag race at Dead Man's Curve after the test finishes.
2) Insist on playing your own mix tape really loudly while driving.
3) Rev the engine and beep the horn furiously if any kids wave at you through the back window.
4) Slow down and whistle and holler at any attractive people. Question the instructor’s sexuality should he/she disapprove.
5) Tell the instructor you only drive sports cars and can’t be seen driving the stupid test car.
6) Ask the instructor has he/she ever come across a talking car such as KITT in knightrider
7) When asked to turn left, turn right instead, when asked for an explanation. say, "Oh you mean my left".
8) When asked if you are sitting comfortably and can reach the pedals, bend down, touch them with your hands and say, "Yep, no problem".
9) Ask the instructor to duck down when passing by a group of your friends as you feel he/she may be bad for your image.
10) Ask the instructor if its possible to travel back in time in a fast car or would you have to make some adjustments after you buy one. Also ask if you need to apply for a different license for time travel.
Bar advice. If you end up doing these things you'll be taking public transport for the rest of your life.
Anyway here's a little tease to make you laugh about what you should not do or say if you want to pass your driving test.
1) Challenge the instructor to a drag race at Dead Man's Curve after the test finishes.
2) Insist on playing your own mix tape really loudly while driving.
3) Rev the engine and beep the horn furiously if any kids wave at you through the back window.
4) Slow down and whistle and holler at any attractive people. Question the instructor’s sexuality should he/she disapprove.
5) Tell the instructor you only drive sports cars and can’t be seen driving the stupid test car.
6) Ask the instructor has he/she ever come across a talking car such as KITT in knightrider
7) When asked to turn left, turn right instead, when asked for an explanation. say, "Oh you mean my left".
8) When asked if you are sitting comfortably and can reach the pedals, bend down, touch them with your hands and say, "Yep, no problem".
9) Ask the instructor to duck down when passing by a group of your friends as you feel he/she may be bad for your image.
10) Ask the instructor if its possible to travel back in time in a fast car or would you have to make some adjustments after you buy one. Also ask if you need to apply for a different license for time travel.
Bar advice. If you end up doing these things you'll be taking public transport for the rest of your life.
News about Booze
A new medical study has provided more good news about booze. There is an ingredient in red wine that apparently really does prolong life, at least, the life of mice.
How do we know? In a recent study, mice that were fed all kinds of artery clogging foods and fattened up were given huge doses of the elixir, while other mice were just fattened up. Despite being obese, the cardiovascular systems of the lucky mice on the regimen remained healthy. So healthy that the researchers, at no less than the Harvard Medical School, rushed to publish their findings even before the study was complete.
The work, which was done along with the National Institute on Aging, determined that heavy doses of the ingredient in red wine called resveratrol, lowers the rate of diabetes, liver problems and other fat related health problems. While it’s too soon to know if the same ingredient works in humans, some scientists were excited by the findings and even called them "spectacular."
But don’t reach for a second bottle of juice too fast. To get the amount of the ingredient that the mice were given, you would have to drink 100 bottles of red wine a day, an amount beyond the capacity of even the most delirious wine drinker.
Yet there is hope. The promising ingredient is available as a health supplement, and without a prescription.
Of course, the usual drawback applies. It’s not available at a dose that would really make much of a difference. For that salubrious event, you’ll need a prescription. Since we all know how promptly the govermental health agencies approves new therapies, we can expect that the first prescription will probably be written for one of our great grandchildren.
Bar advice. This is meant as a bit of a joke as well so please don't go drinking tons of red wine daily. It is, however, good to have a glass or two a day.
How do we know? In a recent study, mice that were fed all kinds of artery clogging foods and fattened up were given huge doses of the elixir, while other mice were just fattened up. Despite being obese, the cardiovascular systems of the lucky mice on the regimen remained healthy. So healthy that the researchers, at no less than the Harvard Medical School, rushed to publish their findings even before the study was complete.
The work, which was done along with the National Institute on Aging, determined that heavy doses of the ingredient in red wine called resveratrol, lowers the rate of diabetes, liver problems and other fat related health problems. While it’s too soon to know if the same ingredient works in humans, some scientists were excited by the findings and even called them "spectacular."
But don’t reach for a second bottle of juice too fast. To get the amount of the ingredient that the mice were given, you would have to drink 100 bottles of red wine a day, an amount beyond the capacity of even the most delirious wine drinker.
Yet there is hope. The promising ingredient is available as a health supplement, and without a prescription.
Of course, the usual drawback applies. It’s not available at a dose that would really make much of a difference. For that salubrious event, you’ll need a prescription. Since we all know how promptly the govermental health agencies approves new therapies, we can expect that the first prescription will probably be written for one of our great grandchildren.
Bar advice. This is meant as a bit of a joke as well so please don't go drinking tons of red wine daily. It is, however, good to have a glass or two a day.
April's Fool
Ever wonder how the tradition of April Fool's Day got started? Historians don't know, but some believe that it is associated with the Spring Equinox. If so, the first day of April shares much in common with The Fool in the Tarot deck. Both symbolize fresh new beginnings. The Fool is assigned the number zero, and his place can be either at the beginning or the end of the 22 major arcana - after all, in every ending is a new beginning. Like a child, The Fool embarks on a new journey, not caring where he will end up, but taking delight in all the wonderful sights awaiting him. When The Fool turns up in a reading, he symbolizes a new start in some area of your life.
Bar Advice. Don't play too many tricks on people. The new spring is beginning and the last shakey quarter of the year just ended. Make the most of the rest of the year.
Bar Advice. Don't play too many tricks on people. The new spring is beginning and the last shakey quarter of the year just ended. Make the most of the rest of the year.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Sexually transmitted Infections
With all the attention heaped upon the most deadly sexually transmitted infection of all (HIV), other non-fatal forms of infection have been somewhat neglected, and even overlooked in sexual education. However, incidences of STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea have been dramatically and silently rising in many parts of the world in recent years, though receiving far less attention. It is now recognized that this is a major public health issue, affecting thousands of people, irrespective of background, education or social class.
Bar Advice. Keep your guard up against other infectious diseases as it can lead to some real painful experiences. People, especially women, sometimes don't know that they may have something because discharge from the vigina looks like something ordinary. Last thing. Take all the precautions seriously. Idoit!
Venereal Disease 在性病病
Venereal diseases, or sexually transmitted diseases (STD) as they are better known today, are a series of diseases which are transmitted through sexual contact between persons, most commonly through vaginal, oral or anal sex. Another term used by experts is “sexually transmitted infections”, but this term is less common.
Venereal diseases are an old companion and concern of mankind. As the British Empire spread throughout the world, British travelers, sailors and soldiers started bringing all sorts of diseases back to England. This is why the first VD clinic opened on January 31, 1747, at the London Dock Hospital. The biggest threats in those times were the syphilis and gonorrhea and the main purpose of the clinic was to study these diseases. They were also considered incurable at the time and doctors focused mostly on treating the symptoms.
The situation changed after the discovery of antibiotics, which made a lot of the old venereal diseases curable. Public health authorities have also launched campaigns of eradication against these diseases, which led to a decline in the number of cases. However, the 80's meant the advent of AIDS and genital herpes, which cannot be cured by modern medicine.
The most common VD's are Syphilis, Chancroid, Chlamydia Infection, Gonorrhea, Herpes, AIDS, Candidiasis and LGV. Sexual contact is also a means of spreading parasites such as pubic lice and scabies.
The easiest way of protecting yourself from VD's is to use condoms during sex. Although this will not help you against pubic lice, it would at least prevent the spread of infections and spare you the 'pleasure' of visiting the STD ward. More so since, despite all efforts, AIDS still means death.
Bar advice. You never know who a carrier is. Keeping your clothes on may just save your life. Some girls are like a hot knife going through margerine, they spread so easily. Some guys have the tools but let's everyone use it. In this day and age it pays to keep a civil thought for your well being.
Venereal diseases are an old companion and concern of mankind. As the British Empire spread throughout the world, British travelers, sailors and soldiers started bringing all sorts of diseases back to England. This is why the first VD clinic opened on January 31, 1747, at the London Dock Hospital. The biggest threats in those times were the syphilis and gonorrhea and the main purpose of the clinic was to study these diseases. They were also considered incurable at the time and doctors focused mostly on treating the symptoms.
The situation changed after the discovery of antibiotics, which made a lot of the old venereal diseases curable. Public health authorities have also launched campaigns of eradication against these diseases, which led to a decline in the number of cases. However, the 80's meant the advent of AIDS and genital herpes, which cannot be cured by modern medicine.
The most common VD's are Syphilis, Chancroid, Chlamydia Infection, Gonorrhea, Herpes, AIDS, Candidiasis and LGV. Sexual contact is also a means of spreading parasites such as pubic lice and scabies.
The easiest way of protecting yourself from VD's is to use condoms during sex. Although this will not help you against pubic lice, it would at least prevent the spread of infections and spare you the 'pleasure' of visiting the STD ward. More so since, despite all efforts, AIDS still means death.
Bar advice. You never know who a carrier is. Keeping your clothes on may just save your life. Some girls are like a hot knife going through margerine, they spread so easily. Some guys have the tools but let's everyone use it. In this day and age it pays to keep a civil thought for your well being.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Chris Rock. View on love and relationships
This may be a little over the top and a little vulgar but really funny. Those that do not like the 'F' word, don't click it.
Bar advice. Sometimes we need to hear the stuff the way it should be told by Chris Rock. Sometimes humour tells it in a clearer way for us to see and hear what we really think.
Happily ever after
In fairy tales we have all heard the words, 'and they lived happily ever after'. well nobody really does, do they? Even the rich can't say that. Remember, more money more problems.
I have seen the pain people experience after the honeymoon is over, when they awaken realizing they have married a mere mortal. I hope people that enter adulthood, will avoid the pitfalls and pain of those who succumb to this "happily ever after" myth. here's a couple of key points for real lasting love.
1. Stop blaming. Start living.
It is our responsibility, and not our partner's, to feel better and to heal. Our partner will be responsible to us, but not for us. So it's useful, instead of blaming our partner, to ask ourselves these two questions, "Why did I draw this person into my life?” and “What is it that I need to learn from this?” Within a good marriage, we grow up.
2. Avoid the fixer-upper syndrome.
We think we can fix our partner and shape them into perfection. Our version of perfection. So many people marry for potential. Never marry potential. Marry for safety, the safety between two people who accept one another faults and all.
3. Make a promise to keep our integrity.
Do not hold onto victim hood like a prize. This doesn't allow us to grow. Work on behaviors that make our partner want to change by being kind and loving. Vent our feelings, without being out of control. If we are in a relationship that does not have mutual respect, over time we may need professional help. Preferably, we would seek that help with our partner.
4. Eliminate attack thoughts.
These types of thoughts are incredibly destructive over time. If we attack other people, ourselves and our thoughts, it really interferes with our happiness and peace of mind.Learn to find the joy, even in difficult times. As Mother Theresa once said, "Our best protection is a joyful heart."
5. Do not hold onto anger.
Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. Turn attack thoughts into constructive thoughts and actions. Think thoughts that are appreciative of ourselves and our partner. And express those thoughts often. When we build an emotional bank account full of positive thoughts, we have positive emotional currency to counter with when angry times come.
6. Wake up, without makeup.
On soap operas I’ve seen women wake up first thing in the morning with all their makeup on, false eyelashes and all. That is not the real world. What women need to do for a successful marriage is to learn to be more and more real. What woman need to do for a successful marriage is learn to feel more and more safe to be who we truly are. Men have to realize that beauty is more than skin deep. If she can remove her make up in front of you then you are special to her.
7. Wake up and make up.
It is essential that couples learn to repair and heal after every fight. Find solutions. Do not get stuck rehashing the past. Live in the present, and find ways to keep the marriage buoyant and alive. Happy couples learn how to repair differences. Best thing really is try to never go to bed angry.
8. To change our relationship.
The place to start is with changing ourselves first. Better to reinvent ourselves, because we are not going to be able to change our partner. Learn to love in a mature way without trying to control or manipulate. C.S. Lewis once said, "To love without control or manipulation is to be surprised by joy." We will truly be surprised by joy when we can live in the moment with our partner. And within ourselves.
Bar advice. Remember that before you met your partner he or she had their own life, dreams, hopes, joy, sadness, shortcomings, downfalls, work, business, dilemmas, pains, loss of love ones, happiness, etc. what I'm getting at is you had the same as well. Now when two people are together they should work at it to have the feel of 'happily ever after'.
I have seen the pain people experience after the honeymoon is over, when they awaken realizing they have married a mere mortal. I hope people that enter adulthood, will avoid the pitfalls and pain of those who succumb to this "happily ever after" myth. here's a couple of key points for real lasting love.
1. Stop blaming. Start living.
It is our responsibility, and not our partner's, to feel better and to heal. Our partner will be responsible to us, but not for us. So it's useful, instead of blaming our partner, to ask ourselves these two questions, "Why did I draw this person into my life?” and “What is it that I need to learn from this?” Within a good marriage, we grow up.
2. Avoid the fixer-upper syndrome.
We think we can fix our partner and shape them into perfection. Our version of perfection. So many people marry for potential. Never marry potential. Marry for safety, the safety between two people who accept one another faults and all.
3. Make a promise to keep our integrity.
Do not hold onto victim hood like a prize. This doesn't allow us to grow. Work on behaviors that make our partner want to change by being kind and loving. Vent our feelings, without being out of control. If we are in a relationship that does not have mutual respect, over time we may need professional help. Preferably, we would seek that help with our partner.
4. Eliminate attack thoughts.
These types of thoughts are incredibly destructive over time. If we attack other people, ourselves and our thoughts, it really interferes with our happiness and peace of mind.Learn to find the joy, even in difficult times. As Mother Theresa once said, "Our best protection is a joyful heart."
5. Do not hold onto anger.
Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. Turn attack thoughts into constructive thoughts and actions. Think thoughts that are appreciative of ourselves and our partner. And express those thoughts often. When we build an emotional bank account full of positive thoughts, we have positive emotional currency to counter with when angry times come.
6. Wake up, without makeup.
On soap operas I’ve seen women wake up first thing in the morning with all their makeup on, false eyelashes and all. That is not the real world. What women need to do for a successful marriage is to learn to be more and more real. What woman need to do for a successful marriage is learn to feel more and more safe to be who we truly are. Men have to realize that beauty is more than skin deep. If she can remove her make up in front of you then you are special to her.
7. Wake up and make up.
It is essential that couples learn to repair and heal after every fight. Find solutions. Do not get stuck rehashing the past. Live in the present, and find ways to keep the marriage buoyant and alive. Happy couples learn how to repair differences. Best thing really is try to never go to bed angry.
8. To change our relationship.
The place to start is with changing ourselves first. Better to reinvent ourselves, because we are not going to be able to change our partner. Learn to love in a mature way without trying to control or manipulate. C.S. Lewis once said, "To love without control or manipulation is to be surprised by joy." We will truly be surprised by joy when we can live in the moment with our partner. And within ourselves.
Bar advice. Remember that before you met your partner he or she had their own life, dreams, hopes, joy, sadness, shortcomings, downfalls, work, business, dilemmas, pains, loss of love ones, happiness, etc. what I'm getting at is you had the same as well. Now when two people are together they should work at it to have the feel of 'happily ever after'.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)