The Difference a Teacher can Make - A True Story

One of my favorite teachers during my Primary years in education, Ma'am Zeny

Steve, a twelve-year-old boy with alcoholic parents, was about to be lost forever, by the U.S. education system. Remarkably, he could read, yet, in spite of his reading skills, Steve was failing. He had been failing since first grade, as he was passed on from grade to grade. Steve was a big boy, looking more like a teenager than a twelve year old, yet, Steve went unnoticed... until Miss White.

Miss White was a smiling, young, beautiful redhead, and Steve was in love! For the first time in his young life, he couldn't take his eyes off his teacher; yet, still he failed. He never did his homework, and he was always in trouble with Miss White. His heart would break under her sharp words, and when he was punished for failing to turn in his homework, he felt just miserable! Still, he did not study.

In the middle of the first semester of school, the entire seventh grade was tested for basic skills. Steve hurried through his tests, and continued to dream of other things, as the day wore on. His heart was not in school, but in the woods, where he often escaped alone, trying to shut out the sights, sounds and smells of his alcoholic home. No one checked on him to see if he was safe. No one knew he was gone, because no one was sober enough to care. Oddly, Steve never missed a day of school.

One day, Miss White's impatient voice broke into his daydreams.

"Steve!!" Startled, he turned to look at her.

"Pay attention!"

Steve locked his gaze on Miss White with adolescent adoration, as she began to go over the test results for the seventh grade.

"You all did pretty well," she told the class, "except for one boy, and it breaks my heart to tell you this, but..." She hesitated, pinning Steve to his seat with a sharp stare, her eyes searching his face.

"...The smartest boy in the seventh grade is failing my class!"

She just stared at Steve, as the class spun around for a good look. Steve dropped his eyes and carefully examined his fingertips.

After that, it was war!! Steve still wouldn't do his homework. Even as the punishments became more severe, he remained stubborn.

"Just try it! ONE WEEK!" He was unmoved.

"You're smart enough! You'll see a change!" Nothing fazed him.

"Give yourself a chance! Don't give up on your life!" Nothing.

"Steve! Please! I care about you!"

Wow! Suddenly, Steve got it!! Someone cared about him? Someone, totally unattainable and perfect, CARED ABOUT HIM??!!"

Steve went home from school, thoughtful, that afternoon. Walking into the house, he took one look around. Both parents were passed out, in various stages of undress, and the stench was overpowering! He, quickly, gathered up his camping gear, a jar of peanut butter, a loaf of bread, a bottle of water, and this time...his schoolbooks. Grim faced and determined, he headed for the woods.

The following Monday he arrived at school on time, and he waited for Miss White to enter the classroom. She walked in, all sparkle and smiles! God, she was beautiful! He yearned for her smile to turn on him. It did not.

Miss White, immediately, gave a quiz on the weekend homework. Steve hurried through the test, and was the first to hand inhis paper. With a look of surprise, Miss White took his paper. Obviously puzzled, she began to look it over. Steve walked back to his desk, his heart pounding within his chest. As he sat down, he couldn't resist another look at the lovely woman.

Miss White's face was in total shock! She glanced up at Steve, then down, then up. Suddenly, her face broke into a radiant smile. The smartest boy in the seventh grade had just passed his first test!

From that moment nothing was the same for Steve. Life at home remained the same, but life still changed. He discovered that not only could he learn, but he was good at it! He discovered that he could understand and retain knowledge, and that he could translate the things he learned into his own life. Steve began to excel! And he continued this course throughout his school life.

After high-school Steve enlisted in the Navy, and he had a successful military career. During that time, he met the love of his life, he raised a family, and he graduated from college Magna Cum Laude. During his Naval career, he inspired many young people, who without him, might not have believed in themselves. Steve began a second career after the Navy, and he continues to inspire others, as an adjunct professor in a nearby college

Miss White left a great legacy. She saved one boy who has changed many lives. I know, because I am the love of his life.

You see, it's simple, really. A change took place within the heart of one boy, all because of one teacher, who cared.

My Elementary School teachers with my beloved mother (center)

© Jaye Lewis, 2003 - Used with permission from author (inspire21)

If God is for Us, Who can be Against Us?

You will know there is a God in heaven and when you see what He does, you will know it. Do not fear the terrors of the night nor the dangers of the day nor the prestigious that stalks in the darkness nor the disaster that strikes at midday. I remember the song “Our God” by Chris Tomlin and it’s not just a famous song lyric, it’s the Scripture in the bible found in Romans 8: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” What a great hope. It's also comforting to know that God's Spirit is within us. It is good to have those times to get away together in the midst of the craziness of life! Therefore we will not fear " Listen once more to His wondrous words in Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not; for I am with you: do not be dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness." In the midst of all that can come at you in life and the struggles, we can be reminded that God is for us. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.  So today, if you are feeling like everyone and everything is coming against you… hold your head up high and stand up tall, proud, and firm on your feet, God is on our side! and "if God is for us, who can be against us?"   

Helpful Dengue Tips

Dengue Prevention Checklist

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To prevent the spread of dengue fever, you must first prevent the breeding of its vector, the Aedes mosquito. The Aedes mosquito is easily identifiable by its distinctive black and white stripes on their body. It prefers to breed in clean, stagnant water easily found in our homes. You can get rid of the Aedes mosquito by frequently checking and removing stagnant water in your premises.

The guidelines below will give you an overview of how you can prevent the Aedes mosquito from breeding. 

At all times

v     Turn pails and watering cans over and store them under shelter.

v     Remove water in plant pot plates. Clean and scrub the plate thoroughly to remove mosquito eggs. Avoid the use of plant pot plates, if possible.

v     Loosen soil from potted plants to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water on the surface of the hardened soil.

v     Do not block the flow of water in scupper drains along common corridors in HDB estates. Avoid placing potted plants and other paraphernalia over the scupper drains.

v     Cover rarely used gully traps. Replace the gully trap with non-perforated ones and install anti-mosquito valves.

v     Cover bamboo pole holders after use. Rainwater can potentially accumulate in these bamboo pole holders if they are uncovered and create a habitat.

v     No tray or receptacles should be placed beneath and or/ on top of any air-conditioning unit so as not to create a condition favourable for mosquito breeding.

Every other day

v     Change water in flower vases. Clean and scrub the inner sides of vases. Wash roots of flowers and plants thoroughly as mosquito eggs can stick to them easily.

Once a week

v     Clear fallen leaves and stagnant water in your scupper drains and garden. These leaves could collect water or cause blockages to the drains, thus resulting in the buildup of stagnant water.  . v     Clear any stagnant water in your air cooler unit.

Once a month

v     Add prescribed amounts of sand granular insecticide into vases, gully traps and roof gutters, even if they are dry.

v     Clear away fallen leaves in roof gutters and apron drains. If structurally feasible, remove the roof gutters.

 

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Dengue can be a deadly disease once you contract the virus. To keep you and your loved ones safe, best to make sure your house is dengue-proof by following these simple steps:

1. Do not allow mosquitoes to breed. Stagnant water, or water that has been left to stand for more than 3 days, is a breeding ground for mosquitoes so it is important to clear stagnant water in places where water collects: drainages, flower pots, unused swimming pools, fountains, ponds, etc.

2. Ward off mosquitoes by lighting mosquito coils or lighting citronella-scented candles. Not fond of smoke? Electric mosquito repellant and topical insect repellant (sprays and lotions) are available in the market.

3. Block off mosquito entry points. Repair holes in window and door screens and use mosquito netting in the bedroom, especially around very young children.

4. Kill mosquitoes using electric mosquito killers or rechargeable insect swatters available at your local hardware. For greater effectivity, especially in extreme infestations, have your house fogged. Do-it-yourself insecticides are available commercially but professional services are also listed in the directory. Be sure fogging is done when no one is at home. Leave the house empty for several hours to allow the chemicals to settle.

Follow the anti-dengue tips above to keep the dengue virus away from your household. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

(Anna Katrina Lagman http://www.myproperty.ph)

References:

http://www.nea.gov.sg

Keep Hope Alive

Have you ever asked yourself the question “Kaninong buhay ang babaguhin ko?" or “Why am I here on earth?”’. For me, it can only be good to open the repository of joy, share to others and refill it once in a while. Some people fear doing this kind of act because they are suspicious of the concept. They somehow believe that there are people who can do it better or they don’t simply fit with the situations, as if the very act means the abandonment of their career, duties and obligations for themselves. I’m always moved by the efforts of the many good people who have responded to the call for help of other. I catch myself choking on my tears whenever I see or read about the great suffering of many and the heroic compassionate work being done by people to alleviate the pain of others, giving them hope. It is truly awesome and inspiring.

I believe that we only have to respond to the challenges of becoming an extraordinary. The lives of countless ‘ordinary’ people who said ‘yes’ to the challenge change the course of history. By saying ‘yes’ and carrying it through, they became greater than what they were. They became at the very least, ‘extraordinary’. Being one, do not necessarily mean that you’ll be popular, rich or whatsoever, it only depicts the fulfillment and joy that once in your life you became a blessing to other people. Di naman kailangang mayaman ka para makatulong o maging extraordinary, yung talento, malasakit, oras, at pagiging inspirasyon mo ay mas malaking bagay para mabago ang buhay ng iba. Material thing fades, but hope never abandons you. I’ll be the happiest person in the world if someday, at least one person will approach me and said “Thank you, you touched my life”. That's why I'm grateful that I have been blessed with a great circle of friends and relatives that definitely are my support system and act as my crutches in times of need. They are the “extraordinary” in my life.

I know that when I am happy, I am able to imbue situations I find myself in with happiness and even share it with everyone. While there is something good and heroic about giving and sharing to others, I know, in the end, it is simply sustainable and that’s why I will do it not just once in a while but in every situation. Because, when we replenish the well-spring of the goodness from which we shower the world with, we feel better and more empowered. And we must not forget that the hope we give to ourselves is a necessary ingredient if we are to fulfill our obligations and duties to others with joy and with constancy. I remember someone said that you can live for 30 days without food. Eight days without water, and about eight minutes without air, but never for a second without hope.

At the end of the day, we can mess up all we want and as often as we want, it’s our choice. But one thing we can be sure of is there are events, people and missions thrown our way from time to time that open our eyes and remind us that there is good in us, and in everyone. To all of you, who have made a difference in my life, thank you! To my friends and family, I don't get around to saying it much, but you know how much I love you. Ever since I decided to live up the compassion of reaching out the needy and serve others, not only I found a renewed vigor, hope and spirit in living but also an enthusiasm for the work God and found it to be joyful and priceless.

With hope, anything's possible.  Without hope life is meaningless

Things I want to do Before I Die (My Bucket List)

All of us have dreams -- the wildest of which our own dreams cannot even fathom. We long to see more, learn more, and travel more. Imagine being able to say at the end of your life's journey: "Wow, what a ride!" 

 We keep an unending list of things we want to achieve, things we want to change, attitudes we want to cultivate. It is so great to take the time and really ask yourself, what DO I want? Creating and achieving your life list is about deciding what you really want-which means setting goals. 

As I got older, I still had it and now, perhaps of out necessity, but nevertheless, it is about time I crack my skull open to fish for things once lost. I realized there are so many things I want to accomplish in my lifetime. Call it a quarter-life crisis. I found that some of the things I'd listed I'd already done, which was kind of a neat revelation. And here they are.

1. Serve God, make disciples. Serve the people and the government2. Write and publish at least one book - DONE

3. Spending a year with the minorities; volunteering at a homeless shelter or an orphanage; and mentoring  a disadvantaged children and youth.- DONE
4. Promote win/win conflict resolution.
5. Positively impact at least 10 people’s lives - DONE
6. Starting a profitable, location-independent business doing what I love
7. Having a million dollar investment portfolio to finance my life goals.

8. Establish my non-profit children’s foundation. - DONE
9. Exhibit my own paintings and artworks in a gallery

10. Date someone, get dumped, and remain best friends with them even though they broke my heart. DONE

11. Make my family proud and watch them enjoy life. -DONE
12. Learn to play an instrument well.

13. Wave to a stranger, smile and make them smile back. DONE
14. Go scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia
15. Lay down on railroad tracks, and take a picture of the sky.

16. See Starry Night and the Mona Lisa.

17. Drive and/or ride in a Corvette, Porsche, and Ferrari.

18. Travel around the world and take my parents on a vacation abroad

19. Make 50 people smile, in one day and take a homeless person out to eat-DONE

20. Go bungee jumping and kayaking through class IV rapids

21. Go to an African wildlife safari, try hang gliding and walk the Incan trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

22. Explore Antarctica and photograph an endangered species.

23. Experience the cherry blossoms in Japan

24. Find out where my ancestors came from.

25. Understand the truth behind the time-space continuum DONE

26. Give someone a total and pleasant surprise DONE

27. Ride a camel in a dessert

28. Visit the Great Wall of China, Egypt’s pyramid, Taj Mahal, Stonehenge and Explore Teotihuacan

29. Learn to fly a plane

30. Have a meaningful conversation with a beggar- DONE

31. Elect to a public office - DONE

32. Get interviewed by international media and publications like Business Week, Times Magazine, Forbes, CNN, etc

33. Realize the most beautiful, intelligent, funny, talented, compassionate woman you've ever met has fallen in love with you. (I keep pinching myself, but I'm still awake!)

34. Find someone who loves me unconditionally and Have a romantic dinner on a hot air balloon, and......

35. Get married to the woman I love and have a wonderful family life.

There’s a lot of impossible things to be accomplished but instead of worrying about when that wonderful days come I think it is best to work towards completing some simple yet spectacular things in my life. M. Russell Ballard said, “small events and choices determine the direction of our lives just as small helms determine the directions of great ships."So, what’s on your "bucket list" Shernan

Is Helping Others Your Goal in Life?

          

       Most people will admit having their own primary goals, yet secondarily the goal would be to enable the benefit of themselves which often involves others. I've come to realize that I naturally gravitate towards helping people. I work hard to help others and find my own happiness. When I'm happy and the people around me are happy as well, life is at its best. Most of all, in these times God is magnified in my life.

Helping other people even in a simplest way I know give them the hope they need to survive in this kind of living.  

       Yes, its true. To help others is a dream for everyone, it is a pleasurable feeling and experience to extend our help with others, but others keep on asking how, since they don't have an idea on how to do this. The truth is, It doesn't matter who you are, or how much you have, we all end up in the ground with our friends shoveling dirt on our face. Your family, friends, and the people you help are really the only things you leave behind that matter.

         I think if you leave behind a lot of people someday that say to themselves, "That guy really made my life better. I'm grateful I knew him.", you've had a good life.
          Bottom line - follow your passion, be a blessing to others and have a positive impact on those you care about and others in your circle of life.

I'm passionate about helping these kids to have a better future, education and healthy bodies.

EASY VS DIFFICULT

Easy is to judge the mistakes of others Difficult is to recognize our own mistakes
Easy is to talk without thinking Difficult is to refrain the tongue
Easy is to hurt someone who loves us. Difficult is to heal the wound…
Easy is to forgive others Difficult is to ask for forgiveness
Easy is to set rules. Difficult is to follow them…
Easy is to dream every night. Difficult is to fight for a dream…
Easy is to show victory. Difficult is to assume defeat with dignity…
Easy is to admire a full moon. Difficult to see the other side…
Easy is to stumble with a stone. Difficult is to get up…
Easy is to enjoy life every day. Difficult to give its real value…
Easy is to promise something to someone. Difficult is to fulfill that promise…
Easy is to say we love. Difficult is to show it every day…
Easy is to criticize others. Difficult is to improve oneself…
Easy is to make mistakes. Difficult is to learn from them…
Easy is to weep for a lost love. Difficult is to take care of it so not to lose it.
Easy is to think about improving. Difficult is to stop thinking it and put it into action…
Easy is to think bad of others Difficult is to give them the benefit of the doubt…
Easy is to receive Difficult is to give
Easy to read this Difficult to follow
Easy is keep the friendship with words Difficult is to keep it with meanings

A Lesson Learnt

One old man was sitting with his 25 years old son in the train.
Train is about to leave the station.
All passengers are settling down their seat.
As train started young man was filled with lot of joy and curiosity
He was sitting on the window side.
He went out one hand and feeling the passing air. He shouted, "Papa see all trees are going behind".
Old man smile and admired son feelings.

Beside the young man one couple was sitting and listening all
the conversion between father and son.

They were little awkward with the attitude of 25 years old man behaving like a small child.
Suddenly young man again shouted, "Papa see the pond and animals. Clouds are moving with train".

Couple was watching the young man in embarrassingly.

Now its start raining and some of water drops touches the young man's hand.
He filled with joy and he closed the eyes. 
He shouted again," Papa it's raining, water is touching me, see papa".
Couple couldn't help themselves and ask the old man.

"Why don't you visit the Doctor and get treatment for your son."

Old man said,
" Yes, We are coming from the hospital as Today only my son got his eye sight for first time in his life".

Moral: "Don’t draw conclusions until you know all the facts"

A Sincere Prayer

Dear God,

Please help me through this lonely dark time. I ask that you bring the people I love back to me. I know I have done many things wrong and you know that my heart has turned hardened and cold from any truths. I ask that even though you let me operate in free will,  you still intercede for me in this area of my life. I have found anger and cruelty to be pleasurable or a way to protect ones self from getting hurt. I ask that you show me the light no matter how small because I know I am not ready to let go on my own but that only you have the power and tools to step in and soften my heart once more. I ask that you show me what hurt pride can cause and that there is another way. I know you say that I must come to them but I ask that for this case could you come to me show your love again and forgiveness even though I am saying I need no one. Please God you are my only hope in this matter. I pray that your will be done and your truth will be unveiled. (Adapted from Oh-god.tumblr.com)