In Search of Happiness

I Hope You Dance

2010-12-16T03:18:00.000-08:00

My son just graduated from Primary School, and my daughter from her Junior High School. I am feeling happy and proud, but sad at the same time.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
...I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

Humility In Time of Trial

2010-04-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

Musical Retreat with John Michael Talbot

2009-12-12T02:55:00.001-08:00

Please join this retreat by listening to this playlist by this amazing Fransiscan monk.

This playlist (40 songs) from John Michael Talbot is provided by youtube's user ChristMyLight. God bless him.

TO get started, grab yourself a comfortable chair ans start watching the convert.

Read this quote from a book by Dan O'Neil: "Signatures: The Story of John Michael Talbot"

As the house lights gradually faded to a dim glow, silence cloaked the hall. The melodious notes of the skilfully played instrument suddenly filled the air and a long, narrow shaft of light pierced the darkness, falling on the robed figure that leaned into the microphone with closed eyes and uplifted face.

"Sing alleluia to the Wonderful Counselor..." the voice drifted through the place like sweet incense. More than eighteen hundred listeners hung on everyword, every note, until the song concluded, then roared in unrestrained approval. Flash bulbs and strobes poped by the score.

"I hope you didn't come here this evening to be entertained. I left that business about ten years ago." Smiling, he paused a moment and urged, "Let us enter into the presence of God in the song. Saint Augustine said, 'He who sings well, prays twice.'"

Ephesians 5

2009-12-11T06:06:00.000-08:00

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25

Happy Anniversary, my love.

What is that in your hand?

2009-12-11T04:49:00.000-08:00

Rick Warren, a pastor and an author of best-selling book, reflects on his own crisis of purpose in the wake of his book's wild success. He explains his belief that God's intention is for each of us to use our talents and influence to do good. His talk at TED is very inspiring.

I know he has been attacked by both Catholics (by having Protestant values) dan Protestants (by 'getting too close' to Catholicism). However, watch the video clip below, and tell me if his message doesn't struck a cord in your heart.

God bless him.

Advent 2009 - Exmas and Crissmas

2009-12-10T02:06:00.000-08:00

It is the time of the year again. Silly season, as some people might say. Christmas mostly means shopping, vacation, presents and parties. I like to quote from C.S. Lewis on his writing “Xmas and Christmas: A Lost Chapter from Herodotus.”. Note that Niatirbians = Britainians = us.

“In the middle of winter when fogs and rains most abound, (the Niatirbians) have a great festival called Exmas, and for 50 days they prepare for it (in the manner which is called,) in their barbarian speech, the Exmas Rush.

“When the day of the festival comes, most of the citizens, being exhausted from the (frenzies of the) Rush, lie in bed till noon. But in the evening they eat five times as much as on other days, and crowning themselves with crowns of paper, they become intoxicated. And on the day after Exmas, they are very grave, being internally disordered by the supper and the drinking and the reckoning of how much they have spent on gifts and on the wine.

“(Now a) few among the Niatirbians have also a festival, separate and to themselves, called Crissmas, which is on the same day as Exmas. And those who keep Crissmas, doing the opposite to the majority of Niatirbians, rise early on that day with shining faces and go before sunrise to certain temples where they partake of a sacred feast.”

I like to be able to be prepared for Crissmas, not Exmas. Advent means coming or arrival. What is coming? The invasion of grace, the arrival of the Redeemer, the Great Mystery where The Big Boss humbling Himself, becomes like one of His creation in order to save them.

Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam

2009-11-24T04:31:00.001-08:00

I just watched a video clip of Benjamin Zander, a musical conductor, on possibilities. It is very inspiring, full of meaningful quotes and beautiful music.

Watch it here.

Benjamin mentioned that Bach at the end of his music pieces, always noted "AMDG", For The Greater Glory Of God. Benjamin called it : possibilities. He said that we have to see ourselves as a big marble stone, which has to be carved to create a masterpiece sculpture. Every one has the possibilities ( "No one is tone deaf"). Well said! We are created in God's image and by His breath. God's plan for us is HUGE (i.e. big stone, possibilities). Then it is up to us to realize the potentials. Always strive for the GREATER glory of God.

Of course this reminds me on the Ignatian's First Principle and Foundation:

Man is created to praise, reverence, and serve God Our Lord and by this means to save his soul.

Other things are created for human beings in order to help them pursue the end for which they are created.

Thus one must use other created things in so far as they help towards one’s end, and free oneself from them in so far as they are obstacles to one’s end.

To do this we need to make ourselves indifferent to all created things, provided the matter is subject to our free choice and there is no prohibition.

Thus as far as we are concerned, we should not want
health more than illness,
wealth more than poverty,
fame more than disgrace,
a long life more than a short one,
and similarly for all the rest,
but we should desire and choose only what helps us more towards the end for which we are created.

Modern interpretation (as paraphrased by David L. Fleming S.J.):

The goal of our life is to live with God forever. God, who loves us, gave us life. Our own response of love allows God's life to flow into us without limit.

All the things in this world are gifts of God, presented to us so that we can know God more easily and make a return of love more readily.

As a result, we appreciate and use all these gifts of God insofar as they help us develop as loving persons. But if any of these gifts becomes the center of our lives, they displace God and so hinder our growth toward our goal.

In everyday life, then, we must hold ourselves in a balance before all of these created gifts insofar as we have a choice and are not bound by some obligation. We should not fix our desires on health or sickness, wealth or poverty, success or failure, a long life or short one. For everything has the potential of calling forth in us a deeper response to our life in God.

Our only desire and our one choice should be this: I want and I choose what better leads to God's deepening his life in me.

Carpe diem!

On Eagle's Wings

2009-07-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

In his excellent meditation on the Psalms, Reflections on the Psalms, C.S. Lewis says, "What must be said, however, is that the Psalms are poems, and poems are intended to be sung: not doctrinal treatises, nor even sermons. . . . Most emphatically the Psalms must be read as poems; as lyrics, with all the licences and all the formalities, the hyperboles, the emotional rather than logical connections, which are proper to lyric poetry. They must be read as poems if they are to be understood...."

Psalm 91

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

Ave Maria

2009-05-06T02:51:00.000-07:00

This is May, the month of St Mary. The Priests just performed in Sydney a couple days ago. I can't go and have to satisfy myself with the YouTube video below:

Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave dominus
Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris
Ventris tuae, Jesus.
Ave Maria

Ave Maria
Mater Dei
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Ora, ora pro nobis
Ora, ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Nunc et in hora mortis
In hora mortis nostrae
In hora mortis nostrae
In hora mortis nostrae
Ave Maria

It's been a while

2009-03-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it's been a while since my last post.

I read few books on happiness, and will share some of the learned wisdoms on my future posts. Meanwhile I have been busy with my work and my family. I found that in times of sorrow, I can always be cheerful again by drawing the happiness energy from my family and from my Faith. It is like no-limit saving account. Now I sound like a very religious person which I am not. However by submitting myself to Him, I know I never walk alone.

This song moved me when I attended the Ash Wednesday mass few weeks ago.

We rise again from ashes,
From the good we've failed to do.
We rise again from ashes,
To let you make us new.
If all our world is ashes,
Then must our lives be true,
An offering of ashes,
An offering to You.
We offer you our failures,
We offer you attempts,
The gifts not fully given,
The dreams not fully dreamt,
Give our stumblings direction,
Give our visions wider view,
An offering of ashes,
An offering to You.
Then rise again from ashes,
Let healing come to pain,
Though spring has turned to winter,
And sunshine turned to rain,
The rain we'll use for growing,
And create the world anew,
From an offering of ashes,
An offering to You.

Text and music Tom Conry, ©1978 New Dawn Music;
OCP Publications, 1997

Veni Creator Spiritus

Song of Hope - When You Believe

2008-09-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

When You Believe
Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston

Many nights we prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hope for a song
We barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were moving mountains
Long before we knew we could

Chorus:
There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe somehow you will
You will when you believe

In this time of fear
When prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seems like the summer bird
Too swiftly flown away
Yet now I'm standing here
My hearts so full, I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words
I never thought I'd say

Chorus

They don't always happen when you ask
And it's easy to give in to your fears
But when you're blinded by your pain
Cant see the way, get through the rain
A small but still, resilient voice
Says hope is very near

Chorus

You will when you believe

Beautiful Quotes

2008-08-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

These words of wisdom is compiled by a teacher of mine. I thank you for showing me the purpose.

Your presence is a present to the world.

You're unique and one of a kind.

Your life can be what you want it to be.

Take the days just one at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles.

You'll make it through whatever comes along.

Within you are so many answers.

Understand, have courage, be strong.

Don't put limits on yourself. Your limit is your heart. Your heart is as vast and deep as your God.

So many dreams are waiting to be realized.

Decisions are too important to leave to chance.

Reach for your peak, your goal and your prize.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.

The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets.

Don't take things too seriously.

Live a life of serenity, of beauty, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a little love goes a long way.

Remember that a lot of love goes forever.

Remember that friendship is a wise investment.

Life's treasures are people -- together.

Realize that nothing is ever too late.

Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.

Have health, and hope, and happiness.

Take the time to wish upon a star... and don't ever forget -for even a day- You are not primarily a human being having a spiritual experience, You are primarily a spiritual being having a human experience.

How Full Is My Life?

2008-08-20T05:04:00.000-07:00

In the movie "Forrest Gump", Forrest said: My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.".

Although that's is true, it does not tell us HOW we are going to get it. There is a well-known story that illustrates a way to keep order in the way we can live our life.

A college professor put a large empty jar on the table and proceeded to fill it with large rocks.

He then asked his students, "Is the jar full?" There were nods and responses of "yes."

Then, the professor poured a box of small pebbles into the jar, shook the jar so the pebbles fell down between the large rocks, and again asked, "Now is the jar full?" There were smiles and more nods and affirmative answers.

The professor then picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar, and the sand sifted down between the rocks and pebbles and once again he asked, "Is the jar full now, finally?" Amid giggles, the students again agreed that it was full.

Finally, to the surprise of the students, the professor filled the jar with water.

The wise professor went on to explain what each component had to do with life.

The rocks represent the most important things in your life; your spouse, your children, your health - things that make your life full even if everything else was lost. These things should be considered first - take care of the most important things in life before considering anything else.

The pebbles are things like your job, your house, and your car. These things are important, but could be replaced or changed without too much disruption of your life. These things are important and must be taken care of, but they are not your number one priority.

The sand is everything else; the little things. You must wash the dishes, take out the garbage, and mow the lawn, but it's not the most important part of your life. Those things can always wait until tomorrow. Don't get caught up in the small stuffs. If you fill your jar with sand first, there will be no room for rocks and pebbles - the really important things.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand

And the water? The water represents God. No matter how busy or full you think your life is, there is always a plenty of space for God, if we let Him in.

Set priorities. Spend quality time on the most important things in our life.

Remember: Life is like a jar of rocks.

Now, how about if I say: Life is like a cup of coffee?

Beijing Olympics 2008

2008-08-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

I, and my whole family, just finished watching the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympics. Spectacular!
This sporting event makes me happy. It gives hope for a better world. A world where we are all one family.

Welcome To Beijing

One World One Dream

You And Me

You and me
From one world
We are family

Travel dream
A thousand miles
Meeting In Beijing
Come together
Put your hand in mine

You and me
From one world
Forever we are one family

Footprints in the Sand

2008-08-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

My son told me this story, which he read on the wall of our local church.

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord, "You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand, is when I carried you."

It was a powerful poem especially for someone carrying a heavy burden. As he finished the story, I was speechless. Through a ten year-old boy, He talked to me.

World Youth Day 2008

2008-07-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

WYD 2008 just finished last Sunday, 20 July 2008. This event touched my heart intensely as I witnessed hundred thousands of young people, full of energy and kind spirits, and the very humane Pope, united to praise God. It gives me hope, that in this mad world, there are still plenty of decent people.

I also like the theme song: Receive the Power

The lyrics:

Verse 1
Every nation, every tribe,
come together to worship You.
In Your presence we delight,
we will follow to the ends of the earth.
Chorus
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Receive the Power, from the Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Receive the Power to be a light unto the world!
Verse 2
As Your Spirit calls to rise
we will answer and do Your Will.
We’ll forever testify
of Your mercy and unfailing love.
Chorus

Bridge
Lamb of God, we worship You,
Holy One, we worship You,
Bread of Life, we worship You,
Emmanuel, we worship You.
Lamb of God, we worship You,
Holy One, we worship You,
Bread of Life, we worship You,
Emmanuel, we will sing forever.
Chorus

10 Ways to Turn That Frown Upside Down

2008-07-22T04:28:00.000-07:00

1. Be less virtual, more 3-D.

Indulge in some human contact. Even time with strangers ramps up your sense of well-being. You laugh much harder when you're with other people in a theater than when you watch a movie at home.

2. Making a list of things you're grateful.

Count your blessings, not your worries.

3. Rack 'em up.

Think of every positive experience during the day as a bead on a string, and see how they add up. This simple exercise makes you focus on even the smallest positive moments, like a fellow driver waving you to go first at a four-way stop, or an e-mail from an old friend in a spam-filled inbox.

4. Think memorable, not material.

If you have to choose between, say, a new car and a family vacation, pack your bags. Even the sexiest sports car becomes routine over time. But the memory of a good time with friends and loved ones will last forever.

5. Go to the funny side.

Try to smile at the absurdities of life.

6. Escape to your stress-free zone.

Think of a place where you always feel calm and happy. Then, when you're tense and miserable, call it up mentally, with as much detail as possible. Smell the suntan lotion. Feel the sun. Hear the sea. Play this video in your mind when your spirits slump.

7. See the glass as half full.

Always look at the bright side. You might be feeling like your life right now is one giant downhill slope. But if you stop and assess it honestly, you'll see you actually have it pretty good.

8. Find your inner artist.

Think back to when you had time for creative expression. Were you in a rock band? Did you write poetry? Did you love tinkering with cars? Remember feeling so engaged that you lost track of time? Joyful expression can bring happiness.

9. Do good.

Acts of kindness, however small, deliver as much pleasure to the giver as to the getter.

10. Seize the moment.

Rather than waiting to celebrate a big event, why not do it today? Bake a cake just because. Take someone out to lunch. Raise a toast to a good day. Go ahead, be happier.

- Reader's Digest July 2008

Life Without Limbs

2008-07-22T04:11:00.000-07:00

Today i was forwarded an email about Nick Vujicic, titled:

Next Time You Think Life is Hard...Think Again!

He was born limbless, missing both arms at shoulder level, and having one small foot with two toes protruding from his left thigh. His life was filled with difficulties and hardships. Being bullied at his school, Nick grew extremely depressed, and by the age of eight, started contemplating suicide. After begging God to grow arms and legs, Nick eventually began to realize that his accomplishments were inspirational to many, and began to thank God he was alive. When he was seventeen, he started to give talks at his prayer group, and eventually starting his non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs. More information on this website: http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/. Truly inspirational.

Practical tips to survive a depressing day

2008-07-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hug and kiss your spouse and family.
Don't read depressing news, especially the news about how bad a person could be. Avoid at all cost. Instead read happy, optimistic articles/news.
Turn-off hand/mobile phone if possible.
However, call (better than emailing) old friends and organize lunch to catch-up.
Talk to people. Show interest in what they are doing. Listen.
Pretend you are happy and excellent. Smile a lot.
Have enough sleep.
Listen to spirit uplifting songs. Try this one below:

The Way To Happiness

2008-07-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

Reader's Digest July 2008

I bought the magazine at the airport and read this article on the plane. Quite good. You can read more here.

In a nutshell, factors to happiness are:

Faith
During hi-school time, I was a churchgoer. At uni time, I was an activist for Christian organization. After uni, I was more secular, even considered becoming an atheist, then agnostic, and just lately I am attending church again. I can vouch for the Big Boss that I was happier feeling protected. So, a BIG tick for Faith.

Work
Sometimes I felt very miserable during work. I hated my manager or my ignorant colleagues. I hated the boring, time-consuming, repetitive works etc. However, I can say now with confidence that having no work is far worse. I am so grateful that I have my job. I try to learn something new and set some challenging task for myself. Suddenly the day seems brighter.

Marriage and Family
No questions about it, like a bridge over troubled water.

Give money away
To give is to receive even more.

Freedom
Freedom from worldly attachments, freedom from God's laws (meaning we do not need the law because our hearts have been conforming the law i.e. more ethos than ethic)

In the beginning....

2008-07-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads? (Albert Camus)

I am not a happy person. In fact, I am depressed most of the time. This is especially true lately. Many problems, which I think no big deals since everyone I know also have their own problems. But still, I am not happy. So I started this blog to record ways, tips, methods and events to help myself to be a happier person.

I dedicate this blog to my family who have always been my source of strength in trying times. Thank you for loving me...