Freedom From Wanting Everything

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Not really in a pensive mood but more of inspired as I heard the Word of God in today's service. I can't help but share in my little way of how I am blessed. My heart was deeply touched I found myself keeping my tears from falling while listening to the pastor sharing the Word. Quite a number of people have been worried about me lately and I appreciate them for that. Yes, I am in struggle and in that struggling I discovered that I am actually carrying some unnecessary burden hence struggling for as long as I can remember, not just the recent months. How I treated it just bore me deeper into a hole and now it feels harder to get back up on the ground. I am a flawed being hiding in my fab, fashionable, well-coordinated or whatever you may call it ootd's. I am someone who is really lost and confused and not any travel destination can offset it. My constant increase in pay and profit from the sideline cannot compensate for what is really lacking in me. I felt like everything is just not enough. I felt entitled and I felt deserving of every damn good thing I could see. And so I fell apart and I am broken into pieces. Right now I am trying my best to refocus and find myself.

I bought this book titled "Gotta Have It!" (by Dr. Gregory L. Jantz) almost a year ago and if only I have read it earlier or right away, I can't help but think that maybe things would have not ended this way today. But well, life happened. I have a confession to make. I'm a hypocrite. I keep on saying thank You, talk and post about gratefulness but deep inside I have always been badly craving for more more more, wanting everything, just a bit of everything, because maybe I wasn't really being thankful, because if I was grateful, there should be contentment. Far from it people, that's how hypocrite I am. Deep inside of me I wasn't really contented. I lost myself in this awful path process I chose. And now that I'm trying my way back to the main road, it has been arduous -- really really difficult one. It's the result of my past hard-to-admit not-so-good choices. I have shifted my security to the things and people around me, which is WRONG. I chose to find comfort on the things that I wanted and did not resort to mending things and or figuring out what I truly need. I was so hard-headed, impatient, immature and so earthly. And now let me use the phrases I am suffering the consequences and I am learning the hard way. Whew, there goes my ego! But I need to accept these stinky things about me because it is through this that I will be really free. 

What I relearned in this really really tough process:

1. Be patient. Be patient with the Lord. God's got me covered in the things that I need and so with those things that I just want, I need patience, be patient with those excessities or things that I just want. Psalm 37:7 (GNT) says "Be patient and wait for the Lord to act; don't be worried about those who prosper or those who succeed in their evil plans." Leave the choice to Him regardless of how you feel. In the course of just a year, I had a lot of those what-if's and if-only's only because I tolerated my hard-head, my emotions, my earthly desires and did not really rely on His timeframe. I was so impatient that I immediately wanted things to happen NOW in my own time. I actually disregarded my favorite Proverbs 3:5 verse. I learned that patience is not giving up and not doing nothing. Patience is an optimistic expectation. Patience is fueled by hope. As Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) states, "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Right now that I am in this very stage of my life, I guess this is the biggest test of my patience so far. I'm now relearning to fully trust the One who is the orchestrator of my life. In His time.

2. Rid of envy. Don't be bitter. Each of one is unique and so as how are lives are designed. Envy makes things worse. It's such an ugly ugly thing to have but for the past months it stayed with me. I cant't help compare myself, my successes, my life to what others have. I kept insulting Him of how He designed me and my life. I kept on questioning Him. Envy is such a strong feeling that won't make someone feel any good. I don't understand myself why I keep clinging to such revolting trait. I relearned to look inside of me and pray and discern of all the good things and the talents He has blessed me with and enhance on these, flourish from where I am planted. It's still hard because I am easily distracted, not to mention the harsh effects of social media. It also boils down to trusting Him and focusing on Him. "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." -James 3:14-16 (NIV)

2. Security and contentment is in our Lord. Seek Him always. If we  try to find security and contentment other than Him, it will always always fail. Trust me, I know how it feels finding security elsewhere and was I successful? Uhmmm NO. God gives and God takes things away. It is only in Him that I can find happiness, joy, fulfillment, satisfaction. The song Unending Love was sang by the worship team a while ago and it hit me so strong I felt like it was again my first time surrendering my life to Him (That's how flawed I am). The song says how I'll find everything I need in His unending love. If Jesus is in me, indeed how can I worry over other trivial things? How can I crave for anything that is less than Him, my everything, in me?

There's no silver or gold and no treasure untold that could draw me away from Your heart. Neither love of myself or of anyone else will do. Letting go of my pride I lay down my desires just to worship in Spirit and truth. More than all of my dreams, more than fame I will seek You Lord. Jesus, nothing compares to this grace that rescues me. Savior, now and forever Your face is all I seek. Now all I am I lay at Your feet I'm humbled by the wonder of Your majesty. One thing I know I find all I need In Your unending love, in Your unending love. Your love, Jesus.  

I've made a big deal of awful decisions and acted wrongly on different situations. Covered in shadows and regrets, it took me one big blow to decide to straighten things out. At the end of the day it's all about bringing back my focus to Him. It's all about Him. I am not telling that I am done with the process that I am a fully changed person. No. Far from it. I just accepted these sad facts and flaws. I am now in the process of moving on and growing up all in God's grace. I am also thankful for that someone who made me realize these things. Thank You, Lord, and thank you for loving me this way. I'll come out of this better, and into that woman You designed me to be.

"Every time you are confronted with a choice between what you want to do and what you need to do, make the most of that chance. Choose wisely and move forward. If you take a step backward, learn from it and grow; use your head. Above all, keep going, keep progressing in your understanding of where to go to truly meet the need. [...] In the end, it really comes down to you and God, which is a very good thing when it comes to needs. In Matthew 6:8, Jesus reassures you that God's got you covered in that department; He already knows what you need even before you ask."

I'll leave you this beautiful song.

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Book Comment: The Art of Thinking Clearly

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Title: The Art of Thinking Clearly

Author: Rolf Dobelli
No. of pages:384
Published: 14th May, 2013
Read: February 25, 2015
★★★★

In engaging prose and with practical examples and anecdotes, an eye-opening look at human reasoning and essential reading for anyone with important decisions to make.

Have you ever: 

• Invested time in something that, with hindsight, just wasn't worth it?

• Overpayed in an Ebay auction?

• Continued doing something you knew was bad for you?

• Sold stocks too late, or too early?

• Taken credit for success, but blamed failure on external circumstances?

• Backed the wrong horse? 

These are examples of cognitive biases, simple errors we all make in our day-to-day thinking. But by knowing what they are and how to spot them, we can avoid them and make better choices-whether dealing with a personal problem or a business negotiation; trying to save money or make money; working out what we do or don't want in life: and how best to get it. 

Simple, clear and always surprising, this indispensable book will change the way you think and transform your decision-making-work, at home, every day. It reveals, in 99 short chapters, the most common errors of judgment, and how to avoid them.

It's another of those non-fiction reads that I enjoyed reading. I am no expert in any cognitive related books most especially topics but seems like I am inclined to reading such, hence, my comment is based on my limited view and knowledge. The book presents 99 short chapters of about two to three pages each for the different cognitive biases or thinking fallacies we commit on a day-to-day basis. Mostly presenting examples on money and investments and business-related decision-making, was also a factor that added to my liking of this book. The chapters were pretty simple with most allowing the readers to be involved by presenting cases or scenarios and questions and make the reader decide on some. Short explanations with different citations, and examples come after; with suggestions to avoid the "unclear" thinking, usually forming the conclusion. For someone who enjoys reading about cognitive topics but have limited time to indulge on the more extensive ones, this book serves as a nutshell.

I personally like these chapters (but I guess most!!):

• 2- Does Harvard Make Your Smarter?: Swimmer's Body Illusion
• 4 - If Fifty Million People Say Something Foolish, It is Still Foolish: Social Proof
• 14 - Why You Should Keep a Diary: Hindsight Bias
• 57 - If You Have Nothing To Say Say Nothing: Twaddle Tendency
• 66 - Why You Are a Slave to Your Emotions: Affect Heuristic
• 85 - Why New Year's Resolutions Don't Work: Procrastination
• 86 - Build Your Own Castle: Envy
• 90 - Where's the Off Switch?: Overthinking
• 91 - Why You Take On Too Much: Planning Fallacy
• 93 - Drawing the Bull's-Eye around the Arrow: Cherry Picking

The book was an eye-opener but applying this kind of "clear" thinking would not be easy. Still, this again contributed to my amazement on how our mind works. 

Some quotes below:

“If your only tool is a hammer, all your problems will be nails,” 

“How do you curb envy? First, stop comparing yourself to others. Second, find your “circle of competence” and fill it on your own. Create a niche where you are the best. It doesn’t matter how small your area of mastery is. The main thing is that you are king of the castle.” 

“Whether we like it or not, we are puppets of our emotions. We make complex decisions by consulting our feelings, not our thoughts. Against our best intentions, we substitute the question, “What do I think about this?” with “How do I feel about this?” So, smile! Your future depends on it.” 

“historian Daniel J. Boorstin put it right: “The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance—it is the illusion of knowledge.” 

“Assume that your worldview is not borne by the public. More than that: Do not assume that those who think differently are idiots. Before you distrust them, question your own assumptions.” 

“It’s OK to be envious – but only of the person you aspire to become.” 

“As paradoxical as it sounds: The best way to shield yourself from nasty surprises is to anticipate them.” 

“We must learn to close doors. A business strategy is primarily a statement on what not to engage in. Adopt a life strategy similar to a corporate strategy: Write down what not to pursue in your life. In other words, make calculated decisions to disregard certain possibilities and when an option shows up, test it against your not-to-pursue list. It will not only keep you from trouble but also save you lots of thinking time. Think hard once and then just consult your list instead of having to make up your mind whenever a new door cracks open. Most doors are not worth entering, even when the handle seems to turn so effortlessly.” 

“This is how top investor Warren Buffett does things: “Each deal we measure against the second-best deal that is available at any given time—even if it means doing more of what we are already doing.” 

“Twain: “We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that is in it—and stop there; lest we be like the cat that sits down on a hot stove-lid. She will never sit down on a hot stove-lid again—and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one anymore.” 

"We are drunk on our own ideas. To sober up, take a step back every now and then and examine their quality in hindsight. Which of your ideas from the past ten years were truly outstanding? Exactly."

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Book Comment: God Never Blinks

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Title: God Never Blinks

Author: Regina Brett
No. of pages:256
Published: 13th April, 2010
Read: February 2, 2015
★★

Already an internet phenomenon, these wise and insightful lessons by popular newspaper columnist and Pulitzer Prize finalist Regina Brett will make you see the possibilities in your life in a whole new way.

When Regina Brett turned 50, she wrote a column on the 50 lessons life had taught her. She reflected on all she had learned through becoming a single parent, looking for love in all the wrong places, working on her relationship with God, battling cancer and making peace with a difficult childhood. It became one of the most popular columns ever published in the newspaper, and since then the 50 lessons have been emailed to hundreds of thousands of people. Brett now takes the 50 lessons and expounds on them in essays that are deeply personal. From "Don't take yourself too seriously-Nobody else does" to "Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift," these lessons will strike a chord with anyone who has ever gone through tough times--and haven't we all?

I had high expectations reading this book and so I got a tad disappointed. Yes, it is helpful, insightful and I had a lot of fragment takeaways from the different chapters; but it's not compelling and moving enough for me and did not stir much emotions unlike some books of the same line I have previously read. It's still a good read and maybe I would still revisit chapters of this book from time to time. I like how it is really positive and occasionally heartwarming. This is highly recommended for people who maybe experiencing difficulties right now. It's just that I have read better books that I gave that rating.

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Book Comment: The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbrath

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Title: The Cuckoo's Calling

Author: Robert Galbraith
No. of pages:455
Published: 30th April, 2013
Read: October 24, 2014
★★★

A brilliant debut mystery in a classic vein: Detective Cormoran Strike investigates a supermodel's suicide.

After losing his leg to a land mine in Afghanistan, Cormoran Strike is barely scraping by as a private investigator. Strike is down to one client, and creditors are calling. He has also just broken up with his longtime girlfriend and is living in his office.

Then John Bristow walks through his door with an amazing story: His sister, the legendary supermodel Lula Landry, known to her friends as the Cuckoo, famously fell to her death a few months earlier. The police ruled it a suicide, but John refuses to believe that. The case plunges Strike into the world of multimillionaire beauties, rock-star boyfriends, and desperate designers, and it introduces him to every variety of pleasure, enticement, seduction, and delusion known to man.

You may think you know detectives, but you've never met one quite like Strike. You may think you know about the wealthy and famous, but you've never seen them under an investigation like this. 

Introducing Cormoran Strike, this is the acclaimed first crime novel J.K. Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

As I began reading it I already had the idea who the real antagonist is and DISAPPOINTEDLY found out at the end of the book that I WAS RIGHT! It was a good feeling but I was looking for a real twist making me comment that the plot is somehow predictable. It is a book that made me interested on how the author would expound on the plot but it did not really have me hooked. There were parts that were dragging and I feel like there were loopholes. I was hoping for more gravity on the different characters of the book. I was expecting a better ending – one that has more impact. I didn’t even feel the climax of the book but I must say this will again be one of those that would be adapted in movies or TV series.

Bought this upon reading the back of the book review. To be honest, I wasn’t aware that it was J.K Rowling in pseudonym who wrote this. Her writing is still commendable coming from children to young adult genre. This book series, Cormoran Strike, looks promising. BUT Rowling has a really long way to go in this category.

Overall, it was still a good read. It is worth buying because it is still J.K Rowling and who knows when she will also be able to penetrate this genre, with this novel as her starting point.

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Book Comments: "Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki" and "Stumbling on Happiness"

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Title: Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage

Author: Haruki Murakami
No. of pages:387
Published: 12th August, 2014
Read: August 26, 2014
★★★

My review in my Goodreads account is a one-liner, "enough to get me hooked, but not enough to satisfy a craving". I had a pile of books to read and yet I made it sure to squeeze this newly released Murakami book in. I got engrossed once more that I was able to finish reading it in two days (it usually takes me four days or more to read one book).   Murakami has this certain calmness and inviting vibe and is always successful in making me  absorbed with his material. Sadly though that no matter how inviting this book was written,  it did not fully captivate me until its very end. Murakami can be anything but thrilling or suspense but this book is like eating some really yummy ramen but sipping on unusually short noodles. Parang ganon basta bitin pero expected mo na na hanggang dun lang talaga. I feel like Murakami purposed it to be like this and it's what causes my love-hate relationship with this book.

My sister sms-ed me as soon as she read this book:

"Alam mo yung feeling na manipis na yung natitirang pages at nafifeel mo na hindi na siya enough para tapusin yung kwento, tapos naconfirm mo na tama ka. Di nasagot lahat ng tanong ng author, eh siya ang may kasalanan nun, parang sinadya. Pero maganda siya."

I like getting random texts on good and need-not-be-totally-positive reviews on materials I recommend. Haha! Now read it! 

Title: Stumbling on Happiness

Author: Daniel Gilbert
No. of pages: 263
Published: 20th March, 2007
Read: September 22, 2014
★★★

If one thinks of purchasing this because it's yet another self-help book on happiness, I will disappoint you by telling you that it's NOT. This read is far from disappointment though as I have learned fairly enough and still got some "help" out of this book. It is a book on cognitive psychology or exploring on how our brains process, how our brains perceive, think, remember, smell, speak, hear and solve problems. As someone who lacks exposure on psychological matter and matters of the brain, it was really an interesting read which was made even more interesting by the author's witty way of relaying his points. This book also fairly involves the reader with the experiments referenced to. I had a lot of "aaaahhhh" and "cool" and "so that's the reason why" moments going through this book.

This book successfully informed me on the brain's "systematic failure" in helping us reach the maximum potential of our happiness. Despite, in my opinion the round about's of the brain and its psychology, finishing this book still lead me to think that still, happiness is a familiar critical issue, not easily answered, not even our trusty brain can help us with. I would get bashed by telling this, that there would always be a hole like the blind spot of our eyes and brain that science would not be able to fully answer, and is one reason why people turn to spirituality means of trying to attain it.

I had my fair share of nonfiction materials lately and I quite dig on those that are referenced well that I start to think that I might venture on reading studies and journals soon haha!

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Book Comment: Quiet by Susan Cain

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Title: Quiet

Author: Susan Cain
No. of pages: 352
Published: 24th January, 2012
Read: August 22, 2014
★★★★★

At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled "quiet," it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society--from van Gogh’s sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer. 

Passionately argued, impressively researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. Taking the reader on a journey from Dale Carnegie’s birthplace to Harvard Business School, from a Tony Robbins seminar to an evangelical megachurch, Susan Cain charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal in the twentieth century and explores its far-reaching effects. She talks to Asian-American students who feel alienated from the brash, backslapping atmosphere of American schools. She questions the dominant values of American business culture, where forced collaboration can stand in the way of innovation, and where the leadership potential of introverts is often overlooked. And she draws on cutting-edge research in psychology and neuroscience to reveal the surprising differences between extroverts and introverts.

Perhaps most inspiring, she introduces us to successful introverts--from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Finally, she offers invaluable advice on everything from how to better negotiate differences in introvert-extrovert relationships to how to empower an introverted child to when it makes sense to be a "pretend extrovert."

This extraordinary book has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how introverts see themselves.

Some weeks ago I posted this, an entry on Ted featuring Susan Cain. This book comment is highly related to it. I am talking about Cain's Quiet - the book that made it on top of my 2014 reads so far. The book that is an instant favourite. The book that best describes me. I know quite a number of people who would react "weeehh si Merie quiet hahaha!" Anyway, this book is more than just the one-word adjective as title. It's a whole lot more. 

I like how this book captured me. It made me understand myself more -- that I am not alone on those things I thought I was just being weird, on the way I think through things, on how I view events and scenes, on my restorative niche, on my preferred workstation and working habits and a lot more. This book convinced me that I am indeed an introvert, no more confusion, I just am and this book somehow contributed to the fact that I don't need to shy away from being one. It's a book of affirmation!! A book that will surely cheer out the introverts and will help people understand the people mistaken as just "Quiet". 

This book presents more than just the author's opinion. Substantial information, facts, previous researches are generously referenced to, making the author's points strong. It even has Bible references which is plus points for me. I highly recommend it to people who feel like they're introverts, who enjoy their self as company, who loves being alone, and to all other people who belong to the other side who tend to wonder on why this certain type of people exist. 

I don't want to spoil the essence and the pure enjoyment and entertainment with information absorption I received from this book by telling a lot of things belonging to the chapters of this well-written non-fiction.  Thank you so much Susan Cain. What a great read. 

READ THIS BOOK!!!

Some quotes from the book but these are just some of my favourite parts, just really few:

"We don't ask why God chose as his prophet a stutterer with a public speaking phobia. But we should. The book of Exodus is short on explication, but its stories suggest that introversion plays yin to the yang of extroversion; that the medium is not always the message; and that people followed Moses because his words were thoughtful, not because he spoke them well."

“Introverts, in contrast, may have strong social skills and enjoy parties and business meetings, but after a while wish they were home in their pajamas. They prefer to devote their social energies to close friends, colleagues, and family. They listen more than they talk, think before they speak, and often feel as if they express themselves better in writing than in conversation. They tend to dislike conflict. Many have a horror of small talk, but enjoy deep discussions.”

“There's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”

“Spend your free time the way you like, not the way you think you're supposed to.”

“The highly sensitive [introverted] tend to be philosophical or spiritual in their orientation, rather than materialistic or hedonistic. They dislike small talk. They often describe themselves as creative or intuitive. They dream vividly, and can often recall their dreams the next day. They love music, nature, art, physical beauty. They feel exceptionally strong emotions--sometimes acute bouts of joy, but also sorrow, melancholy, and fear. Highly sensitive people also process information about their environments--both physical and emotional--unusually deeply. They tend to notice subtleties that others miss--another person's shift in mood, say, or a lightbulb burning a touch too brightly.”

“Don't think of introversion as something that needs to be cured.”

“Everyone shines, given the right lighting.”

“We know from myths and fairy tales that there are many different kinds of powers in this world. One child is given a light saber, another a wizard's education. The trick is not to amass all the different kinds of power, but to use well the kind you've been granted.”

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Book Comment: What Women Don't Know (and Men Don't Tell You)

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Title: What Women Don' Know (and Men Don't Tell You)

Author: Michelle McKinney Hammond and Joel A. Brooks, Jr.
No. of pages: 208
Published: 15th September 2009
Read: June 19, 2014
★★★

It's a dating book. While most might feel embarrassed showcasing to the world that they read this book, not in my case. It was surprisingly a good read. Again, this book is in a Christian perspective -- not for everybody. That title "What women don't know" got me apart from it was recommended by one of my churchmates. 

Now here's a photo of the back-of-the-book summary... If you think by just reading it you can already relate go and grab a copy. To my churchmates, I highly recommend it. I would summarize it this way: don't be stupid in love because God has better plans, don't just settle. In Filipino: 'Wag matigas ang ulo! The introduction even has a title "Use your head girl!", which let's all be honest, ang dami naman na kasi talagang nagpapakatangang babae ngayon. We, girls/ladies/women, are emotional in more ways than one, but we all know that we can't just base love and romance on pure emotions. Ouch right? But it's true! It is also sort of a wake up call that regardless of the modern age we face, the old rules of love still apply. Since it's in a Christian perspective, there were references of the love stories in the Bible which were all enlightening.

Again, just by the first pages of this book already shouts: Don't settle. Set a standard.

I am rating this book 3 out of 5 stars. Sharing some quotable's from the book:

A man who really wants you will do whatever he must to possess your love. So set a standard.

Happiness is part of being whole. It means having an understanding of your identity and purpose, an established feeling of acceptance and value, and a sense of destiny, joy, and peace -- all of which produce overall well-being. It is impossible to be consistently happy without these characteristics. All people need to know who they are, why they are here, and to whom they belong. Having an understanding of who we are in Christ is foundational to the belief system that allows us to possess these qualities. The Bible says in Romans 14:17 that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. You find in this passage all these characteristics that grow out of being in right relationship with God. His presence is always accompanied by peace and joy; in other words, a sense of total well-being.

While you wait for your godly man, you should maintain the posture of a well-kept woman [...] The person should add to, not take away from, your life. You maintain who you are and allow God to be picky for you.

God knows both your name and address. When the right man comes along God will lead him to your door. And that man will recognize your name.

You've got two witnesses here. Happiness is a wholeness issue. If you want to be happy, you need to be whole. If you want to be married, you simply need a mate. If you want to be happily married, you need to be a whole person married to another whole person.

[...]patience is the weapon that forces deception to reveal itself. It is the insurance against being deceived or making wrong decisions. Some things can only be made known by waiting. God takes his time.

Realize that maturity does not come with age but with acceptance of responsibility.

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Book Comment: Making Your Emotions Work For You

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Title: Making Your Emotions Work For You
Authoar: Harold J. Sala
No. of pages: 232
Published: 2009
Read: May 31, 2014
★★★

This is one of the hauls I got during the OMF Literature super sale. Finally after several attempts I am finally done reading it. Not that it is not good read but because of things I can't explain this book seems to disappear each time. It is a non-fiction book which I greatly related to. For your information, as this blog attests to, I am an emotional person and chancing upon this book while browsing through the racks of the above mentioned bookstore is an instant "Hello Merie, buy me I know you need me." Nangusap talaga yung libro sa 'kin. True enough I learned quite a lot in this book.

Just as there are many colors, many negative emotions can fill your heart and overwhelm you. Yet no matter how hard you wish that these emotions simply fly away, the only way for you to face them is by learning how to manage them. In fact, you can even use these emotions to your advantage!

In Making Your Emotions Work For You, you will learn how to confront inner challenges and apply biblical principles to unleash God's power in you.

... With insights from God's Word and practical advice from this book, you can learn to make your emotions work for you and become a more positive, confident, and fulfilled person.

So this back-of-the-book summary got me. I know there are a lot of things needed to be worked out in me, most especially my emotions. This book has 11 chapters which starts with helping you understand more who you are and your worth. I must state that this is in a Christian and spiritual perspective which is one reason why I also bought it. Each chapter has "Questions for Thought and Discussion" which was a good aid in self-reflection. It also has some practical guides at the end of each chapter. A chapter is also dedicated for each negative emotion. It gives scenarios and similar biblical stories with an explanation on how the biblical character dealt with it and/or what were the effects of good and bad responses to negative emotions. It also gave real-life situations of people and how they were able to cope or not.

It is a relate-able book. I have learned that I am not the only one going through such emotional tunnels. Reading this book, I appreciated the Bible stories, encouners, characters, and passages related to each emotion. This book will surely be a reference each time I am in an "emotional" state.

My rating would be 3 out of 5 stars. 

The greatest enemies are not the ones out there somewhere, lurking in the dark, awaiting the proper moment to attack me. Rather, they are the ones within.

Do you fully believe you can be different? Instead of being angry with the world because you aren’t six inches taller than you are, that you don’t exactly have an hourglass figure, that your physique doesn’t mirror that of Arnold Schwarzenegger, or whatever, you can work in harmony with the Holy Spirit in developing the kid of personality that lifts you six inches higher, that reveals integrity and strength within, that reflects the handiwork of god both inside and out. Gradually the light comes on – you are one of a kind, a creation of the Almighty, and it’s okay to be you!

When Christ adds Himself to the most insignificant individual, you become a person of value. Redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, you’re now a person of real value.

So don’t give the person permission to make you feel less valuable than how God sees you.

Ego is “Edging God Out”. You will never be able to fully control your environment, and you often cannot change you culture. There will always be people who rub you the wrong way. The weather won’t always suit you,. Neighbors may not please you. But you will never be in a position in which you cannot choose your emotional response o your environment, and this knowledge is liberating.

Refuse to allow bitterness to creep into your life. Remember that you become the loser when you do this.

Not all fear is cowardice. It can be your friend, because it causes you to rise to the challenge, It is when you panic and fail to deal effectively with it that you become its victim.

Rudyard Kipling was right when he wrote, "Of all the liars in the world, sometimes, the worst are you own fears."

When someone is afraid, ridicule, criticism, or minimizing the fear doesn't work. Logic doesn't always work either, because fear is an emotional response; it is not based on reason.

Fear is not something you overcome; it's something you manage.

Life is a matter of choices. Not all of those choices are between good and bad. Each of us must evaluate several good things and then choose the best. Sometimes those choices become difficult. Life is often a compromise between what you would like to do and what you can do.

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Book Comment: Wicked by Gregory Maguire

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Title: Wicked

Authoar: Gregory Maguire
No. of pages: 406
Published: 29th Sept 1995
Read: March 25, 2014

It was a dragging read for me. I started reading it a week before we watched the Feb 15 musical. And I was able to insert some other reads in between. I blame it on my comprehension, that maybe I didn't get to fully enjoy the book. I read it fast at first and got bored in between and got inclined to finish it right away towards the end. Needless to say, I guess I should also read the other books of the series to maybe appreciate this more. 

I commend Gregory Maguire's imagination to come up with this book. But as I was reading it, and maybe I should blame myself for not continuously reading it, it left in my mind questions and loopholes. There were I think unexplained parts like why Elphaba is really green (or was it mentioned apart from the bottle) and what is it with water and maybe still with her skin color that she can't touch water. Also, is it classified a fairytale/children's book? I found some parts bothersome if a kid would read it. 

When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil?
Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability, and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly, and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.

Generally, I had mixed emotions with this book. I guess anyone would find the plot interesting but as I was going on reading, there were a lot of times I just put the book down. Oz and the Emerald City caught my attention. Elphaba and Glinda are interesting characters. But the book itself did not fully get me. I like the part on the conversation why evil exists and the parts that relays the nature of good and evil. Anyway ending this book comment with some quotes:

"People who claim that they're evil are usually no worse than the rest of us... It's people who claim that they're good, or any way better than the rest of us, that you have to be wary of."

"The wickedness of men is that their power breeds stupidity and blindness."

"No one controls your destiny. Even at the very worst - there is always choice."

"Evil is an act, not an appetite. How many haven't wanted to slash the throat of some boor across the dining room table? Present company excepted of course. Everyone has the appetite. If you give in to it, it, that act is evil. The appetite is normal."

"Remember this: Nothing is written in the stars. Not these stars, nor any others. No one controls your destiny."

"Happy endings are still endings."

"There was much to hate in this world and too much to love."

"You confuse not speaking with not listening."

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Book Comment: Gone Girl (by Gillian Flynn)

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Title: Gone Girl
Authoar: Gillian Flynn
No. of pages: 395
Published: 24th May 2012
Read: February 22, 2014

I have blogged about our recent book club session on this book, which we all agreed to be the first book we would read as members of the club. Each one of us have expressed fondness of this book in each of our own standards. We all agreed that this book can be among the psycho classification. Hahaha! I've read the book in three days; two factors: 1) I am pressured by the book club as we are about to discuss it 2) Upon approaching around 40% of the book, it became a page-turner.

I would classify this as a dark book filled with self-absorbed thoughts and selfish motives. Reading it in the first person, with two characters having the same crazy trail of thoughts, almost made me a psychopath as well hahaha! It is not something for light-reading. It is heavy with a plot that is shady and twisted. It’s a mystery thriller that made my fingers leaf through the pages fast. It’s the kind of novel that made me engaged with the different characters – I had love-hate relationships with them. I still recommend it. I give it a rating of OWN A COPY OF THE BOOK. It's still worth a copy.

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media--as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents--the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter--but is he really a killer?

As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn't do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
(Synopsis from Goodreads)

I vow to write away a  review immediately after reading a book as I have problems recalling it, given the fact that I've read countless articles and few books already. But I remember the thrilling and annoying feeling while devouring it. This book if reviewed is an instant give-away spoiler, so I'll let future readers read it and enjoy. Anyway, allow me to leave some quotables in here. 

“Men always say that as the defining compliment, don’t they? She’s a cool girl. Being the Cool Girl means I am a hot, brilliant, funny woman who adores football, poker, dirty jokes, and burping, who plays video games, drinks cheap beer, loves threesomes and anal sex, and jams hot dogs and hamburgers into her mouth like she’s hosting the world’s biggest culinary gang bang while somehow maintaining a size 2, because Cool Girls are above all hot. Hot and understanding. Cool Girls never get angry; they only smile in a chagrined, loving manner and let their men do whatever they want. Go ahead, shit on me, I don’t mind, I’m the Cool Girl.

Men actually think this girl exists. Maybe they’re fooled because so many women are willing to pretend to be this girl. For a long time Cool Girl offended me. I used to see men – friends, coworkers, strangers – giddy over these awful pretender women, and I’d want to sit these men down and calmly say: You are not dating a woman, you are dating a woman who has watched too many movies written by socially awkward men who’d like to believe that this kind of woman exists and might kiss them. I’d want to grab the poor guy by his lapels or messenger bag and say: The bitch doesn’t really love chili dogs that much – no one loves chili dogs that much! And the Cool Girls are even more pathetic: They’re not even pretending to be the woman they want to be, they’re pretending to be the woman a man wants them to be. Oh, and if you’re not a Cool Girl, I beg you not to believe that your man doesn’t want the Cool Girl. It may be a slightly different version – maybe he’s a vegetarian, so Cool Girl loves seitan and is great with dogs; or maybe he’s a hipster artist, so Cool Girl is a tattooed, bespectacled nerd who loves comics. There are variations to the window dressing, but believe me, he wants Cool Girl, who is basically the girl who likes every fucking thing he likes and doesn’t ever complain. (How do you know you’re not Cool Girl? Because he says things like: “I like strong women.” If he says that to you, he will at some point fuck someone else. Because “I like strong women” is code for “I hate strong women.”)”

“There’s something disturbing about recalling a warm memory and feeling utterly cold”

“Love makes you want to be a better man. But maybe love, real love, also gives you permission to just be the man you are.”

“There's a difference between really loving someone and loving the idea of her.”

"People love talking, and I have never been a huge talker. I carry on an inner monologue, but the words often don't reach my lips.”

“Because isn’t that the point of every relationship: to be known by someone else, to be understood? He gets me. She gets me. Isn’t that the simple magic phrase?”

“I was told love should be unconditional. That's the rule, everyone says so. But if love has no boundaries, no limits, no conditions, why should anyone try to do the right thing ever? If I know I am loved no matter what, where is the challenge? I am supposed to love Nick despite all his shortcomings. And Nick is supposed to love me despite my quirks. But clearly, neither of us does. It makes me think that everyone is very wrong, that love should have many conditions. Love should require both partners to be their very best at all times."

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________ Book Club: We Read. We Eat. We Wander.

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I’m glad to blog about another thing I’m proud of. It’s just January but I feel like I’ve accomplished quite a lot already. Ok lang yan feeling lang naman haha! But the thing I’m talking about is … finally I and my co-book-lovers finally started forming our book club!! We’re all glad to be part of it! I can already imagine us dining everywhere, blabbing about everything books, fiction, relate with each other’s emotional state while reading, while savouring that yummy dessert and squeezing in some travel chikas in between. Exciting right? Kaya join our book club!! Hahaha! But seriously, I’m pleased to be part of such.

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Book Comment: The Shack (by Wm. Paul Young)

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Title: The Shack
Author: Wm. Paul Young
No. of pages: 252
Published: July 1st 2007
Read: August 15, 2013

This book deserves a two thumbs up, standing ovation, confetti, it's just worth the time spent reading. Yes, I got carried away. However let me also state that I like books regarding spirituality, hence, this book automatically goes a notch higher. Yet, I consider this book as definitely one of my favorites. It impacted me. It touched me in a way that I cried on some parts of the book. It made me pause and utter a prayer. And since I read it, I try to live some of the words Papa uttered there like it was God who said it to me. I was able to relate to Mack at so many points. I guess all of us can relate to this book, most especially to my dear Christian friends. I highly recommend it. I give it a rating of OWN A COPY OF THE BOOK. When I say own a copy, it only means that it’s worth the money, the effort and the time!

Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation, and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his "Great Sadness," Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend.

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215. Book Hoard: IncrediBULK Sale!

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Books are my weakness. More so books on SALE! It’s that time of the year when I visit OMF Bookstore to abuse their sale! This year’s got to be the best so far; the best deal on OMF published books! I like reading fiction, but it’s always refreshing to read nonfiction too. While my mind gets to travel and cross that line between reality and fantasy on reading fiction, nonfiction somehow keeps me sane and still be in awe that there’s much more beauty in reality, and also helps in dealing the not-so-good part of it. I also like reading books written by anointed people, inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit, and books that bless not just my eyes and brain cells but also my heart and soul. I like devotionals too and I’ve been acquiring at least two each year. I also like Bibles in different colors and designs and versions! With all these said, OMF Bookstore is the place to be!!

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164. Good Friday

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It was a day, some days or a week of vacation for most, but I was stuck in front of my work desk doing my share on the corporate world! You know what's really weird, we were asked to work but the boss in Hong Kong is actually on leave. Cool yeah. But I wasn't really complaining as on the brighter side it was a double pay day! That's a good way of compensating that day off I wouldn't be paid for because I am not a regular employee yet.

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