Sunday, April 22, 2012

Earth Day: From the Beginning


The Holy Bible paints a heavenly portrait of the creation and the reason why we celebrate Earth Day today and every day! Starting with Genesis 1, in the beginning, we see how God strategically created a sustainable and perfect world. God gave humankind dominion over the fish of the sea, the fowl of the air and every living thing that moved upon the earth.

Sometimes, little thought is given to our day-to-day surroundings. We tend to think of our environment, whether personal or communal, as always existing in its undisturbed state. Unless something like a natural disaster occurs, we may not think about the importance of our surroundings.

Thus, we must ask ourselves, how did we manage to literally destroy our habitat and gift from God? How did we allow wastefulness and carelessness to inhabit and deteriorate our environment? How do you feel when you drive to an intersection and see a mound of cigarette butts covering the median like miniature ornaments? How do you feel when you see litter sprawled over the sides of the roads, or where wooded areas become the dumping grounds for things like old toilets and stuff no one wants to dispose of properly?

What can you do to improve your personal and public environment? Have you ever thought that with all of the unexpected climate changes and sudden natural disasters that this may not really be natural, but triggered by our carelessness and thoughtlessness? What can we do make our world more sustainable and safe from the abuse that we put it through day in and day out?

The environmental movement is here and now. We must be mindful that it is up to us to secure a healthy future for the next generation and ourselves. How can we teach and expect responsibility from them, when we are behaving irresponsible ourselves? On this Earth Day, let us stop asking such questions, but start implementing positive and doable solutions.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

April is Holy Humor Month

There is something captivating about hearing the laughter of children and admiring the innocence expressed on their faces. With passion, they enjoy and embrace the gift of life! Holy Humor Month recognizes the healing power of Christian joy and celebration. Humor is contagious and according to many, laughter is the best medicine for your mind, body and spirit. Humor helps to strengthen your immune system, diverts depression, relieves stress and pain, as well as boosts your energy levels. A good laugh is medicine for your soul.

Humor helps to heal and renew. It promotes happiness, fun and inspiration. Humor and laughter is associated with an overall sense of well-being. Humor and lightheartedness begets positive emotions. It buffers against negative feelings.


Recognize the power of joy and celebrate Holy Humor Month! Have a good, positive and healthy laugh! No one can steal your joy, although that does not stop him or her from trying!

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
- Proverbs 31:25 New Living Translation

Friday, April 6, 2012

Commemorating Good Friday

The Friday before Easter is when we observe Good Friday. It is known as a day of mourning, somberness, the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Some people observe this day through silence, fasting, praying or worshipping.

May the peace, joy and celebration of this Holy Week be a blessing to you and your family on this Good Friday observance!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Today is Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is the day before the commemoration of Good Friday. It is called Holy Thursday, which is the beginning of the 3-day celebration of Easter. “Maundy” is of Latin derivation and means “mandatum” relating to a commandment. Jesus commanded his Disciples at the last supper to love each other as He loved them. This act of love was displayed in Jesus’ servanthood when he washed the feet of His Disciples and shared the Last Supper, which is the final meal consisting of bread and wine with His Disciples.

Generally, on most calendars we only see Good Friday and Easter labeled, but Maundy Thursday is not. On the night of Maundy Thursday, Jesus is betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Disciples may not have understood the true significance of these events that took place during this period, called The Triduum, but during the course of this time, they came to understand it better by and by.

As we reflect on the this moment in time that affected the lives of everyone then and our lives now, we must look within and ask if we are truly following that last commandment that Jesus instructed His Disciples to do:
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another’ as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” - John 13:34 (NKJV)

So often, we revisit this poignant time in Biblical history and have to ask ourselves today, just how different our behavior is compared to that of Judas, the other Disciples or Jesus’ tormentors? This season of watching, waiting and anticipating should make us examine the journey we are walking. In the science of Reflexology, various points in the feet affect various organs and other vital parts of the body. What part of your feet affect the love generated from your heart?