Sunday, February 24, 2008

LIKE A PACK OF WOLVES


The corruption in the Philippine government is allegedly caused by the oligarch who are there at the seat of the government. I believe that it is true. It is so sad to realize how dirty and how pathetic this government has become. I think that it is there to serve only the few and it is no more concerned with the welfare of the people. They have common will and purpose, that is to gain wealth while they are in office. That's why when something leaks out in the media, they are ready to defend and give out reasons to make the people calm down. They do their best to discredit the one who tries to "blow the whistle". And why would they do that? Because they have obviously benefited from that administration. They have gained so much, all of them. Rumor has it that they are allegedly given money just to have to vote for something which the president wish to be voted upon. They act as a group, a very united group, like a pack of wolves for example, in order to survive the game of corruption, plunder and in fiercely clinging to precious power.

I saw a National Geographic video about the life of the wolves that live in the forest. It is interesting to know about their life in a pack. Their leader is called an Alpha male. He is the most dominant and the most aggressive among the group. The member wolves in effect follow his lead throughout. Another interesting member of the pack is the one called the Omega male. It is the lowest in the pecking order. He always has to keep himself last for if he tries to make himself threateningly visible to the Alpha male, he will be disciplined and be made to wait before everyone else. That is the life they portray as they are being observed in a controlled captivity. They act as one when they try catch a prey. When they decided on a prey, woe to that creature. It's his end. And they they protect their own. They are an interesting creature indeed.

The Philippine government which is at the seat of Malacañang Palace is sadly comparable to a pack of wolves. While we are now in turmoil because of the the ZTE scandal, her croonies can be seen defending her government. They show themselves unperturbed and continue unashamedly on as if nothing is happening. You can see how much they take care of each other in these times of accounting. Different officials from different branches in the government give testimonies and support for her. It is easy to note that she had been generous with them so that they would be willing to burn with her in hell. Their livelihood had been greatly improved under her care. The whistle blower Jun Lozada is being discredited so the people would not believe him. This is Philippine politics, rotten to the core! The president promptly announced that her family did not make business out of the government. Wow, as if the people don't already know! Maybe they didn't make business, they just plundered our treasury.

Since they are like a pack of wolves, what happens to us who don't run with them. We don't get our livelihoods improved. We have not benefited in this administration at all. Our wages have almost not increased at all in relation to the recent hike of vehicle fares, prime commodities and all other commodities in the market. We are left behind swimming in the mire of poverty. Many have no work at all. If not because of the dollars the OFW's send back home our economy would not stay afloat, practically speaking. What happens if the dollar weakens some more. It will be disaster.

There is much unrest and discontent among the people. I don't know where this is heading. The situation is volatile. It could become worse. But I still wish for a peaceful means nevertheless. I think it's always the best. But I really would like to have the government be cleansed. How can this happen? It will only be possible if the people who are there be replaced by new ones who are not under the claws of the oligarch. There will be no true reform if the president is under the mercy of the oligarch. we need to start afresh.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

SOLUTION TO A PROBLEM?

To really have a good government is a matter of choice by no other than the officials that run it. If they choose to make it work specifically for the people then naturally, you have a good government. But if they agree together loot it instead and divide the spoils among themselves, then you have a shamefully corrupt government.

Look at what is happening with the Philippine government now. Scandal after scandal constantly haunt the administration. Why? There is no need to graphically portray what is there in the air. Because we all breathe it like the pollution that slowly chokes out the life of a living being. It is creating distress and sickness to the people, much like the Dengue epidemic. Everyone knows the obvious. Something, many things have been done that would make one with active conscience cringe with shame.

Everything God created is a solution to a problem. I read that somewhere. Each one has an assignment, that is why we are here in this world. A husband is assigned to his wife. Parents are assigned to their children. And so on and so forth. What about the president? Of course naturally, the president is assigned to the people. Simple equation, isn't it?

So, what is this chaos and turbulence in the Philippine political atmosphere then is showing us? It shows us that something is amiss. Something is totally off-tangent. It only points out to us the blatant disregard of our officials for the welfare of the people. What is being done ironically instead is the rampant "sucking out of the people's life blood from their veins". Our government have become the problem of our nation. Like a tree, it is being eaten by termites from the inside out. It may look strong on the outside, but it's really rotten inside. Sooner or later it will have to fall down by the pull of gravity without anyone touching it. Law of nature as they call it.

The officials that are there who are expected to solve the people's problem have violated or have gone against their destiny. And this rebellion against their oath to help our country has caused so much misery to the people. No wonder there is only bickering and quarrels among them. There is no peace. Almost no one is really doing what is right anymore, except maybe of the few.

The people needs to know the truth however ugly it is. Proverbs 28:13 says " He that covereth his sins shall not prosper." It is time for us to know the truth because it will set us free from bondage.

Monday, February 11, 2008

ACUPRESSURE HEALS

Introduction to Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands (and even feet). There is a massive amount of scientific data that demonstrates why and how acupuncture is effective. But acupressure, the older of the two traditions, was neglected after the Chinese developed more technological methods for stimulating points with needles and electricity. Acupressure, however, continues to be the most effective method for self-treatment of tension-related ailments by using the power and sensitivity of the human hand.
Foremost among the advantages of acupressure's healing touch is that it is safe to do on yourself and others - even if you've never done it before - so long as you follow the instructions and pay attention to the cautions. There are no side effects from drugs, because there are no drugs. And the only equipment needed are your own two hands. You can practice acupressure therapy any time, anywhere.
My clinical experiences over the past eighteen years have shown me that acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, and tension due to stress. I have also shown hundreds of my acupressure students, patients, and friends how to use acupressure to relieve ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower back aches, constipation, and indigestion. You can also use self-acupressure to relieve anxiety and to help you get to sleep at night.
Susan, a student of mine, was suffering from insomnia and occasional headaches for many years, as the result of a neck injury. 'I feel so tired and weary, nearly all the time, Michael," she said. "Can acupressure points help me?"
I showed her several potent points on her ankles and neck for headaches, as well as some upper-back stretching exercises for her insomnia. Susan reported to me two weeks later, glowing. "The treatment really worked! I've been sleeping uninterrupted and soundly through the night for the first time in fifteen years."
There are also great advantages to using acupressure as a way to balance the body and maintain good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.
In acupressure, local symptoms are considered an expression of the condition of the body as a whole. A tension headache, for instance, may be rooted in the shoulder and neck area. Thus acupressure focuses on relieving pain and discomfort as well as on responding to tension before it develops into a "dis-ease" that is, before the constrictions and imbalances can do further damage. By using a combination of self-help methods such as trigger point stimulation, deep breathing, range-of-motion exercises, and relaxation techniques, you can improve your condition as well as feel more alive, healthy, and in harmony with your life.
Recently, Judy, one of my advanced acupressure students, complained about having night sweats. She was in the midst of making a serious decision about where to live, which also involved a relationship that was troubling her. I immediately noticed that her upper back was rounded by tension and discovered even more tension in her neck. I showed her the points for working on these areas. A month later, after using acupressure on herself twice a day, Judy reported that much of her upper back tension and a "ball" of deep anxiety had dissipated. She also felt clearer and more objective in dealing with her problems. Best of all, the night sweats that had made her miserable for two months were gone.
Alice, one of my elderly clients, had limited mobility in her neck with severe arthritic neck pain that radiated down her shoulders into her arms as well as up into her head. After her first acupressure session, she not only felt less discomfort but also had greater flexibility in her neck. For the first time in years, she was able to move her head freely without pain.
After several weeks Alice realized that she could help herself using the points underneath the base of her skull to relieve both her neck pain and stiffness. Recently she told me that whenever the pain "creeps up on her," she practices self-acupressure. It is possible that this increased mobility, in turn, prevents further deterioration.

Monday, February 4, 2008

WORD FOR TODAY

JUDGING OURSELVES

FOR IF WE WOULD JUDGE OURSELVES, WE SHOULD NOT BE JUDGED. I COR. 11:31
One of the most difficult things that we are called upon to do as children of GOD is to simply be honest. Each one of us desires to be seen in a good light by others. This often leads us to be less than truthful. Sometimes, we find ourselves embellishing some story of our exploits or perhaps failing to report every detail of our journey for fear that our flaws may be uncovered and we appear less competent that we want others to believe we are. Or we try to appear more spiritually minded than we really are. This conduct is understandable and somewhat excusable given our need for acceptance by others. But there is a behavior which is equally prevalent, totally inexcusable, and if unchecked will lead us to destruction. That is: when we fail to be totally truthful with our own selves.

Peter said, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of GOD.” (I Pet.4:17) We have a great responsibility to set a watch on ourselves. Our LORD said “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mt.26:41) One of the biggest mistakes that we can make is in not recognizing who our main struggle is against. In order for even the greatest general to be successful in battle he must first identify his enemy and then accurately assess his enemy’s strength. In the same fashion we must first recognize that our greatest foe is not the forces of evil which surround us, though they are great and not to be trifled with. The greatest source of conflict for the children of God is our own flesh. “For the flesh lusteth (i.e. works against) against the Spirit” (Gal.5:17) “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing.” (Rom.7:18). So we must prepare for battle with the proper understanding that we are still sinners. (see I Jn. 1:8)

We must individually be our own harshest critic. Those who are satisfied with the level of their personal holiness before ALMIGHTY GOD do not have the proper standard of holiness before their eyes. “Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I AM holy” (I Pet. 1:16) Those who believe that their prayer life is what it should be do not know what true prayer really is. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (Jas.5:16) One of the LORD’s disciples said unto him, “LORD teach us to pray.” (Lk. 11:1) Those who are convinced that they know and understand all things concerning the word of GOD do not understand that the world, much less a book cannot completely contain the WOE of GOD. JESUS said; “I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE no man cometh unto the FATHER but by me.” (Jn. 14:6) Men by their own wisdom cannot grasp the things of GOD for they are spiritually discerned. (see II Cor.2:14)

Having recognized who our foe is we must also be aware of his strength. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9) Our flesh will always overcome us if we do not continually strike at its very root. Paul said “if ye, through the SPIRIT, do mortify (i.e. put to death) the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” (Rom.8:13) Sometimes we become enamored with the liberty which we have in CHRIST (see Rom.8:1) and we allow our flesh to pervert it, and turn it into a license whereby it can dominate us. Paul knew the strength of his flesh when he said, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others. I myself should be a castaway.” (I Cor.9L27) We must be very diligent to set a watch over our heart, our lips and our bodies. Our flesh loves to have dominion over us. “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” (I Th.5:6)

Not only must a successful general rightly identify his enemy and his enemy’s strength. He must also accurately identify the source and magnitude of his own strength. This is an absolute necessity for the people of GOD in our struggle with the flesh. If we seek to overcome the flesh in the power of the flesh, then we shall fail miserably. That which is of the flesh will fail, “For I know that in me (that is in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing; for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” (Rom. 7:18) GOD’s people are not weak; but they must come to a realization that their strength is not of themselves but of Christ. “I can do all thing through CHRIST which strengtheth me.” (Phil.4:13) “There hath no temptation (or trial) taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (I Cor. 10:13) “Fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy GOD; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee: yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isa.41:10) HE is our strength in the time of struggle. Without HIM we are doomed to fail. With Him we are destined to triumph.

Finally: not even the best of generals, who knows who his enemy is, knows his enemies strength, and understands the source of his own power can win a war and triumph over his foe if he does not enter the battle and fight. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” (Rom. 13L12-14) Paul admonished Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith” (I Tim. 6:12) and then wrote his own epitaph when he said “I have fought a food fight, I have finished my course” (II Tim. 4:7) Can we honestly say the same?