A Black Sheep? Don't be sad if you're called so. God has something good for you.

After reading an article on what a sheep that is black among those in a flock, I realized that the black sheep does a big help for the shepherd.

The black-colored sheep is oftentimes a problem for the shepherd as it is rebellious and tends to go on their own way. As sheep are sort of dumb, they follow the one in front of them and don't look beyond him. Black is an attractive color so the whole line of sheep follows the black sheep in front of the flock.

The shepherd breaks the hind legs of the black sheep to prevent him from running. He puts the black sheep in front of the flock and pulls him with his staff by the neck. As a result of this, the rest of the flock follows him and not one is lost.

The Lord has a way of breaking the black sheep in a family. Who knows someday, he will lead the members of the family to God.

Remember the Prodigal Son?

He came back to ask forgiveness for his past. What rejoicing he experienced.

There are so many dark areas in our life to be broken. Reflect and repent. The Lord loves a sinner who goes to Him for forgiveness.

Remember: There never was a saint without a past, a sinner without a future.

Traffic Signs in My Life (The Way, The Truth, and the Life)

Traffic signs along the way are very important. If we did not put up these signs there will be chaos, disasters and deaths. Even with these, we can not avoid accidents due to arrogance, inconsideration of motorists, disobedience to the signs and undescribable personalities of drivers. We can only refer to statistics to prove destruction to life and property although there are traffic signs.

I believe we also need traffic signs in our life. Here are some helpful ones; warning signs in our daily life.

Stop

I've learned not to rush, calling on the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in making
decisions. It is worthwhile to pause and pray to derive wisdom to go on with the
action I would like to do based on the knowledge I have on the matter.

Look

It is wise to look ahead, to find out people who may be affected by my action,
ones I may hurt, ones I must help, ones who can be with me in the decision I
make.

Listen

It is wise to pause and listen. Open your heart and mind to God. After prayer,
listen to what God has to say. Listen to words of the elders, others who know
how to help you make right judgments and correct choices.

Avoid overspeeding, have someone push you when you are slow. Be aware of the Lord's words when you are about to lose your way. Watch for traffic jams in your life. Listen to God's siren and obey.

I've learned to do these things.

12.22.2005 The Word of the Lord in My Experiences: What has God taught me?

a. from failure - Thy will be done, Lord. Do your best and leave to God the rest. Leave the consequences to God's mercy. Look for positive results to my failure.

b. from a lack of money - Lack of money is not a reason for not reaching out to others. There will always be instruments of God to provide. Lack of money lessens one's concern for one who has more of it.

c. pain, sorrow or depression - Have faith in the Lord. Claim His promise to ease one's burden and give rest if only we come to Him. Supplications to saints and departed ones. Pray to the Holy Spirit to send you the gifts and fruits He gives. Unceasing prayers to the Lord.

d. through waiting - Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet. Good luck comes to those who wait and pray. Fruits ripen and mature a long time. Reflect on what you are waiting for. Is it beneficial or not?

e. through illness - Have trust in the Lord. All prayers are answered. Strengthen faith. Take good care of yourself. Recall witnesses to God's help. Be prayerful.

f. from disappointments - People differ in their beliefs, attitudes and perceptions. Forget the good that you do. Never expect return of good deeds you do. Do what is right.

g. from my family, my church, my relationships and my critics - There is a great need for understanding of other people - members of groups one belongs to - family, neighborhood, community and other groups.

We can choose our friends, not our relatives. Be humble. Learn to listen. Learn how to argue and to disagree but do not be disagreeable. Watch your words. Know what flattery and praise mean. Let others be righteous. Be graceful during your bad moods.