Let Us Build Bridges, Not Walls

"To wage war on misery and to struggle against injustice is to promote, along with improved conditions, the human and spiritual progress of all men and therefore the common good of humanity. Peace cannot be limited to the mere absence of war, the result of an ever precarious balance of forces. No, peace is something that is built up day after day in the pursuit of an order intended by God, which implies a more perfect form of justice among men."
When was the last time we were able to achieve that peace? You may want to have more time to weigh your ideas and think things over. During these seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years when we never succeeded to attain peace, it's still good we can have it.
It is in this moment when we are called to create it. For the past decades up to the present, peace has been broken down by several reasons of injustice - gender inequality, disrespect for human rights and dignity, racial discrimination, various religious beliefs, crimes and other forces that oppose our good human spirit.
Peace on earth means bridging the gaps among the nations of the world. An intimate relationship would make it better. We give and we need love. Peace is an echo - whatever you've given, it gets back to you. Above all, letting Him in means true peace inside.
Let us then build bridges instead of walls.

Change: It Starts In Me

I'm getting back to the time when I first took a step backward to pick up a piece of candy wrapper and throw it in the garbage can without being told. From that day on, whenever I see trash, the trait just comes out naturally. It was an indeed small thing, though. But as I perform my daily life, it continues to sprout and bloom. From tiny buds grew flowers which made it more colorful. That happening in my life changed me and molded me to become better. And yea, I'm proud it started in me.

Indeed, great things come from small beginnings. And, as a student today who has visions and dreams in life, I can do more. One thing is studying hard. Through this, I can inspire my fellow youth. I learn something and I can use that something to correct my wrong notions on things in my surroundings. Obeying my parents also helps. This could be so petty, but this is a good start to become a good citizen of the Philippines,. The ability to follow rules and regulations is a big difference.

But, it doesn't stop there- I can also develop my sense of responsibility and cultivate a good relationship with people around me. I can be a role model, keeping that faith in God.

See? These things are just simple things..but we can make these things great.

The change started in me. And it continues to develop forever..

SMOOTH SAILING!

" Smooth sailing gets the traveler quicker and safer to his point of destination. In rough seas, the weak sailor just floats along and believers is his fate if he sinks and dies during a turbulence. But the courageous and more determined sailor puts to use whatever tools for survival he can grab."

Third grading has been three months of smooth sailing for me. I've been a sailor for truly rough sea that was full of uncertainties whether I could still get back to land. But it was in that rough sea where i've learned things I should have not learned if I was not able to explore the outside world.

Through the the first few weeks of December have been focused on academic works, I may have enjoyed the Christmas vacation so much. That's why when I returned to school, it is still seemed like Christmas. I really had a hard time coping with our past lessons, especially in our Advanced Chemistry. What is rate law, by the way? Do chemicals really undergo oxidation reaction?

Oh well, I still learned a lot from this grading period. I still had time to overcome some of my fears. Iwas still given the chance to showcase my talents and enhance them.

It's fourth grading period. Time runs so fast. One month from now, if God permits, I will graduate.

I have been a sailor. The weak have let the wild sea carry him over. But I? I have been courageous to fight all the way, no matter what.