How did a Zebra Get its Stripes?
Long, long ago in the kingdom of Zera, there was a black horse named Zea who dreamed of becoming the King someday, and was working very hard in achieving his dream. Since King Zoma died, Queen Zem searched for a new King who has the capacity to rule the entire kingdom.
Zea presented himself to the Queen and asked her to give him the title of being the new King. The laughed at him and rejected his wish. She told him that only those who are white will be given the chance to rule the kingdom. Zea felt disappointed of what he heard. He turned his back and walked away from the castle. He was really hurt. He didn't expect the Queen to be so cruel.
Despite the discrimination he received, Zea didn't lose hope. He didn't stop working for his dream. He did his very best to impress the Queen, and tried everything just to win the heart of the crowd. Unfortunately, the Queen rejected him for the second time. She even told him to stop dreaming for nothing. "Sorry, but you've been working really hard for sixteen years for nothing, so find a new dream," the Queen said. No matter what the Queen said, the black horse didn't give up. He looked for another way just to convince the Queen. Suddenly, a bright idea came into his mind. He thought of paint. "Yes, paint!" he said. He went immediately to a nearby paint company. When he got there, he grabbed a can of paint and poured it into himself. He made sure that his body was covered with the white paint. He was so happy when he saw his image in the mirror. He turned white already. After he had the paint dried in his body, he went directly to the castle and presented himself again to the Queen.
"Good day Queen Zem!" Zea said proudly. The queen didn't recognize him and so she asked, " Hello lovely horse! What brought you here?"
"I am here to be your king. I am Zebra," Zea lied to the Queen.
"Since you have this lovely and white coat, then I shall allow you to be my king and rule over the kingdom," said the Queen.
From then on, Zebra, who was originally Zea, became the king of Zera. He ruled the kingdom. But as days passed by, the white paint in Zebra's skin started to fade, giving him a stripes coat that he has up to this day.
Favorite Bible Verse
"(Philippians 4:12) I can do all things through him who strengthens me." This is my favorite bible verse. I believe that God is with us always. In times of sadness and happiness. He is always there to guide and comfort us. His love and mercy give us strength. Whenever we face difficulties or things that are greater than ourselves, we just have to pray and ask Him for guidance. With Him, we can do anything. We are never alone. All failures that we encounter in life are just part of the challenge that we have to face in life. These help us to become stronger. We should not worry about the problems that we encounter in life, we only have to trust Him, His plans.
God is good. Whenever we feel down, He is always there to strengthen us. God is only there to help. He is our savior and we can do all things through Him. When life gives us trials and tribulations, it is not the world nor the flesh that we can trust, but Gos. Rather than looking to material things, we should look to God to satisfy our needs. I know, it is not easy to settle on, especially when the tough things in life are being thrown to our way. The only way to get that place is to seek God, do things that line up with His word, and encourage in our lives to open ourselves to the transforming work of God. Through these ways, we will find God, our happiness.
Today My Life Begins
Committing mistakes is innate to all people and hence inevitable. Errors which are varied in nature sometimes hurt us, our family, and our community which eventually make us feel guilty.
When I was in highschool, I received a lot of judgments from the people around me including my family. In their minds they thought I'm a dirty woman. I often received weird looks especially from my aunts. Everything changed after they learned that I already had a boyfriend. My father scolded me and even hurt me physically. All I did that time was to cry and cry , and nobody was there to comfort me. I tried to ignore the pain and just said to myself that I didn't care what thought, but in reality I did care.
Every time I hear the song "Today My Life Begins," memories of the past would always arise in my mind. It always reminds me that "pain" was my only friend then. But as the song continues, I learned that for me to find happiness, there's a need for me to break the chain that binds me. That I should leave the past where it is because today my life begins. Sometimes people will make snap judgments when you're openly struggling, but we don't have to accept it. Everyone has their challenges. We might not all deal with depression,but no one is without struggles and sometimes we need a break. Sometimes I need a break to take care of myself before I can reengage with the world. Life is too short to have regrets so I'm learning now how to leave all the pain in the past and I'm trying to forget them all. I only have one life so I better make the best of it.
Stop wearing shoes in your house!
Do you wear shoes in your house? Would you prefer that visitors to your house remove their shoes upon entering? Have you ever been to someone's home and they leave all their shoes by the front door? Filipinos usually associate removing shoes before entering a home custody. Some are considerate enough to notice that rows of shoes outside a home indicate a shoes-off household. The practice of taking off shoes indoors is in fact very widespread in Asia, not only in Japan, but in Korea, the Jiangnan province of China and from Indochina throughout the Southeast Asian archipelago. Most Asians are accustomed to removing their shoes so as to enjoy the freedom and comfort of being barefoot.
On the other side of the coin, some people choose to wear shoes in the home for the reason that they are not comfortable removing their shoes without even thinking of its disadvantages. A recent study out of the University of Houston found that 39 percent of shoe soles sampled were contaminated with the bacteria C. diff (Clostridium difficile), a public health threat that is now resistant to a number of antibiotics. C. diff infections can cause severe diarrhea that may progress to colon inflammation and more serious serious health issues, especially if it does not respond to antibiotic treatment.
"Shoes are contaminated from diverse sources, and we are regularly contaminating our doorsteps shoes, " says study M. Jahangir Alam, Ph. D.
In another study done by the University if Arizona, 9 different forms of bacteria were found on the bottom of shoes. Good morning America did a test and found that the bottom of shoes was dirtier than toilet seats! Furthermore, Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist and professor at the University of Arizona did a test with a brand new pair of shoes and found on the shoe. An astonishing 27% of those total bacteria were deadly E Coli. Klebsiella pneumonia was also found, which can lead to and cause pneumonia and wound and bloodstream infection of the respiratory tract.
What's interesting is that many countries I previously mentioned in this article leave their shoes completely outside their house with door closed so others cannot even see shoes in the house. A great idea is to leave them at the front door or in the garage by the door to avoid bringing any unwanted bacteria or germs in the home. Just think about the places that you walk in especially public restrooms. In this case, your shoes actually carry E. Coli and a host of other pathogens that can make you pretty sick. The microbes that contribute to athlete's foot, toenail fungus and foot odor can all come into your house on the bottom of your shoes. This is why you have to do your best to keep the shoes outside for your health and safety. Indeed, removing your shoes helps you to enter a frame of mind where you keep your everyday troubles outside your house.
My Wish
Have you experienced accomplishing something which you never imagined expected to do? That is what we consider challenge. A challenge can be physical, mental or emotional in nature. At this very moment, I am working on with the challenge that life has given me, and my only wish is to overcome this challenge. I wish that I could finish all the journals before Friday. I will be happy if I could accomplish these eight prompts plus the autobiography that we are required to make. I know and believe I can do it through hard work and prayers.
I have learned that in my life' journey, simple or complicated changes keep coming. These changes bring a lot of trials or challenges. Sometimes they bring happiness, at times they bring depression. Just the same, I have to cherish these changes that bring challenges because they push me to move either up or down. Hence, I must react positively by looking for ways to make my life better if not the best. Life may get harder every day but every step I put forward is a great leap towards triumph.
FAKE SMILE
Being a family photographer in one of the famous department stores in our city for almost 6 years, I already learned different ways or styles of capturing an image or a family. When I take a a picture or photo of a family, I always see to it that I'm capturing the perfect angle, that the family will appreciate the product.
It was Monday when the De la Cruz family approached and asked me to take their photo. I nodded and then looked for a perfect view for them to pose as I was preparing my camera,I noticed something strange. There was something wrong going on with the family. I could really feel that they were facing problems at that very moment. But I ignored what I felt. I let them posts and then I said, "smile". When I looked at the picture, I could really tell that their smiles were fake. Then I asked the Mr., "I know asking you this question would mean that I'm already over stepping the line but let me just ask, is there something wrong going on with your family? It seems like you're facing a big problem." At first, there was an awkward silence but after a few minutes. He responded, "Actually, Yes! I'm sorry,I cant share it with you because its too private". I understand his situation so I didn't press him. I could still remember the last lines I said to the Mr. before they left. I said to him, "Normally you hear from people who care say that you don't need to be your own roadblock to success. This is the challenge you need difficulties which upset you. To fear them is okay but you have to face these fears and live with them courageously. They are parts of the games you have yo play to make your life better. It is always in your hands for you to start making the most out of these challenges". I ended up our conversation by saying, "God bless you Sir and your family".
MY EXPECTATIONS
I have a lot of expectations regarding this subject (Creative Writing). First,I expect that there will be rules and polices set by the teacher for us to follow at all times. It is important that we know all those things so that we will be guided on the right things to do inside the classroom. In this way, we can create a good relationship with our teacher. Next, I expect that all assignments will be passed completely, correctly and on time. This will help us become productive and responsible students. I also expect that we will generate pieces of writing weekly so as to showcase and develop our skill in writing creatively. Our ability to write will be enhanced or improved if we are exposed to meaningful interventions and experiences. Moreover, meaningful and effective activities or tasks will help us obtain deeper knowledge about the subject. Furthermore, I also expect that we will undergo several trainings or workshops regarding on how to express our thoughts/ideas about the world in an artistic way, like putting them into writing. I also this class to be fun and challenging.
To my teacher, I expect her to create opportunities for critical thinking and writing. For instance, allowing and helping us to create or invent fiction stories in a way that we combine our thoughts and feelings regarding our perceptions of the world. I expect her to encourage us in coming up a product like a finished story that can be shared and enjoyed in the future. Another thing that I expect about her is that she will treat us fairly and with respect. I believe that a good and effective teacher will provide opportunity among his students. I expect her to respond to our works as quickly as possible. The feedback of the teacher is really very important for us to know wether we are on the right track or not. I also expect her to keep an open mind about our ideas, like setting time for teacher-student conference. Indeed, I expect this class not a competition but rather an opportunity for us to deepen our understanding of the world around us.
My Favorite Song
Music greatly affects our emotion response. Whenever we hear a song in which its message somehow relates to our life, we tend to appreciate and love that song and make it our favorite. Our favorite song serves as an instrument that makes our heart and brain happy. Hearing its lovely, inspiring and pleasurable lyrics makes us feel better and inspired as well. Such song makes our cells and nerves active that we feel so great when listening to it, as if we are the happiest person in the world. Its amazingly powerful message allows us to feel inspired. Moreover, it provides us relaxation most especially during stress hours. One reason why our favorite song brings us happiness is because it reminds us something which we enjoyed in the past or even in the present. We tend to play it over and over again and still enjoy it. Indeed, beautiful song releases powerful emotions, it affects our happiness and our emotional response.
I could still remember when I first heared the song "Today My l
Life Begins" by Bruno Mars. It was my cousin's graduation when I first heard it. As the grade six pupils sang the song, my body suddenly moved softly with the beat. Its melody is so perfect. I really love this song because it is associated with the emotional experience I have in life. These also serves as my enlightenment. The song tells me not to worry about yesterday because what matters most is the present. It gives me an idea like leaving my past from where it is. No matter how painful life is, as long as I never stop fighting for it, I know happiness will still find me. All I have to do is to break the chains that bind me and leave the past behind me. "Life's too short to have regrets" so I better enjoy life and make the best out from it.
MY BODY
I am proud of my body. I don't care if somebody would say I'm chubby, as long as I am comfortable with myself, I would never feel sad. My body makes me who I am. I consider myself unique and special. Even though people have different opinions about a perfect. I am unique because God made me. I take pride in the fact that there is no one else on this earth that looks exactly like me. My inner and outer beauty make me different from everyone else.
Favorite Person
My favorite person is Sarah. She is a kind person, not just to me but also to other people. She is my good adviser. I like her because she is frank. She tells me what's wrong and what's bad. Unlike my other friends, Sarah is really a true friend. She is always there at my side whenever I need her. She listens to my stories and problems as well. She always gives comfort to me whenever I feel so low and cheers me up when I am sad. She never leaves me. She treats me nicely, as it I am her sister. She always makes me laugh. I really feel comfortable being with her. She is a kind of person that can be trusted. She knows how to keep secrets.
Sarah has also a good sense of humor. She makes people laugh effortlessly. I like her because she is a happy person. She is really one of a kind. She thinks positive always and performs well in her academics. I find her studious because she never fails to study hard. Another thing that I like about Sarah is her being a reader. She likes to read books. She even influences me to read novels. She also likes to write stories and I like it. I idolize her of being such a good writer. I read some of her compositions and I really find it amazing. She is really gifted with amazing skills.
Favorite Quotation
"Everything happens for a reason, and it is always for the best." I am a firm believer of this quotation. I believe that everything we see in this world, big or small,has its own purpose. It exists because it has a role to play. For instance, our decisions in life are usually based on our own opinion and we always have certain reasons for it. It may be good or bad but nonetheless there will always be consequences. These effects will not only influence one person, but will also influence many other people. Moreover, we should not be scared of the outcome because everything happens for a reason. There is always a lesson to be learned in life. All situations that we go through life help in shaping us emotionally, mentally and physically. These things so not happen just for no reason. They happened because they are helping us become the person we are supposed to be.
Everything happens for a reason, and I believe that there is a reason why I exist in this world. This is one of the many philosophies I have in life. With this philosophy, I don't have any reason to fear life, committing mistakes. Good cannot exist without bad. In other words, existence of good and bad are relative. In addition, its existence follows some grand plans which are already by God. His plans for man will be victorious at the end of time. I do believe, everything that I encountered in life were really meant to happen.
When I am Famous
To be a famous dancer is what I want to be in the future. My entire life has been about dedication and striving to become a great one.
Dance is and has always been my passion. It isn't just some hobby for me. It's more like an addiction. My complete heart and soul are exhibited in every step. Through dance, I find a sense of pride and satisfaction that I don't think anyone could understand or appreciate.
Every time I see dancers or simply people performing on stage, I would always imagine that I'm also dancing with them, that I'm part of their show. That's how dance affects me. It bring such joy to me. It brings happiness to so many people, both the person dancing and the people watching. My dream of becoming a famous dancer motivates me to do good in the society and makes me enjoy the simple thing that happened in my life. Dance is so great! Maybe it's the control of the dancer's body to execute each move flawlessly that enraptures me, or it could be the look on the dancer's face that says he's loving what he is doing. Either way I absolutely love dance. Indeed, to become great in the field of dancing is what I wanted to achieve in the future.
My Strengths
Like others, I also have important roles to play in this world. As
a responsible individual, I always think of performing those roles effectively. I usually give my best in everything I do. I concentrate on ways to perform well.
One thing that put me in a happy mood is seeing my family happy. This motivates me to study hard and aim to success. They serve as my inspiration in life. Another thing that brings me smile on my face is dancing. I'm in love with dance because it shows how I feel. It helps me to reduce
my stress and problem in my life. When I dance, I feel like I'm the happiest person in the world. I find it fun, and I can't resist myself from dancing. Whenever I dance, I feel so alive.Usually, when I dance, I don't think of impressing people but rather I think of it as a way of expressing myself.It makes me happy every time I dance in the middle of an empty stage showing to the people what I
have to express.I'm proud to say that I have this potential of entertaining people and making them happy as well.Aside from that, I'm so happy that I'm a positive person. I possess positive attitude towards my darkness times. I always look at the bright side even during challenging times.Despite of the trials and problems in life,I believe that there is happiness that awaits me.I don't let challenges and obstacles in life beat me.In fact,I find ways to overcome them. I always have hope even though life is so hard sometimes.I find solutions to problems and use every minute of my time wisely.
She's One of my Best friends
This girl is a loving and caring person. She always wears a beautiful smile. She always cracks jokes every time we are together. She is a bit chubby and has short hair. She loves to write stories. I love her because she always makes me smile. I can consider her as a true friend because she knows how to keep secrets. Moreover, she's always there whenever I need her. I treasured her a lot. She keeps on reminding me that I'm not bad though I always think I am bad. She is really one of a kind.
A LETTER FROM A FRIEND
Early in the morning, Nicole who is already nineteen years old received a letter from her friend Noemi. She immediately open the letter and then read. Here is the content of the letter:
Dear Nicole,
I don't know what to do. I want to invite my friend to do things like we used to do. I want some time for just as girls, but she keeps bringing her new boyfriend along. He's not a bad person, but he does talk a lot. Its hard to feel close to my girlfriend when he's always around. Do you think I should ask my friend to stop bringing her boyfriend along when I invite her somewhere? I want her to be happy with his guy, but I want to spend time with her, too.
Your friend,
Noemi
Nicole felt sad of the situation of her friend so she decided yo reply and give her advice. She wrote in her letter this:
Dear Noemi,
Stop feeling guilty. It isn't a bad thing to want girl with your best friend. Try telling her exactly what you told me. You want her to be happy, you think her boyfriend is a good guy, but you miss spending time with her, so you better inform your best friend not to bring him along whenever you invite her somewhere.
Your friend,
Nicole
WHERE I SEE MYSELF FIVE YEARS FROM NOW
Looking ahead at the future, I can already see myself teaching high school students five years from now. My job is already stable and I am already the one supporting my family. I want to see myself getting old being in this profession.i
I want to became an effective modern teacher.I know I have potentials and characteristics that will help me become responsive to the changing needs that await me in the field of work after graduation. I already set my mind that I will only accept teaching related opportunities as possible with open arms so that the enthusiasm in me to teach will keep on burning and the teacher in me will be kept alive.
I only need to follow a step by stop process in achieving my plans since a journey towards a thousand miles begins with a single step. I have to work hard. If circumstances arise, I will find ways and ask God for His guidance.
PROMISES TO KEEP
Last January 1, 2015I made a lot of promises to myself. I promised not to enter the kingdom of love first, not until I already find a good a job. I want to serve my family and make them happy. They are my first priority in life. They are ny strength and inspiration. I want them to experience things which they have not experience before. For instance, living a life as "Queen and King". I want that someday I will be the one to work for them. I really dreamed of giving them a better life. I even promised to myself that I will give them a beautiful house and a luxurious car someday.
I also promised to.motivate myself in studying hard in order to maintain good grades. I promised to do all the necessary tasks that need to be done to assure success. I will try to do everything, whatever it takes, just yo accomplish my goals and reach my true potential. I don't believe in myself that much before, but now, I am already encouraging myself to try things and work hard not just for own sake but also to others, especially my family. I know that I still have to overcome many obstacles before reaching my goals in life, but I will not make this reason to give up. I need to strive, fight and stay positive. I believe that everyone can reach their goals as long as they work for it. I promise, not to discourage myself anymore. I need to motivate, inspire and encourage myself to keep fighting for my dreams. I don't need to stop. For me,sacrificing for something is better than not trying at all.
Favorite Food
Anything that is sweet is my favorite. I easily get attracted to chocolates, candies, ice cream, biscuits and many more. Every after lunch or dinner, I usually eat something which is sweet. Doing so is already my habit. I don't care of its side effects because I am already attached to it. It is my happiness and no one can ever stop me from this habit. I enjoy eating sugary substances and my brain always tells me to seek them out.
Sweets seem to have become part of my life. Whenever I feel bad and lonely, I eat sweet foods. I usually eat chocolate cake because it makes me feel better. Sweets provide me happiness. Yes, breakfast is the most important, and my idea of a perfect breakfast is an ultra-sweet chocolate cake. I would never say no to sweet foods. Without sweat treat, I would always feel tired, light-headed or confused. Indeed, I have a sweet tooth, I always crave for something sweet.
