A Short Guide to Doing Things that Need to be Done

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

 

Source: bigthink.com

When I was still working, I’ve learned that there are two kinds of tasks that were needed to be done.

First are the “Urgent” things, those that other people urgently need from me because of their lack of planning and organization. Second are the “Important” things: my own job description, office responsibilities, and tasks for my personal and spiritual growth.

Doing Nothing – Creating Life’s White Space

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

In his blog minimalchanges.com, fellow Filipino minimalist Kevin Olega talked about The Sweetness of Doing Nothing.

I wondered when was the last time I did exactly that – nothing.

I’ve already learned how to simplify my priorities and only do what really matters, but being a family man, I feel like I’m always doing something.

How to Make Every Day a Special Day

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

 

Source: www.greetingsquotes.com

Sharing to you a special To-Do list on how to make every day a special day:

Enjoying the Present

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

We’ve heard these following clichés: Saving the best for last. The best is yet to come.

There’s nothing wrong about having hope for the future. Actually, we need to have it. We need to hold on to the promises and plans of God for us (Jeremiah 29:11) so we can live more fully and without fear.

But let’s not forget that the best can also lie in the present.

7 Life Clichés That Are All Lies

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

 

Source: http://www.eventmanagerblog.com

I’m sorry for such a bold headline, but these are just points that I’ve discovered in my own life.

Being 34 years old, I humbly admit that I’m still a long, long, long way in reaching my true potential – I still have a lot to learn is certainly an understatement.

For the purpose of listing them down and saving them for future reference, here are some clichés about life that I’ve come to realize as lies:

A Lesson on Self-Worth

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

 

Source: www.gradutempore.com

From a scale of one to ten, ten being the highest, rate your self and the random person nearest you.

In other words, if you will put a value on yourself and to that “other” person, from one to ten, what would it be?

Epiphany: Anyone who answers less than 10 from either or both items will have serious problems.

Be Happy With Yourself

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Source: www.colipera.com

Being happy with our self is at the core of all of life’s happiness.

When you are happy with yourself, your life is filled with opportunities to be at your full potential. You will have endless possibilities to create and do extraordinary things.

Studies show that people who are happy with themselves are more friendly and genuine; they are more confident, have more initiative, and recover from failure faster.

5 Ways Happy People Think Differently

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

 

Source: http://www.getbetterhq.com/2013/09/14/the-art-of-happiness/

Being happy doesn’t come by chance.

It is a choice, whether to be happy or not.

Here are a few ways on how happy people think differently:

6 Reasons Why Forgiveness is Best For You

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

 

Source: http://www.theclearingnw.com

We can’t change the past. What’s done is done.

But we have a hold on our future, which makes all the difference.

Forgiving someone does not mean that we are pushovers. It means that we are reclaiming our right to have a blessed life.

Here are six reasons why forgiveness is best for you:

The Real Better

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Better is a subjective word. One may be to some while may not be to others.

Yet as followers of Christ, there is nothing better for us than His presence in our lives, not only at church but also in our hearts and minds.

It means being in God’s presence from Monday to Sunday, 24/7.

Thoughts Shape Our Life

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

 

Source: en.wikipedia.org

Our thoughts influence our feelings and actions a lot.

They rule what we are; we are what we think.

When your thoughts are organized, your life is also organized.

Think of your self as a winner, then you are a winner. Think of your self as successful, then you are successful.

Three Absolutely Simple Ways to Improve Your Condition Now

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

 

Source: http://www.tilthbeauty.com

There are times when we feel like the whole world is on our side.

Everything’s great, our loved ones are healthy and okay, our finances are doing fine, work is right on schedule.

But there are also some days that aren’t so great.

If you need a little push out from the negative cycle you’re into, here are 3 absolutely simple ways to improve you condition right now:

Celebrate the Now

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

 

Source: http://www.healthline.com

The Bible always prompts us to celebrate the now and today.

“Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15).

God knows we should live in the present, and He encourages us to make good use of it.

Let us forget the past (except for the lessons) and don’t worry about the future (but still prepare for it)!

Reading is a Blessing

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Source: www.globalenvision.org

In general, I think Filipinos are not readers. Why? Authors and writers in this country are hardly recognized and supported.

Filipinos would rather listen to the radio or watch TV more, than read.

Unfortunately, we tend to listen to and watch unproductive shows.

We need more knowledge on how to live a better life, but what do most of us do? Instead of consuming media that will give us and our family the knowledge, we choose those that give us nothing.

The Lost Art of Listening

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

When it comes to communication, there are two kinds of people – one who loves to talk, and one who loves to listen. And we know which one is more fun to be with.

While effective communication skills begin with listening, it seems that people has lost this fine art of giving attention to someone else.

Not only do you learn (tremendously) through listening, more importantly you encourage others and boost their self-esteem when you give them your full attention, complete with the head nods and eye contact.

The Gift of Comfort

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Comfort is another rare and wonderful gift. Do you remember a time in your childhood when you had a wound and your mother would kiss it, bandage it, and then tell you everything’s going to be alright?

Or maybe when you got older, someone you cared about so deeply left you or was gone with whatever reason it was, and your friends were there telling you it’s going to be okay and that you’ll get over it, giving you words of encouragement?

The Gift of Encouragement

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We seldom think of encouragement as a gift, maybe because it can’t be bought as it is not a material thing. Others don’t see it as something to treasure because they thought it doesn’t cost a thing. In reality, it’s quite the opposite.

Encouragement is actually very rare because it is seldom given, and it is valuable because it is so meaningful to the recipient. Encouragement makes the perfect gift for a loved one. Here are reasons why:

Focus on the Creator

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

COSMOS. Source: http://kosmosaicbooks.com/tag/religion/

The world in which we live in is one of the greatest proofs for the existence of God. The very fact that the universe exists at all point to a Creator.

Even the most cynical scientist does not believe that everything around us came from nothing.

There had to be a beginning. And if there was a beginning, there had to be Someone to begin everything.

Don’t Forget to Sing

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

We can very easily be burdened with the tasks at hand.

Endless housework, financial insufficiencies, stressful jobs, demanding people, and a difficult ministry.

Complexities are often made more complex by relationship problems and that unwritten rule saying “the world is for the strong” and “only the fittest survive.”

4 Articles about Fatherhood that have Won My Heart

Posted by Raymund Tamayo

It’s unfortunate that there is no college course on being a father. I learn more as I pass through it every day.

It’s hard enough to be a father, and is doubly harder without the things one can learn from the stories and advice of others.

For those who are young fathers like me, here are some must-read articles on fatherhood:

How to Create Silence and Benefit from It

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

 

Source: http://cfot.ca/archives/6610

Being silent sounds easy. You’re probably thinking “All I need to do is sit still and do nothing. I don’t need to read anything on being silent.”

Very well, try it now for a moment. Set a timer for 2 minutes.

Just sit still. Don’t move.

Choose to be Happy

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Monday mornings are usually the hardest mornings to wake up to.

The thought of having to go to work tends to bring me down.

I wanted to spend time with my family than go to work – but you work to provide for your family – my mind argues with itself. 

Mondays are most difficult because I’ve been very comfortable and joyful in the presence of my wife and children during the weekend, it seems like I can’t stand being away from them again.

Our One Thing

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

 

Source: http://kentcrockett.blogspot.com/2012/09/worried-and-bothered.html

It’s amazing how we love to complicate life.

We easily take on more commitments than we can handle and fill our calendars with more activities than we can fit in.

Yet all the busyness leaves us empty.

Forgiveness is Lightness

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Source: http://www.zehabesha.com/forgiveness-and-mental-health-by-eyob-b-kassa/

One of the easiest ways to lighten your emotional and spiritual loads is to forgive those who have hurt you and done you wrong.

Do Not Worry On Things You Cannot Change

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

There are just things beyond our control.

We must accept that or we will constantly be frustrated.

Actually, when it comes to people, the only person you can control is yourself.

7 Must-Read Articles on Peace and Quiet

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

 

Source: http://wonderlauren-reads.blogspot.com/2011/03/thoughts-on-short-stories-and-novellas.html

Life is easier with the Internet. Would you agree?

We think so. It’s just a matter of using it responsibly.

Whatever you want to learn or know about, you can easily find it with some clicks on the keyboard.

We like to share this list of must-read articles we’ve discovered that you can use during your personal quiet time.

Knowing Self

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

The more we seek God, the more we get to know Him.

Because of that the more we get to know ourselves.

If we come humble and mirror our lives in light of God’s Word, we can discover a lot about ourselves that may be hidden even from our own understanding.

Dear God (Kids Say Wonderful Things)

Posted by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

We re-post here this wonderful, forwarded email from an old friend. It made us laugh a lot so we decided to share it here at Plain Haven.

Hope you all have a great day! God bless!

Here it is:

Power in Words

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

Words are powerful than what we think it is - written or spoken.

The Bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue and we will eat its fruit.

A single word can make the difference between liking or disliking someone.

We often hear that a destructive word hurts more than a strike, but a word of encouragement brings healing beyond the physical.

The Old Guitar

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

I had this guitar since 2003, December 9 to be exact. I acknowledge it as the first tangible gift God gave me.

I received the Lord in my heart December 8, 2003, and the first thing I ever prayed for was a guitar. Back then, I thought I was the only guitar player who didn’t have his own guitar.

10 Realizations While Suffering To Have Inner Peace

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Source: http://freebiblestudiesonline.wordpress.com/

Admit it or not, whatever status in society and circumstance we are in, suffering seemed to be an inevitable part of life. We can only minimize them in our lives, but no one can avoid them.

I have learned in life that bad things happen even to good people, and that the real meaning of "blessing" is anything that gets you closer to God.

As an encouragement to those who are passing through difficult times, my prayer is for you to continue to hold on to your faith and that God is with you every step of the way until victory!

Count It All Joy

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

“Why me, Lord?"

This is the most common question we ask when we experience problems and misfortunes. We expect that it will always be all sunshine, and that God somehow made a mistake when something bad happens in our lives.

The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

Ms. Bronnie Ware, a nurse who has worked in palliative care for many years, shared what the top 5 regrets people were saying on their deathbed.

She posted them along with her notes on her website, and we’ve copied them below. Included on each item are our own insights. We’ve also added a few more items or “regrets” that we hope every Christian believer won’t have when it is time to go home to the Lord.

5 Reasons Why You Are Not Happy and What To Do About It

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

You have a great life: a stable job, an amazing spouse, wonderful children, nice car, you know, everything that you need.

You’re always busy living that fulfilling life, high-profiled, something that you can be proud of. You’re famous, everybody is saying you’re big-time and you feel like they secretly envy you.

When Pockets are Empty

Post written by Denielle Tamayo

I wish to buy my daughter Ryah Denise a set of lutu-lutuan (cooking toys) the last few days. She keeps on rummaging through our kitchen cabinet, taking out our pots and pans and playing with them on the sofa near the dining table.

But we need to keep a tight budget due to some unavoidable, imperative expenses we did a couple of weeks ago so that set of toy could wait. To somehow suffice the desire to get one perfect set for her, I find myself checking out toy sections whenever I get the chance. 

Vegetable Garden

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

A woman was walking to a wet market for some green onions when she noticed a new vegetable garden around the corner. As she entered, she was surprised to see no bushes, no vines, and no herbs around. It was just an empty lot. A beautiful young man dressed in shining white clothing came to her, noticing her confusion.

7 Things to Let Go for Peace and Quiet

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

There are many things that take away peace and quiet in our lives. Surprisingly, those that affect us more are mostly internal, meaning within us and in our control.

Some are easy to detect while others may take a while to discern because it has been so much embedded in our character.

Friendship and Love

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

What is the distance between Friendship from Love? Shouldn't have any.

Both are not better without the other.

Love without Friendship is one-sided, while Friendship without Love is deception. These two should go hand in hand.

A Healthy Body and Spirit

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

In a life-long pursuit of spiritual growth, one must not overlook physical health. Because whether we admit it or not we are here in a physical world, and it requires a physical body to make most of work here done.

Being healthy is a lifestyle. It’s not just a one-time walk on the track and field oval or a one-time pass from sugary soda drinks.

Love is Also Active

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Love is an overly-used word. It can mean almost anything from a quick sexual encounter to total sacrifice.

The Bible’s Love chapter (found in 1 Corinthians 13) expresses Love in the passive, timid sense.

It says there that Love is not envious, boastful, proud, rude, self-seeking, or easily-angered. It does not rejoice in wrong but is protective, trusting, hopeful, and persevering.

Staying Quiet

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Many times we Christians are misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misjudged.

Some even make fun of us, especially when we share about God’s Word and what God is doing in our lives.

Others simply reject anything we say about the Lord. They think we are out of our minds or we’re too obsessed about religion.