I am currently in San Francisco but before I left, I was very surprised to see a news item that Joe Taruc died! I never met him personally, but I did meet him over the phone because of radio interviews I was asked to give. I didn’t even know what he looked like, the first inkling I had was the photo posted in the newspaper.
I read he was in the hospital. September he must have already been ill. He would send me all these quotes which I found very beautiful. In fact, if he died Saturday, as late as Thursday he was sending me quotes. If he was dying, it certainly didn’t show. He would end all his messages with “Good morning, have a great day” — and even asked when my birthday was so he could greet me. He said he would help in my environmental advocacy. So, it was a huge surprise for me when I read that he had passed away! I tried calling the number but the phone just kept ringing.
It is healthy that as one is moving on to another phase — instead of thinking of earthly concerns, one gets reflective about life. Hmmmm, why wait until one is dying to go this route ... start today! That’s what I do with my diary — reflect and gear in so that the next day will be better.
Take the following quotes as a collection from a soul who has lived 71 years — and is going off to another phase of life... They carry a profundity of passage.
* * *
Friday, Sept. 15
When you run alone,
it’s called a race;
And when God runs with you,
it’s called grace.
Let us always have God with us in life!
* * *
Saturday, Sept. 16
When granted many years of life, growing old in age is natural, but growing old with grace is a choice. Growing older with grace is possible for all who will set their hearts and minds on the Giver of grace, the Lord Jesus Christ.
God bless us all!
Sunday, Sept. 17
What is the difference between “I like you” and “I love you”?
Buddha’s answer was so simple. When you like a flower, you just pluck it. But when you love a flower, you water it daily.
... One who understands this, understands life!
Monday, Sept. 18
Only those who care about you can hear you when you are quiet.
* * *
Tuesday, Sept. 19
This morning, may your burdens be a little lighter, your pocket a little heavier, your smile a little wider and your heart a lot fuller!
* * *
Wednesday, Sept. 20
Three beautiful thoughts:
1. None can destroy iron but its own rust.
Likewise, none can destroy a person but his own mindset.
2. The ups & downs in life are very important to keep us going, because a straight line even in ECG means we are not alive anymore!
3. Fear has two meanings:
1) Forget everything and run!
2) Face everything and rise!
* * *
Thursday, Sept. 21
With the start of a new day...
let’s do things in a different way...
no criticism, negative thoughts or self-harm ...
just love, believe in yourself, inner peace and calm...
* * *
Friday, Sept. 22
Live without excuses ....
Love without regrets
When life gives you 100 reasons to cry
Show life that you have 1,000 reasons to smile!
* * *
Saturday, Sept. 23
Every event, great or small, good or bad, happy or sad, is a parable where God speaks to us. And the art of life is to understand the message.
* * *
Sunday, Sept. 24
If you have to choose between being kind and being right, choose being kind and you will always be right.
* * *
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Forget the favors you have given, remember those you received! (Chinese Proverb)
* * *
Wednesday, Sept. 27
Each day, our goal is to touch one heart, encourage one mind, and inspire one soul.
If we promote the good and well-being of more people,
God will be pleased even more.
This is the reason why we have an important role to play. God is watching over you with love and concern.
Be the best you can be for God’s purpose.
Live simply.
Love generously.
Speak truthfully.
Pray daily.
And leave everything else in GOD’s hands.
* * *
Thursday, Sept. 28
Every little smile can touch somebody’s heart
No one is born happy
But all of us are born with the ability to create happiness!
Smile and be happy!
I read that Joe passed away Saturday. Joe, I have never met you, but I hope your reflections and your thoughts can serve as an inspiration for those of us who are still living life. We can’t bring money with us, but we do bring the flavor of our consciousness. If we learn how to navigate life, its twists and turns, and learn how to live by the rudder of our principles, we will have left the world a much better place — a trail of joy, of light, as we venture on to our next destination....
* * *
Much love to all of you.
I can be reached at regina_lopez@gworld.ph.