| Title | : | The Early Bird Catches The Worm But The Second Mouse Gets The Cheese |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 131 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 2003 |
The Early Bird Catches The Worm But The Second Mouse Gets The Cheese Reviews
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My first time to read a Francis J. Kong book and I am impressed.
Actually, I learned a lot from this book. It is like reading another Chicken Soup for the Soul but with some sprinklings of local flavor. After all, Francis J. Kong is a Filipino even if he is known all around the world. He gives lectures and do consultancy in many countries abroad.
The book is composed of 42 beautiful essays and since P410 two months ago, that means roughly P10/essay. You can read one essay every morning to inspire you to do good deeds or just be good the whole day be it in school or in the office or at home doing your usual household chores. BTW, even St. Josemaria Escriva (1902-1975) said that we can be holy in anything we do, i.e., sanctification of work.
Anyway, the essays are about people, mostly Americans, whose stories can inspire you in overcoming obstacles or paying more attention to what matters more or most in our lives. Contrary to what our parents say: the early bird catches the worm, Francis J. Kong is telling us to "trust God for His timing" meaning don't be in a hurry. "Look at the lilies in the field" was ringing in my ears while reading the last part.
The second mouse gets the cheese means the pioneers are seen as ground breakers, they rarely reap the full rewards of their inventions. It is the people who build on their inventions that get the most out of those. So, relax if you don't discover the electric bulb or ENIAC or what-have-you. You can improve on the things around you and people will still remember your contribution.
My favorite essay in this collection is Return on Investment (p. 98). I was teary-eyed this morning while reading that part. I am at this stage when my only daughter is turning 20 and no longer a teenager and I could not help but reminisce the times we were together doing father-young girl bondings. I missed her innocence and the way she used to look up to me as her idol and she thought that I was the best dad in the whole world.
My only little comment about this book is that most examples are from American scenario. I hope Francis J. Kong can use more local stories and settings. Yes, most of the lessons are universal, i.e., regardless of nationality or race, but still I was expecting more local milieus.
Thank you, Sir Francis for a very nice book. Very timely since this month is the start of the Lenten Season. -
By Francis J. Kong
Somebody once said: “Love makes the world go round, but laughter keeps us from getting dizzy.”
A Chinese proverb says that each laugh makes you ten years younger. Start the day with a little laughter and a whole lot of love. Bring a story with you wherever you go and enjoy life to the full.
Remember this:
If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills,
If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when loved ones are to busy to give you time,
If you can overlook when people take things out on you,
When through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
Then, you are almost as good as your dog!
P.S. Yes, there certainly are a lot of things a dog can do without. And so can you.
This book made me realize to look beyond expectations and learn in our everyday life.
It was a collection of stories that would make you laugh, cry, and change your perspectives. It contains stories that circulated over the internet, funny anecdotes about life and yada-yada.
You should read it, too. Might save you from sinking.. -
-great story!, it moves me, very inspiring!...
-a book that will put you in a different perspective were subject matters intertwined based on real life situation, beliefs, new ideas, & life's lesson...
-The Early Bird & The Second Mouse brings us to real life situation were sometime in your life you stuck as The Late Bird & The First Mouse but that's what life is!... but if you submit yourself to the Divine Power either your the Bird or Mouse even if a Worm, it will be totally amazing!... it's not too late to catch the Blessings!...
-it's a mixture of philosophy & spiritual matters that touched & connected our lives to be a better person, w/ a sense of existential peace, purpose & meaning, w/ God's grace & the love of Jesus Christ. -
The Early Bird Catches The Worm But The Second Mouse Gets The Cheese -
Here comes a book, a collection of stories, which reveals truths that convey difficult life concepts in a memorable and amusing manner. :)
Continue reading here.. >>
http://melaidoodles.wordpress.com/200... -
I gained a lot of knowledge and philosophical matters from this book. It's all about how to be close to God and learn in our everyday life.
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refreshes the soul with tickeling laughter and serene smiles... <3
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Maganda. Marami akong natutunan, at gustong isabuhay. Madali lang naman ang mga sinabi niya. Praktikal.
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God did not send His Son to make bad people good; He sent His son to make dead people live.
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I'm thankful that I was given the chance to oversee our book club's discussion for this one. This is a book that I would normally just breeze through, but beingforcedencouraged to facilitate a discussion made me read this seemingly simple book in a deeper light.
More often than not, there is something "deeper", a different story, a new perspective, when you read "between" the lines, and when you really absorb what it is trying to say. (But of course, sometimes, people do not mean anything more than what they say.) Anyway, I had that realization, as well, the other day, when I had a Bible study with friends. We were given three verses in Timothy, and were tasked to read more between the lines. It's amazing how from three verses, we were able to extract more than five key points.
Ang galing lang.
And this book gave me the same experience.
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PS: Ang galing lang din ni Francis Kong. No wonder, he's one of the most prominent speakers in the country. -
This was one of my dear parents' gift for me when I got home from a retreat.
It was a collection of stories that would make you laugh, cry, or at a fortunate note, change your perspective. It was there, stories that circulated over the internet, funny anecdotes about life and yada-yada.
You should read it, too. Might save you from sinking... -
No offense but I kind of like him better as an inspirational speaker only. I've read better books than this. But still, kudos to you sir Francis Kong!
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This book made me realize to look beyond expectations. :) I am inspired after reading this book. A+
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A book that will inspire, motivate and change your outlook on life.
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One of my favorite books ever. I read this everytime I feel that I need encouragement and my soul needs refreshment. :)
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Nice book...it will help you to change your outlook and perspective
in biblical way to deal in this modern world! must read everyone -
A great book to inspire and motivate individuals to be excellent and to rethink action and reactions.
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No comments .... I thought it had much more to do with its title and its meaning.
Jean-Paul Malfatti, aspiring poet and writere -
a book that gives you an idea on how to have a different perspective.
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Read this after the book “Who Moved My Cheese?!” when I was in college. I think my 20 something self will have a different POV this time if I read it again.
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Since it's holy week, I find the need to read refresher books for self help and realizations. I've attended FJK's seminar thrice already and I can hear him lecturing while reading this book; full of wit and new perspectives. My favorite part is the Oreo Personality Test. Though FJK said don't take it seriously. I find my option so me. HAHA. But yes, the improvement should start in me.
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Very inspiring :). First ever book that I've read in one sitting.
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The Best <3 I'm speechless :)
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Inspiring! :)
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Re-reading this book was a great idea.
LIFE: 20% is what happens to us and 80% is the way we respond to what happens. -
Gained a lot of lessons on how to appreciate life.
