~ Life Storyteller : Motivational and Inspirational Stories for You and Me ~

Motivational and Inspirational Stories for reflection of hearts and minds. As a Life Storyteller, Sis Zabrina, author of motivational book series Life is an Open Secret writes motivational stories based on life daily happenings that are grounded in spirituality. All stories are themed as motivational and inspirational. Islam is easy to follow, simple, relevant and complete. Read your motivational stories today from your Life Storyteller.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Motivational and Inspirational Quotes from My Twitter Tweets and Facebook Updates - Monday 21st December 2009

Bismillah

As Salaamu 'alaykum and peace to all,

Motivational and Inspirational Quotes from My Twitter Tweets and Facebook Updates - Monday 21st December 2009

Zabrina A. Bakar ...

..... Hasan Al Banna words "Of the signs that Allah has turned away from a person is that he becomes occupied with that which doesn't concern him" Astaghfirullah.

..... reads a quote, 'An engine of one-cat power running all the time is more effective than an engine of a forty-horse power stand idle.' Meow...

..... knows there is no-way-out when John Wooden said, 'We don't let what we cannot do hinder with what we can do'. Brilliant!

..... really hope the leaders understand Ralph Waldo Emerson's words, 'What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.' Talk is cheap, Sir...

..... reminds herself of this 'He who learns and learns and act not on what he knows, is like the ones who plows and plows but never, never sows.'

Do share with others of these inspirational quotes, my friends!

Salaams and Blessings,
Sis Zabrina

Sis Zabrina's tweets are posted to her Facebook Profile. If you are on Facebook, be her friend!

Sis Zabrina also known as Zabrina A. Bakar, is a Life Storyteller, motivational and inspirational writer and speaker; and author and creator of Islamic motivational book Life Open Secret book series http://wwww.LifeOpenSecret.com. She maintains an active blog at http://www.WisdomThruWords.blogspot.com. and social networking platform a Web 2.0 at http://www.LifeStoryteller.ning.com

Copyright © Sis Zabrina 2009

Sis Zabrina
Life Storyteller
Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series:
Life is an Open Secret- Think about It
Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We
Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special
Hidup Bukan Rahsia http://www.lifeopensecret.com

-18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-

Now blogging at http://www.wisdomthruwords.blogspot.com

Monday, December 21, 2009

Motivational and Inspirational Quotes from My Twitter Tweets and Facebook Updates - Monday 21st December 2009

Bismillah

As Salaamu 'alaykum and peace to all,

Motivational and Inspirational Quotes from My Twitter Tweets and Facebook Updates - Monday 21st December 2009

Zabrina A. Bakar ...

..... is curious if Sydney J Harris gets an answer when he said 'When I hear somebody sigh 'Life is hard' I am always tempted to ask, 'Compared to what?'

..... absolutely loves Tim Duncan's chant, "Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best." Go Duncan!!

..... believes Teresa Carleo had asked the right success question, "What am I going to do with my life?”

..... chuckles on what Maryon Pearson said, 'Behind every successful man is a surprised woman!' And what a lovely surprise it would be, ya?

..... experiences the beautiful reality of Thomas Fuller words, 'Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it'. They sure do. Absolutely! :)

More quotes that inspire you next week, inshaAllah!

Salaams and Blessings,
Sis Zabrina

Sis Zabrina's tweets are posted to her Facebook Profile. If you are on Facebook, be her friend!

Sis Zabrina also known as Zabrina A. Bakar, is a Life Storyteller, motivational and inspirational writer and speaker; and author and creator of Islamic motivational book Life Open Secret book series http://wwww.LifeOpenSecret.com. She maintains an active blog at http://www.WisdomThruWords.blogspot.com. and social networking platform a Web 2.0 at http://www.LifeStoryteller.ning.com

Copyright © Sis Zabrina 2009

Sis Zabrina
Life Storyteller
Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series:
Life is an Open Secret- Think about It
Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We
Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special
Hidup Bukan Rahsia http://www.lifeopensecret.com

-18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-

Now blogging at http://www.wisdomthruwords.blogspot.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Favourite Clip: Give Thanks to Allah by Zain Bikha : Motivational and Inspirational Clip about Gratitude & Giving Thanks to Allah, God of the Universe

Bismillah

As Salaamu 'alaykum and peace to all,

Favourite Clip: Give Thanks to Allah by Zain Bikha : Motivational and Inspirational Clip about Gratitude and Giving Thanks to Allah, God of the Universe

That day I was with one of my closest friends at our most recently-discovered-eating-place. As we were enjoying the food, we started talking about (almost) everything under the moon until we reached one of the most debated topic- economy.

Yup, the ka-ching that makes the world go round!

I remembered what Ronald Reagan once said,

“Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidise it”

Ahhh... that explains a lot of the actions of our governments, dont you think?

So, that is how the government sees economy.

But, how do we see our economy as an individual?

This was when I shared with my friend that to move my economy, one of the secrets that Allah Al-Razzaaq, The Sustainer The Provider, once said in His Book,

[Nor can a soul die except by Allah’s leave, the term being fixed as by writing. If any do desire a reward in this life, We shall give it to him; and if any do desire a reward in the Hereafter, We shall give it to him. And swiftly shall We reward those that who are thankful.] (Aal `Imran 3:145)

SubhanAllah!

How beautiful are His words, you agree?

Look at what Allah said,

..... And swiftly shall We reward those that who are thankful.....

I especially love it when the King of all Kings said ...swiftly...

So, how are we going to get rewarded swiftly?

By simply being those who are thankful!

Isnt Life is an Open Secret?

It sure is!

Now, let me share with you a videoclip by Zain Bikha entitled "Give Thanks to Allah'.

Just sit back and let us together reflect on the lyrics, shall we?

Here goes,

Copyright © Sis Zabrina 2009

Sis Zabrina
Life Storyteller
Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series:
Life is an Open Secret- Think about It
Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We
Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special
Hidup Bukan Rahsia http://www.lifeopensecret.com

-18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-

Now blogging at http://www.wisdomthruwords.blogspot.com

Monday, December 14, 2009

Motivational and Inspirational Quotes from My Twitter Tweets and Facebook Updates - Monday 14th December 2009

Bismillah

As Salaamu 'alaykum and peace to all,

Motivational and Inspirational Quotes from My Twitter Tweets and Facebook Updates - Monday 14th December 2009

Zabrina A. Bakar ...

..... can't help but agree with what Dale Carnegie once said, 'Nobody needs a smile as much as the person who has none to give'. Say cheese, love!

..... just found out that 'Turophile' means someone who really fancies cheese! And now she is curious if any of her friends here is a Turophile?

..... head couldn't stop bobbing as she agrees with Walt Disney words, "Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children." Absolutely!

..... Al Nakhai says "The two most destructive matters to man is having more money than he needs & saying more than needs to be said" Shush Zabrina!

..... is amused with B. Earl Puckett honesty when he said, "It is our job to make women unhappy with what they have." Yikes! Note to self- be contented!

Hope you enjoyed this week's tweets!

Salaams and Blessings,
Sis Zabrina

Sis Zabrina's tweets are posted to her Facebook Profile. If you are on Facebook, be her friend!

Sis Zabrina also known as Zabrina A. Bakar, is a Life Storyteller, motivational and inspirational writer and speaker; and author and creator of Islamic motivational book Life Open Secret book series http://wwww.LifeOpenSecret.com. She maintains an active blog at http://www.WisdomThruWords.blogspot.com. and social networking platform a Web 2.0 at http://www.LifeStoryteller.ning.com

Copyright © Sis Zabrina 2009

Sis Zabrina
Life Storyteller
Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series:
Life is an Open Secret- Think about It
Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We
Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special
Hidup Bukan Rahsia http://www.lifeopensecret.com

-18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-

Now blogging at http://www.wisdomthruwords.blogspot.com

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Favourite clip: Tell Me Why by Declan Galbraith : Motivational and Inspirational Videoclip about Questioning Human Race of Our Actions

Bismillah

As Salaamu 'alaykum and peace to all,

Favourite clip: Tell Me Why by Declan Galbraith : Motivational and Inspirational Videoclip about Questioning Human Race of Our Actions

Since the past months, I dreaded the moment every time I wanted to watch news on TV. There are too many sad news flashed on the screen.

I couldnt help but asked myself- What is this world becoming into?

Truly, the words of Margaret Atwood came to my mind,

“I hope that people will finally come to realize that there is only one 'race' - the human race - and that we are all members of it.”

Absolutely, right?

We are all members of the same race- human race.

Didnt Allah tell us in His Own words,

And from amongst His signs is this that He created you from dust; and then behold you are humans scattered far and wide. Among His signs is this that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between you. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect. And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the variations in your languages and colors; verily in that are signs for those who know. And among His signs is the sleep that you take by night and by day, and the quest that you make for livelihood out of His bounty; verily in that are signs for those who hearken... (30:20-23).

So, why cant we all get along?

This question reminded me of a powerful song sang by a very young boy, Declan Galbraith that carries a very strong message.

I thank my blogger friend, CavalierZee, from FreeThoughtManifesto JazakAllah khayran for sharing this clip with us.

Let me share this song, Tell Me Why with you...

Video and Text

Tell Me Why

By Declan Galbraith

In my dream, children sing
A song of love for every boy and girl
The sky is blue and fields are green:
And laughter is the language of the world
Then I wake and all I see

Is a world full of people in need
Tell me why (why) does it have to be like this?
Tell me why (why) is there something I have missed?
Tell me why (why) 'cause I don't understand
When so many need somebody
We don't give a helping hand
Tell me why?

Everyday I ask myself
What will I have to do to be a man?
Do I have to stand and fight
To prove to everybody who I am?
Is that what my life is for
To waste in a world full of war?

Tell me why (why) does it have to be like this?
Tell me why (why) is there something I have missed?
Tell me why (why) 'cause I don't understand
When so many need somebody
We don't give a helping hand

tell me why
tell me why
tell me why
tell me why
tell me why
just tell me why, why, why

Tell me why (why) does it have to be like this?
Tell me why (why) is there something I have missed?
Tell me why (why) 'cause I don't understand
When so many need somebody
We don't give a helping hand

Tell me why (why, why, does the tiger run)
Tell me why(why, why do we shoot the gun)
Tell me why (why, why do we never learn)
Can someone tell us why we let the forest burn?
(why, why do we say we care)

Tell me why (why, why do we stand and stare)
Tell me why (why, why do the dolphins cry)
Can someone tell us why we let the ocean die?
(why, why if we're all the same)

Tell me why(why, why do we pass the blame)
Tell me why (why, why does it never end)
Can someone tell us why we cannot just be friends?
Why, why

Monday, December 07, 2009

Motivational and Inspirational Quotes from My Twitter Tweets and Facebook- 7th December 2009

Bismillah

As Salaamu 'alaykum and peace to all,

Motivational and Inspirational Quotes from My Twitter Tweets and Facebook Updates - Monday 7th December 2009

Zabrina A. Bakar ...

..... wakes up at Hasan Al Banna words "What is this world but a dream that a sleeper sees. He delights in it for a few moments and then wakes up to face reality."

..... is blown away with the simple advice someone just gave her, 'Bloom where you are planted, love. It is not the location, it is the person!'

..... smiles reading what Louis Hector Berlioz said, 'Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils'. So blunt yet so true!

..... is loving her busy-ness as William Hazlitt said,'The more we do, the more we can do; the more busy we are the more leisure we have'. Amazing, huh?

..... decides to become Captain Barnaby for the day when she reads a quote, "Success leaves clues!' First course of action- Observe and question!

See ya next Monday!

Salaams and Blessings,
Sis Zabrina

Sis Zabrina's tweets are posted to her Facebook Profile. If you are on Facebook, be her friend!

Sis Zabrina also known as Zabrina A. Bakar, is a Life Storyteller, motivational and inspirational writer and speaker; and author and creator of Islamic motivational book Life Open Secret book series http://wwww.LifeOpenSecret.com. She maintains an active blog at http://www.WisdomThruWords.blogspot.com. and social networking platform a Web 2.0 at http://www.LifeStoryteller.ning.com

Copyright © Sis Zabrina 2009

Sis Zabrina
Life Storyteller
Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series:
Life is an Open Secret- Think about It
Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We
Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special
Hidup Bukan Rahsia http://www.lifeopensecret.com

-18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-

Now blogging at http://www.wisdomthruwords.blogspot.com

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Latest Bookstores Carrying Life Open Secret Book Series- Australia and Brunei Darussalam

Alhamdulillah, Sis Zabrina is excited to announce that there are 2 new bookstores carrying Life Open Secret series

1- Darussalam Boosktores, Australia
www.darussalam.net.au

2- Syarikat Mega, Brunei Darussalam
Block A No.3, Bangunan Hj Abdul Rahman
Simpang 88, Jalan Kiulap
Bandar Seri Begawan

Get your personal copies today!

Salaams and Smiles,
Sis Zabrina

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Favourite Clip: Don't Quit Poem: Motivational and Inspirational Story on Being Steadfast

Bismillah

As Salaamu 'alaykum and peace to all,

Favourite Clip: Don't Quit Poem: Motivational and Inspirational Story on Being Steadfast and Persistent in Life

That day I wanted to meet someone at her office. As I entered the building, I saw a huge crowd was waiting for the elevator.

Naturally, I joined them and this was when I saw that a few of the elevators were out of order.

'Oh no...' I whispered to myself. 'This is going to take long...'

Although stairs climbing is not one of my favourite activities, the number of people waiting in front of the lift was enough to make me think twice.

'Come on, Zabrina, just use the stairs. It is just three floors up!' I heard a voice making an effort to convince my royal-highness-self to take up this opportunity to exercise.

I remembered an old Turkish proverb,

'You have to walk up each step to get to the top of the staircase.'

Of course! And because I have to walk each step to get to the top of the staircase, I would rather just push one button that would take me to the top, right?

Argh... I hate it when arguments happen in my head!

But like they say, good things always win.

So, a few seconds later, there I was, climbing... step by step by step by step by step..

And as I was climbing the stairs, I remembered one of my favourite clips that carries the message of steadfastness and persistancy.

Let me share it with you...

Don't Quit Poem
by anonymous

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest! if you must; but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow;
You might succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup.
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit;
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.

It is truly when things seem the worst that you mustn't quit.

And I know that is so true because Allah has promised me and you, promised us in His own words as below,

“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do”
[al-Nahl 16:97]

Absolutely, right?

If we have been promised by the Lord of the Universe, the Owner of everything and existed from before till eternity, that we will be rewarded IN PROPORTION to the BEST of what we do, what do really we want to quit and give up?

It doesnt make any sense, you agree?

Think about it...

Copyright © Sis Zabrina 2009

Sis Zabrina
Life Storyteller
Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series:
Life is an Open Secret- Think about It
Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We
Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special
Hidup Bukan Rahsia http://www.lifeopensecret.com

-18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-

Now blogging at http://www.wisdomthruwords.blogspot.com