Don't Just Live, Get A Life!

Preaching No.: 2
Key Scriptures: Matthew 25:14-28
Other Verses: John 10:10
Date: 10-31-06

Assessing Your Net Worth for God’s Kingdom

• What is your NET WORTH?
• How much do you value the life that God has given you?
• Do you know your NET WORTH?
• Do you really value your NET WORTH?
• Do you take advantage and maximize your NET WORTH for God’s glory?

TRIVIA:
Bill Clinton (1st) : $ 53 Billion
Warren Buffett (2nd) : $ 46 Billion
Carlos Slim Helu (3rd) : $ 30 Billion
Lucio Tan (451) : $ 1.7 Billion
Manny Villar : P 531.2 Million
Juan Flavier : P 1.2 Million
Eddie Gil : $ 10 Billion (?)

VM: Magkano ang net worth nyo?
EG: Yun nga, papaunlarin natin ang Pilipinas.
VM: Hmm, yung net worth nyo po. Magkano?
EG: Yun nga yung una kong gagawin, aayusin ang Pilipinas.
VM: Yung net worth po.
EG: Ano'ng net worth?
VM: (nanlumo sa sagot): Hmm.. yung halaga po ninyo, yung halaga ng mga ari-arian nyo?
EG: Ah, hindi ko masasabi kung magkano ang halaga ko.


Definition:

NET WORTH

• The financial claim by owners on the total assets of a business, calculated as total assets minus total liabilities equals net worth. Also called equity capital and ownership equity.
• Assets minus liabilities. Total assets less total liabilities.
• The worth of a person or company based on the difference between total assets and liabilities.

ASSETS

• Fixed assets include land, machines and buildings; current assets consist of cash, money owed, stock, investments and work in progress; intangible assets are goodwill, trade marks, patents, etc; liquid assets are funds kept in cash or in a form that can be quickly and easily turned into cash.
• Everything owned by a person or corporation which can be used for the payment of debts. Any possession that has value in an exchange.

LIABILITIES

• Anything that is owed to someone else. In the most general sense, a liability is anything that is a hindrance, or puts one at a disadvantage.
• Liabilities are debts.

For us to know our real NET WORTH, must check first what are our ASSETS and LIABILITIES. Your assets may not only refer to your money, not just your cash at hand, cash in the bank, checks and properties. Your liabilities are not just your debts and loans. We’re talking here about you can share and give to the Lord; on how God can use you in the advancement of His Kingdom.

What are your ASSETS?

1. Money/Wealth/Power

• Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
• No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13)
• For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:10)
• Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

2. Health/Body

• My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. (Proverbs 4:20-22)
• Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
• Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. (Roman 6:13)

3. Time/Effort

• There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-9)

4. Knowledge/Talents/Skills

• Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
• But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God." (Isaiah 49:4)
• Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

5. Relationships

• They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." (Acts 16:31)
• He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church? (1 Timothy 3:4-5)
• But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. (1 Timothy 5:4)

What are your LIABILITIES?

1. Pain/Sorrows

• To the woman he said, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. (Genesis 3:16-17)
• Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." (1 Chronicles 4:9)
• Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. (Isaiah 53:4)

2. Worries

• Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Matthew 6:25-30)

3. Procrastination

• "What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' “‘I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.”Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go. "Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. (Matthew 21:28-32)
• For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. (Deuteronomy 30:16)

4. Mediocrity/Average

• At that time men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, first fruits and tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests and Levites. (Nehemiah 12:44)
• Bring the best of the first fruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God. (Exodus 34:26)
• You must present as the Lord's portion the best and holiest part of everything given to you. (Numbers 18:29)

5. Selfishness (Me, Myself and I Syndrome)

• A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live. (Proverbs 15:27)
• A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper. (Proverbs 28:25)
• Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. (Matthew 23:25)

SELF-ANAYLSIS:

• If you have lived on earth for 20 years, 30 years, 40 years, 50 years and above and assess your NET WORTH, how much will your value be?
• How much of your life have you spent in serving God? Or you spent most of your life in earning money for yourself and for your family?

• It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. (Luke 12:38)

• How much of your time/effort/talents have you given to the Lord?

• Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

• Have you entrusted and charged to the Cross all your liabilities?

• Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. (Isaiah 53:4)

• How much increase of NET WORTH did you have this year? Are there any losses?
• Are you willing to surrender your whole NET WORTH to God?
  
• Are you just living for yourself?
• Are you an asset to God‘s Kingdom or a liability, instead?
• Do you enjoy what have? Or do you just plan to save it forever?

• The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)

• After assessing your life, what is now your Net Worth that you can offer to God?
• What can God find to us when comes?

• "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' (Matthew (25:23)

THREE KINDS OF STEWARDS:

1. Good Steward (Matthew 25:18)
2. Better Steward (Matthew 25: 17)
3. Best Steward (Matthew 25:16)

What kind of stewards are we?

Make a life, not just a living.
Don’t just live, get a life!

God bless.
To God be the glory!

Toddler's Creed

Elisa Morgan, president of MOPS International (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers), shared this insight into a child's view of the world:

TODDLER'S CREED

If I want it, it's mine.
If I give it to you and change my mind later, it's mine.
If I can take it away from you, it's mine.
If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
If it's mine, it will never belong to anyone else,
no matter what.
If we are building something together,
all the pieces are mine.
If it looks just like mine, it is mine.

Anyone who has ever known a toddler knows the truth of that creed.
We expect to see this trait in toddlers, but we despise it when it's seen in adults.
It's called covetousness.

Are you allowing the Lord Jesus Christ to create in you a new, giving heart?
Or are you still following the "Toddler's Creed"?


Source: Our Daily Bread, 2006 , 102706

Gusto Ko Ng Mag-Sembreak

Haayy!!

Sa mahigit 16 years kong pag-aaral, parang ngayon ko lang hiniling na magkaroon ng sembreak. Nung college pa ako (Hmm… Parang mahabang panahon na ang nakalipas.. Hehehe..), mga 7 buwan na ang nakakalipas, hindi ko inaantabayanan na mag-sembreak na. Sa totoo lang, parang regular Saturday at Sunday lang siya sa akin. Kasi parang wala rin naman siyang epekto sa sobrang ikli at bilis ng panahon. Pero ngayong nasa law school na ako, parang very special holiday siya sa akin. Para siyang pinagsama-samang Christmas, New Year, Valentines Day at Birthday ko. Nakaka-excite na sa wakas makapagpapahinga na rin ako kahit isang saglit. (Wow! Title yun ng kanta ha… Hehehe..) Sa sobrang daming ng ginagawa at kailangang gawin dito sa law school, panigurado na hindi lang ako ang naghihintay na mag-sembreak na.

Nung pumasok ako sa law school, akala ko tulad ng mga Post Graduate Studies, eh wala masyadong pressure at stress. Yun pala, dumoble at trumiple pa. Para siyang pinaghalong Highschool, College at Post Graduate Studies. Bakit?

Para siyang Highschool kasi:

1. Laging may assignment na binibigay. Walang palya sa pagbibigay ang mga law professors ng mga bulto-bultong babasahin. Parang walang normal na tao ang makakatapos sa pagbabasa nito. Kulang ang 24 oras sa pagbabasa sa patung-patong na mga kaso at babasahin. Parang malapit ko na ngang maging motto ang philosophy ni Kuya Germs na “Walang tulugan!!” Syempre pa, kasama pa ang Monday hanggang Saturday Group ng ‘That’s Entertainment’. Hehehe.. By the way, Monday hanggang Saturday pasok naming at walang rest day. Wala na nga ata akong sense of time eh.
2. Syempre pa, napaka-importante ng attendance. No more, no less.
3. Kailangan mong hintayin ang law professor, kahit 15 minutes na lang ang natitira sa time niya at mag-uuwian na. Kasi paghindi ka naghintay at dumating siya, lugi ka pa. Ganun din ang mararamdaman mo kahit hindi man siya dumating. Haay.. The key word is: kailangang sulitin ang tuition fee.
4. Eto pa, siyempre dahil kailangan sulitin ang tuition fee, edi magtiis ka dahil sinusulit ng din ng law professor ang panahong inilalaan niya sa pagpunta sa klase kaya sasagarin niya ang time niyo hanggang sa mapapansin mong pinapatayan na kayo ng ilaw ng security guard nung school. In other words, kayo na lang hinihintay para magsara na sila.
5. Siyempre pa ulit, ang grading system, 1-100, hindi 1.0-5.0. Kaya parang sa sobrang lawak at precise nung grade na matatanggap mo ay hihimatayin ka at walang poknat ang kaka-compare ng grades mo sa iba. Di tulad nung college, at least kapag 88 ka, alam mong 2.0 ka na kahit 90 yung grade nung pinakamataas niyo, magka-level lang kayo. Hehehe.. Edi mas favorable sa’yo yun. Pero sa law school, kalimutan mo na yun.

Para siyang College kasi:

1. Present lagi ang class cards. Pero nung college kami, 1^st year lang kami nag-class cards, the rest of our stay ay through the internet na ang grades namin. Mas high-tech. Ngayon, back to basics and antiquity kami, depende ata sa school yun eh.
2. Syempre, pwede pa ring hindi pumasok sa isa sa mga subjects mo sa araw na iyon. Pero, siguraduhin mo na hindi ka lugi kasi tuso rin ang mga law professors mas tuso kesa sa mga college professors. Andyan yung mag-quiquiz kasi wala ka o magbibigay ng bonus, na once-in-a-bluemoon lang ata mangyari yun, o di kaya tatawagin ka sa recitation at dahil wala ka edi double 50 ang grade mo for that day.
3. Naku, napaka-simple rin ang pagcompute ng grades dito: 1/3 midterms, 1/3 recit/quiz after midterms at 1/3 finals. Syempre, subject to change yan depende kung ka-fraternity or ka-sorority mo yung prof or kung tamad magcompute yung professor mo edi anu pa ba, ang ancient grading system, Madam Auring kaw bay an?! Hehehe..
4. Halos sa gabi lahat ng klase mo. Yung tipong fresh na fresh ka na papasok tapos yung mga nakakasalubong amoy araw na. At ikaw na lang ang nag-aabang sa kabilang side ng kalye samantalang nasa kabilang side na ang lahat na nag-aabang. Tsaka yung buong pamilya mo nasa bahay na, tapos ikaw papasok pa lang. Ang ganda ng schedule mo di ba. Bakit ganito ang schedule? Simple, kasi yung law professors ay nagtatrabaho sa umaga at sa gabi lang sila pwedeng magturo. Yung iba nga ‘hobby’ na lang nila eh. Hobby meaning, pwedeng papasukan nila kung kelan nila gusto parang nag-gogolf, naggagantsilyo o nag-crocross-stitch lang sila.
5. Syempre may sembreak, pero ang sembreak ay parang umihi ka lang sa bahay niyo from school, tapos babalik na kayo. Haay.. At least pina-ihi ka pa, sa bahay niyo nga lang. Sorry na lang kung malapit ang bahay mo.

Para siyang Post Graduate Studies kasi:

1. Post Graduate Studies talaga siya kung tutuusin, pero mixed with Highschool at College lifestyle. Eto lang post-graduate studies with a twist, kasi two occasions in one event.
2. Kasi ina-assume na nung mga law professors na alam mo na ang lahat kahit ang pre-law course mo eh B.S. Biology, B.S. Civil Engineering, B.S. Meteorology, B.S. Agriculture major in Feeds and Breeds (Hehehe.. meron ba nun?!) at kung anu-ano pang course na napakalayo sa field of law. Ganyan talaga, graduate ka na eh.
3. Pwede ka pa rin naman mag-work habang nag-aarala, yun eh kung kakayanin ng powers mo ang bulto-bultong mga readings at cases.
4. Walang pakialamanan, except kung may frat or soro ka. Kanya-kanya, yun lang.
5. They’ll say na mature individuals na kayo, pero ang approach nila sa inyo ay parang kahapon lang kayo ipinanganak, lalo na sa recitation. Degrading at excruciatingly embarassing everyday. Parang nagbayad ka para pahiyain at yurakan. Malapit na nga ito sa pagiging masokista. Well, they’ll say that it’s a part of the training. Hmm.. Sige na, training to be ferocious animals?!

And many more reasons to ask for a sembreak.
Pero bago muna magsembreak, kailangan munang dumaan sa apoy ng finals.

Thank God for such an overwhelming journey.
At the end of the day, it’s not only the learning that counts;
Neither the prestige and riches, neither fame and brilliance..

It’s the greatest reward that you can have----
the GODLY CHARACTER, that will spell the big difference after all.

No Comments Here Please

Thank you for giving me a chance to know you more,

even if we don't see each other everyday.

Thank you for spending time with me,

even if both of us are ultra-busy.

Thank you for the "11pm-3am" calls,

even if most of time we're both silent.

Thank you for sending sweet thoughtful text messages,

even if that's a "send to all" message.

Thank you for going out with me,

even if we had only twice or thrice I think.

Thank you for sharing your stories,

even if most of them are your bad experiences.

Thank you for introducing me to your friends,

even if I don't always remember their names.

Thank you for frittering almost 8 years with me,

even if you're not counting it.

Thank you for the "silent" moments,

even if you let me speak most of the time.

Thank you for always texting "Stil up? Bc?",

even if I don't always reply to most of them.

Thank you for always telling me "Ganun naman eh.",

even if I'm sincerely repentant for not calling you.

Thank you for always taunting "Best Actor ka talaga!" and"Dramahan?!",

even if I really mean them.

Thank you for sending a reply to my SMART,

even if I always text you with your GLOBE.

Thank you for always asking me things that I consider as rhetorical questions,

even if honestly I don't know how to answer those questions.

Thank you for being defensive everytime I answer back,

even if I just love it when you're sweetly pissed off.

Thank you for "sungit" days,

even if I'm not doing anything.

Thank you for believing me everytime I say "I'll call you in a while.",

even if most of the time I forget to do it.

Thank you for not knowing this site ,

even if I don't really intend to let you know about this.

Thank you for teaching me how to wait and be patient,

even if things are uncertain.

Thank you for letting me believe about "love",

even if it sounds strange to me sometimes.

Thank you being my princess,

even if I'm just praying to be your prince.

Thank you for everything you've done,

even if I hope this is not yet the end.

Happy Birthday!!!! Take care.
Thank you for giving me more reasons to "thank" you.
God bless.

(Thank your for not reading this. )

Bedtime Story #1

Do you love "bedtime stories"?
Do you miss your childhood days?

Well, stop thinking about them!!
It's because...

Whoala!!
THEY'RE BACK!!
And this time, the stories are far better than before.
You'll know what I'm talking about.

Here's our Bedtime Story # 1:

Title: "THE GIVING TREE"
Author: Shel Silverstein
Lesson: "In giving, it's either you loved or you loved, nothing in between."
Downloaded from: www.youtube.com

Enjoy and watch the video:

Learned something new?
'Til the next bedtime story!!

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*Do you agree that bedtime stories are just for kids? Well, they're not. Things have changed. Thanks to creative storytellers/writers like Shel Silverstein. Good news!! I have decided to have a special series on "bedtime stories" or at least share a story once a month. This is to awaken our complex senses through the simple stories filled with wit, plain and unfussy themes. It's good once in a while to get away from a ultra-busy and complicated life; and start appreciating little things that we often take for granted.

As Ptr. Joyce Meyer said, "it's time to start enjoying everyday life!" (couched in the words of Jesus Christ in John 10:10)

Do not just exist.
Live!

Enjoy! God bless.

For Your Eyes Only

Let’s have a break for a while. (Whoohoo!!)

I love Optical Illusions. They seem to tell something new indirectly.

Here are some of them:

Is it "illusion" or "optical"?
Or is it "optical illusion" or "illusion optical"?

Who's wrong is it "me" or "you"?
I know it's "you". No, it's "me"?

What can you see: the "good" or the "evil"?
Who do you think will prevail?

Which is the hardest thing to do----to "teach" or to "learn"?

Easy? Hard?
Happy? Sad?
Bored? Encouraged?
Worn-out? Energized?

I may not have a 20-20 vision,
but I can see them clearly.
How about you?

Do you know why I love them?
Actually, it's just like LIFE.
It's a matter of perspective!

GOT IT?
(Can you see them clearly?)

Coming Back To You

Verse 1:
I kept this secret for so long
I can’t express it with a song
And I don’t understand
But in my heart, all Your plans
I can’t remember when
My last prayer again
To You

Verse 2:
For all the days I’ve been workin’ on
Still I don’t know where I can run
But I know it’s You
And I call on You, then You guide me through
I’m coming back to You
With my life, Your will I do
For You

Chorus:
Who am I Lord?
Who am I in front of You?
Whenever I draw near
Can’t help but shed a tear
Do I love You Lord?
Do I love you as much as You do?
Then I fall on my knees
Jesus, keep me please
With You, with Your love
I’m coming back to You

Composed: 041403
Composer/Lyricist: AFG

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*I just feel like sharing this song as an encouragement to everybody. Originally, the song is untitled. At first, I intended to give it a title, “The Backslider’s Song”. Hence, I think it would create somewhat a “negative” and exclusive feeling to the song’s impact. So I decided to change it and I hope I gave justice to the song’s message. I believe God has planned so many good things for all of us. It’s for us to have faith and believe in Him; and that He can deliver us in any situation we’re into right now. Just continue pressing in and pressing on!! Don't worry about the impossible. GOD WILL SURELY MAKE A WAY. (1 Peter 3:7) Let’s come back to Him----into His arms, again. Enjoy. God bless.

Shortest Freezing Moment

I shouldn’t have this entry here in my blogsite. I have another relatively substantial topic that I want to discuss. But since I think my blogsite has over-exposed the sensational singer, Alyssa Alano, I might as well follow the same pattern of showbiz-influenced blog entries. Hehehe… (Sobra na ang kasikatan niya. Itigil na ito. Malapit niya ng maitumba at maigupo si Nora Aunor. Hindi ito pwede. Magagalit si Kuya Germs. Hehehe..)

However, this time it’s different. From the sky-rocketing career of Alyssa Alano, I would like to gently shift the topic to a relatively new issue about Miriam Quiambao’s failed marriage. (Impluwensya ito ng pagka-toxic ng Persons and Family Relations kong subject. Hehehe... May hang-over pa ako sa Midterms namin about failed marriages..)

Pause for a while, remember these?

Miriam Quiambao---1999 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant

Parody of her famous "tapilok" incident.. Hehehe..

I must admit that I don’t really care about showbiz matters such as these, (Malamang. Sa sobrang busy sa law school with all the reading assignments at mga kaso ng iba’t-ibang tao, bakit pa ako maghahangad na makialam sa iba? Dagdag stress pa yun. Hehehe… ) but what struck me with this one are the powerful words that she gave during her interview with Bum. (Di ko rin siya kilala, pero I got the whole story from Ricky Lo’s column in The Philippine Star, June 20, 2006, Tuesday, p.C-4 entitled, “A Baby Wouldn’t Have Helped..”)

Just read between the lines:

Was money the cause of the break-up?
Miriam said no, but her interview with Bum was very revealing (“She didn’t say that things were off-the-record,” insisted Bum).

Here’s what Bum wrote:
She all the more realized that they were not compatible when Miriam, through the funding of Claudio, started a business selling jewelry to Italy. “That’s when I discovered more that we cannot go into a partnership. How can I live with him and talk to him eye to eye when in fact he’s financially dominant. Money can be an element for control. But I am not saying he controlled me. Wala akong sariling pera. I feel guilty when I spend his money. Money does not make you happy. I had access to all the money in the world but I was not happy.”

Did Claudio (who admitted he wasn’t the “marrying kind” early in their marriage) pay Miriam a fat sum for the break-up? Miriam said no.

After I read the statements made by Miriam,

I had a “freezing moment”.
I stopped for a while.

I tried to decipher what she wants to imply with those statements.
I don’t know. I’m not sure. Defrost.

Practically and honestly speaking, in this world where money is of great worth; where crimes and catastrophic relationships arise because of the lack of it; and where lost and broken souls are ever-increasing, I could hardly imagine such woman of great prestige and influence showered with glamour and extravagance would suddenly turn her back to a life where everyone desires and is envious of.

Truth hurts. Reality bites.
The book of Ecclesiastes is true. King Solomon is correct.
Point taken.
She’s right.

The Most "Pframising" Songer

For those who can't view the videos of the most "pramising" songer, Alyssa Alano, here's the complete lyrics of her version of "Kiss Me" :

Follow the bouncing ball.
(Where?! Just imagine. You can't follow it anyway. Hehehe...)

KEYS ME
by Alyssa Alano

Verse 1:
Keys me
Beat in the Verdict Valeey...
Nightlee...V-side the green green grass
Swing Swing
Swing the spinny stef
You wur the shoez and I will wear the dress

Chorus:
Ohhh...Keys me
V-neat d milke twalay
Leeeeep me
Al-out the moonlit floor
Leaf your open hand
Strike entebend end make d parflays dance
Sylvimousse Is barkley
So keys me...

Verse 2:
Keys me
Down by the flow can
3 How...
Of Twin vee
Of Funne Hungee Tay
Bring bring
Bing your flower head
Will take dachay make on yours father's melt

Chorus:
Ohhh...Keys me
V-neat d milke twalay
Tixt me
Al-out the moonlit floor
Leaf your open hand
Strike entebend end make d parflays dance
Sylvimousse is barkley
So keys me...
(Instrumental)

Keys me
V-neat d milke twalay
Leeeeep me
Al-out the moonlit floor
Leaf your open hand
Strike entebend
End make d parflays dance
SylvimousseIs barkley
So keys me...So keys me...
So keys me...So keys me...
So keys me...

Now, here's the original version:

KISS ME
by Sixpence None the Richer

Verse 1:
Kiss me
Out of the bearded barley
Nightly,beside the green, green grass
Swing, swing,
Swing the spinning step
You wear those shoes and I will wear that dress.

Chorus:
Oh, kiss me
Beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Lift your open hand
Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance
Silver moon's sparkling
So kiss me

Verse 2:
Kiss me down by the broken tree house
Swing me, upon its hanging tire
Bring, bring,
Bring your flowered hat
We'll take the trail marked on your father's map

Chorus:
Oh, kiss me
Beneath the milky twilight
Lead meout on the moonlit floor
Lift your open hand
Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance
Silver moon's sparkling
So kiss me
(Instrumental)

Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Lift your open hand
Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance
Silver moon's sparkling
So kiss me...So kiss me...So kiss me...
So kiss me...So kiss me...

Ang saya di ba?!
The "Most Pframising Songer"

Buti na lang, promises are made to be broken!
Hehehe... Enjoy!! Peace!

Magkano Ang Kahihiyan?

I admit it.

Law school may be that boring for many. But, don’t you think boredom is ‘relative’? With all the thick, heavy, hard-bound, maroon-colored monotonous law books written and inspired by well-known pillars and legends of Philippine jurisprudence. Plus, the heck of reading tons of cases ranging from notorious killings to bloody encounters to the traditional “tagaan” and “saksakan sa kanto” to various classifications and stages of felonies (Whew!) and fraudulent acts to petty incidents of non-payment of membership fees in the IBP and thereby being disbarred from the roll of attorneys. (Nakakaasar. Nawala ang pagka-abugado niya nang dahil sa hindi pagbabayad ng Php150. (A.C. 1928, In re: Atty. Marcial Edillion) --->College pa lang nabasa ko na ‘to hanggang ngayon pa ba naman?!) Take note, not to mention, the never-ending legendary cases of Tanada vs. Tuvera and Cayetano vs. Monsod. (Whew!!) Along with those piled-up cases are different readings from various sources other than those above-mentioned; and those case digests. (Grabe, parang hindi pang tao yung mga pinapagawa. Kailangan ng ‘invincibility’ at ‘immortality’ para matapos lahat. Kulang ang 24 hours. Haayy!!)

I really want to have a break. A real break.
Even just for a minute, hour or a day.
Please Lord. (Hehehe!!)

Then, suddenly an old friend of mine ‘buzzed’ me through YM. Then, a question popped-up, “Have you heard of Alyssa Alano?”. I answered, “No. Why? Who is she?”. No answer. So, I decided to search “Alyssa Alano” in Google. And….. Whoaala!!

Enjoy and watch the videos:

An interview in Startalk.
Joey De Leon with Alyssa Alano.


A showcase of talent by Alyssa Alano. Yipee!!! Enjoy!!
Performance level pa ha.. Bigay na bigay!!


Eto pa, “Breathless” by Alyssa Alano.
Haayy!!! Stop me.--> Tigilan ako. Hehehe…


Last na, “Whenever, Whenever, Whatever”.
Haay naku!! Ang sakit sa ulo. WHATEVER!!


Magkano ang kahihiyan?!

Have a break.

Pray. Breathe. Sleep.

Then, back to work…

*Videos courtesy of www.youtube.com

When It's All Been Said And Done (Part Three)

Whew!! At last, I’m down to the last part of the Caticlan Mission and Boracay Escapade blog series. Actually, on this part, I would like to be more personal. (As if was not in Part 1 and 2, Hehehe…) I must reflect on certain things that made a great impact not only to me but also to my friends/co-missionaries.

It was early in the morning, when we left Caticlan and rode a motorboat which has a capacity of 30-40 passengers. (Wow! Grabe na yung lahat kami nagkasya, eh 45 kami nun. Kulang na lang katabi na ng mga mukha namin yung motor sa likod ng bangka. Kaya naisip nalang naming na tumahimik at mag-picture-ran.)

Si Gospel, Ako at Steff. Habang nasa isang maingay na bangka. Hehehe...

Si Gospel na malungkot, Ako na inaantok pa, si Sam nanagugutom at inaantok all at the same time. Hehehe..

When we arrived in Boracay, we all felt like pampering ourselves. Sleeping, shopping at D-Mall (Tiangge na paulit-ulit at parang iisang lang ang may-ari.), eating ice cream, and even watching beautiful, alluring and tempting bodies of foreigners. Of course, what do you expect, it’s Boracay, and I think everyone needs a great and sumptuous showcase (Kahit wala namang dapat ipakita). There are many beautiful women especially foreigners (Dahil sila lang naman ang may lakas ng loob.) in skimpy bathing suits. (Mga two-piece na parang gawa lang sa limampung sinulid. Mga bathing suits na pang-panyo lang ng bata ang size.) Here's a shot while observing them:

Si Gospel na puno ng buhangin ang katawan, si Mawhi na pumuputi pag bumibilad sa araw, si Steff na napaka-sexy at may balak na i-tumba nag mga sexy foreigners dun at Ako na inaantok pa rin. Hehehe...

Si Gospel, Mawhi, Ako at Yen na may sumbreron na ang hirap hanapin at tawaran... Hehehe...

Si Gospel, Mawhi, Ako, Sam na hindi namin alm kung saan galing basta na lang sumulpot, at si Yen at ang kanyang mahiwagang sumbrero. Hehehe...

Then, we enjoyed sharing our different stories and memories that we had during the Medical and Dental Mission. Gospel shared the funny experience he had during the circumcision sessions. Steff and Mawhi shared the little yet juicy discussions that we had together with the Dental Team. Yen shared about his new friend, Darius. We were surprised when Yen talked about Darius. It’s because we didn’t expect that for that short period, Yen and Darius bonded as if they have known each other for so long. We enjoyed how Darius showed his thoughtfulness to Yen; that even before we go back to Manila, he brought Yen a bunch of ‘sineguelas’ as his pa-baon. Then, we also prayed for him before we left Caticlan.

The last night before we go home was one of the best parts in this trip. It’s when after being refreshed through a good shower. Steff, Gospel, Mawhi, Yen, Phillip and I, after having a good dinner, decided to walk and explore the night life in Boracay. But Yen and Phillip had their henna tattoo done first so we let them go ahead of us. Mawhi fixed her things. So Steff, Gospel and I went to a shop and talked about our personal stories. Steff opened the talk with ‘love life’ as the topic. (Kamusta naman ang mag-usap sa tabi ng dagat habang umiinom ng nakakangilong shake?! Hehehe..) Then Gospel, continued the discussion. He revealed his ‘crush’ to us. I was shocked to hear him talk about his ‘crush’ because unfortunately, I’m very close to her. (As in. Hehehe…) In fact, he even told us that he has plans of courting her. (Tama ba namang, pangunahan ko na?! Hehehe…) Then, both of them looked at me with eyes forcing me to share mine. I hesitated at first. I’m not used to share that aspect of my life. It’s not that I’m being unfair to them. It’s just that I’m not comfortable talking about that part of my life. Anyway, Yen and Phillip came and they heard my story. Then, we asked Yen and Phillip about their share. Yen concurred with my story, telling the group that we have the same situation. I was surprised with that. Phillip told us about his present situation. Then, our discussion prolonged with different matters led us to go back to our room and talk about it discretely.

We started the first day of our cell group in Boracay. Each of us telling our deepest secrets and sharing each other’s past pains and present burdens. I prayed for each one of them. I felt that the Holy Spirit was there. God was there. Every eye was filled with tears. The room was filled with the anointing as each surrendered, once and for all, all the pain, burdens and worries. We had a great bonding, though we didn’t have the chance to roam around. Indeed, we all concurred that that night was a very special Divine appointment.

The next day, we woke up with different testimonies of how God talked to them personally. Everybody felt that there was a big change that happened. It’s funny that I told them, “Dito sa mission trip natin, hindi lang tayo ang nag-mimission, mi-nission din tayo ni Lord.” Then all of us, agreed and praised God because of what happened.

Here are some of the pictures before leaving Boracay:

L.A.U.G.H.S. cellgroup wala lang si Phillip. Asan na yun? Hehehe...

Ganun pa din. Plus, Ian minus Steff. Hehehe...

Pauwi na kami, tawa pa rin ng tawa. Kunyari lang naman... Hehehe..

My personal shots before going home:

Of course, this article wouldn’t end with just a bunch of stories. Again, as what I’ve said before, I had many realizations about this whole Mission Trip. And I’m excited to share some (if not all) of them as I have a series for this Mission Trip. For this Part Three, the last part, I want to share the realizations I had while we were in Boracay and as we go home.

1. God never runs out of surprises. You’ll hate it at first but you’ll love it in the end, believe me.
2. Life is like a box of chocolates, you’ll never know what you’ll get.
3. 2 Corinthians 13 said it very well.
4. Moving on is a decision, not just a feeling or a desire.
5. Where there is a vision, there is a provision. (quoted from Tatay)
6. Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens another.
7. God is a God of second chances. His love never fails.
8. Christianity is not a religion. It’s having a relationship with Him. It’s accepting Jesus as your personal SAVIOR and LORD. It’s a lifestyle.
9. God loves us though we are not lovable. Then, who are we not to love others?
10. Though you don’t feel like doing what is good. DO IT ANYWAY.
    
    Thank God for this one of a kind experience. God bless.

Knowing You More

Verse 1:
(Em-D/F#-G-A)
Everything that is within me
I lay it down to You, Oh Lord
Every single day, every single moment
These things in my heart, I pray
Crying with these words, I say

Verse 2:
(Em-D/F#-G-A)
The plans and dreams in my life
I place in Your hands alone
Every act I take, every step I make
Tears and by faith, I pray
Hoping that someday, by Your way

Chorus:
D A
Why do I ask You? Why do I feel You?
G D/F# A
Your love is so true
D A
Why do I need You? Why do I know You?
G D/F# A
This faith in me, I know that I’m sure
G-A
Keeps me growin’
F#m-Bm
Keeps me standin’
Em D/F# A
Knowing You more

Bridge:
(Em-D-C)
For I know, the plans I have for you
Plans to prosper you, not to harm you
Plans to give you hope and future
A hope and a future

Tag:
Giving me strength
Giving me hope
Giving me life
Giving me all


Composed: 05052001
Composer/Lyricist: AFG
Arrangers: Jomer Gallana / Vhel Tubera

What To Do With Pain

FEEL your pain.

“He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men, a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness;…” (Isaiah 53:3a)

“And as He approached, He saw the city, and He wept [audibly] over it,” (Luke 19:41)

PAIN
· Instant reaction: ESCAPE
· Could be GOD-GIVEN

“To the woman He said, I will greatly multiply your grief and your suffering in pregnancy and the pangs of childbearing...” (Genesis 3:16a)

“…and [telling them] that it is through many hardships and tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22b)

· It has REASON

“For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!]” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

· Could be GOD-ALLOWED

“Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's leave (consent) and notice.” (Matthew 10:29)

· Has PURPOSE.

Do not AUTOMATICALLY escape from pain.

“On that night the king could not sleep; and he ordered that the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, be brought, and they were read before the king.” (Esther 6:1)

“When I remember You upon my bed and meditate on You in the night watches.” (Psalm 63:6)

Be ALIVE!
LIVE to the fullest.

HEAR your pain.

Let your pain speak to you about:

· YOU

Pain can speak in ways that PLEASURE or EASE cannot.

“In the day of my trouble I seek (inquire of and desperately require) the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out [in prayer] without slacking up; I refuse to be comforted.” (Psalm 77:2)

“And [the man] said, Then, father, I beseech you to send him to my father's house-- For I have five brothers--so that he may give [solemn] testimony and warn them, lest they too come into this place of torment.” (Luke 16:27-28)

· OTHERS

Pain can SENSITIZE and TEACH.
Pain should make us BETTER not BITTER.

BRING your pain to God in prayer.

“Jabez cried to the God of Israel, saying, Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and You would keep me from evil so it might not hurt me! And God granted his request.” (1 Chronicles 4:10)

“But I am poor, sorrowful, and in pain; let Your salvation, O God, set me up on high.” (Psalm 69:29)

“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in
everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

GOD WANTS YOU WELL.

· Healed
· Comforted
· Many people who were in pain

“So the report of Him spread throughout all Syria, and they brought Him all who were sick, those afflicted with various diseases and torments, those under the power of demons, and epileptics, and paralyzed people, and He healed them.” (Matthew 4:24)

GET RID of pain.
BEAR with pain.

“For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!]” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

TRANSCEND your pain.

· Do not DIE because of pain; BUT LIVE in spite of it.
· Do not MOURN because of pain; CELEBRATE LIFE in spite of it.
· Numberless souls go on with life DESPITE pain.
· LIFE has to go on.
· LIFE has meaning and purpose.

“For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” (Ephesians 2:10)

Do not wallow in self-pity.
Do not wallow in regrets.
Do not wallow in bitterness.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound, To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion--to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit--that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Count your blessings.
Triumph over your pain.

“I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].” (Philippians 4:13)

USE your pain.

· To make YOU more Godly or God-dependent
· To make YOU more human
· To make YOU more humane

“But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

· GLORIFY God

“Then would I still have consolation--yes, I would leap [for joy] amid unsparing pain [though I shrink from it]--that I have not concealed or denied the words of the Holy One!” (Job 6:10)

We can find comfort and strength in Him.

“He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men, a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness;…” (Isaiah 53:3a)

“For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.” (Hebrews 4:15)

Pain could even be your way to blessing.

FIGHT!

“I have fought the good (worthy, honorable and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

REST.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” (Matthew 11:28)


This is an outline of Pastor Ed Lapiz’s message entitled, “WHAT TO DO WITH PAIN” last October 31, 2004 at Day By Day Worship City, Makati Cinema Square. This is one of the most memorable and special messages I’ve heard so far. May it bless you as you read. God bless.

When It’s All Been Said And Done (Part Two)

It was early in the evening when we arrived at Caticlan. We stayed at the rest house of Tita Beth’s family (Actually, it’s Tita Beth Dingle’s “clan-ic” community. Hehehe… To the extent that, almost everybody that lives there is very close to there family. How territorial! Hehehe... Anyway, thank you po, Tita Beth). The whole stay was so great. Though the house is limited of rooms to accommodate us, we enjoyed sleeping together and do our side-by-side sleeping technique (Come on! We’re so close now. I mean very close, literally. Hehehe... We almost exchange faces with each other). But thank God, we survived the “sleeping-adaptation challenge”, as I call it. It’s so hard to sleep on the floor even though we have a thin mattress to support our backs; it’s still painful, considering my “scoliosis” (Lumbo-sacral Case----it’s fatal. I’ll talk more about this in another entry). Anyway, God gave us a “goodnight sleep” while we were there.

Moreover, we woke up very early to have our morning devotions with our assigned small groups. Of course, morning routines wouldn’t be complete without taking a bath first before anything else. Surprisingly, I didn’t know that there are only two available bathrooms for all of us. Thank God, Ptr. Beni came early to us with a good news; that there are bathrooms being offered by our neighbors. So I eagerly went to the house Ptr. Beni referred. I met the owner of the house and talked to them first (Siyempre kailangan munang chika-hin para maging “close” sila. Anyway, I enjoyed having a conversation with them. I just forgot their names. You know, I’m not good at names. Hehehe…). In short, I had a good bath plus I gained more friends. As I remember, we talked about Philippine Politics because they know that I’m taking up Law; and I really love talking about such topics. After taking a bath, I was struck with a question, “Ano ka ba ‘Pro-’ or ‘Anti-‘Gloria?” (Kamusta naman ang mga ganung tanong pagkatapos mong maligo?! Hehehe…) Of course, for me, that question is not hard to answer. It’s just that sometimes people ask questions to gauge another person of his disposition on that matter. And sometimes, they just want secure that the person they’re asking is one of them. So without hesitation, I answered, “Anti-Gloria po ako.” They were astonished and shocked with my answer. Then I turn around the table and ask them the same, “Bakit ano po ba ang ‘stand’ niyo?” They immediately and confidently answered that they are Pro-Gloria. Now I know why they reacted that way to my answer. (Pero naalala ko sa kanila ang bahay at nakikiligo lang ako dapat akong makipag-compromise this time. Hehehe…) I supported my answer with a statement telling them that Gloria has been a ‘good’ president too. (Hehehe… Come on! Kelangan ito kung gusto ko pang makaulit sa kanila.) Then, I shifted the topic through inviting them to join us and support our Medical and Dental Mission. They eagerly agreed with that matter. (Thank God for a ‘saving grace’. Hehehe…)

Furthermore, the whole three-day Medical and Dental Mission is very successful. There had been a massive circumcision that was led by Doc Jay (though he is not yet licensed) together with his ‘surgical team’, the “Tulisans” (tuli=circumcision; -san=pseudo-practitioners), gathered and did the task of welcoming young boys to adulthood. The “Tulisans” were Ptr. Richard (graduated at UP Baguio, B.S. Biology), Gospel (2nd year, B.S. Nursing, O.L.F.U.), Philip (2nd year, B.S. Nursing, O.L.F.U.) and Kuya Marnie (graduated at Mapua, B.S. E.C.E.). Thank God! There were no records of any malpractice committed by them so far. The Medical team was also assisted by the group who took the vital signs and gave the medicines as well.

The Dental Team was headed by Dr. Rod and Dra. Ellen (They are licensed dentists anyway). I don’t know them personally but I got know them more when I was assigned to be one of their assistants. Steff and Mawhi were also a part of the team. They were the ones who wash Dr. Rod’s and Dra. Ellen’s color-coded dental tools (The greens are for Dr. Rod and the violets are for Dra. Ellen, how organized! I like it, very O.C.!) I also helped them in washing those dental tools with various blood streaks on it. I’m not really afraid of blood, I just don’t like touching them. Anyway, we survived that part. Then, I was promoted to be Dra. Ellen’s assistant. It was a pretty tough job, but I enjoyed it. I was very interested in asking Dra. Ellen for dental advises rather than the patients asking her about their situations. (Come on! It’s like a talk show featuring a dentist doing the dental necessities. Hehehe…) Here are some of our pictures during our most ‘controversial’ breaks (Hehehe…):

Si Steph, Mawhi at ako. Mag-memerienda na sana kami pero naisip namin na mag-picture muna. Bakit kaya kami nakangiti, eh naka 'surgical mask' naman kami? Hehehe...

Habang gumagawa sa Dental Team. Eto mas seryoso. Hindi na nakangiti masyado.

Pauwi na kami, kaso naiwanan na kami ng bus. Pero syempre masaya pa rin...

Si Mawhi, Sam at ako. Papunta pa lang kami sa Caticlan Health Center...

I have a very long story to tell about my most favorite task group, the Dental Team. Honestly, I really enjoyed most of the time doing the whole of the mission work with them. Considering that we’re just an auxiliary department, having the least number of members as I’ve mentioned above, together with Kuya Ronald, the forger of the dental prescription (Hehehe..), and Kenzy, assistant of Dr. Rod; we still managed to entertain and even influence the dental patients through our ‘controversial’ chit-chats about life and other aspects (i.e. love, money, family, issues, Christianity, etc. Come on! Aren’t they familiar?!). As in, everybody’s laughing out loud! That even made the outsiders be intrigued on what’s happening in our room. Thank God, we ministered not only through a direct act but also in an indirect manner. Almost every patient asked us to join them and eat lunch with their family. Wow! How sweet! We didn’t do anything big or extravagant but I think we touched their hearts; and that made them feel secured and comfortable with us. Others thought that we were just talking about non-sense things. Thank God for He vindicated us through the good and surprising feedback of the dental patients that we served.

Some may not know the value or the impact that we had with the people of Caticlan, but I know that God never sleeps. He knows everything that we did. I don’t even care if others won’t appreciate what we’ve done. Enough of their pettifogging and gibberish criticisms, I know God is just. Though we may not play a very important role in the Mission, I believe God knows everything that we did. And we did it all for His glory alone. (Ooppss. Nothing. Steff and Mawhi knew about this matter. Hehehe...) This is not self-pity. This is a personal assessment.

Of course, this article wouldn’t end with just a bunch of stories. Again, as what I’ve said before, I had many realizations about this whole Mission Trip. And I’m excited to share some (if not all) of them as I have a series for this Mission Trip. For this Part Two I want to share the realizations I had while we were having the 3-day Medical and Dental Mission.

1. God never sleeps. Though men may not see how you work, not even the fruits of your labor, God will reveal it to them in due time.
2. In the absence of big things, small things become big to small minds.
3. It’s not important if you made others cry or laugh, it’s the reason why they do it. If it’s out of emotions or because of God’s ministrations through you. That’s the real thing!
4. PAIN is also a blessing. (I’ll discuss more about this in another post.)
5. The test of success in ministering to others is not about being remembered by them. It’s having a deeper relationship with them; and truly leading them to God’s family and that can last longer than a trip.
6. All our good works are just filthy rags compared to God’s goodness to all of us.
7. What is pity without compassion? Nothing.
8. Service is not just about giving; it’s about leading them to seek the GIVER more than the gift.
9. We can be a blessing to others directly and indirectly. We should not force something to others, because neither God forced Himself to us. It’s His love for us that paved the way for a clear option called free will.
10. God doesn’t trivialize our needs. He knows what we need them. It’s us who doesn’t know why we really need them.

Catch the last part of the Caticlan Mission Experience... Part Three will also melt your hearts! God bless!