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

It’s over. I overcame it.

Last May 15-20, 2006, Cornerstone Christian Church, our church, had its first Medical and Dental Mission Trip. It was held in Caticlan, Aklan with the coordination of the Assembly of God Church. The whole mission trip was great and successful through God’s grace, mercy and guidance.

Remember my article “Hating Ships, Loving Water and Loving God More”? Yes. I know I appeared to be a coward in raising such an issue of having a phobia in riding ships. But thank God I overcame it gradually. Thank God! At first, I was hesitant of joining the Mission Trip for many reasonable and unreasonable causes. But I met God on my devotion time the day before I need to decide if I’m joining or not. I gave it a try. I cannot say that I made it on my own. God was there. He was with me. I felt the comfort that only He can assure.

THE JOURNEY TO CATICLAN

We left the church at 11:00pm (May 14, 2006). The whole bus was jam-packed with different things----with bags and suitcases of all sizes, with ministers from different ministries, and mixed with various emotions of excitement to meet new friends, eagerness to serve, enthusiasm for the whole experience, and a bit of apprehensions along the way. (Take note: Typhoon “Caloy” hasn’t completely left the area of responsibility. Hehehe…) We waited for approximately five to seven hours at Batangas Port. The waiting part for me was a bit frightening because I know in a few minutes I would be facing one of my greatest fears----riding in a ship. At first, I had to deal with it through a simple prayer of trust and obedience. I did not tell anybody about it. I just prayed silently. Though I know it will be corny and funny to some, I believe that time it was the only way out available for me. (Now they know. Hehehe…) Then, we arrived at Mindoro to ride another ship going to Caticlan. The whole trip was exhilarating and startling for me. Here are some the pictures that I took while everybody was sleeping:

Tulog ang lahat. Ang mahiwagang hita at paa ni Tatay

Malapit nang umalis. Isakay na ang lahat, pati yung buong Mindoro. Hehehe..

Ang paglalayag.

Habang tulog ang lahat at may nag-iisa at walang kupas na videoke singer.

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. But for now, I want to share the realizations I had while we were on our journey to Caticlan.

1. PRAYER is an inevitable thing. No need for an explanation. It’s proven to be effective. It’s actually a life-long explanation.
2. God has His own way of doing things in our lives; never put Him into a box. Anyway, He’s too big to fit in any box available physically or virtually.
3. There are really some “gifted” individuals who will be a source of strength and encouragement in times of need. You will never notice who they are because they come in different shapes, colors, and even sizes.
4. Now, I understand why Jesus slept while He was with His disciples in a boat amidst the raging storm. It’s more than calming the storm. It’s more than making His disciples’ realize about the importance of having faith in Him. It’s about how you know Him. Kung gaano mo Siya kakilala. Kung gaano Siya ka-lapit sa puso mo. It’s about how you trust Him.
5. Philippians 4:19 works well with Malachi 3:10. It enables Acts 1:8 to become a reality. It makes John 3:16 worth believing. It gives John 10:10 a meaning even though there will be John 16:33. Gets?!
6. God is the ultimate “Maestro”. He made a “paradise” here on earth.
7. Obedience is better than sacrifice. It is better than a compromise.
8. If it’s your time, it’s your time. Anyways, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Don’t waste it. Remember, time is gold. Enjoy. Breathe. Live.
9. Waiting is a journey by itself. (Kaya pala may waiting shed. Hehehe..)
10. To see the vastness of the ocean, you must lose sight of the shore.
    
    Wait for more…. Catch the Part Two of this article… God bless..

Are You Ready For Success?

Preaching No.: 01

Key Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9
Other Verses: Deuteronomy 6:3-5; Psalm 1:1-3; Luke 10:25-28
Date Created: 01-01-06

SUCCESS

1. fortunate accomplishment; attainment of desired object, or result; triumph (Pocket Dictionary)
2. an event that accomplishes its intended purpose; "let's call heads a success and tails a failure"; an attainment that is successful; "his new play was a great success"; a state of prosperity or fame; "he is enjoying great success"; "he does not consider wealth synonymous with success"; achiever: a person with a record of successes; "his son would never be the achiever that his father was"; "only winners need apply"; "if you want to be a success you have to dress like a success" (Google Dictionary)
3. Success to me is having ten honeydew melons, and eating only the top half of each one. (Barbra Streisand)
4. Success goes thus invariably with a certain plus or positive power: an ounce of power must balance an ounce of weight. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
5. The more defects a man may have, the older he is, the less lovable, the more resounding his success. (Marquis de Sade)
6. Your success story is a bigger story than whatever you're trying to say on stage.... Success makes life easier. It doesn't make living easier. (Bruce Springsteen)

All of us want to be successful in all that we do. We do things with careful consideration that it could lead us to the path we desire. In a secular distinction, success is perceived as an end towards which all men wants; and should attain before death comes. But what is the real meaning of “success”? Can success cover up all the failures that one had in his past? How much success can God give/allow to His children? Are there any secrets to attain success? Is success really a relative matter? All these and more questions would somehow clear our concept of success. However, amidst these entire enigmas, the big question remains----ARE YOU READY FOR SUCCESS?

God in His ultimate capacity can give us the answers to all our questions about success. Hence, it is also important to really assess ourselves if we are really ready for success. More than how we define success, or how we could be successful in life, God wants to see our heart attitudes concerning this matter. We could have achieved most of the things that we want, or we could be praying to achieve at least some of those. Yet, getting ready for success is not an ordinary way of preparation. We should take into consideration that inasmuch as we live, we continue to achieve and desire more in life. Success is a never-ending issue as long as you live. Death could only measure it through the things that you left. Whether they may be a legendary memoriam or leaving skeletons in your closets----all of these will be taken into account. Moreover, how do we handle the standards that men put up to measure success? Are we giving in, or have given up, or haven’t been prepared for such things?

God revealed the secrets of success through the life of Joshua. When Moses died, Joshua took over to lead the Israelites into the land which God promised to give them. It was a tough job for Joshua, as Moses’ successor, considering all the achievements that Moses did before. Though faced with such difficulty, Joshua showed and acted upon God expectation and instruction. It was really a challenge for someone like Joshua to continue in leading the Israelites at the peak of their journey. But Joshua was prepared for it, for he had the right heart attitude in facing challenges, failures and successes. God’s instructions made Joshua, the man ripe enough for success.

In Joshua 1:1-9, the Bible tells us how God instructed, prepared and revealed the secrets of success to Joshua, being the new leader of the Israelites. During this time, Israelites were left with Joshua, being the chosen successor of Moses. Their journey through different places such as the wilderness made the Israelites become desperate and apathetic to achieve the land that God promised them. Joshua was left for a quest to lead and prepare these people for success. But through God’s grace, Joshua handled this matter very well. Joshua showed what he’s really made of.

In verse 1-5, it tells us about the turnover of leadership from Moses to Joshua. It also tells about how God entrusted the Israelites into Joshua’s leadership (v.2). God also made a recap of the itinerary that they took since the time of Moses until the leadership of the Israelites was transferred to Joshua (v. 3-4). God gave Joshua the same promise of success that He gave to Moses before; it was also the promise that worked for Joshua and the Israelites (v.5).

But how did Joshua manage to succeed despite the challenge of leading the stubborn Israelites? It is because God prepared, instructed and revealed the secrets of success to Joshua; and these made Joshua ready for success. In verse 6-9, we can see how God made Joshua ready for success and why God prepared Joshua for success.

HOW GOD MADE JOSHUA READY FOR SUCCESS:

1. God boosted Joshua’s confidence; and he was encouraged. (v.6-7a)
2. God instructed Joshua to obey and keep the laws He gave to Moses. (v.7-8)
3. God reminded Joshua of His faithfulness to the Israelites in the past. (v.9)

WHAT MADE JOSHUA READY FOR SUCCESS:

1. Assurance of the fulfillment of God’s promise. (v.6b; 9b)
2. Full trust and obedience to God’s instructions. (v.7b-8a)
3. Submission in the will of God (v.8b)

WHY GOD PREPARED JOSHUA FOR SUCCESS:

1. God saw the right attitude of Joshua’s heart. (v.5)
2. God’s will for him was his will and he did not hesitate.
3. To go “all out” for God was already habitual with (Joshua); it is unfailing prerequisite of eternal success.

**This is just an outline of my first preaching experience at DAR Christian Fellowship. Aside from being a worship leader, I also preach there if there are no pastors available. At first, it was so hard. But through God's grace, I was able to make it through. Thank God!! It's very different from my other preachings because of the crowd/congregation that it caters to. I'm used to preach for the youth and young professionals before. And now, God let me experience to preach for the adults and professionals. Thank God for the wisdom, strength, confidence and grace. Enjoy! More of these soon! God bless!

What Life Is About?

Life isn’t about keeping score, it’s not about how many friends you have
Or how accepted you are, not about if you have plans this weekend
Or if you’re alone, it isn’t about whom you are dating
Whom you used to date, how many people you’ve dated
Or if you haven’t been with anyone at all.
It isn’t about whom you have kissed. It’s not about sex.
It isn’t about who your family is
Or how much money they have
Or what kind of car you drive
Or where you are sent to school
It’s not about how beautiful or ugly you are.
Or what clothes you wear, what shoes you have on,
Or what kind of music you listen to.
It’s not about if your hair is blonde, red, black or brown.
Or if your skin is too light or too dark.
Not about what grades you get, how smart you are,
How smart everybody else thinks you are,
Or how smart standardized tests say you are.
It’s not about what clubs or organizations you are in
Or how good you are at a sport.
It’s not about representing your whole being on a piece of paper
And seeing who will accept you. Life just isn’t about that.
But, life is about who you love and who you hurt.
It’s about who you make happy or unhappy purposefully.
It’s about keeping or betraying trust. It’s about friendship,
Used as a sanctity or a weapon. It’s about what you say and mean,
Maybe hurtful, maybe heartening.
About starting rumors and contributing to petty gossip.
It’s about what judgments you pass and why.
It’s about whom you’ve ignored with full control and intention.
It’s about jealousy, fear, ignorance and revenge.
It’s about carrying inner hate. It’s about having inner love.
Letting it grow, and spreading it.
It’s about how live within God’s wills
And holding in hands with or without trials.
But most of all, it’s about using your life
To touch or poison other people’s hearts
In such a way could have never occurred with you.
Only you choose the way
Those hearts are affected
And those choices are WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT!

**This is a forwarded poem from my long lost friend. I just want to share it. I seldom appreciate poems, that's why I rarely post them here. Anyway, enjoy this one!

Is There A Universal Truth?

I strong believe that there is a “universal truth”. Truth matters. In logic, truth is a conclusion, a condition opposed to false, and the conclusion about the state of something in comparison. The human mind developed into a comparative engine able to draw logical conclusion about the state of something in question. The execution of logic in the human mind is not governed and so is subjective. In the digital world, logic is pure and executed the same each time, in the human mind or is the platform or “human mind logic” has no consistent rules so all kinds of conclusions exist. So can truth really exist in the human mind? The platform we have to work with is not sufficient to reach such definite conclusions as absolute truth.

I believe truth can exist in the human mind only when the comparative engine becomes still. This seems to me the point of meditation and religious symbolism. The human thought process is a field of concepts and forms in conflict. To think about if truth matters is to be in conflict with the idea or concept that truth may not matter. Whether or not something matters is a question of its purpose, so then we ask ourselves if truth has a purpose. Purpose is only attached to something in the human mind when an explanation is necessary to justify an action or existence of something. To think truth has purpose the same way that a car has purpose is a natural tendency, but wrong. Truth is independent of the human mind and does not need to be justified in its relationship to the human mind; likewise the universal truth stands at this position.

Moreover, the universal track of truth serves its own purpose independently. I believe that one of the universal truths is the equipping of the inevitable search for what is right and wrong, deepening the conceptualization of morality. Another would be the acceptance or rejection of a cyclic change. Then, the existence of a Supreme Divine character, which controls the events happening with those who believe and also to those who doesn’t believe.

The inevitable search for what is right and wrong or the deep conceptualization of morality is one of the universal truths. Why? Mainly because regardless of any concept of relativism, man, as a rational being is naturally in search of what is right or wrong which traces the concept of morality that aims to protect and maintain the common good. Cyclic change likewise is also universal or considered as a universal truth because of inevitable factors contributing to it like time, space, and the environment. The cycle of change occurs unceasingly regardless of any difference. In connection with the above stated universal truths, would be another universal truth----the existence of a Supreme Divine character, which for a fact binds the universality of the truths stated above. Although some believe and some do not; and some may have characterized it similarly and some may not, the fact that there must be the “Someone” responsible for these things, regardless of different news, highlights the truth that the “One” responsible must have been “Supreme” and “Divine” in character.

Universal truth should be recognized as independent from the conceptual world that we spend so much time operating within. To search for truth is to say that you do not have truth, it exists outside your mind, but your mind will attempt to find it. It seems to me that to search for truth is to look for the definition of truth, what it is in relation to you and your thoughts, because thoughts do not seem to inherent contain truth and knowledge is bound by purpose that is outside of truth.

Cultural relativism is merely a theory which gives us, the audience, the chance to subject it to reality. Some concepts would be tested and proven as true and some will have to be in constant observation before accepting. Likewise, it reveals to us the concept of universal truth as it opposes the idea of having one. Coherently, I am under the impression that those in search of relative truth are also drawn likewise to a deeper consciousness where the concepts and ideas that are debated on the surface ceased and the experience of existence takes on a sublime and tranquil quality where nothing is negated, only accepted as what it is. This does not seem to me to happen while thinking, only while in pure observation of the world (environment) and how each life, mind, and body relate to it and the rest of all as one.

**This is a re-post. I took it from my old, dead, ‘nilulumot’ and inept blogsite. And now, I’m sharing it again. I wrote this article for my subject in college, Dynamics of Philippine Politics.

Ang Langaw Sa Ibabaw Ng Kalabaw

"Ayoko ng tinatapakan ako, ayoko ng masikip,
ayoko ng mabaho, ayoko ng walang tubig,
ayoko ng walang pagkain, ayoko ng putik!!!”

----Maricel Soriano to Gina Alajar in

Maryo J. de los Reyes' “Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit”

Kung saan madumi, nakadidiri, mabaho, may nakasusulasok na amoy, (hhmm.. <--ano ang ibig sabihin nun? Heheh.) maantot, nabubulok at napapanis dun naman nagsusumiksik at nagsususuot ang mga pasaway na mga langaw. Di ko nga alam sa kanila kung bakit ganun ang preferences nila, samantalang halos lahat ang gusto ay ang mga bagay at lugar na malilinis, mababango, maayos, magaganda at kaaya-aya. Anu bang meron dun? May ginto kaya dun? O baka may mapagkakakitaan dun?

Na-enganyo tuloy akong silipin at pag-aralang saglit ang buhay ng dalawang magkaibang nilalang----ang langaw at ang kalabaw. Wala naman silang outstanding similarities kaya hindi sila mahirap i-distinguish sa isa’t-isa. Andami nilang differences kaya madali rin silang bigyan ng kakanyahan. Para sa akin, napakakontrobersyal ng phrase na ito: “…para lang siyang langaw sa ibabaw ng kalabaw.”. Oo, napakahilig nating mga Pinoy sa mga katulad nitong mga pasaring na tila simple lang ibig sabihin ngunit may subliminal na mensaheng nais ipahatid. Sabi nila sadyang maka-Silangan ang ganitong pagpapahayag ng damdamin. Hindi tayo sanay na diretso ang pagpapahayag ng ating mga damdamin o saloobin. Kaya puro pasaring na lang ang ating sandata upang maipahayag ito at ng hindi ganun katindi epekto nito sa taong pinag-uukulan.

Eto ang mga resulta sa mga na-research ko tungkol sa mga langaw. Biruin mo andami palang mata ng isang langaw. Flies have over 4,000 facets for sight in each eye. Flies are attracted by movement more than color. Flies have a smelling distance of over 750 yards. Eto pa, a fly's feeding range is usually limited to two miles. Malayo rin pala ang nararating nila bilang mga ‘mini scavengers’. Di niyo ba alam na, a single garbage can, if not emptied, can be the breeding ground for 30,000 flies. Wala silang konsepto ng “family planning”. At eto pa, during warm weather, a fly can produce a family generation in less than two weeks. Kaya pala ang sobrang bilis nilang dumami.

Eto naman ang mga na-research ko tungkol sa mga kalabaw. Anga kalabaw o carabao ay kilala bilang beast of burden. Sobrang sipag nila. Biruin mo maglakad ka ba naman ng paulit-ulit sa iisang lupain. Kilala rin sila bilang mga water buffalo. Lagi silang nasa putikan. Malamang hindi nila kasama si Maricel Soriano. (Hehehe..) Kasi ayaw niya dun, sinu ba naman ang may gusto bumilad sa araw at sa maligo o magbabad sa putikan. Eto pa, alam niyo ba na before about 1925, a carabao costs 50 pesos. Syempre pa, the carabao is considered as a national symbol of the Philippines. Simbolo daw kasi ito ng kasipagan kaya siya napili. (Sana totoo nga!) Alam nyo ba na may island na malapit sa Manila Bay na ang pangalan ay Carabao. (Eh anu naman?! Hehehe..)

Marami pa tayong pwedeng malaman tungkol sa dalawang nilalang na ito. Maari pa tayong mabigla sa mga bagong madidiskubre natin tungkol sa kanila. Eh anu naman ang kinalaman nun sa mga katagang: “…para lang siyang isang langaw sa ibabaw ng kalabaw.”? Ewan ko. Mahirap bigyang buhay ang eksaktong diwa nito. Eh anu naman kung may langaw sa ibabaw ng kalabaw?! May masasaktan ba? May mamamatay ba?

Minsan ang hirap hanapan ng tamang perspektibo ang mga katagang tulad nito. Kasi maraming possibleng ibig sabihin ito. Puno ng pag-aalinlangan kung tama ba, mali ba, sobra ba o kulang ba ang pagbibigay interpretasyon sa mga tulad nito. Pwede rin kasi itong manggaling sa isang kapwa langaw niya na naiinggit lang at nais rin maabot ang ganoong estado. Maari rin sa isang concerned citizen na langaw na nakakapansin. Pwede rin naman sa kalabaw na tinutung-tungan at walang malay na tini-take advantage siya. O di kaya sa kanya mismo, na minsan lang makalasap ng makarating sa itaas ay siya namang tindi ng pagyurak sa mga nasa ibaba. May mga dapat unawain at may mga hindi. Nilalang din sila ng Diyos kaya't sila rin ay may saysay.

Ang hirap sigurong maging langaw? Eh ang maging kalabaw?

Minsan kasi ‘tao’ rin sila eh.

Do You Have A Rich Personality?

I'm having a hard time to arrange and reminisce all the memories that we had while we were in our Caticlan Mission and Boracay Treat, specifically putting the right words to suit the right emotions. Whew! So, I decided to share this test that I took a week before our mission work. Try this also if you have time (www.thirdage.com) ! Be a millionaire, think like a millionaire! (Hehehe... At least kahit dun lang.. Thank God! I know I'll be one of them someday..sooner!!! Hehehe..)
Check out the result of the quiz that I took:

The Contender

Missed it by that much. Does that mean you'll never make it to the Valhalla of wealth, the Millionaire's Club? On the contrary, you show nearly every indication that you're on your way to full-member status. You're like a great and gifted pupil -- full of potential, and well trained. But you still might need to fine-tune your art before attaining full-fledged wealth-master status.

Can You Snatch the Pebble?

Clearly, you have studied the sacred scrolls and learned from the experts. You are a money scholar, and you've set out to build your wealth by the book. But maybe you interpreted the texts a bit too literally. You've got guts, toughness. Somewhere along the line you've learned perseverance -- an essential attribute for anyone who wants someday to be rich.

However, be wary of this gift. The extreme of perseverance is obstinacy -- a trait that can be incompatible with the business of making millions. Don't try to do everything yourself. Avoid being hidebound to the idea that you must overcome every obstacle, prove all of your doubters wrong. This may fuel your resolve but, ultimately, it will distract you from your primary mission: seeking opportunities, taking the measure of their potential and exploiting them. Sounds like a lot more fun than knocking your head against a wall, doesn't it?

The Right Stuff

Your family is one of the many factors in your favor. In "The Millionaire Mind," Dr. Thomas Stanley discovered that nearly all of the millionaires he interviewed for his book said that spending time with family was compatible with wealth building, not a distraction from it. Remember that the next time you're faced with the choice of rebalancing your portfolio or going to your daughter's swim meet.

What's more, you've got integrity. That's good, because on this path you'd be lost without it. Integrity and honesty are not just important for living well, but markers of financially successful people. If, as Stanley's millionaires point out, you do wrong by your clients, your suppliers, your employees, what chance have you to sell them your ideas and gain their trust?

Summary

You're on the right track. Pick your battles carefully and listen to your inner voice. Develop a love for what you do, or find another occupation that makes you want to leap out of bed each morning.

Mother's Prayer

Lord,

As I wake up early this day
I praise You for giving me this life to shop and pray

I adore Your Name beyond all the famous shopping malls
I exalt You on high beyond the dollar’s increase in the market tolls

I lift You up in the midst of the worst traffic schemes
I honor You beyond the horror of shopping screams

Forgive me, Oh Lord if I limit Your power in my wallet
Pardon me, if I don’t know how to control my pocket

I’m sorry for sometimes I exceed in my budget
Cleanse me with the salary and income that I get

Wash me with You blood as I allocate my family’s priority and needs
Purify my children from begging too much money, without any good reason indeed

I repent Lord that I worry a lot about tomorrow
But surely I thank You for saving us from deep sorrow and the need to borrow

I am forever grateful to You for not making our refrigerator empty
And for giving us the food that’s not too sweet nor too salty

I thank You for giving me a husband to share these responsibilities
Even though we also share the burden of monthly bills for our utilities

I appreciate You for guiding and teaching my children to learn everyday
Enabling them to lead a quality Christian life someday

Thanks for fetching them up with security and assurance as they travel
Thanks for helping us, as parents, to understand things that they want to unravel

Thanks for letting me wake up early in the morning just to check if they’re okay
Even just to give their “baon”, would mean to me a special way

Heal me from any sickness that I’m feeling, as what You can see
Please don’t let my kids, ask for more money, as if they have “kidnapped” me

Let my husband realize that he needs to train himself to wake up early
Bless my family and this nation that we may continue to love each other dearly

Lastly, bless me Father as I wear my apron and “duster”,
That I may become Your servant and not just to be a good mother

But I have to live a life for Christ, to work and to love forever
Which I have found in their heart, a home to live together

In Jesus‘ Name, with faith and love I pray.

Amen.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!


Created: 05102002
Event: Mother's Day

What Is So Amazing About Grace?

Actually, I shouldn’t have this article for this day. I have another topic in mind. But since, I am having a hard time figuring out the right outline for that article, I decided to post this one since my neurons tell me that I must post this first. (Hhmm… Nag-eexplain pa, pwede namang wala. Hehehe…)

Okay. Fine.

I am really amazed about God’s grace. It seems that as a Christian, the word, ‘grace’ has been overused, harassed, unknown, and most often than not, misused and hackneyed. It’s like it has been considered as a Christian expression that it has seemingly lost its real value. I’m not saying that all Christians don’t give much value on the significance and usage of the word ‘grace’. But what I’m trying to drive at is the point that most Christians do not seem to acknowledge, appreciate, appropriately utilize and be thankful for it when it comes. Essentially, at first, one can really have a hard time identifying, appreciating, utilizing, and being thankful for it because it’s really the nature of grace. But if you are that sensitive enough to God’s ways and you have a deep and healthy relationship with Him, you won’t have this as a problem. In fact, the more we know and understand God’s nature, the more we can explore and appreciate His works and ways such as His grace.

Everyday, we are bombarded with different circumstances. And most of the time, it gives us stress, squeezes our character, stretches us to our limits, gets our joy of living, robs our budget, ruins our delicate faces (Delicate?! Baby?! Hehehe…), wounds our hearts and a long list of hurts and pains goes on. (Andami naman, buti buhay ka pa?! Hehehe...) How do we react on, in and with those situations? Do you easily grumble, or put the blame on God, or somehow would like to give up on life?

Well, at first glance, it is very easy for us to react on such things. But think twice!! Mag ‘hunos-dili’!! Aren’t you amazed on how God wakes you up with a ‘grand spotlight’? And that for the rest of the day it never fails to follow you in different angles? (Hehehe… I feel that way too, except during rainy seasons. Hehehe…) That every time you have no batteries for your alarm clock and you’re late to cook for breakfast, God has set a natural alarm clock that has an automatic snooze and by the time it stops you can fry it. (Hehehe… Whoala! Alarm clock turned breakfast. How frugal!) Aren’t you aware that God dresses the flowers of the fields without the flowers worrying on what uniform they should wear, or if they can still be considered a ‘fashionista’? Do you know that God has prepared the biggest and grandest eat-all-you-can buffet that no one can imagine? (Of course, we should discipline our eating habits. Not everything is edible in a buffet, right?! Some are intended to just garnish and not to be eaten. Don’t practice gluttony. Tsk. Tsk. Kaya maraming nauubusan sa pila eh.) Do you know that God has built the oldest university? Yeah, it’s the University of ‘Life’. (Hehehe… Syempre lahat enrolled. No hassle na sa pagpila sa Registrar at Accounting.) And aside from that, God, our Dean, has left us with the greatest teacher of all, the Holy Spirit. (Wow! Syempre pa, laging Siyang present. Hehehe…) Aren’t you aware that God never fails to give us our daily wage or salary or allowance on time? It’s only us who doesn’t know how to budget it that’s why most of the time we are always broke. In addition to that, most Christians are not paying their spiritual taxes like their tithes. Do you notice how God cheers us up when we are tired? For a mother, the laughter of a baby or her child, the success of raising up a well-mannered son or daughter, a nice long chat with friends or neighbors (Daldalan at tawanan to the max ito! Hehehe…), or even a shopping spree. For a father, an enough provision for his family, the assurance and security of his family members, a nice basketball game or chess tournament, a fixed ceiling or water pipe (Syempre sino ang gagawa?! Hehehe…), or even a new car. For a student/teenager, a passing grade, a nice remark from the teachers and his parents, an all-expense paid gimmick (In your dreams!), or even graduating with flying colors. For an employee, an on-time salary, a promotion, a longer nap after lunch (Huh?! Half-day ka na lang sana! Buti pumasok ka pa?! Hehehe…), the approval from the boss, or even a significant bonus. See how God showers His grace to all of us. Yet still we don’t notice, identify and in fact be thankful for it. We are always asking for a grand blessing to come or even to drown us before we become thankful, happy and satisfied.

Not to be too spiritual, but I believe that everyday God showers a sufficient amount of grace to sustain us. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) Blessings can come to us in many faces, natures or characters. They may be in disguise but we can still call them through their names. For a blessing that you’ve prayed and eventually God answered, then it is called an answered prayer. A blessing that you’ve worked for, it is called a fruit of labor. A blessing that you expect to come, it is called a provision. When a blessing has no human intervention or any human work involved or can’t be explained, it is called a miracle. When a blessing is noticed and shared, it is called a testimony. When a blessing is deserved, it is called a reward. A blessing earned is called a favor. A blessing observed is called a Godly experience. A blessing unnoticed yet expected is called a blessing in disguise. We can define more and more things about blessings as they come to us. And they actually bring us back to our senses.

I may not define ‘grace’ technically or spiritually. (Wow! Sa haba nun di ko pa na-identify. Tsk. Tsk. Hehehe…) I may not have the sufficient words to convince you how to define grace. It seems that every time I get to confine the word grace into a series of events, sentences, paragraphs, stories, testimonies, or even lives of different people, I always fail to consider more and more of it. It seems that grace like love can’t be placed in a box. I’m only left with reminder of the Calvary, the Cross and His Compassion. It may appear as too simple yet it is very sincere.

What is so amazing about grace? I believe it’s self-explanatory. A lifelong answer.

An undeserved blessing. Unnoticed. Unexpected. Undefined.

(I got the title from Phillip Yancey’s bestselling book. I didn’t have the chance to talk to him about this, but I will be when we meet each other either at joint fellowships, or at the ‘traysikelan’, in parties, in gimmicks, or in cooking seminars, or at any place convenient for him. (Wow! How courteous of me! Hehehe…) Honestly, we don’t know each other, but soon we will be. (As if!! Hehehe…))

ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGISLATION: The Art of Robbing the Nation

Entrepreneurial Legislation----a socio-political concept of executing or constituting business transactions out of law-making or legislation. Etymologically, the word “entrepreneurial”, means running a business enterprise, and “legislation” means the act or process of law-making; which we can obviously draw the foundation of this idea. Many of our lawmakers have enriched themselves while in office, and while many are conscientiously honest, the majority operates in a setup that is structured around the hunt for spoils. (Chua and Coronel, The Perks of Lawmaking) It explains how lawmakers of the majority have earned so much for themselves without taking into consideration the achievement of proper implementation and creation of policies or laws for the common benefit. It illustrates the reality of what a legislator should do primarily being elected by the people, and be responsible enough in doing their jobs for what they’ve been called for.

Legislators ought to be responsible to legislate and not to transact business neither to protect their business nor their business partners. Their priority is make laws and policies which will regulate, promote and secure the attainment of common good, and not being biased to which class they belong. No one shall be above the law. Laws should treat all individuals equal, regardless of their political, social, and economic influence. Hence, these things or concepts of what a law should be are merely endangered in existence. Most of our legislators consider legislation as a “sideline” rather than a priority. They even make laws to satisfy their business necessities. Most of the time, to maintain a stable relationship with their business partners and sustain their social status by giving favors to influential people or to business tycoons. All of these reasons lead us to a specific point of view. It all boils down to their ‘greatest intention’----their insatiable hunger and greed for money and power. Thus, making it enough to oxidize them and to frivolously and unconscientiously take away the breath of every starving and expecting Filipino citizen.

Needless to say, the legislators in the image of “traditional politicians” (TRAPO) and the businessmen especially the business tycoons, moguls and magnates have created a haven for them within the halls of legislative proceedings which eventually influenced and made our laws very rigorous and harsh to ordinary naive people, but very tender and placid for them. For this reason, it undoubtedly leads us to a conclusion of why our country lives in an impoverished and bleak stature. And this is why the gap between the glamorous circles of the elite and squatting perimeters of the mass continues to grow. The rich becomes even richer; the poor becomes indigently frail, making our laws cheaper and futile. It is only because most of our legislators are continuously robbing people’s money through selling and making laws out of corporate and personal benefits only and not for everybody.

The continuing fad of graft and corruption through entrepreneurial legislation in both Congress and Senate evenly progress like a contagious disease which will eventually contaminate the whole legislative body and the whole government system as well, if it would not be prohibited through proper actions or remedies. Legislators should take into consideration that there are many crises in our country that should be given enough attention rather than piling-up huge money in their personal bank books. They should focus on creating and implementing effective and efficient laws and policies, which will help solve those crises with its suitable, equal and appropriate performance.

The government’s budget deficit bulges, that as it increases our budget for the local expenses decreases and even becomes stringent and stiff. Our legislators should understand and realize that their immediate success should be proportionately equal to every common citizen who voted for them with trust and loyalty. They should concentrate in uplifting the lives of the ordinary individuals and that they may have what is due for them accordingly with what our law states. Pondering on the idea, the national survival and progress depends on how they perform their duties and responsibilities with dignity and pure integrity. And that every citizen paying their taxes and abiding to the laws should benefit equally from the laws that they make. Giving emphasis, our laws and policies are for everybody, but it is not cheap----always available, but not for sale!

**This is a re-post. I took it from my old, dead, ‘nilulumot’ and inept blogsite. And now, I’m sharing it again. I wrote this article for my subject in college, Dynamics of Philippine Politics. This article is inspired by the ‘forbidden’ book in Congress entitled "The Rulemakers" by Sheila S. Coronel and Yvonne T. Chua.

Hating Ships, Loving Water and Loving God More

I really hate riding on ships.

Thank God, I haven’t had any chance to ride any of those; and I’m not planning to. (How about a ‘special escapade cruise’?!----It depends where, when and with whom. You know, special escapade cruises, though very expensive, are more relaxing and has a soothing, calming and tranquilizing effect for its passengers unlike the normal course of sailing: boring and very tedious. Hehehe..)

I just hate it. I really hate the feeling of vomiting, the “nausea-tic” effect while traversing the monotonous view of the ranging waters----the queasiness that it brings and perturbed feeling while spending long hours of waiting and wandering. It’s like having emetophobia (fear of vomiting), illyngophobia (fear of vertigo or feeling dizzy when looking down), cymophobia (fear of waves), potamophobia (fear of rivers or running water) and selachophobia (fear of sharks) ----all rolled into one. Actually, I don’t have any of those; I just feel researching and stating them. Hehehe… I feel threatened whenever I hear stories of sharks playing under the ship and eventually surrounding it. I hate ‘Titanic effects’, though romantic still it’s tragic. (Wow! How poetic! Hehehe… I can’t stand romance trapped into a tragedy. And who wants to?! Maybe Romeo and Juliet?!) I feel uncomfortable not because I don’t know how to swim, (huh, I had my swimming lessons when I was still in grade school with my village friends.) but because of the threatening stories I hear from those who have ridden ships most of their lives.

Ironically, I love water. In fact, I can’t live without it. Everyday I consume many liters of water just to keep me going for the rest of the day. As an effect, I sweat a lot. There are times I just feel that I have more water than blood in my body. (Doc, is that a fact?! Hehehe...)

I remember when I was confined in the hospital for almost 2 weeks because of Dengue. My doctor told me that I was also suffering from dehydration. Huh?! I was shocked. Almost all my life, every night and day, I always have a bottle of water with me. And I see to it that it is always empty before I sleep at night. And now, a doctor telling me that I was also suffering from dehydration?! Eventually, he explained to me the secondary effects of Dengue such as dehydration. It’s funny that almost all of my visitors have this uniformity of idea of bringing lots of liquids such Gatorade (except the dark-colored ones) and almost all brands of mineral water available. Every hour, I get to drink at least 10 liters of water and 5 bottles of Gatorade. (Isn’t that enough?!) I almost drown myself with water and Gatorade trying to hydrate myself once again. It seems like I had an insatiable thirst that no liquid could or will ever quench. (Hmm…O.A.?! Hehehe...) Yeah, that’s true. Thank God, as I was discharged from the hospital, I felt like I have no more blood running through the veins of my body instead I have tons of water flowing in my system keeping me alive. Hehehe... I almost considered the idea of passing a ‘two-week VTR’ to the advertisers of Gatorade and almost all brands of mineral water, thinking that I would be a very efficient and effective endorser of the said brands; and to prove that they have healing effects in a regular usage. Hehehe... At least now, I’m back to my normal life of drinking normal liters of water everyday. And thank God, I’m also normally hydrated.

See how I love water and I hate ships.

This coming May 15-20, 2006, our church has organized a medical/dental mission, film showing and concert in Caticlan (Boracay). I really love to join in that mission work. But I’m also caught in a dilemma of whether joining them in a ship (Come on! Have I not over-emphasized how I hate riding on ships?!) or taking a delayed flight on May 18 (Grr… all flights going to Aklan: fully booked. I don’t believe it. My mom said, some airlines do not allow passengers to occupy the seats at the back part of the plane. And they are not explaining why.) Take note, the whole mission trip will end on May 20, don’t you think it’s not worth going if I only have at least 2 days to spend it with them? (How impractical!) To think, if I will take that May 18 flight to Aklan, the only flight available coming back to Manila will be on May 30. (Don’t you think that’s too much for a vacation?! Hehehe… Plus the fact that I have to enroll on May 26 for law school.) Or the option of joining them, forgetting my anxieties, surrendering my ‘fears’ to God (How spiritual, but it’s true, and that’s the way it should be.) and overcoming the things that I hate for the sake of loving God more and deeply serving Him through this mission, film showing and concert.

I know some would say that it is not a dilemma. Some would even think that this problem is so petty considering that financial difficulties should be given more emphasis. But come to think of it, inasmuch as I want to think about the financial predicaments that this trip would entail, I believe that each participant-minister of this mission work should have the right reasons for doing this mission. That there are still issues that one should consider before going to the mission field. I thank God for dealing mine as 'petty' as it may appear; and other things that need a revamp and repair. Others may have concerns bigger and more serious issues than hating ships, abhorring nausea and dizziness, overcoming phobias, and being threatened by playful sharks. Others may have certain issues of the heart, or attitudes, or character, we don’t know. But it’s not my business to criticize neither to scrutinize anyone. I believe that God has prepared each minister that He sends to the mission field to sow more souls for Him; and harvest fruits for His glory. That’s the big deal!

Come to think of it, it’s more than---hating ships and loving water, it’s all about loving God MORE!!!!

P.S.: Please pray for our Caticlan Mission. Please pray also for the people of Caticlan that may God open their spiritual eyes and ears for the God’s Word of salvation and healing. Please pray for a continuous financial support for our mission works.

Thanks. God bless!

My Prayer Song

HEART OF WORSHIP
Matt Redman

When the music fades,
All is stripped away
And I simple come
Longing just to bring,
Something that’s of worth
That will bless Your heart

King of endless worth,
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I’m weak and poor,
All I have is Yours
Every single breath

I’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heart

I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You
All about You, Jesus
I’m sorry Lord for the things I’ve made it
When it’s all about You
It’s all about You, Jesus