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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*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!

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…))