Simply Mawself =<^-^>=

One of the Reasons to Remain Faithful :)

2011-03-09T02:48:00.001+08:00

This song brings back memories but most of all it is an amazing reminder of why we should remain faithful :)

Our walk of faith is NOT just for us, more than that, it is a light to those who are to come after us. If you love your family, if you love your future children, is the life you are living today going to inspire them to live a life of faith?

It is only when you go beyond thinking about only yourself in the context of your walk with God will you understand the weight of you keeping your walk of faithfulness.

SOOOOOO not easy and surely we will fail from time to time, but amidst failure, are you still going to go back up, look up to Him for grace and keep that walk of faith?!?

BOTTOM LINE: It doesn’t affect JUST you. :)

Steve Green - Find us faithful Lyrics

Listen to the Music with Lyrics in YouTube

We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives

CHORUS:
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

REPEAT CHORUS
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

What More Can I Say?! :)

2011-02-28T02:35:00.001+08:00

1 Peter 4:1-19 (NLT)

Living for God

¹ So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.² You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. ³ You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.

⁴ Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. ⁵ But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. ⁶ That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit.

⁷ The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. ⁸ Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹ Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.

¹⁰ God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. ¹¹ Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹² Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. ¹³ Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

¹⁴ So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. ¹⁶ But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! ¹⁷ For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? ¹⁸ And also,

“If the righteous are barely saved,
what will happen to godless sinners?”

¹⁹ So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.

Reap What You Sow :)

2011-02-20T02:37:00.001+08:00

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct... Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith."

Gal 6:4-5,7-10 (NLT)

This verse is such an encouragement and a BIG reminder to to me :) Somehow it reminds me that God is not blind. He definitely sees. And part of our walk in faith is to continue doing His will; to continue doing what is right before Him; to continue being excellent in our workplace even if sometimes we just don’t see things paying off and in spite of the stress the world puts on our lives. It also reminds me to not compare myself with others, but to just do my part in doing my best where He has placed me. It’s not easy to walk in faith, (and there would definitely be days when I don’t feel like being my best at all) but in His perfect time, we will definitely reap what we sow :)

I Just Missed Writing :)

2010-12-16T04:38:00.001+08:00

God made me realize at a young age that I need Him, but the journey has been long and difficult and continues to be that way, but well worth it! :) *I am hard-headed so I do end up learning things the hard way most of the time :)*

I remember that one of the greatest prejudice and condemnation that I have ever encountered growing up was that I was Chinese who cannot speak Chinese. As a young girl growing in a Chinese community, that hurt me a lot. The thing is, I was surrounded by people who called themselves Christians.

Reminiscing, I really learned a lot since then :)

1. Love and Acceptance.

When I look at a person, I don’t want to care if you’re a Chinese or a Filipino. I don’t even care about your past, because I know what it feels to be judged. I just want to see you as God sees you. I just want to see the best and the good in you. I want to love the people around me in the same way God has shown His love for me. Difficult? Yes. But, He loved me even if I can be so unlovely.

When people fail us or disappoint us, just forgive. *oh so difficult* BUT that is Grace. Maybe they just don’t know what they’re doing or maybe they’re already so lost in their bad habits. I am reminded often times, it is not my role to make someone grow out of his/her bad habits, that is God’s role. All we can do is be there for them. Encourage them. Build them. Love them. Accept them. Be gracious to them. As they grow in God, they’ll receive the wisdom to know what is right from wrong. If they grow in love with God, they’ll choose to obey Him not because you told them to, but because they just love Him enough to obey Him. Everyone has their own walk of faith with God. Anyway, in the end, each of us are accountable to Him :)

Side comment thoughts:

When I die, I rather be secure that I did my best to live a life of faith that there is God :) If there is none, then okay so what, then there is nothingness, but what if there is? :P How will you face Him then because there are no more second chances after that?! :) Where will you go then?

The greatest lie of the devil:

You are still young, you still have so much time to spare :) But oh that can be so deceptive. Time flies young one. You will never know when it is too late.

2. Identity. Security. Courage. Competence

I was not secure back then. Who am I? Who cares if I am a Filipino or a Chinese. Would that even matter to God?! I am a Christian. That is my citizenship. I have found security in my identity in God. A God who will never falter, a perfect God. Imagine if I found my security in this world, if that world crumbles, so will I. If I find my identity in my group of friends, or in the lifestyle I live in or in money. What if I lose all that? Won’t I also lose my entire being?!

I am a woman created by God. Again He created me, He knows me best. If I want to find myself. I should look up to Him, my maker for the source of the answer. What is my role? what is my purpose? When I deal with my guy friends and with my boyfriend, how does God want me to act as a woman? What is his design for me?

Competence. I always feel so incompetent. In school and at work. Honestly, so many people are so good at what they do. This is a world full of competition. AND I HATE COMPETITION!

Life is so scary. The world is sooo big especially after college. Running away doesn’t bring any permanent and lasting peace. I only get the courage to face life because I have a God walking with me through it all. I can just stand secure in Him. I have been so badly beaten by this world. I can only rise up again because He picks me up like a little child missing a step or tripping on the ground. It happens *a lot*.

God says His grace is sufficient. His power is made perfect in my weaknesses and so it is He who makes me competent. His grace enables me.

3. Christ-culture not Chinese culture

People are careless. We all falter and fail. I am very guilty of that. We all have our bad habits. Looking back, those people probably didn’t mean to be judgmental or maybe they just didn’t know because of the culture they are in. Sometimes, culture can get the best of us. I guess the Chinese culture became more significant than the “Christ-culture” that we should be living out.

4. Faith

Everything is about faith. Faith is a choice. Nobody *can* force you. It is not by culture or tradition. Faith is a conscious and scary choice. It takes faith to obey God, to walk in His ways. It takes faith to surrender to God my identity, myself, my hurts, my past, my everything… and it is never the easiest thing to do.

Oh by the way, you can say I surrender my studies and career to God, but not my heart. AND that happens. Guess what happens after that? God will definitely be able to bless you immensely in the surrendered aspects of your life, but what about those that aren’t?

Faith is an experience with God. It is a personal experience with Him. In fact, I don’t think anybody can judge your walk with God. In the end, it is just between you and Him.

Faith works in such a way that you don’t know what will be the result of taking hold of faith, but you just choose to have faith because you completely trust Him that He knows best.

5. Peace. Joy

God is the only one who can make me cry out of joy. Nobody else can. I guess for me joy is a peaceful state of being, a bouncing and excited heart in spite of the worst days of your life or the happiest ones just coz you know He is in control.

I call it the disney feeling :) Like a little disney princess living a fairy tale come true. That is how God is to me. I am His precious little princess. His beloved.

Peace that comes from Him transcends all understanding. That means you won’t be able to understand what I am saying here unless you experience it for yourself *which takes faith*. In my case, I find myself so much at peace when I sing to Him or when I cry to Him. Nobody else in this world can ever grant me that peace and unexplainable joy except Him.

And so this ends my written babbling thoughts for the day! :D

Today :)

2010-07-12T01:53:00.001+08:00

Just some things I learned and reflected upon today from this Sunday’s Message :) I felt very blessed and encouraged :) Praise be to God for His amazing WORD!

1. God’s WORD has authority because of the Author.

If anyone ever approached you and told you something, your next question would be “Says who?”. If it is from your Boss or a respected person, you’d more or less believe it right?
The authority gains leverage on the source.

2. We can approach the WORD in 2 ways:

You as the cookie cutter

You rationalizing with it on your own, for your benefit and how you want to see it.

OR the WORD as the cookie cutter

Letting it mold you into the cookie that you should become based on how God wants you to become.

3. Another word for the “Promise Land” is “God’s Rest”

To stand in His Promise and find Rest.
Have you ever experienced being disobedient to Him? For example, you know you have to do something that He wants you to do, but you run away from it. It becomes a struggle. A restless one. You find yourself exhausted. Another example would be doing things on your own power, strength and effort, putting everything in your own hands. You end up burned-out.
The Israelites were like that. Roaming for 40 years (A long and exhausting struggle). They were disobedient to God. The root of their disobedience is unbelief in His Promise.

Heb 3:15-19

As has just been said: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert? And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.

4. Hebrews 4:7 "Today, if you hear his voice,” do not harden your hearts."

Everyday is designated as “Today”.
What hardens our hearts is Sin’s deceitfulness.
We all have in one way or another, fallen to it’s trap.
For example, you know what is right from wrong. You have a conscience to tell you so. However, you belittle the wrong because of your situation or maybe even your own personal philosophy. Some people would steal and just say that I was starving that is why I did that. Students would cheat in exam and say, I needed to pass the exam or else my parents are going to kill me. Some people commit adultery or fornicate, and say “we are in love”. The truth is, you know what is right from wrong. Sin deceives you to believe otherwise.
Sin can contort you to have a “bad romance” with Sin.
Col 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”

5. Heb 4:11 “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.”

Q: WHY?
A: #6

6. Because the WORD says in Heb 9:27 “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment”

If you believe in God, then you would understand what that verse means.
You can choose your sin, be a cookie cutter, run-away from God, and rationalize all you want like, but you cannot choose the consequence of those sin.
In the end, when you stand before Him, you will never have an excuse.
Being too young to settle down in Him, won’t be an acceptable excuse either.

7. Heb 3:13 “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness”

As the WORD exposes our shortcomings, we need people to be their mirrors. Mirrors who would catch, support and help us.
People who can point us back to the right track – back to the what He has done on the Cross for us, so that no matter how inadequate we may end up feeling, we are encouraged and revived to find His Rest.
These are people whom we can walk with us “Today”. In VCF, we call this a smallgroup :)
Remember: Everyday is designated as “Today”.

I ♥ Wufie d’ Munkey (for my beloved boyfriend)

2010-06-28T02:56:00.001+08:00

Using my Omnia and the DynaInk drawing software installed in it, I suddenly got inspired to draw a Wufie d’ Munkey (based on the monkey wallpaper in my cellphone, modified already of course for my ♥).

I love you babe! ♥♥♥ Hope you like my mini caricature gift and surprise for you today! :) God bless! Galingan mo po sa work! :D Enjoy! Ingat po pagpasok! It looks so much like you hehehehe :P

“Wufie d’ Munkey”

Note to the boyfriend:
Someday I will be inspired to draw a Woofie the Wolfie version :P hehe :P

The Painting of 9 Months and a Valentine’s Story

2010-02-20T03:59:00.001+08:00

February 13, 2010 (Saturday)

Warning: This is going to be another long blog post.

I knew he was cooking up a surprise for me since Thursday that week. He told me so because he didn’t want me to worry, but of course he didn’t tell me what the surprise will be. After work, he would text me that he will be going somewhere else before going home in preparation for the Saturday surprise. He really wanted to make it special and he wanted to make me happy.

The history behind this is that there was this one time (or maybe more than that) when I complained to him that he never really plans anything for me or even us for any occasion. He is not really the planner type of person, so I usually end up planning our dates or getaways. So he was really excited to do all this planning and preparation for this date.

At first, he set the date to be on February 14, Sunday, so that it would fall exactly on Valentine’s Day. However, we both eventually agreed to move it to February 13 which would be our 9th Monthsary (We made it a point to spend some time together every 13th of the month if possible).

On my end, I made extra attention to fix myself up that day as requested by the boyfriend, so I decided to wear this silky floral dress that I have never worn before. I bought it out of a whim and I thought it was really pretty. It must have been a year or so since I bought it, but I never had a chance to really wear it. Anyway, it was a pretty floral-printed silky spaghetti-strapped empire type of dress with the skirt just above the knee. I also wore my black shawl over my shoulders and my favorite soft black boots to compliment the outfit. To accessorize, I wore my vintage rose metal-molded pendant necklace which I recently got as a pasalubong from my Ate, my favorite silver dangling earrings, and I also brought along the new white hand-bag with a butterfly on it from his mom. Of course some powder, dabs of blush-on and mascara to complete the simple and natural make-up look. It always makes him happy to see me making extra effort to fix myself up for him and so I did.

So the date arrived, literally, the day did come and so did he on our doorstep with a bouquet of one dozen roses which he really took time to buy in Dangwa flower market in Dimasalang. It was beautiful as always as it represents his continuous desire to court me even if we are already in a relationship. Some people used to tell me that courtship usually ends once you become boyfriend/girlfriend or when you get married. Rather, I think that it is a matter of choice, as most things are, and it doesn’t have to end if the couple would choose to not let it end. The word panliligaw is simply the start of courtship and I believe the ideal one is one that would continue on in marriage till death do them part. Of course, this should be a mutual effort. Men have a really big role in this one as they should be the ones leading the relationship, and they must make the effort to not become passive in wooing their significant other. On the other end, women should be responsive to efforts done by the guys. I know how much it means to guys when their efforts are recognized, complimented and when the girls make an effort to really fix themselves up as well for the guys.

After picking me up, we took a cab towards the secret place. I tried my best not to guess the surprise as requested by the boyfriend again because I am usually good a picking up hints. Unfortunately, I did get a few ideas during our trip there due to the following reasons. During our conversation, we were talking about current events in our work. I was talking about how I was a bit worried and excited at the same time about my Sharepoint project because it was new to me but at the same time it was something I was really interested to learn. I was also talking to him about how great things are going with that project so far, and it has been such an answered prayer. Then suddenly, he interrupts me with a “Buti nalang! Ay… ndi…” Okay, this me, auto-processing what he just said without me really consciously making that effort to get the hint because I really didn’t mean to understand what he just said, but then again, what can I do about it. So my brain automatically zapped me up this “Aha!” idea. So what do I mean with all this gibberish? Let me break it down to this. First, I know my boyfriend. My boyfriend talks to me about everything.

So here are the puzzle pieces:

1. Early on, before I started my Sharepoint project, he told me about his officemate, who happens to be really good at Sharepoint. He would often tell me that if I have a problem, maybe I could ask for help from his friend.

2. One time, when he told me that he was going off somewhere for the surprise, he did mention that he was with the exact same person and another one who happens to be his boss.

3. The only restaurant/eating place I know that I didn’t know which I know he knows would somebody’s house where I have never been to before.

4. “Buti nalang!” If I fill in the blanks. It would look like this, “Buti nalang, nandyan si Mark So, magaling yun sa Sharepoint, may mapagtatanungan ka!”

Given those clues: I automatically came to a pretty close idea where we were going. It was somewhere where Mark So was. Probably his house or something, but I was sure he would be there.

After that, as a sign of mercy for my boyfriend who made all the extra effort to plan, I decided not to think about it any further.

Well, I was not disappointed anyway:

I came to a pretty close guess. We did go to someone’s house, but it was his boss’ house, Sir Brian. Mark So was also there, so that was correct. BUT what I didn’t expect was that Sir Brian and Mark So would be there to be our cooks/chefs for our very special dinner date. And everything was so beautiful. We went to the rooftop, where we had a simple table, with white tablecloth and two small candles lit up for the simple candlelight rooftop dinner. It was really cozy because it wasn’t noisy at all, there was a cool breeze blowing and the night was just so peaceful. The boyfriend and Sir Brian also set up some music to set the mood for Valentine’s. Then the boyfriend gave me one more rose specially for that moment. So I received 13 roses all in all! Perfect for our Monthsary day, 13. In turn, I gave him my end of the surprise. I gave him some pasalubong from my HK trip the previous weekend. He was really happy about his new pair of fluffy Domo slippers which he now regularly wears in the office. BUT, that was not all! I was not prepared for the sumptuous dinner that awaited us. The food was too delectable that words would not suffice to describe how good it was! We had humongous amount of Angel Hair Tuna Pesto with Nori specially prepared by Sir Brian, and two plates of extra big slices of a really mouth-watering Steak (I think it was Angus-Beef.. I forgot because you would forget when you eat it) prepared by Mark So. We also had Juice (whoops forgot what it was made of), but it wasn’t too sweet so I liked it. We also had salad. It had grapes and nuts in it. I was able to finish the pesto but it really was A LOT, so I was too full to eat my plate of Steak. So the boyfriend and I decided to share one plate of Steak and give the other plate to Sir Brian and Mark So who made a lot of effort in cooking in his behalf. It was the most amazing dinner I have ever had! In fact, it was just perfect for the occasion. I didn’t want to go with the rest of the Valentine’s community to a noisy and extremely filled-up restaurant, and get worked up about waiting for our reservation or whatever issue might come up. This was a hassle-free and delightful night for us to enjoy with the company of good food, and friends (after dinner).

The secret unfolded:

The boyfriend really wanted to give me a surprise, so he started asking Sir Brian and Mark So for ideas. They suggested that boyfriend can cook for me. The boyfriend thinks that it is a great idea! BUT, he can’t cook (though he used to boast to me that he is really great at cooking *ahem…* frying). So Sir Brian and Mark So volunteers to cook for us for our special dinner. Since Thursday that week, the boyfriend with the help of Sir Brian and Mark So have been shopping for ingredients. The boyfriend served as the financier while Sir Brian and Mark So as the cooking experts.

The conclusion:

I love my boyfriend. Some people would acknowledge fate, luck or destiny for their relationships. For me I would say it was and still is all thanks to God because I know that He is the Painter of this relationship. The most amazing thing about it is that, portrait after portrait of memories and moments, He continues to paint so many more beautiful pictures. He weaves the stories and intertwines them together to unravel even more beautiful pieces of the story waiting to unfold through the months and years to come. That is my faith. Last February 13, 2010, He made a very beautiful painting, The Painting of 9 Months and a Valentine’s Story. I wonder what is He going to paint next? :)

I believe that the perspective of love must always be one-way and that is “I will ___ even if you don’t ___”. It is as unselfish and as unconditional as that. You can fill in the blanks with something like “love you” and “love me”, but it can go beyond that such as “do everything for you”, and “care”.

However, for a relationship to work, first, love must be present. Next, it must be mutually perceived as unconditional as that stated above by the couple. Imagine that!

Sadly, nothing is perfect. People fail each other, but that makes it more important to decide and choose to have that kind of love for each other every single moment of your time as a couple, because when one of you fail each other, that love comes in and says… I will forgive you even if you have failed me. I will love you regardless of the circumstances, just because I love you.

Women are Like Apples on a Tree (Repost)

2009-10-02T14:13:00.003+08:00

I really like this. Sharing it with you all especially to all women out there :)

Women are like apples on a tree. The best ones are at the top of the tree. Most men don't want to reach for the good ones because they're afraid of getting hurt. So instead, they just take the apples from the ground that aren't as good, but easy to get... The apples at the top of the tree think there's something wrong with them, when, in reality, they're amazing. They just have to wait for the right man to come along - one who's brave enough to climb all the way to the top.

Men, on the other hand, are like a fine wine.

They begin as grapes... and it's up to women to stomp on them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.

Original claimed by Shuna Holmes.
Source: http://malaysia-bohemia.blogspot.com/2005/06/women-are-like-apples-on-tree.html

Psalm 23 : CCS Version (Re-post from Ainsley)

2009-08-31T21:01:00.003+08:00

I got his from Ainsley's blog! For all Computer Science students, I think you would be able to relate so I'm re-posting :) Enjoy and be blessed!

Psalm 23 : CCS Version
The Lord is my programmer, I
shall not crash.
He installed His software on the hard disk of my
heart:
All of His commands are user-friendly.
His directory guides me to
the right choices for His name sake.
Even though I scroll through the
problems of life,
I will fear no bugs, for He is my backup.
His password protects me.
He prepares a menu before me in the presence of my enemies.
His help is
only a keystroke away.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days
of my life!
And my file will be merged with His and saved forever.

Why Read Kings and Chronicles?!

2009-08-29T03:06:00.008+08:00

My entry today is more of a reflection on my Bible reading lately. So please bear with me if they're not as organized as my previous entries :) But I still hope, you'll get something out of this one.

Lately, I've been reading through the Old Testament. I've gone through Kings and now I am about to finish Chronicles. Then I started to think, what's the point of reading through those four books anyway?!

Somehow, God reminded me of the following points:

1. Finishing Well is More Important than Starting Out Well
Kings and Chronicles are accounts of kings and how they lived their lives.

Scenario 1: Many of them actually started off well. They walked with God. They obeyed Him. But MANY of them also did not continue do so for the rest of their lives, most of them ended up not finishing well.

Scenario 2: I've also noticed though that there are kings who did not start out right with God. HOWEVER, at some point of their lives they repented and turned back to God. As a results, they finished well.

In the first scenario, though God's blessing was upon them during their period of obedience, when they turned their backs on God, God also turned His back on them. And so various disasters fell upon these kings and their kingdom during their reign until their last breath. Some also have gruesome and disgraceful deaths because of their disobedience.

In the second scenario, during their time of disobedience, God's wrath was upon them. HOWEVER, when they realized how wrong they were and they started to go back to God, God immediately heard them and forgave them. NOT ONLY THAT! God started to bless them, their kingdom and the work of their hands until their time of death.

These two scenarios are resounding and are so repetitive throughout the four books! The message is loud and clear! It just shows how much God values our consistency NOW in our walk with Him. He can easily forgive our past if we would just come back to Him.

2. God rewards Obedience and Faith
This leads me to the second point. God loves to give good gifts to His children. When God says He rewards "good gifts", He meant it! He rewards prosperity to those who are obedient and faithful to Him. Who doesn't want prosperity?! AND the thing is the kind of prosperity and riches He gives is the one that lasts and that is out of a clean conscience (I'm sure you know what I mean). A clean conscience btw is also very rewarding. It gives you a peace that is priceless.

2Ch 31:20-21 "This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God. In everything that he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered. "

Remember the word is "reward". Rewards are given when you do good things not bad things. So don't expect the "reward" if you're bluntly disobeying Him.

2Ch 32:29 "He built villages and acquired great numbers of flocks and herds, for God had given him very great riches."

This verse seems just like a simple narrative passage, but this really struck me. Look at the last part "for God had given him very great riches." Think about it. God CAN give you/us riches because He is God and He has the power to do so!

This passage was very encouraging for me because lately ever since I started working, I have started to become bothered by finances. AND I really thank God for reassuring me once again of His lifelong promise to me:

Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Again, to claim the reward, all you have to do is take hold of your faith and be an obedient child. There is blessing in obedience. REMEMBER, God also credits our righteousness through our faith in Him.

Rom 4:3 What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

SO keep the faith burning!!! NEVER let it puff out! Walk the faith!

3. Your choices and actions as a leader can either bless or curse the people around you
I've been through a lot of leadership positions and I realized that my relationship and walk with God has a lot of impact on the people who are placed under my leadership.

Reading through these four books, it can be observed that the way the kings lived their lives, the decisions they made regarding their walk with God and their faithfulness to Him had a great impact on the their kingdom. The decision of one king led to either the kingdom's prosperity or downfall, wars lost or battles won, disasters or blessings upon the land.

Just one person, just one choice, but it affected an entire nation.

What leadership position are you in right now? Is it at work, in your relationships, in church or in an organization?

Are you passing blessings? or are you bringing down curses?

I won't sum this entry to anything. These are things God spoke to me about. I hope that you're blessed as I have been blessed! God bless!

I Wouldn't Want to be with Anybody Else but You!

2009-08-25T04:26:00.007+08:00

Thanks to Angelene Ong for this captured moment! :)

Shred4Christ

2009-08-25T00:22:00.004+08:00

If you're a Christian, and you're passionate about serving God with Music or maybe you just love Christian Music regardless of the genre, please join http://shred4christ.ning.com/

I hope that this will be a haven for you where you can just be free to express your passion for music as a worshipper and servant of Christ :)

Feel free to join in the forums, create posts/discussions, share your testimonies as well as encourage fellow music lovers :)

May you be instrumental not only as a musician but above all as someone who helps build and encourage fellow believers in their walk with God! :)

Be blessed and may you bless the lives of other musicians and fellow Christians! God bless everyone! :)

Reminds Me of You

2009-05-14T03:31:00.002+08:00

I was browsing the web when I saw these pictures :) Then I got reminded of you :) This is me spontaneous mode :)

	I'm chose to embrace the sunset with you and here we are :) I chose to take your hand and stand with you :) It started with "Wild at Heart" and "Captivating" :)
	Art :)
	The caption I think for this picture was "words are not enough". True! That's why I chose pictures ;)
	I feel so secure with you :)
	So true :) Aside from that we both love music. We love ktv :)
	And yes I love you for being there for me, for the comfort and for always taking care of me :)
	Simple. Let me call this Adam meets Eve :)
	Dancing under the moonlight :) you love to twirl me while walking in the mall, or in powerbooks or while walking in the streets :) and i loved that too :)
	We both love anime love stories :) and love stories regardless if anime or not :) this reminds me esp of one that is on the eve of my birthday :) Oh yeah we also both love the song "Love Story" by taylor swift
	This is from me to you :) It's a commitment and a feeling :)
	Haha I think you know what I mean by this picture? ;)
	This is just sweet and cute :)
	I like the photo :) Nice composition :)
	Lucky and blessed to have you...
	You are sweet and you just love to make me feel loved. I hope things won't change even if time will pass.
	The shadow proves that love is real ;)
	I remember how much fun we had at Crystal Beach Resort!!! Surfing!!! :)
	I remember the cool January to Feb days with you when the weather was so cool :)
	Guns and roses. Haha I don't know but this reminds me of you :P
	You introduced me to progressive music
	When I look at you, I see so much love. I love you!
	No nonsense. That's you. Simple and true.
	Beauty and the Beast. I remember you volunteering to be my beast haha. I think you've become a prince ;) You have proven yourself faithful to Him. That conviction made me fall in love with you more :) You obeyed Him and chose Him. You have grown so much in Him. And because of that I felt His peace when I made the decision to love you :) You have my heart coz you sought Him first.
	Eyes on me. I love that song. It also reminds me of you.
	Coffee Bean! Don't we love to take our coffee/frap late at night when I take breaks from my shift :)
	One thing I am so blessed to have with you is that our love is so beautiful :) God scripted the story so amazingly :) There is so much trust and fidelity. I pray we'd both work to protect what we have.
	Hug!
	I missed you :)
	It starts with the bond, with the friendship we shared :)
	Don't we love to play with words? :) I can really talk to you and you can really talk to me :) We can have silly conversations as well as intelligent ones :)
	Haha you taught me to love the music in your world. I remember taking that first step when I watched your band practice :)
	We are partners :) and yes your favorite colors are red and black ;)
	We love food? :) haha and it is one of our favorite things to do! EAT good food :)
	You showed up one time at the office to surprise me with a yellow rose. I tried to hide you from everyone haha :P Then on Feb 13th you showed up at my team dinner with a bouquet of roses. I love flowers you know that. :)
	Yes this is so you!
	God blessed this broken road :) He blessed me with you and through you, I learned that I could love again for real :)
	Princesses aren't always damsels in distress. If they had to fight for their prince. One reason I made that decision is because I want to start fighting for us too.
	When I saw this I realized how true it is. That's what I realized the most those past 6 days we were apart.
	I think you already know what this means :) But it's a praying bunny take note of that :) God will always be part of this relationship.
	It's corny. Just like you! :P
	You love photography especially b&w photography. You also love film photography. :) Something we both share is our love for photography :)
	We love fashion and styles and clothes and looking great together and individually :) You love the way I carry myself and I love the way you carry yourself :)
	Yes you are my woofie and I am your mawie :) Aren't we partners? :) The Wolf and the Cat ;)

Prejudice

2009-04-21T00:27:00.002+08:00

It is sad when people just judge a person by what they hear or see. Pray that you learn to see each person in the eyes of God... and that we should treat everyone with the same love God has shown us. Everyone is beautiful in the eyes of our Creator. And everyone deserves to be seen in that light. the same light that He showered upon us... that is to imitate Christ. God bless!

Dawn

2009-02-21T01:25:00.007+08:00

Like a flower ready to bloom into beauty once again

Lift up your head to look upon the sky

And feel the warmth of Dawn

As it draws close, do you feel the Sun's sweet kiss?

Colors fill the sky...

A horizon filled with so many wonders

Do you feel the caress of the morning dew?

Go on and breathe in the sweet cool breeze

Be refreshed... Renewed...

Swept away by the splendor of it all

A new season... Uncertainty yet full of expectancies

A gift to be opened, today is the present

Surrender: A Walk of Faith

2009-02-21T00:52:00.006+08:00

A personal thought for the day:

When you surrender aspect by aspect of yourself and your life before God, you allow Him to take sovereignty over each of those aspects so that His grace and Spirit may work on them, allowing His blessings to overflow in all those aspects. Indeed there is so much blessing in absolute surrender and obedience before Him. It is a walk of faith, an experience, and not just something to believe in.

You Complete Me

2008-03-04T01:50:00.003+08:00

Last friday, February 29, 2008 was the start of the "Love at First Sight" series in VCF Malate. The first part of this three-part series was entitled "You Complete Me". The speaker for that night was Pastor Nickson.

Do you believe in love at first sight? Most of us may no longer believe in something like that, but according to Pastor Nickson, "love at first sight" is for real.

From the very first moment God thought about us and saw us, He already loved us so much that He carefully and beautifully created each of us in our mother's womb. In fact, God loved us so much that from very first moment God looked at us, He already saw (envisioned) our love story. Now that is a new perspective on what "love at first sight" really means!

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
- Psalm 139:13-16 -

Have you ever dreamed of a perfect love story of your own? A story of love between two people who seem to be just so right for each other. Two hearts that meet due to twist of circumstances and somehow they were destined to be with each other forever. I think we all want that kind of love story. A love story that is so beautiful, so ideal... We all have that longing to spend our lives with that special someone who would be our future husband or future wife, a lifelong partner, a soul-mate...

But somehow, as we grow up, we start to question if beautiful love stories only exist in fairy tales, movies or telenovelas. Sometimes, the ideal love story they present may even cause us believe in a fake reality of what true love really is. We end up thinking that there is no beautiful or ideal love story in the real world. No such thing could ever exist. People end up compromising their faith, their ideals, their principles hoping that they would soon meet Mr. Right or Ms. Right. It all becomes a trial-and-error cycle as a person gets in and out of one relationship to another. As a result, a beautiful love story becomes just a faraway dream, a fading reality for many people. But is it really just a dream?

Back in the time of beginnings, when there was no sin yet as was written in Genesis 2:18-24, there are three important things that are often taken for granted nowadays:

It is funny how God already saw from the very start that man desperately needs help.
God created woman as man's helper because of all the available creatures in the garden, no animal was found to be qualified or suitable for the task. The main qualification of man's helper is someone who is at par with him. Meaning, that helper is not inferior to man. Therefore, woman is not inferior to man.
This passage paints a picture of what a love story should be as God designed and intended it to be.

The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

- Genesis 2:18-24 -

This passage shows what a God-written love story looks like, a love story that is so beautiful and right because it was God who initiated it from the very start between man and woman.

Aside from that, man at that time was just busy doing the task God intended for him that is to tend the garden of Eden. Man was fulfilling God's purpose for his life. Eventually, while God was observing man, God saw that man needs someone, a lifelong partner, a helper who is at par with him.

It is amazing to take note here that it was DURING the time man was DOING what God wants him to do that God decided to give man that special someone, the woman. Man was not busy looking for someone to complete him rather he was busy fulfilling his purpose.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
- Matthew 6:33 -

So many people are looking for MR. or MS. Right. But they rarely evaluate themselves if they are the Right persons for that someone who will become their future partner in life.

Question: Are you looking for someone to complete you or looking to God to make the way for your completion?

God is not oblivious of our need for a companion. He knows our deepest desires and longings to have that special someone. BUT we can only be complete because of God. Regardless if it is before we meet that partner or when we meet that partner, we can ONLY be complete IF it is God who is involved in either situations making a way for us to be complete.

In the midst of you doing what God wants you to do, God would just bring someone to you. It is only when we "do" the purpose God has intended for us, that we will be ready for a relationship.

In fact, many people who go into a pre-mature relationship end up frustrated, disappointed, and dissatisfied because they did not wait on God to initiate the relationship. Most women find themselves becoming yaya's to the guys because they are taking care of a "boy" not a "man". Even the right thing at the wrong time is still the wrong thing.

ALARM: A relationship that man initiates.

REMINDER: Wait on God to initiate in His perfect time.

...Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.
- Song of Songs 2:7 -

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven... He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11 -

Who are we to say we can do better than God, after all He is God? There is no one better than Him with whom we can trust our love story with.

We must learn to humble ourselves before GOD and recognize that it is His hand that brings two hearts as one. Sin can cause a breakage in us. God wants to make us whole first before He can bring someone to us. God cannot bring two broken people together because they would just pull each other down.

God values that aspect of our lives so much that He wants to be involved in it. He wants to take the very pen from our clumsy hands so that He will be able write it into a beautiful love story of two "whole" people.

The Guy Thing

2008-02-10T17:50:00.003+08:00

Last Friday, February 8, 2008, VCF Malate had its third part of the Passion Trend Series entitled "The Guy Thing".

The program started with a fashion show wherein some of our VCF men ramped as models. Afterwards, one by one these men came out to give roses to the all the women in the church. This was to signify men's role in honoring all women regardless of who they are. It is a man's role to treat women with utmost respect and purity because they are special before God's eyes.

After that, the speaker for the night preached about the topic for that night which is "The Guy Thing". The topic was about becoming Real Men in accordance to how God designed and destined men to be. After the message, there was call for real men to stand up and commit themselves to start living in righteousness before God. Those who made a stand were prayed for by the pastors, and the congregation. I, myself found myself blessed to see so many men willing to start living out for God. In our generation today, it is rare to see men wanting to live pure and holy lives. But I was so blessed to see that there are still men who are willing to make that choice. C'mon! Praise God!

The message was also really amazing that I decided to blog about it so that those who were not able come would at least still be able to grasp the message. I also added my own insights and some verses to compliment the message. Be blessed!

Real Men Say NO to Sin

We all have a desire to fit in regardless of who we are, whether men or women. To give emphasis to this the speaker, showed us the video "The Human Tetris". (see The Human Tetris, YouTube) In our society today, we are often pressured to compromise in order to fit in. We all experience some sort of peer pressure whether in school, in our jobs, or even in our circle of friends, our family and church. The speaker shared his own experience in peer pressure. In a Christmas party he once attended, he was praying to God to win one of the top prizes that was being raffled. However, there was one catch. Their boss, after reading the name of the winner would make the employee drink a lot of wine that it would lead the employee to become drunk. The speaker did not want to compromise his principle to not drink and to not get drunk so he decided beforehand that if his name was called, and he was made to drink he would refuse regardless of the consequences. It was amazing that God answered his prayer to win one of the top prizes but the best part was that everyone was already drunk by the time his name was called that he was no longer offered to drink. It was God's grace that he was also saved from the temptation and pressure.

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:13-14)

We all know Joseph the dreamer in the Bible as a man of God. Joseph was a blessed man. He was handsome, well-off, he had a great job. But that's not all, because of his good looks and appeal, his master's wife, Potiphar was attracted to him. She wanted to sleep with Joseph, but Joseph being a man of God refused her.

...Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said, "Come to bed with me!" But he refused. "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. (Genesis 39:6-10)

How many men in our generation today would choose to do what Joseph did? How many men would rather stand up for righteousness than please their sensual pleasures or go with the crowd?

REAL MEN say NO to SIN!

The original fantastic four according to the speaker can be found in the Bible. They are four friends by the name of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They were also known as Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respectively.

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. The chief official renamed them with these Babylonian names: Daniel was called Belteshazzar. Hananiah was called Shadrach. Mishael was called Meshach. Azariah was called Abednego. (Daniel 1:6-7)

The trials and temptation that these four friends encountered while they were in Babylon was so great that it tested more than their faith, more than their principles, but also threatened their lives.

In one incident in the story, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego encountered an extremely life threatening temptation. The king made a golden idol for himself and commanded everyone to bow down to this idol.

Idolatry as a Sin against God..
So do not corrupt yourselves by making a physical image in any form--whether of a man or a woman, an animal or a bird, a creeping creature or a fish. And when you look up into the sky and see the sun, moon, and stars--all the forces of heaven--don't be seduced by them and worship them. The LORD your God designated these heavenly bodies for all the peoples of the earth. So be careful not to break the covenant the LORD your God has made with you. You will break it if you make idols of any shape or form, for the LORD your God has absolutely forbidden this. The LORD your God is a devouring fire, a jealous God. "In the future, when you have children and grandchildren and have lived in the land a long time, do not corrupt yourselves by making idols of any kind. This is evil in the sight of the LORD your God and will arouse his anger. (Deuteronomy 4:16-19, 23-25)
To whom, then, can we compare God? What image might we find to resemble him?
Can he be compared to an idol formed in a mold, overlaid with gold, and decorated with silver chains? Or is a poor person's wooden idol better? Can God be compared to an idol that must be placed on a stand so it won't fall down? ...It is God who sits above the circle of the earth. The people below must seem to him like grasshoppers! He is the one who spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes his tent from them..."To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?" asks the Holy One. (Isaiah 40:18-20, 22, 25)

The consequence of refusal to bow down and worship King Nebuchadnezzar's idol is death. Imagine yourself in their situation. Everyone in the world is doing it, but you know it's wrong, it's a sin, would you be able to stand up for your for your faith, for your GOD?! Talk about peer pressure. It's like you against the whole world.

..."People of all races and nations and languages, listen to the king's command! When you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other instruments, bow to the ground to worship King Nebuchadnezzar's gold statue. Anyone who refuses to obey will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace." So at the sound of the musical instruments, all the people, whatever their race or nation or language, bowed to the ground and worshiped the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. (Daniel 3:4-7)

But do you know what happened? THEY DID NOT COMPROMISE!

REAL MEN say NO to SIN!

Their desire to please God was greater. They were REAL MEN who wanted to obey their one and only God. And because of that, they were thrown by the king to the burning furnace, but instead of being burned to singes, God rescued them. God blessed their conviction to do what is right and pleasing. There was not even a hint of damage that was seen from these men. They did not even smell of smoke. AMAZING! And more than that, the King was so amazed that he ended up praising God.

Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? I will give you one more chance. If you bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments, all will be well. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. What god will be able to rescue you from my power then?" Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully clothed. And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames leaped out and killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in! So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell down into the roaring flames. But suddenly, as he was watching, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, "Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?""Yes," they said, "we did indeed, Your Majesty." "Look!" Nebuchadnezzar shouted. "I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire. They aren't even hurt by the flames! And the fourth looks like a divine being!" Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the princes, prefects, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke! Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king's command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. (Daniel 3:14-28)

Sometimes we wonder how we can lead our unsaved friends to God. The answer may be in the very lives we are living. When we live lives that is in accordance with God, that is pleasing and blameless before Him, our lives may become the very instrument God will use to lead people to start believing in our great God.

God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

Unfortunately, there are times when temptations come in beautiful packages. Most of the time, the enemy presents himself to be very nice, to be very desirable, and pleasurable. This video is a proof of this fact. (see Vios Video, YouTube)

...Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

God already has planned a wonderful future for us (even before we were born). He wants to give us a great family, a good wife for the men and a good husband for the women. God wants to bless us immensely in our lives. The Bible is full of His promises and beautiful dreams for us. But the enemy would do everything to steal, kill and destroy and even to devour all those beautiful dreams, blessings, plans, so that we will lose everything and turn away from God.

The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy... (John 10:10)

For these reasons, we have to always be on guard. After all we have to prepared in all circumstances whether man or woman, we are equally tempted and attacked by all sorts of testing of faith, sufferings, and temptations.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:8-10)

It is also a reminder for us that we are warriors. We are to flee from his traps, and we must always be ready as warriors to be fully equipped and armored to face the battle.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:11-12)
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith...
(1 Timothy 6:11-12)

REAL MEN say NO to SIN!

Fleeing from temptations is not easy, but it is not impossible. It is always easier to say YES that NO to temptations that is why ONLY REAL MEN CAN SAY NO TO SIN! ONLY MEN OF GOD!

Some people would reason out that they will change when they already become husbands or wives, or when they graduate they will start setting straight their lives. However, we have to realize that what we are doing NOW, will determine what will do and will be in the FUTURE. Your NOW determines your TOMORROW. That is why we must START NOW! Start living pure and holy NOW!

Real Men Fear God

Fear of God is not about being scared rather it means you respect, revere, and even love God. For example, if you love someone or if you highly respect someone, you will not do something bad or hurtful to that person. That is what it means to fear God.

We have such a loving God, in John 3:16, it is written that He loved us so much that He gave His one and only son for us. Put yourself in HIS place. If you have a son, would you be able to do that for someone, a stranger even? I doubt that any good father could do that. But because of HIS LOVE for US, He did that for US.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

God's love for us is more than enough a motivation to turn away from sin. What more can you ask for? He already gave us so much. He loves us so much!

It's never easy to turn away from sin. But we have an encouragement from God, that when we choose Him above all else we are already victorious. For we are conquerors, we are winners! We can refuse sin because of what Christ has done for us.

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)

As Christians, we already can move beyond those sinful natures because they have been crucified with Christ. Now we should be led by the Spirit that we may not sin against God.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:24-25)

The time for us to say NO to SIN and YES to GOD is NOW!

REAL MEN say NO to SIN and YES to GOD!

Personal Prayer List as of the End of January 2008

2008-01-31T17:38:00.001+08:00

Today is the last day of January and I have not been able to blog at all this year till now..

Today, I decided to simply just blog about some things I'm really hoping, believing in faith and praying for... some are prayers I'm believing for this year while others are life prayers that I constantly pray for :)

If you find it in your heart to pray for me for the following things, it would be so much appreciated and I'm sure that God will indeed bless you for your intentions :) Thanks in advance! and God bless you too!

To finish our thesis really soon and to defend our thesis successfully this coming 1st term or earlier this 2008!!!
To graduate this year! I'm believing God that I will graduate this September 2008!
To graduate with honors this September 2008!
To start serving God in the ministries He will lead me to. As of now I am praying for the music ministry, the kid's ministry and most especially discipleship and campus ministry. I really want to sing for my God and to lead people in glorifying He who deserves all honor and glory and praise! I also love and adore kids :) And of course I really want to lead more women to God :) I really desire that they will not only know God, but also develop a relationship with Him, grow in Him and experience Him personally in their lives.
I want to be open to God's calling for whatever gifts He will give, and trials He will set before me. I want to learn from all that He will give me and use them according to His will. Be it unto me according to Your will, according to Your promises, Lord I want to stand secure.
To land on a good paying job where I can really hone myself and develop my skills, as well as apply my specialization in instructional development, e-learning, and digital arts. I also hope that the working environment would not be so toxic and that the people I would be working with will also be friendly and helpful co-workers.
To continually grow in my walk with God and with my spritual family :)
To continually improve my heart, my mind, and my character and set them as God-focused always.
To desire to do God's will and purpose in my life as He reveals it to me as a woman, as a daughter, as a sister, as a follower, as a leader, as a friend, as a future wife and mother... etc. :)
To walk in faith, in purity, in love, in joy, in wisdom, in discernment and in thanksgiving by God's Spirit and by His grace.
To continually aspire to experience God in every aspect of my life, to surrender the control of the big and small things and circumstances in my life to Him, and to desire and to love HIM above all else :)
To be excited for God, to think faith, to develop a prayer lifestyle
To be disciplined with my time, with my quiet time, and with my academics.
For more blessings and provisions for my entire family :) as well as good health, and security :)
For my entire family to also grow in their relationship with each other and with God :)

I believe that this year is a year of answered prayers! :) Prayers are already being answered as early as now! I am so excited for what is to come! :) Declare faith, we have a BIG God who can do BIG things that is BIGGER than anyone of us can ever think or imagine! C'mon!!! :)

End of the Year, Start of a New Year

2007-12-31T23:39:00.002+08:00

As the clock ticks, year 2007 nears its end...

Good-bye 2007... 2008 is about to begin!

A new year, a new beginning, a new hope...

A fresh start!

Let us leave our past behind and move on!

Move on to do things better... to be better!

As the new year starts, let us also put more

effort in learning the value of our family,

friends, relationships, people... More than

that let us put more effort in caring and

loving them :) Let us show the world the

same love Jesus showed us :)

Let us also be reminded that the clock

is ticking, so we should not stop growing.

Let us become mature in developing our

character holistically. Let us learn new

things everyday that would enhance our

being. But above all let us grow in our

walk of faith and relationship with God :)

For in the end, we would all want to spend

a great eternity in heaven with our God :)

Let us start believing God for newer, greater

and bigger dreams! Let us pray for more

breakthroughs and open doors!

God bless year 2008! :) God bless us and our

family! God bless our endeavors and the works

of our hands as we desire to glorify Him and

please Him with our lives! God bless us all!!! :)

Have a blessed New Year!!! :)

A Simple Day

2007-12-02T23:44:00.002+08:00

Today was a simple day. It was the birthday of my everdearest bestfriend, Gary. It is amazing how God bring you true friends who stay for real and treat you with real friendship that lasts for a lifetime. Gary has been my bestfriend since high school. It has been more than 5 years since God blessed us with a wonderful friendship and it is still ongoing.

Again today was a fairly simple day. I rather liked it because it has been a long time since I really had a simple day. It was a day which was spent with my two really lovable bestfriends, Ryan and Gary. We played badminton which is something we all enjoyed doing as friends. Afterwards, we ate dinner with Gary's family at David's hot pot in Binondo. They made sure I ate a lot. I think I even ate more than Gary did. It was nice because I have not eaten that much in a long period of time.

Today was a simple day. It took my mind off some things, some problems, some worries, some burdens. Today, I was able to enjoy some time with my good old buddies (literally older than me hahaha). I miss those days when we would just go out together, two bears and a maw. I miss being myself, being happy, being simple, being taken cared of and loved by my two bestfriends.

So again today was a simple day :) Thanks to both Gary and Ryan for this day.

Iceberg

2007-10-23T01:49:00.002+08:00

This entry is my reflection and summary of what I've learned from the first chapter of the book "Habitudes: Images that Form Leadership Habits & Attitudes" by Dr. Tim Elmore.

(picture taken from http://www.starstore.com/acatalog/iceberg-poster.jpg)

According to Dr. Tim Elmore, "The Iceberg represents your leadership. The 10% above the water represents your skill. The 90% below the water represents your character. It's what's below the surface that sinks the ship."

The iceberg is very good image to portray who we are especially as leaders. For example, the "Titanic", the famous ship that was said to be unsinkable, was sunk not by the tip of the iceberg but by what was below that tip. Relating that to our leadership, the tip (skills, talents, charisma) may be what other people notice first and may be the one that pushes you on the top, but it is what is below the iceberg tip (character), that makes you stay on top.

In our generation today, a lot of famous leaders end up sabotaging their own leadership and position because of their weak character. They may have admirable skills and prowess to do great in the world, but because of this weakness, they end up falling down the very same ladder they climbed.

This weakness that is so common among leaders of the world all starts with a tiny little speck of dirt like a lie or cheating on a test. However, as this dust begin to accumulate, it takes the form of even greater crimes, scandals and immorality.

This story taken from the book is a very good example:

"One hundred years ago, a boy named Schicklewuber grew up in Europe. As a teen, he never learned about character. His parents never taught him right from wrong, and he began to come up with his own ideas and values. His father put him down when he talked about becoming a priest, and insulted him when he spoke of becoming an artist. He was never valued, nor taught values. One night, he heard his mom and dad argue about moving away. He was convinced they hated him and suspected they would leave him behind. He decided to put up an emotional wall and never let anyone inside his heart. He ran away. This boy grew up to be a man. This man a leader. You him as Adolf Hitler."

Adolf Hitler became a great man in history. He was a man known for his amazing leadership skills. Unfortunately, due to his weak character, he wrongly used his influence which resulted to the slaughter of millions of innocent lives and to his own downfall.

Dr. Elmore interestingly pointed out that many people today invest 10% of their lives for preparation for the 90% that makes up their career. In contrast, Jesus spent 90% preparing his inward life, for the 10% that made up His career (to die on the cross for all our sins).

As a result, look at what a great man of influence and leader Jesus has become throughout these centuries that has passed. He made a mark in history and He was never forgotten. His Words and teachings still make ripples of impact to the lives of the people today.

Jesus said in Luke 6:43-49

"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice.
He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

With the media and the society leveraging worldly values, beliefs, and ideas daily wherever we go, it is not easy to be set-apart. These influences are ingrained in the very essence of our culture and daily routine. But we have to be reminded that whatever we are allowing to be planted right now in our lives, the seeds that we are nurturing in our lives, these will be the fruits that we will bear. If we allow ourselves to be nurtured into greatness through the seeds of God's WORD and His standards, then we will become men and women leaders of strong character that tide can strike down.

Ana Laura - Completely

2007-10-17T03:18:00.002+08:00

The secret of life is letting go
the secret of love is letting it show
in all that I do
in all that I say
right here in this moment

the power of prayer is in a humble cry
the power of change is in giving my life
and laying it down
down at your feet
right here in this moment

Chorus:
take my heart
take my soul
I surrender everything to your control
and let all that is with in me lift up to you and say
I am yours and yours alone
completely

This journey of life is a search for truth
this journey of faith is following you
every step of the way
through the joy and the pain right here in this moment

(Chorus)

Right here, right now, and for the rest of my life
Hear me say

(Chorus)

I am yours and yours alone
Completely

(Listen to it here)

This song is officially one of my favorite songs! :)

Planet Shakers - I'm Forever Yours

2007-10-13T03:21:00.002+08:00

I give my all to you
Send me and I will go for you
To the ends of the earth
I'll follow after you
I want the world to know
Your love endures forever

Tell me and I'll obey
This is far greater than sacrifice
Trusting you and not myself
Will always lead to blessing
Lord have your way in me
Not my will, yours be done

Here I stand within your presence
Longing for your touch
A thousand days cannot compare
To one day in your courts

Hold me now
And never ever let me go
My Jesus, my precious Saviour
I'm forever yours

I will worship you forever
I will worship you

Heart-lift for the Burdened

2007-10-13T03:10:00.002+08:00

Mat 11:28-30 (NIV)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Mat 11:28-30 (NLT)
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."
Mat 11:28-30 (MSG)
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

I have been wondering for the longest time about these verses. I understand that we can find rest in the Lord when we surrender our burdens to Him. But more than that it was revealed to me just tonight that there is a very important and essential element that we must not miss out in these verses... the heart... my heart...

It has been puzzling me why is it that even if I surrender my burdens to God, it seems as if I still carry those burdens. I know that at times it really is a process.. a surrendering process that I have to go through. Well, that was what I was used to. But I realized, that the reason there has always been a process for me is because of my heart.

THE PROBLEM:

What things were I putting in my heart? my problems, my worries, my burdens, my dreams, my desires, my plans.. all about me...

Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

All these things were preoccupying my focus, my thoughts, my emotions, my life, my time... They have become my treasures in my heart... taking the place of my God.

My heart was not set in the right angle and position which should be towards God and God alone.

THE RESULT:

So many times I have experienced frustrations in life wherein I want things to be solved right now ASAP! So I try to do all sorts of things my way to solve problems. Also I worry a lot... And I wonder why so many times, my efforts fail.

All these time that I was burnt out, burdened, tired, stressed out, and become too weary of life is because I carried those problems and troubles.

I realized, I have been playing god too much.

THE SOLUTION:

But God's invitation is so simple. That invitation can be found in these verses in Matthew 11:28-30.

For me, its like my Father telling me (His little child too preoccupied with the world.. frowning.. in a bad mood.. disappointed... crying.. heart-broken... I kept saying yes Lord, I surrender... yet I plan and plot what if's and must-be- done's in my heart and mind... worried...)

"My child, you're stressed out again because you try to carry the world on your shoulders. You are getting frustrated again with those burdens. You can try to do things your way, but in the end, you'll just end up exhausted. You can try to force your will into them all you want, but they'll never work out. My dear child, you are not God. Only I am God. Those burdens were not meant for you to carry. Only I can carry those burdens, yes even those dreams, those plans and those desires in your heart... and only in My perfect will and time can they fulfill their purpose. So why worry? TRUST ME. Give them ALL to me. Instead of focusing on them, give your focus back to Me. Look to Me. Set your heart right back to Me. Trust Me. I love you my child. I will take care of everything. Come back and enjoy your time with Me. Rest in Me."

I see myself running back to my Father's arms... laughing, smiling, telling Him stories, sharing my heart to Him, singing to Him, just enjoying time with Him... sitting at His feet... resting like a baby in His arms.. at peace, safe, secure... loved... at home...

My Prayer:

Father... please help me to surrender everything to You and to Your sovereign and perfect timing and will in faith. Please help me to develop the habit of focusing my whole HEART to You.. to look to You alone... to devote my time, my heart, my life back to You alone... and to NEVER compromise my time with You...

In Christ's Holy Name, Amen.

Are You ONE of US?

2007-10-08T18:42:00.002+08:00

Lately, these past two weeks, I have been taking up personality tests of all sorts. Most of them were due to various church activities such as our small group meeting, in a seminar in baste, or during the fellowship session in UECP. Other than that, I also took a personality test in Facebook.

After taking up these tests, I learned that I am more of a dominant, steady and conscientious type of person rather than an interactive type.

I also developed a better understanding about my personality as well as other people's personality. I learned to appreciate other people more who possess a different personality from me. It also made me realize that all of us were created and designed by God to be different from each other. We were specifically fashioned into unique beings. Imagine marrying someone who is exactly like you. It would be like marrying yourself. For me, it is quite a scary thought. In fact, two people, who have opposite personalities can actually complement each other in their weaknesses and strengths whether it be in marriage, in friendship, or in a group. Try making up a team wherein everyone has a dominant type of personality. They would never reach a decision because everybody would want to lead. We all have different personalities so that all of us can perform our specific roles as body parts in the body of Christ.

1Co 12:12-27
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

We are part of the body of Christ. All of us are parts that are equally important. I remember a short narration told to us in church about sticks.

During one church activity, people were all given a stick. Each of them were told to decorate their sticks. After decorating their sticks they were told to break them. Puzzled these people wondered why they should break their sticks after putting so much effort in them. They were simply told that those sticks represent each of us. No matter how much effort you exert in your life on your own, no matter how beautiful or strong you may look on the outside, but as long as you are alone in your journey in life, you can easily be broken. You can put a scotch tape on the stick to repair it but it can still be broken over and over again. However, if you put all these sticks together as one big bundle, they cannot be broken. However, if you try to take out one stick at a time from that bundle, the bundle itself becomes weaker and eventually it can be broken. That is why all of us are equally important.

That is the CHURCH, the BODY OF CHRIST. The people is the CHURCH. Alone we cannot do much... Alone, we cannot even survive for long in this crazy world... Alone, our faith would eventually dry up. We NEED people, we NEED other fellow believers who would pull us through.. who would support us, encourage us, fuel the fire of faith and help us grow in our faith in Christ. Strong and fruitful believers stay in the BODY of CHRIST.

Joh 15:1, 4-6
I am the true vine (Jesus), and my Father is the gardener... Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

There was a season in my life wherein I did attend church but I was not really a part of it. I used to even invite friends to go to church but eventually I became distant to that church and did not stay there for long. The people I used to invite stayed in the church. Eventually, they become strong believers who became fruitful in their ministries and in their faith. However, I who left the body, did not grow that much. As a result, I developed a wayward heart, and my growth was stunted. Later on, God convicted me and called me back to CHURCH, to my spiritual family. Once again, He strengthened my faith and made me fruitful. "For apart from Him, I will not bear much fruit". Indeed without God, I am nothing... And whatever solo efforts I will try to put forth on my own will only stress me out, and they will not be fruitful...

Belonging to a Church requires us to interact with people of different personalities. Sometimes we may not even understand each other because of our differences. BUT GUESS WHAT?!? Jesus is a balance of all these personalities. That is why HE can understand and relate to each and everyone of us. :)

ANIMO LA SALLE!!!

2007-10-07T18:07:00.002+08:00

Yeah!!! Animo La Salle!!!!!!!!!!!! We WON the Season 70 UAAP Men's Basketball Championship Game!!! C'mon!!! Praise God!!!

I was praying for this because I really wanted DLSU to win prior to my graduation :) WEEEEE so HAPPY!!!

Hail! Hail!
Alma Mater
Hail to De La Salle!
We'll hold your banner high and bright
A shield of green and white
We'll fight to keep
your glory bright
And never shall we fail
Hail to thee our Alma Mater!
HAIL! HAIL! HAIL!

Undivided Heart

2007-10-05T00:42:00.002+08:00

Undivided Heart

(Brian Doerksen, Daphne Rademaker, Cindy Rethmeier)

Teach me your ways, oh Lord
and I will walk in your truth
Show me your paths, oh Lord
for I am devoted to you
Purify my heart’s desire
I long to be your servant

Give me an undivided heart
that I may fear your name
Give me an undivided heart

No other gods, no other love
No other gods before you

Addicted? CONVICTED!

2007-10-04T22:52:00.002+08:00

Lately, I have realized that something wrong is going on with me. I have not been focusing on my real priorities. Instead of giving time to study or to spend time with God, I end up wasting my time. I could not understand myself. I know what I have to do, but I can't seem to make myself do them. One of the biggest reasons for this ailment of mine is my addiction to Facebook. Trivial as it may seem compared to other types of addiction, this type is actually eating up all my time. It is making me lose interest in anything else. It also started to take up the place of my real priorities. I thought at first it was just for fun, but eventually, I can't seem to stop myself from going online just to check my Facebook and stay there. SO FINALLY TODAY, I have decided to take a stand and fight that addiction. Enough is enough! I refuse to open my Facebook unless I really need to (for my Social Computing class). It's an addiction and I know it will be a struggle. But IT IS NOT LAUGHING MATTER! This is for REAL. The worst thing that happened to me is that it is becoming a god to me. Anything that takes the time, devotion and place that rightfully belongs to my one and only God, must be thrown away. NOTHING and I mean NOTHING is worth coming between me and my God. Even something that is good can be BAD when it becomes your god... when it starts to dictate what you should do rather than God.

Unfortunately, in our generation today, there are so many other gods that takes the place of the one and only God in our lives. They take all sorts of form such as money, friends, family, studies, a significant other, careers, fame, a favorite sport, games, computers and so many more. Yes, anything that takes away most of your time, and resides most in your thoughts is your god. In my case, I have experienced all sorts of gods that took the place of my God. I am constantly tried and tested in this area of my life... Every single time, God asks me "Do you love me?" and everytime I tell my God, "YES! I DO!", I am tested over again.. and so many times I have failed... But guess what?! God never left me. He NEVER told me "HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?!?! GO AWAY FROM ME!" Instead, He just tells me "I continue love you my child in spite of your failures, in spite of what you have done... come back to Me now... I am waiting for you..." This reminds of the situation in the Bible in John 21:15-18, wherein Peter was asked by Jesus three times if Peter really loves Jesus. Three times Peter said that he loves Jesus. But guess what?! There was a point in time when Peter even denied Jesus three times (John 18:17, 25, 27) and turned back to his old life as a sinner (John 21:2-3). BUT at that very moment, Jesus was there, waiting... Waiting for Peter to just turn around to see that He was there all along (John 21:4). That is how God loves us in spite of who we are, in spite of our sinful nature.

From time to time I believe that we are all like Peter in that point of time in his life BUT Praise God that He is who He is! Praise God, He is a embodiment of true LOVE! Praise God He is merciful, and gracious! Praise God He is Father who loves His children in spite of their prodigal and sinful nature!

I am so blessed that He is the one and only real GOD in my life. Do you have other gods? When will choose Him to be your one and only too? :) He is just there waiting... for you to turn back to Him :)

The Meaning Behind the Name...

2007-10-03T21:53:00.002+08:00

Franchere

Courageous, intelligent and honest you are a seeker of truth and willingly accept the responsibilities of leadership. Exercising wisdom and sound judgement you base your actions and decisions on the lessons of past experience. Your alert mind and creative ideas assure you of success with any project and can bring you great financial rewards. With your ever positive attitude towards life others find you inspirational.

Suaco

Very intelligent, broadminded and a good listener. You are an ideas person, with a wonderful creative imagination who is always seeking practical applications to apply this to. Your intelligence means that you have great potential for business success if you can apply some discipline and caution. You enjoy sensual pleasures and with a natural restless nature and liking for adventure life is rarely dull with you around.

Chan

You are a deep thinker and student of life using your intuition and natural detective ability to seek truth and hidden knowledge. Peaceloving and compassionate you are nonetheless strong-willed and courageous in confronting challenges. Although your approach to life tends to be on a mental level it is important for you to see your ideas and concepts take form in the material world. Your talents and leadership skills give you great potential for a distinguished career.

Franchere Suaco Chan

Your calm manner and maturity belie a fierce determination to be at the top where you can exercise authority and get things done. You have a thirst for knowledge and are willing to share with others which means you are often sought out for guidance and counsel. Your talents and generosity bring you emotional and material contentment.

After getting all these meanings from my name, I asked myself if they really do describe me...? :) Personally, I think they do in some ways :) What do you think? ;)

It's pretty fun! :) Why not try it yourself :P

Discover the hidden meaning in your name.. click here.

Hmmmmm.....

2007-09-29T05:01:00.002+08:00

I think I really write long blog entries. I rarely even post short ones... I think it's because I have deep thoughts on stuff... And I like writing them down. :) I am after all more of a writer than a speaker. For some people they voice out their thoughts or opinions literally. However, in my case, I write them down :) I love to write ever since I was in high school when started to write editorial articles. Sadly, when I entered college, I became rusty in my writing skills even in grammar. This is because I hardly have time to write anymore except when I am forced to for my acads such as in writing thesis papers, term papers, and all other sorts of papers that I am simply required to do. Aside from that, due to time constraint, I don't have time to write that much anymore. AND yes, I feel too lazy to write at times too. Often, I wanted to blog about something so much but then again I was too sleepy, too tired or too lazy to really write.. So in the end, I never got to writing them down. So that's my thought for that "Hmmmmm....." moment :P

A Short Jeepney Ride...

2007-09-29T04:44:00.002+08:00

Ok enough about technical talk :) After attending the friday youth service at my church in VCF - Ubelt, I took a jeepney ride home. When I got on the back of the jeep, I immediately rummaged my extremely disorganized bag for my coin purse so that I can pay my jeepney fare asap (so I won't forget). When I got my six pesos, I said "Mama, bayad ho (Mister, here is my fare)". Suddenly, I was interrupted by the middle-aged woman seated near me, "Miss dito po". What she wanted to say is that I should pay the fare to her not to the driver. This is quite rare and unusual because most of the time, a passenger pays to the jeepney driver or the the person seated beside the driver. So after being told to pay to her, I gave her my jeepney fare. Later on, other passengers who realized that she was the one in charge of the money, immediately just handed her all their fare. Anyway, that is not what struck me. What really made me want to post this here in the blog was something else that I noticed in this short trip of mine. I realized that the woman was the wife of the driver. This is because, the woman kept calling the driver "Pa" and the driver kept calling the woman "Ma". So it was obvious they were husband and wife. But I was amazed at the way they treat each other. I find it rare in married people nowadays. They were working together in that jeepney as partners. The husband drives the jeep while the wife takes charge of making sure that everyone pays the fare. The husband trusted his wife with the money. Another thing I noticed is that they were very gentle with each other in speech. They were not shouting at each other rather they treated each other with respect. I particularly commend the husband because he was gentle with his speech towards his wife and he was constantly asking his wife how many passengers can still fit in the jeep. And when she says three more, he would signal the people outside that three more seats are available. If his wife says, there are no more seats, he would no longer stop for passengers. It was really very simple. But they portrayed a beautiful picture of what marriage should be... a partnership with respect, trust and unity. And I believe, they could not have done that without LOVE which is the unifying factor for a simply beautiful relationship.

Marriage is like that jeepney. The husband is the driver because he is the head, he is the one who leads the marriage. But the wife is with the husband all throughout the trip. She doesn't take charge or take control of the jeepney rather she is there constantly supporting the husband. Giving him advice when he is unsure of something, encouraging him to either go on or to stop. She is trusted with the affairs of the family such as the finances, the house, the children - the treasures of the family making sure that everything is well kept. I'm sure that along the way, that jeepney will encounter flat tires, low fuel, corrupt traffic officials or even bumpy roads. But, as long as the husband and wife have that respect, trust, unity and they communicate to each other in that way as I have witnessed in that short jeepney ride, love would abound.

Yes they are ordinary people. They are not rich or famous people in society. I'm sure that they're not perfect and neither is their relationship because nothing is perfect. But what I witnessed during my short jeepney ride home was something amazing, something extraordinary, something beautiful and rare in our generation today.

AND someday when I get married to my future husband, I want something like that... simple but really beautiful... truly what marriage should be... :)

Social Computing?!?!

2007-09-29T03:39:00.002+08:00

It was an ordinary school day. Nothing really special. I went to school early in the morning to attend my 8am advertising and print class. The professor is a really great man. He is actually one of the guys behind the design of popular logos of really BIG brand names and companies. KUDOS to our professor! :)

Afterwards, I attended my next Social Computing class wherein we were told by our professor that next week we are going to have a lab session on Facebook which is a becoming quite the fad these fast few years because of its Social Computing nature that makes everyone addicted to it. I had to agree with my professor because I was really turning into a Facebook addict ever since I tried it for the first time. There was so much interaction you can do with it that Friendster and other similar interaction spaces and tools that I have used are no match for it. (I particularly like the fluff friends!!!) Yes, I have become a victim of Facebook. I actually spent hours and hours trying out Facebook. Anyway, it is a good thing that Facebook is our group report/paper topic for our class. So learning a lot about Facebook and even the tiny details about it can mean a lot to my grade in this class. So at least, I am really engrossed in learning about it :P I wish studying for all my subjects is always that much fun! :)

Maybe in the future, teachers should turn to Social Computing to really improve the way things are done in the class. That way, students would really enjoy learning.

After all, a lot of technologies nowadays are really booming because of their social computing components. Also due to social computing such as forums, user reviews, blogs and the like, products can be built or destroyed in a single day. Let's face it, before we actually buy something like for example a cellphone, we actually ask for other people's opinion if its good or not. If most people say its not, we would NEVER buy it and vise versa if they say it's highly recommended. Even when we go out to watch movies, we always ask the same question "Maganda ba? (Is it really good?)". Who in his right mind would want to buy something that would end up as a waste of money? No one! Exactly the point of how valuable Social Computing is to our present generation especially since almost everyone now has access to the Internet.

I commend a lot of websites who actually realized the importance of Social Computing. They're smart! For example, try online shopping. There are actually two types nowadays. The first type is the traditional one wherein all the information in the website including the product info came from the website owner or the webmaster. However, due to the social computing trend, a lot of websites have changed their approach. They have included 'upload product pictures' by users; user reviews; recommend "other products other users bought after buying this product" or "similar books" or "other books by this author"; even track the user's behavior and preferences in buying products in the background and other gigs wherein there other users can give their feedback and input.

There is so much social computing applications and tools out there nowadays that people are so crazy about. Instant messaging system such as the all famous Yahoo Messenger is one of the long lasting and ever being used messaging system by people all over the world. For me, what YM has that makes it stand out is that it has so much more interaction tools and capabilities embedded in it (aside from being really user friendly) that allows users to easily represent many aspects of their identity such as their current emotions (thanks to the really well designed and improved emoticons and the audibles) and being visible only to certain people at a time (which is something we all want to do in real life). Not to put other messaging tools down, I have never used Google Talk. However, I have used the updated Microsoft Live Messenger which also have some aspects that I really like such as the games that I can play there which I think are really so much better than the ones I can play in YM. Aside from that the loading time in Live is also faster. What I like about the chat feature in Live is that you can choose to either chat in text or by sketching it through the integrated sketch-like feature. There are also lots of nice backgrounds to choose from which are quite trendy and not commercially driven which is what I encounter in YM. Aside from that, I also like the "Winks" which is pretty unique. Unfortunately, there is only but a limited number of them available so it also limits the user's use for them. Unfortunately, I continue to encounter the unrelenting bugs in both messaging systems.

Another instant messaging tool that I have really become fond of was the IMVU. When I first tried it, I also really got addicted to it. It was so cool because it was in 3D. Aside from that, it was so much easier to represent myself (my identity) in the digital world. I was so crazy about it that I really tried to make my avatar look a lot like me. How is this possible? In IMVU, you can actually shop online for your avatar, dress him/her up, and make your avatar move around and act human (with certain limitations of course wherein censorship is involved). The rooms or interaction spaces where your avatar chats or interacts with other avatars is also quite remarkable because these rooms/spaces are also in 3D. They are made to replicate real-life locations or places like a cafe, ferris-wheel, rooftop, rooms, etc. There is so much possibilities in real life that trying to replicated here. You can also take snapshots with your friends and keep them in albums. You can also receive gifts and give away gifts. Also when you talk or chat with other IMVU people, your conversation appears in 'bubbles' (somewhat like in the comics). And if you are chatting with someone, then you are doing something else, the person you are chatting with is informed that you are doing something else (somewhat likened to real time experience wherein people actually see if you are really focused on them or not).

Now that's just the software side of things. Social Computing is also involved in hardware applications such as the new "Microsoft Surface" (http://www.microsoft.com/surface/). The first time I saw its video, I was so in so much awe... I thought it was so AMAZING! To have such a natural environment to interact with the things that you place on its surface. Aside from that, while you are interacting with it, your friends can also use it. One example I clearly remember in the video is when ordering in the restaurant. For example, if you and your date decided to eat in a restaurant, the menu is already integrated in the "Surface". Both of you can choose what you want to eat by selecting them on the menu with the touch of your fingertips. Then later on if both of you decides to split the bill on what each of you just ate, then both of you can simply place your credit cards on the "Surface" and you can simply just throw the picture representations of the food you ate to your credit card and your date can do the same by tossing his share of the food representations to his/her credit card. Again you both do this with the touch of your fingertips! AND Voila! You have split the bill.

So there :) I believe that there is still much more to see in the future of Social Computing. I wonder what how radical it will turn the world around in the years to come ;)

Cindy Jacobs Prophecy For The Philippines

2007-05-08T22:18:00.001+08:00

Cindy Jacobs Prophecy For The Philippines
700 Club Asia

Recently, due to many requests, The 700 Club Asia featured the audiotape of Cindy Jacobs' inspiring prophecy for the Philippines. Special guest was Pastor Jerome Ocampo, head of the Jesus Revolution revival crusade, who was in the United States when the prophecy was given.

The prophecy was delivered unexpectedly and extemporaneously last October 27, 2001. The venue was the "Catch the Fire" conference of Harvest International Ministries in California, U.S.A..

Cindy Jacobs, American founder and head of a worldwide prayer network: Generals of Intercession, author of three bestselling books on prayer, prophecy and spiritual warfare; and widely recognized "prophet to the nations" was an invited speaker.

At one point in the conference, two of a handful of Filipinos there, Pastor Jerome Ocampo and his wife Annabelle, were called onstage. They were prayed for and asked to receive the financial "love offering" for the day to benefit the "Jesus Revolution" youth revival to be held at the Luneta in Manila the next month. Cindy Jacobs was invited onstage to make the call for support for the revival.

When Cindy came up, she immediately sensed a stirring in her spirit.. "Don't you feel a sense of destiny on this stage?" remarked the prophetically gifted intercessor who had been to the Philippines once in 1996 for a conference.

"She was shaking," recalls Jerome as Cindy turned towards them. "It's as if she couldn't hold back what she wanted to say. It just exploded, tuluy-tuloy." In a high, clear, commanding voice, the words gushed out from Cindy in a torrent, without a single pause. Her prophecy was amazingly specific and accurate," Jerome marveled.. This is what she said:

PROPHECY FOR THE PHILIPPINES

"Jerome, the Lord would say to the Philippines -I am shaking everything that can be shaken so that no man can glory in what I will do. For I have waited for a generation that I could raise up a purity and a holiness in. And I am raising up firebrands!

There is a forerunner anointing coming upon the youth of the Philippines that will prepare the way of the Lord, even into the Middle East. Look and see what I will do in Mindanao. For I am going to visit in a way that you cannot imagine! I am coming to Mindanao, says the Lord, as God and the Lord of Hosts, and I am going to start appearing. As a sign that I am going to truly change the nation, I am going to show myself to the guerilla leaders. I am going to come, says the Lord, and I am going to begin at the places in the Philippines that have been the bloodiest; the places where the guerillas' insurrection have been the strongest. And I am going to come with signs and wonders and miracles! I am getting ready to pour out a miracle anointing upon the Philippines such as the earth has never seen! For Indonesia, they had a mighty rushing wind. But in the Philippines they will have the fire from heaven that will begin to fall! And this will be a purging fire! And I will say, I will visit even as if in a day, says God. Do not think that I am not able to come in a day and begin to unravel the iniquities of the nation, says the Lord!

I am going to visit the military. I am getting ready to come among the young in the military. And the Lord says, there's going to be a revolution of righteousness that comes within the military.

I'm getting ready to dethrone everything that needs to be dethroned, for even the bowls of heaven are full. Oh, I see the bowls in heaven are just getting ready to be tipped over the Philippines and I am going to spill out my glory!

And the Lord says, I will remove the shame that Satan has tried to put upon this nation! And the Lord says, look and see, for even the blood of the martyrs cries out from Saudi Arabia! The blood of the martyrs cries out from those Islamic nations, and my Filipino people that have laid their lives down. Do not think I haven't seen it! Do not think I am looking away! Do not think I do not see you! Do not think I do not see you, Philippines; for I see you! You are the apple of my eye! You are a treasure unto me!

This is the day and this is the hour when I begin to change everything, says the Lord! I'm going to change the judicial system. I'm going to dethrone corrupt judges. I'm getting ready to deal with the police force. I'm going to expose, expose, expose, expose!

And the Lord says, look and see what I will do! For I will open up my treasure chest from the Philippines! And I am going to release finances for the Philippines that will surprise and shake even Hongkong! For I am getting ready to move a distribution of wealth, says God. And I am getting ready to open the oil! I am getting ready to open that which is in the ocean! I'm getting ready to bring forth a revolution even in the economic systems, in the finance systems!

Look to the university in Manila, says God. For I am going to bring a revival that the-Oh my Lord!--- the Lord says, not hundreds, but thousands and thousands and thousands are going to get saved!! The Lord says, can I touch a whole university? Yes I can touch a whole university! I can come with my glory and I can come with my power in ways that you cannot imagine!

For I am coming, says God! I am coming and I will remain, says the Lord!

May God be glorified indeed! All praises and honor to our LORD Jesus Christ! AMEN AMEN AMEN!!!

The Boy Who Lives in the Moon

2007-04-01T19:45:00.001+08:00

The night is young

I watch the full moon shine

Illuminating this summer night

I gaze upon its splendor

Like a prince enthroned

In the heavens above

Or should I say imprisoned

In his majesty’s high position

He once laid his eyes on me

A shimmer of hope at first maybe

A journey would he embark

To be in leveled grounds with me

A journey that was thwarted…

All else ended…

All but a truth of lies…

The warm night suffocates me

I am strangled in this pain

Broken pieces of shattered dreams

Traces of happiness in a forgotten past

Lost hopes in empty promises

A face streaked with tears

Sadness overwhelming…

When will this misery end?

the question lingers in my mind..

As lay in this dark abyss

I dream of a boy…

Who lives in the moon

Alas, who am I?

I am but a speck of dust

In his vast universe…

-Franchere S. Chan-

April 1, 2007

Convicted by God

2007-03-03T19:47:00.001+08:00

This term has been such a busy and exhausting term. I have been so caught up with the activities in school and in my academics. I believe the enemy has been using all these to pull me down and pull me away from my Father... Yes, God has been calling me back to church to grow in Him, to be nurtured in my faith, and to serve soon... There has been so many affirmations from God... but I was not able to go back because something always comes up. Indeed, it is a spiritual battle. Now, I have made a commitment, I am going to act now. I am no longer going to put it off. Because the time to go back to church is now. I have to make that first step or else it would never come. I love God and He is my First Love. I have to make that stand to follow Him and choose Him above everything else. I know that there are certain parts of my life that I was withholding from Him. I thought I was giving it to Him, but slowly as I drifted away from the church... I ended up losing my grip on God. I was neglecting Him and my relationship with Him. I got too caught up with this world, it's expectations, and all the things that I have to do. I got too BUSY (Being Under Satan's Yoke). But I had enough! God wants me back. God is calling me HOME. Last night, in my devotion, I was convicted by God to about this. I was informed by my sister in Christ that we were going to have our small group today. God opened up this opportunity for me to make that first step to go back, to listen to Him once again, to be nurtured in my faith, and to do His will. Today, my last project for the term ended. In line with my commitment to go back to Church. I have decided to set my priorities straight. God is my priority. Therefore, I must align my priorities to His will. May His PERFECT WILL be done! AMEN! May His will be my will! AMEN! Recently, I got a lot of offers from different organizations to run for the coming batch elections (from both parties), as well as high positions in organizations. However, I turned them all down. WHY? because they are no longer what God wants for me. They are no longer in line with His will. Yes, in the past, God used the opportunities of high position in organizations, projects, and other academic or extra curricular activities for His Divine Will. However, that is not what He wants NOW. I am ready LORD, to commit myself once again to YOU. I am ready to lay down everything before You. I am ready please prepare me for whatever plans You have for me. I want to surrender every aspect of myself to You. "There is no greater joy Lord than being with YOU. My soul is restored. My heart is renewed. Yes, there is no greater joy LORD than being with You." (excerpt from a song that suddenly came to mind). Even my lovelife Lord. I am laying it down. Today, the LORD convicted me. He made me come to the focus group in order to convict me and to affirm something to me. He wants me to surrender this aspect of my life to HIM. He wants me to lay it all down, and to completely TRUST HIM. The LORD says I have to wait, to be patient upon HIM, and to trust Him... to have FAITH. He affirmed it.. HE wants me to WAIT!

During our focus group discussion, I learned a lot from our focus group leader. Thank God for blessing us with our leader. He used our leader to convict me, and to affirm that He wants me to wait.

The following are my notes from the discussion:

The topic is about "Love in terms of Waiting"

There are five ways to show our love to someone - Touch, Words, Gifts, Service, and Time. We were asked to pick two of these based on how we show our love to someone. I chose time and words. I chose time because I strongly believe that your personal time is the greatest gift you can give to someone. Personally, when someone is important to me, and I love that someone, I give that person my time. I also chose words, particularly words through writing, texting or typing. This is because I am more of a writer than a speaker nevertheless I use both to encourage people to show them I care or that I love them. After that, we were told to choose two of the ways once again on how we want to be shown love. Once again, I chose time and words. I chose time because for me, if the person really loves me, he/she would sacrifice his personal time which could never be replaced just for my sake. Time is precious, more precious than any other gifts. For me time is also quite related to service. When you give your time to someone, there is already an action upon it. I chose words once again, because I felt cared for and loved whenever someone encourages me, and tells me I am loved, that I am cared for... :) And yes, the LORD does show His love for us through HIS WORD. :)

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Question: When is the right time for us to go into a relationship?
Ans: When we finally understand God's purpose for us.

In the case of Adam, his purpose was to name all the plants and animals. When God's purpose for him was fulfilled, God gave him Eve.

Love is patient. God wants us to appreciate the present through patience and trust.

There are 3 simple truths that can help us correct the wrong attitudes in our relationships:

Number 1: The right thing at the wrong time is still the wrong thing.

Right now we don't appreciate delayed gratification. ex. plagiarism (cut and paste bec. I don't want to take time to read and paraphrase; instant noodles; pre-marital sex; e-mails, etc.)
The youth right now is corrupted by the enemy.
Biblical: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

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

The youth have forgotten the essence of this verse... There is a time for everything.
Each season yields a unique treasure.
Just like in school, each semester has its own emphasis and focus that we must learn first so that we can use them in the next terms to come.
You don't have to rush. You have to be prepared. You have to go through a process. Be patient.
Don't get burned with the passion, with the fire.
The story of the two bananas.

in the story there are two bananas on the tree, one ripe, and one unripe. The bananas were taken both away from the tree. The ripe one was ripened while attached to the tree that is why is was sweet and delicious. However, the unripe banana that was taken from the tree was forced to ripe away from tree. As a result, it was not as good as the ripe banana. Instead, it tasted bland.
The bananas can be compared to love. There is a time for everything.

God has many wonderful experiences that He wants to give us.
Unfortunately, we spoil good things by taking the them at the wrong time. An example is relationships.
Just because something is good, it doesn't mean we should pursue it right now.

Number 2: You don't need to shop for what you can't afford

Girls love to shop. Sometimes when girls try on some clothes in shops, they find that the fit is so right, that it seems made for you, but when you look at the price tag, you find the price to be very expensive, far too expensive for your budget.
Relationships can be compared to shopping.
You can only achieve intimacy if you are ready for it because intimacy COSTS commitment.
Right now we are in our walk with God as singles. Yet there are even situations wherein we stagger with our commitment with Him.
If we cannot totally commit to our relationship with God, how much more to other people.
Right now we must focus on Jesus. Surrender every aspect and area of our lives to God.
When you focus on Him, He will be able to give you breakthroughs and He will be able to provide you with lots of bonuses.
Right now God wants us to appreciate the men in our lives. He wants us to appreciate the friendships so that we would be able to appreciate the husband he would give us in the future.
God wants us to just enjoy our relationship with Him. He wants to develop us holistically.
For one thing, you can't go into a relationship with so many insecurities.

Number 3: Any season of singleness is a gift from God.

1 Corinthians 7: 32-35

I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs--how he can please the Lord.
But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world--how he can please his wife--
and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world--how she can please her husband.
I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

For now, God wants our undivided devotion to Him.
Singleness is a gift.
Jesus created this opportunity of singleness so that it would be a time for Him to nurture growth in us without distractions.
As singles, we must make the most of our singlehood.
Question: Do you really trust Him when it comes to this area?
Waiting for God's timing really requires patience both now and in the future.
Right now, God is preparing us.
In Time Magazine, there was this article published regarding the Marshmallow test conducted by scientists on four year old kids. There was this isolated room. In the room there was a marshmallow. Each kid was taken one at a time to the room. Each of them were told that after 20 mins, they would be given two marshmallows if they would wait and not eat the single marshmallow. After the proctor left, some of the kids immediately ate the marshmallow. Some waited for a while but ate it when they couldn't wait anymore. However, there were some kids who did wait. Some used diversions such as covering their faces, looking away, or dancing. Some even fell asleep. Years passed, the kids became high school students. The scientists followed up these kids. They found out that the kids who waited grew up to be more successful, more confident, outgoing, adventurous, and positive thinkers. On the other hand, the kids who couldn't wait turned out to be lonelier, out of place, and more negative.
Right now, we should develop our character to delay instant gratification.
Like those kids, we go through the same internal struggles.
But God promises something better as we take the unique experience of singleness.
Just have faith and be patient. God knows best.
Let's commit to enjoy our singlehood now and have faith in God.
Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

We are in our relationship with our Father which is the best relationship.
Like the dust that undergoes a process inside the oyster, that turns into a pearl, God is molding in us a beautiful pearl.
REMEMBER: You are worth waiting for!
The heart is like a glass, it is fragile. God would only give it to someone HE trusts.

In closing:
There was this blind man by the name of Bob Edens. He was 51 years old. For five decades, he was blind until a surgeon tried an experimental surgery on his eyes. After the surgery, he opened his eyes and then he could see. He was astounded by everything he saw. He never realized that yellow was so yellow. But his favorite color was red. He never realized how round the moon was. He was amazed by what he saw.
Like Bob Edens, many people today are blinded. They fail to see the great things in life. However, these people have an inner desire to see things differently, to see change happen.

So what is our role?

Our role is not the surgeon. In the story, there was a gap. The surgeon used the scalpel and all those other tools to conduct surgery on Bob Edens. In the same way, we are the tools of the SURGEON (God). God wants to use us, but we have to choose for ourselves to allow God to use us. And what better time for us to be used by God... as singles.

Nichole Nordeman - Legacy

2007-02-27T00:42:00.001+08:00

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in the lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me

This is one of my favorite songs by Nichole Nordeman :) I love what the song says and somehow the song speaks to me. This song reminds me to stay on the right track that is to put God first in everything I do that I may be able to glorify HIM. I want to be able to serve my God wherever He will place me... may that be in school, in church, at work, at home... everywhere... :) It also reminds me not to be worldly... I know that sometimes I do get tied up to this world so much that I forget and neglect the fact that God should be number ONE. However, being worldly is not what I really want. When I start to reflect and look back... I realize that all things in this world will fade and disappear but God and everthing done for Him and HIS kingdom will last forever. Someday, when my time to leave this temporary life, this tent, I want to be able to leave a LEGACY... that I was able to serve God as His good and faithful servant... as a CHRISTian... :)

Hillsong - My Heart Will Trust

2007-02-27T00:29:00.001+08:00

I'll walk closer now on the higher way
Through the darkest night will you hold my hand
Jesus guide my way

O you mourn with me and you dance with me
For my heart of hearts is bound to you

Though I walk through valleys low
I'll fear no evil
By the waters still my soul,
My heart will trust in You x2

O You counsel me and You comfort me
When I cannot see,
You light my path

My heart will trust in you

I love to sing... AND I love being able to sing for my God.. :)
This song is one of my favorite Hillsong songs.
It reminds me to trust in God especially when I am stressed out or encountering a difficult situation in my life. He is my comfort. He is my counsel. He is the peace that calms the storms in my soul. How I long to be in His arms... to be wrapped by those comforting Arms of Love... Lord I am coming back to you once more... to you Lord I find my peace...

Year of the Open Door

2007-02-27T00:02:00.001+08:00

The year of 2007. What will it be like? Will it be a year of disasters and

catastrophes beyond imagination as some have predicted? Or will it be

a continuance of the glory of heaven being manifest? The year of 2007

will have some very serious catastrophes. There will be some things

happen that the world will not know how to handle. But you may rest

in Me, saith the Lord, because the manifestation of My glory will be so

great in the year of 2007 and such overflowing revival throughout this

nation and around the world that you're hardly going to even notice

the natural catastrophes that happen in 2007 and the things that the

devil is trying to do will get caught up in the – in the swell and the

explosive power of My Spirit being manifested, saith the Lord.

Hallelujah.

2007 will be known as the "Year of the open door". My Word states in

Revelation chapter three that I open doors no man can shut. I shut

doors no man can open. There are those of you over the years that

have set out with commitment and resolve to do things that I have

assigned you to do, and over a period of time it looked like the devil

just slammed the door in your face and some because of catastrophic

things happening in your family, others because of sickness and

disease that has attacked and others because of financial disasters

and just plain old not enough money to get it done that the devil was

able, as I said, to just slam the door in your face. But you hear Me now,

saith the Lord, I am opening your door! I am opening your door! I am

opening your door and in 2007 the devil or nobody else will be able to

close it on you! Don't quit! Don't give up! The kingdom of heaven is at

hand. Don't give up on this nation. Don't give up on your church. Don't

give up! Don't quit! Don't stop! 2007 is the year of doors open and held

open. Go through them with great faith and stay on the Word. Stay on

the Word! Stay on the Word! You stay with Me. I'll stay with you and

together we will see victory beyond anything you or anybody else has

ever seen before! Hallelujah. Oh, hallelujah. Glory, glory, glory.

Oh, hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Yes, bless the Lord.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Oh, glory to

God.

And by that same token, saith the Lord, there are certain doors

that the devil has been holding open; doors of war, doors of

destruction, doors of all kinds of disobedience and blaspheming lies

and tongues. Well, I'll tell you in 2007 you and I together are going to

slam the door on him. We are going to slam it in his face. We are going

to walk on him and you are going to find out what I meant in My Word

when I said set your feet on him and walk on him. He has been put

under your feet. He is becoming the footstool that I said he would be.

And now is our time, saith the Lord. Hallelujah. Yes. Bless the Lord.

–––

Prophecy given by Kenneth Copeland

November 11, 2006

2006 Washington, D.C. Victory Campaign

The signs of the second coming are here... Hallelujah for the Lord reigns... Hallelujah for the Lord Jesus LIVES!!! I can't wait to be with you LORD! To serve You... to grow in You... I am laying down everything else at Your feet... May You be glorified. I now choose You and You alone above all else. My First LOVE is YOU Lord Jesus YOU... :)

My Virtual Pet Panda

2006-12-24T16:57:00.000+08:00

adopt your own virtual pet!

While waiting for my email to attach my file at 530am in the morning...

2006-11-02T05:56:00.001+08:00

Life can be so exhausting... So much is happening in such a short period of time...

Time... it comes and goes like the wind... fleeting..... away it goes... I can't catch it...

Tribulations... that is what I like to call the problems I go through every single day of my life... The pitfalls I pray I would not fall into, the slips and mistakes I hope I won't make, and the stupidity I dread so much I usually end up doing... But then again, all these things shall pass too... And I am grateful for the God who is in my life... He saves... Jesus... He sure is wonderful.... not only is He my Hero my Savior... He is my number one BESTFRIEND... I love Him...

Joys... I dont like calling them happiness... Happiness for me is fleeting... comes and goes with time... but joy... it is ever present... even if I am in the period of tribulations... I still feel joy... through suffering and pain, one can still feel joy... Rejoicing in spite of troubles... I like to think of it that way... Life will never be out of problems... But it is in the person to decide and choose to be joyful about it or not... To rejoice with the tides of life... to choose to think positively... To choose to appreciate the simple blessings in life like... family... friends... a home... pets... education... wisdom... learning something new... reading a book... remembering a sweet memory... talking to a loved one or friend... spending time with your loved ones... accomplishing something... playing a sport you love... jokes... even corny ones... crushes... puppy loves... a touch of the hand... a smile... a flower... the sweet fragrance of nature... the cool breeze... feeling fulfilled... a kiss... a hug... eating good food... enjoying your favorite music... sleeping... dreaming... taking a walk... ah... it's countless... Blessings will always be countless because we have a gracious and loving God... He is so benevolent... I like the sound of that word... The Lord is indeed a generous God... We just fail to see that... because we are so caught up in this world... with all our greedy wants and desires... we don't realize we already have so much to cherish... too bad... we end up neglecting these simple blessings... we mess up things... we ruin them... we don't take care of them... and then when it's too late... poof! they're gone and we realize how much we've lost... that we were so foolish to prioritize things that are so fleeting... we humans... run after such temporary things... we forget to value things that truly matter... I'm guilty of that too... What have I been doing lately? Being so caught up... being so busy... I need to tell someone I love him/her... well let me start now... I love you! God loves you too... I think you should know that... You deserve to know that... whoever you are... take time and treasure what you have now... don't let life get to you... enjoy the simple blessings you have right now... and by the way... God bless you!

While waiting for my email to attach my file at 530am in the morning... Geez... I haven't slept yet and I have a class at 11am. O well... I haven't written my thoughts out like this in a very very very.... LONG TIME... :)

A Love Story by God

2006-08-24T02:07:00.000+08:00

Mark Schultz - The Time Of My Life

He packed his bags when he was just 18
To see a world he thought he'd never seen
But he knew when he met her
That she was the girl
He'd been waiting for

And each night they spent talking on the front porch swing
And like it came straight out of a movie scene
But one night she stepped out as the sun began to set
When she got to the porch she found a letter that read

You're the only girl I'll ever love
And I'd do anything not to give you up
If I could only stop the world
When you're standing by my side
See I'm having the time of my life
Yes, I'm having the time of my life

The months went by it was their wedding day
A church on a hill wedding bells rang away
She looked like a princess
All dressed up in pearls
It was her proudest day

And he stood all alone in a darkened church hallway
He got down on his knees and he started to pray
He thanked the Lord for his family and the perfect bride
But he couldn't hold back what he was feelin' inside
And he said

She's the only girl I'll ever love
And I'd do anything not to give her up
If I could only stop the world
When she's standing by my side
See, I'm having the time of my life
Yes, I'm having the time of my life

Forty years went by and she lived most of God's plan
She stood alone in an attic, wedding dress in her hand
And she held an old letter written so long ago
But she'd never forget it
No matter how old

And as she turned to put the dress away
And pack up the years
He was standing in the doorway
With his eyes full of tears
And he held her

'Cause you're the only girl I'll ever love
And I'd do anything not to give you up
If I could only stop the world
When you're standing by my side
See I'm having the time of my life
Yes, I'm having the time of my life

Awwwwwwww.... This is a God-written love story..... I too pray and hope for someday....

Dear Child,

You have searched for true love in your own way. But My ways are not your ways. I want to script a beautiful tale just for you, but first you must trust Me with the pen of this precious area of your life. Will you let Me write your love story? (from the book "When God Writes Your Love Story")

Love,
The Author of True Love, The Creator of Romance
God

Dear Lord,

Yes LORD! May Your prevailing will be done in my life... in my love life as You please... May You be the Author and Perfector of this love story... I give to You with all my heart, the pen to my love story... I trust You know what is best for me... I am willing LORD to follow You wherever You may lead me... I desire to let the Great Author write page by page the love story of my life. May Your will be be my will. May Your will be done. AMEN.

Love,
Your beloved princess and daughter

Wait Upon the Lord

2006-08-20T03:52:00.001+08:00

Wait Upon the Lord
by Emily Matthews

Waiting is the hardest
when we feel our need is great,
But it helps if we remember
that our God is never late.
He knows our deepest longings.
and He times things perfectly.
For in His love, He only does
what's best for you and me.

Waiting... in this fast-paced world... waiting sure is not easy.
We want what we want NOW! ASAP! If we don't get it, we feel all sorts of negative emotions, like disappointment, sadness, anger, vexation, and the like... BUT WHY? Why can't we be patient and wait... Is there anything wrong with waiting??? Why do we all have this mindset that we hate to wait, when in fact, waiting is better than hurrying things up or rushing things?

Lately, I have experienced something that has really tested me and my faith...
In the past, I have experienced surrendering to God my studies, my pride, my anger, my family, my friends, my weaknesses, and even strengths... yet there has always been one big struggle of surrender in my life and that is my heart... In a past relationship, God has told me to surrender and to let go... it was one of the toughest decisions I had ever made in my life... because it was definitely not an easy thing to do... however, due to that obedience, I have discovered much blessings... a better and stronger relationship with my bestfriend, and with the Lord. I also have learned so much from that experience of surrender... I learned to value people, to be content, and to love... to truly love and what it means to love...

Love is not about expectations. It is not about getting what you want or satisfying yourself. It is a wonderful and precious gift you give without expectations. You love because you want to love. It is a committed choice. You love not because you expect your love to be reciprocated. In the same way you give without expecting anything in return. That is love.

After some time, I was able to show this kind of love... I have finally learned to love... everything is going so well... but then God told me to do something... something so difficult... God told me to wait... I want to love that person so much right now... I am overflowing with this love for that person that I just want to love... But God told me to stop, and to wait. If you were in my situation, what would you do?!?

I have to struggle with myself for some time... but I know deep inside that in the end I have to follow God because I know that He knows what is best for me... But IT IS SO DIFFICULT! I WANT IT SO MUCH NOW!!! These past few days, I was so happy loving that person... and being loved in return... but I know that we have to surrender everything to God... Soon... as in right that very moment...

No beginnings are easy... It is not easy to let go of things that that so important to you... especially if you have really love them... Now God has told me to surrender the one I love to Him... That sure is not easy to do especially if everything is like a dream come true and there is really no problem except that God wants you to surrender it to Him because He wants you to WAIT...

I love God more than anything else... above all else... I seek to do His will... and now there is this one thing that am holding so close and wanting so much for myself... and because of this I know that God wants me to surrender it to Him so that He may take the lead in this matter... This is what I want also yet in spite of that, it is not easy to give it up to Him... Trusting something to God in all other aspects has been easy for me... but when it comes to this thing... when I do not know what will happen in the future.... I really had a difficult time... I trust God... but I know that there is fear in my heart that I will lose this very important person in my life if I give him up to God... Fears like - if we wait maybe someday our feelings for each othere would have changed... nevertheless... I still desire God above all else... I know that whatever happens I can never turn my back on my God... It has been my commitment to Him ever since long ago... I will not back down on my principles... I will stand up for my God... I know He loves me and wants only the best for me... that is why He is asking this from me... He knows what is in my heart... He knows my deepest longings and desires... And I know He takes all of these in considerations... He values them and gives importance to each detail... that is why I know in spite of my fears, I know I can trust Him... I see only the present, yet His ways are higher than my own... He sees the future... I know He has a big and wonderful plan for me... and so much more blessings ahead especially if I surrender this to Him...

At that moment, i felt like I was Abraham... God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac to Him... Abraham loved Isaac but He loved God above all else... so even if it hurts... even if it is not the easiest thing to do... Abraham did it because he loved that Lord with all his heart and desired to do what God's will is... In the end, God blessed him... for in obedience there is so much blessings...

Owkay... so I know what I have to do... and so I did it for my God! I told the guy that we had to wait on the Lord... as in WAIT... we can only be friends for now... bestfriends... At first he was depressed but then I found his response later as the best expression of love he has ever shown to me... He is willing to wait... because I am worth waiting for... and that He too wants to do what God wants for both of us... He is going to keep on praying for me... asking for me from the Lord... He is going to wait for me... [awwwwwwwwwwww......]

I realized something myself... I love this person so much... and I want everything to work out perfectly... and the only way for that to happen is if I will commit everything to God... for His plans and ways are perfect... Because I love this person so much, I will wait for him too... I will surrender him to God... because I love him that much... He is that important to me... that I want everything to be super ok not only now but more importantly in the future... I will wait for Him in the Lord, I will continue to pray for him in the Lord... If it is God's will that we really are going to be for each other then great, Hallelujah... that would be so wonderful! if not then we really are not for each other and it is still good that we waited at least there would be less hurts. Whatever it may be... May the Lord's will be done! Amen...

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

In HIS PERFECT TIME... He will give me the desires of my heart... I seek YOUR will above all else. I surrender to You and commit to You once again all that I am... I will live my life for You... I trust You Lord... May Your will be my will... May Your will be done... AMEN!

With All I Am

2006-07-20T22:47:00.000+08:00

Hillsong United - With All I Am

Into your hand
I commit again
with all I am
for You Lord

You hold my world
in the palm of Your hand
and I'm Yours forever

Jesus I believe in You
Jesus I belong to You
You're the reason that I live
the reason that I sing
with all I am

I'll walk with You
wherever You go
through tears and joy
I'll trust in You

and I will live
in all of Your ways and
Your promises forever

In HIS PERFECT TIME... He will give me the desires of my heart... I seek YOUR will above all else. I surrender to You and commit to You once again all that I am... I will live my life for You... I trust You Lord... May Your will be my will... May Your will be done... AMEN!

My VERY First REAL Blog Entry: Pondering Maw...

2006-07-19T02:03:00.002+08:00

Whoaw! It has been such a long time since I wrote anything in this blog. In fact, I really don't do blogs... I made this blog because it was required by my prof... We were required to post summaries, reviews and other homework here... So in other words this blog was simply used for academic purposes. Haha... however... I used to love to write a lot... back in HS I used to write for the school paper... editorial section... wherein I used to voice out my opinions a lot... more on about my faith and principles... I miss that... That is why from now on.. I have decided to write once again... There are times when I want to voice out something deep inside me but I just could not express them into words... Somehow thru writing, I am able to bring them out... the unspoken words from my mind and heart. Words seem to unravel more easily for me through writing well in this case... typing haha... I guess I really am more of a writer than a speaker...

Who am I?

I am simply mawself! Je m'appelle Franchere. Je suis feminin. Je suis étudiante. Je étudie à De La Salle University - Manila. Awww... I like french... well I just know a little. I am taking up elementary french as an elective class this term. Anyway to simply translate the above information. My name is Franchere [fran-she-rie]. I am female [so that you know hehe]. I am a student. I am studying at De La Salle University - Manila. To add more information about me... You can just call me France, Cherry or Mawie. I am fond of these three MAIN nicknames. I am a sentimental person. I love to eat and sleep. Even if a eat a lot, I never gain much weight. So I am still as thin as ever. I do hope I'll gain some weight next time... Not too much... Just enough... I love to sing... It is my passion to sing especially for the Lord. My voice is made for Him. I am also a drummer [ok so I am still just learning]. I am single and available for the Lord. In HIS TIME, in HIS PERFECT TIME, I believe He has someone in mind for me. Someone who is truly a man of God and a man who has the heart of God. So I WILL WAIT IN THE LORD [even if it is sooo difficult]. I LOVE my family and friends so much... I love the Stand [our Christian Band]. WE play alternative Christian music. I am a vocalist and an aspiring drummer in the band. Ahem... I am currently taking up a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in Instructional Systems Technology. I LOVE IST!!! THE BEST SPECIALIZATION EVER!!!

I am a growing Christian, a child of God, His daughter, His princess. I am proud to be a Christian, and I never regretted being one. Life is tough, it is tougher without God. I am nothing, but because of God, I have everything. Life is meaningless without the purpose God has set out for me... for this reason, I desire His will alone, that His will be my will as well... Whatever I do, I do it not for myself but for you Lord, to glorify you with all that I am... I LOVE YOU LORD!!!

"In my life, the pride and honors, I give to my parents; all the glory and thanksgiving I give back to You Lord, and the learnings are what I gain for myself." - Franchere S. Chan

So what's up?????

Today... I really feel weird... I am happy for a lot of things... yet at the same time... I feel a bit down.... Hahahaha... But that was a while ago... Now I feel happee again... I am soooo... moody... I found out a lot today... I realized a lot of things too... I like that about life... Whatever happens, you will CAN always pick up a bit of lessons from every situation one is in. It is just that sometimes we either are too blind to see these tiny pieces or we refuse to pick them up... People usually focus on the negative side of things... That is why we worry or become sad or feel bad... [GUILTY] There is a saying that we should count our blessings rather than our failures or misfortunes... I strongly believe in that! We have to be optimistic... to look at the brighter side of things ALWAYS even if the situation is already so bleak... That is called having a positive outlook in life. The glass is always half full not half empty. This is easier said [typed] than done... Hehe... Well I guess almost all if not all the positive and good things/actions/deeds/virtues in this world are easier said than done... especially if you don't really feel like doing them. Example, when we are in love with our bf/gf, we can't help but dote on them, love them with all that we are... But can you do the same for your parents who likes to nag and restrict you with rules and regulations you feel are unfair? your siblings who are nosy and irritating? or to that poor little kid starving in the streets? Is it easy? The answer for most of us is no. Simply because it is not natural for us. We don't feel like it... But the point is, what is the right thing to do... in my case, as a Christian, what would JESUS DO? What is right in the eyes of my Lord and King? Nevertheless, Christian or not, doing the positive thing is always so much better than not. Usually it takes up more time, and more effort from us but then again most of the time, the things we build with the most effort from ourselves are the things in this world that gives us the most fulfillment. Have you ever tried making a really difficult project? It was so difficult that you felt you were in the verge of failing yet you kept on trying your best to finish it... And then you passed and maybe even received a perfect GPA of 4.0 for that particular project. What did you feel? YOU felt GREAT!!! So much fulfillment... Same goes for relationships and other things in life. Even if there are problems, even if there are really times wherein people are so unlovable, but in the end, if you never gave up. Instead you kept on being positive towards all of these and kept on looking at the brighter side of things... learning from them and reacting positively... in the end, you will see the rainbow behind those dark clouds... hehe... you know what I mean? FAITH! Faith is to believe and trust that even if you don't see something, you are still willing to take that risk to hold on to it. I have faith in God. Even if I do not see Him, I have faith that He exists, that He loves me, that He died for me, and that He is with me always. I have faith in Him that He has "... plans to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. Some people call it dumb. But hey! Those people must have at some point in their life experienced things like love, care, joy, happiness or peace. We do not exactly see [physically] all of these things, yet we have FAITH that they exist. This faith is further strengthened when we experience them. I have faith in God more and more each new day because I experience Him in my life. So in life to have a positive outlook, have faith in the beautiful and good things in life especially towards God. In my walk with God in this journey called life, I also learned something extremely essential... In almost all situations if not all, 90% of the end result is based on our reaction towards that particular situation, and only 10% on the incident itself. Meaning if we react positively towards something, most likely the end result is also more positive than negative.
EXAMPLE: Your mother kept on nagging you to start studying for your quiz and stop playing computer games.
SITUATION A: You got angry at your mom, and talked back at her. Due to this you were grounded and you failed your quiz. Aside from that, you hurt your mom's feelings, your feelings were also hurt, and your relationship with your mother was strained.
SITUATION B: Inside you may be fuming already, but you decided to hold your calm. You stop playing and studied. After a while, you felt your anger fade. You are able to study for that killer quiz and passed it. Your mom became proud of you because of your obedience. You developed a better relationship with your mother. She might even add an extra something to your allowance.
Based on the two situations, we can clearly see that situation B brought about a better result. (+) plus or multiply (+) = (+) unlike (+) plus or multiply (-) = (-) or vise versa.

So what's up with all these opinions and stuff above??? Just some stuff I like to share to people who might pass by and read this simple blog of mine. These words are the voice of mawself. Things inside me that are principle based as well as things that I learned in my journey in this life. They are reflections of my thoughts today. People sometimes wonder why I am the way I am. Hehe maybe if you keep on reading my blog and my future entries, you would know why. I plan to do the same... To know more about myself as I blog. Sometimes, writing it down, helps oneself to understand thyself... reflecting about the inner thoughts deep inside me...

Hmmm... There is still so much more I want to type... BUT I think it is time to stop blogging because it is already 4am in the morning... I am sooo dead later. I still have a morning class to attend to... WAHAHAHA.... Lights off.

Listening to Nichole Nordeman - Brave and Nichole Nordeman - Hold On
[Happy Mawie]

Thank you Lord for the peace you bring to my heart...
I lay all my problems, worries and anxieties down at Your feet...
I trust You and commit myself once again to You...
I choose to follow You...
I desire to do Your will...
May Your will be done in my life... AMEN!

Who am I?

2006-04-08T04:16:00.000+08:00

my self poem

I was a bit of clay... ugly and unrefined...

I was hardened and rough... dirty and useless...

Then one night, the Potter looked at me and smiled...

"I shall break you...mold you and make you into

a wonderful jar... You shall become a beautiful clay jar..

You shall hold and contain my treasure... my gift...

let anyone who is willing take part in it and be blessed..."

I was a simple sound… nothing much to hear…

Just a noise in the background… a hollow echo...

Then one night, the Composer and Conductor of the Universe

Listened to me and said…

“I shall compose you into a song…

People will listen and hear… The melody of your voice is my

Instrument to let them know of my treasure… my gift…

With your voice you will testify…

With your voice you will glorify the King of Kings...”

I was piece of paper… blank and empty…

I was plain and nothing special…

Then one night, the Author saw me.

He lifted His pen and started to write on me…

“I shall write you into a beautiful story…

In it are small and great things…

They will tales of wonders… some sad… some happy…

With these tales you will glorify…

They shall testify the grace and love of thy King…”

I was lost but now I am found.

I was blind but now I see.

I was deaf but now I hear.

I was mute but now I speak.

God found me and now I am His.

He changed me inside out.

He gave me a new life… a new me…

The old has gone, the new has come.

I am a Christian, a child of God…

I am simply myself… I cannot deny that.

Assessment About Tantease

2006-03-05T22:11:00.000+08:00

www.tantease.tk

a. use of effective images

In terms of use of images, it was effective because they are able to take great photos that are enticing to the eye. They are able to send the message they want to send through these photos. The photos are also able to speak for themselves. They were able to get good models who would show that they look good in those clothes. As well, they were also able to take photos which focused more on the clothes not the models. As a result, they are really tempting the user to buy their product. Aside from the good choice of photos, they were also able to place or position them properly in the website. There is also a good blending and contrast of colors which makes the colors of the clothes they are selling stand out. They are also able to show the different styles of a certain type of clothing through the use of photos. This is convenient for the prospective buyer because he/she could easily choose which he/she wants to buy and compare them with other styles. There are also photos of different cloth color combinations of that particular clothing which also helps the user choose which is the color combination that he/she prefers. Overall, these photos will give the prospective buyer a convenient time to choose from a variety of choices.

b. structure and navigation

The structure of the side is very professional yet it gives the site a friendly atmosphere. This combination gives the site a feeling that this is a place where you could order and buy, but at the same time warmly welcomes the customer to the website. It also seems that this site would target buyers or customers who are probably teenagers or fun goers based on the design and structure of the website.

The navigation is simple and easy. It is not confusing.

c. functionality of the buttons/command and services

The buttons are also simple. They directly tell you what will happen if you click that particular button. They give direction to the user for easy navigation. There is also a button for ordering online which is good because it would be convenient for the user to order immediately if he/she finds something he/she likes.

Reaction to Office Ergonomics Training: A Dozen Things You Should Know about Eyestrain

2006-01-17T08:03:00.000+08:00

One of the most common things I experience is eyestrain especially since I am a BS ComSci student. This is especially true after using the computer for several hours and looking at the monitor throughout this period of time. Sometimes, if I use the computer for more than 12hours straight, I feel dryness of the eyes as well headaches. My eyes become tired and reddish. However, whenever I start feeling that my eyes are becoming strained, I would close my eyes for a while to relax my eyes and to lubricate them as well. Sometimes I would force myself to stay awake even if I am already so sleepy and even if my eyes are already closing on their own. Due to this, I not only feel as if my head is floating, I also start having double vision. There are also times when I watch TV and I feel my eyes strained. Aside from straining my eyes, I also have to look up which can also strain my neck after a while. There are also times when I watch movies on my friend’s computer monitor. The computer monitor is placed near the window. Sometimes, when the sunlight is bright, it causes a direct glare which frustrates me and my eyes a lot because it gives me a headache while watching the movie. Sometimes the Venetian blinds can solve the problem. But there are also times when the direct glare comes from the ceiling light of the room itself which really bothers my eyes.

All the while, I knew that my eyes are not comfortable with those situations above. However, I haven’t really thought about why they happen to me. Now I know that watching TV which is not on an eye-level is really eye straining. I also realized that glares are not only frustrating, they are also unhealthy for the eyes. Lighting is important especially when reading something from the monitor. I have always been told by my mother to not stay too close to the monitor because it is bad for the eyes. However, I did not know what is the proper distance. I did not know that the best distance to read documents in the computer is to read it as far away as possible yet at the same time they can still be clearly read. I think I will also try applying the 20/20 principle which I have never tried before.

Avatar: Mawie

2006-01-16T01:20:00.001+08:00

Avatar Name: Mawie

HISTORY

One of my current and fondest nicknames is Mawie. It started when I was still in high school. I am fond of giving cute pet names or nicknames to my closest friends. Usually, I give animal names or animal-related names to them because I love animals and also because these animals resemble my friends’ characteristics in some ways. Example, I call one of my bestfriends Panda because he looks and acts like a panda. He likes to sleep and he likes the colors black and white. I call my other bestfriend Polar Bear because he a white, big and chubby guy like a polar bear. However, it was not really me who gave myself the nickname “Mawie”. I always give nicknames to my friends, however, I myself do not have any animal nickname at that time. I do not exactly recall how it happened. All I remember is that, somehow, I do want any animal nickname like wolf, fox or the like, but I wanted something that resembles me and at the same time sounds good to the ear. My friends tell me I resemble a cat because sometimes I look like one especially when my eyes become very round and shiny or when I smile or when I am bit sleepy my eyes become almond-shaped. I also say “Meow” when I do not know what to say anything anymore or if I have no specific answer to one of my friends’ questions. They say that my personality resembles that of a cat because I have a strong personality. Also, I am affectionate or “malambing”, and at times I am “makulit” and act like a kid who loves to play. Like a cat I love to sleep, but when I am awake, I can’t take it if there is nothing to do (di mapakali). For me, the best cat characteristic that I resemble having is the cat’s survival ability. Even if life is full of trials, hardships, and problems, I will be able to survive and make the most out of these things (of course I attribute this strength to God). However, at that time, I do not want to be called “Cat” so I ended up having the nickname “Meow”. Also at that time, I was the managing editor in the school paper. I needed a catchy name for my editorial column so I called it the “Cat’s Meow”. Eventually, during college, the word “Meow” evolved into “Maw” and “Mawie”. Somehow it does suit me better in the sense that in Chinese, “Maw” means cat. “Mawie” simply means little “Maw”.

DESIGN AND COLORS

This avatar is the embodiment of my “Mawie” character and personality. I have a light complexion so the cat is white. My favorite color is purple or lilac. This is why I added this color to some parts of the avatar such as the ears, stripes, and even on the eyes. There are also two purple circles on the eyes of the avatar not only to emphasize my favorite color, but also because I wear glasses in real life.

Assignment on Musical Score

2005-10-03T12:10:00.000+08:00

Assignment on Musical Score

1. What is a film score?

Ans. A film score is the orchestral music composed or used in a film. It is not the same as a soundtrack. They are not interchangeable. This is because a soundtrack is a song used in a film. A film score may be originally composed for that particular film or may have been used in a previous context.

2. Enumerate the basic functions of music in a film.

Ans. The basic functions of music in a film are as follows:

a. To provide the film with necessary film music.

1. Source music

2. Basis or identity of the film itself

3. Opening credits

4. Character themes

b. Identification of the ethnicity, location, and period of the situation or characters on the screen

c. Underscoring

d. Comments on a scene or provides the viewer with additional information or insight about the situation or characters

1. Overture

2. Describes a location

3. Character development

e. To generate an emotional response from the viewer while he/she is watching a film.

3. Watch any of the ff. cartoon film/movie and listen to the musical score used: Mulan

Describe the emotional response or experience you had while watching the film. Did the musical made a lot of impact to you? In what way?

Ans.

The music in the film made a lot of impact on me. Throughout the story, I felt the Chinese or oriental influence on the music. There was also something about the film’s music that made it feel as if the time period is ancient. These two main factors made all the music that was played in the film coherent and connected to each other.

Sometimes, the music being played describes the atmosphere or the season of the current scene. For example, when Mulan’s father was praying in the temple, the music felt so serene, and it felt like you are really in a Chinese temple showing reverence to the place. There was also this scene when Mulan and her father were talking, aside from the cherry blossoms all over the place the music contributed a lot to make it feel like it is Spring time.

Aside from giving identity to the location, ethnicity and period of the situation, the music also portrayed a lot about the people in the story and what they feel. I felt the great value or weight of honor and tradition to the characters of the story.

The music really contributes to the mood of the story scenes. Whenever the scene would be about the Huns, the music would have a different feel that adds character to the Huns that they really are the enemies in the story. Another situation is that the feel of war or going of to battle can be really felt because of the music.

However, the greatest impact that the music had on me was on the emotional aspect. An example of this was when Mulan felt that she had dishonored her family, the music portrayed the exact feelings of being failure, and sadness that Mulan felt at that time. I can really feel the burden of the sadness being portrayed at that time. Another example was when Mulan felt determined to save her father from gong to war. The feeling of determination was portrayed by the music.

As a whole, I really believe that the film, Mulan, made a great impact on me not only because of the story, but also because of the music and what it was able to portray.

Logo

2005-10-03T12:00:00.000+08:00

Kulay Logo

The brand name of the crayon company is "Kulay". The word "kulay" is a Filipino term which means "color" in English.
The theme of the logo is "Crayons: Bring Color to Life" or "Krayola: Binibigyang Kulay ang Buhay".
The background was made dull - plain black and white like a coloring book. However, because of crayons, the plain and lifeless looking flower was brought to life by coloring it and enhancing it with crayons.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1—Review of a cartoon movie CD cover

2005-09-19T00:03:00.000+08:00

As I was looking at the selection of cartoon videos, the most attractive and eye-catching for me was the video cover of Bambi.

I really liked the video cover because of the vivid colors used to project the atmosphere of the setting of the story. I like the sense of tranquility of nature that the cover projects. It has this captivating aura which is sort of heart-warming. Bambi is also really cute and adorable in the cover. He is also enlarged and centered so it emphasized that he is the main character or “bida” in the story. The other characters that play an important role in the story blend in well on the cover both in the aspect of color and presence. The composition of both the colors and design complement each other so well that the cover is really attractive.