For many of us, faith is not the issue. We're up to challenge. We don’t rest on our laurels. We can run towards the piercing arrows unshaken and stand in a fiery furnace immovable. We can unscramble the hidden message. We can see the invisible in the midst of the cloudy skies. We can walk on the water. We can smile and even rally the people to victory while keeping our head above the water.
Yet, the right kind of heart is still the compass in our Christian journey. Humility before faith; meekness before honor. This is one of the significant marks of a true disciple.
Matthew 15:25-28: But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” And Jesus answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she said, “Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once.
If we will read the verses above just scratching the surface, "faith" is most likely the highlight. But I believe before the Canaanite woman’s “great faith”, we must give her the credit of having the right kind of heart. If you were the woman and you were so in need or in pain or in your most desperate moment but instead of Jesus giving you the perfect treatment that you were expecting, Jesus would turn to you and say, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” How would you feel that instead of comfort, Jesus will throw you a mean answer and compare you to a dog? In this scenario, I believe many would walk away but the woman didn’t. She didn’t allow those words to offend her. She didn’t argue. She didn’t let her pride take the upper hand. Instead, she remained and with the lowliness of her heart, she accepted her position before Jesus. She didn’t demand for a big bite of bread but instead, she put so much weight on what the little crumbs can do to her. Thus, before her faith was seen, her heart was first put to test.
The way up is the way down. This is just one of the many ironies in the Bible that many people would not easily understand but this is one of the key yardsticks to gauge the level of our maturity. It is how we respond when we are offended. It is how we remain when we are in pain. So yes still, above our great performances and all our accomplishments – even the countless fruits that we can bring to the Kingdom, the fact remains, the right kind of hearts will set the line between a disciple and not… Without this right kind of heart, our faith will surely crumble.
“O God, let the secrets of my heart be uncovered, and let my wandering thoughts be tested” Psalm 139:23, Basic in Bible English
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
TRUST: A Walk of a Still Heart
Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
God has always been intentional. HE does things to drive a point, hit the bull's eye, strike for a purpose. The good news is, all HIS intentions are pure and impeccable, even when things don't seem to make sense. He is not asking for our understanding, He is asking for a heart who is fully surrendered to Him, with unwavering trust, immovable faith, and a steadfast love no matter what the cost.
I believe God inspired Paul to write Galatians 6:9 to validate that at some points, we will reach our lowest weariness or feel like losing our heart in the process. He wrote to acknowlede that at certain times, we will feel our nothingness and things are just so much hard to bear. He recognized that we have our own limitations. Yet, it is also a message to ascertain us that GOD knows, God feels and the best part is, God rewards.
Do not lose heart to be a blessing. Our weak feet may falter but His grace is steady. Walk in His grace and just take another step... and another step.. and another step... In our limitations we would know that God is unlimited, boundless and eternal.
Be still even when you have all the reasons to faint. Be still even when all things are choking you. Be still even at the brink of your breaking. Be still. Be still. Be still. And again, be still. Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God..."
God has always been intentional. HE does things to drive a point, hit the bull's eye, strike for a purpose. The good news is, all HIS intentions are pure and impeccable, even when things don't seem to make sense. He is not asking for our understanding, He is asking for a heart who is fully surrendered to Him, with unwavering trust, immovable faith, and a steadfast love no matter what the cost.
I believe God inspired Paul to write Galatians 6:9 to validate that at some points, we will reach our lowest weariness or feel like losing our heart in the process. He wrote to acknowlede that at certain times, we will feel our nothingness and things are just so much hard to bear. He recognized that we have our own limitations. Yet, it is also a message to ascertain us that GOD knows, God feels and the best part is, God rewards.
Do not lose heart to be a blessing. Our weak feet may falter but His grace is steady. Walk in His grace and just take another step... and another step.. and another step... In our limitations we would know that God is unlimited, boundless and eternal.
Be still even when you have all the reasons to faint. Be still even when all things are choking you. Be still even at the brink of your breaking. Be still. Be still. Be still. And again, be still. Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God..."
AGAPE: The Outburst of My Heart
My AGAPE, My WORLD
When all the world makes all the noises
And all that surrounds me suppress me
You carry me to Your arms and Your Agape would be my world
My AGAPE, My BREATH
When the water rage and the boat shakes
And when all that's within me is gasping for air
You secure me to a quiet place and Your agape would be my breath
My AGAPE, My FUEL
When all I can hold is nothing
And find myself standing alone
You run towards me and swing me around
And You would always whisper that Your agape is my fuel
My AGAPE, My COMFORT
When all my nerves feel all the pressures
And all the stress rush through all my veins
You never fail to embrace me and Your agape is my comfort
My AGAPE, My STRENGTH
When my knees and all my bones weaken
And my feet is about to lose its balance
You would always there to catch me and Your Agape rekindles my strength
My AGAPE, My ANSWER
When exaggeration becomes my reality
And all the most challenging tricks would come to play
I just close my eyes… and there I would feel Your Agape becoming my answer
My AGAPE, My FRIEND
When no one can decipher what's on my mind
Nor feel what fills my heart
You would always know what to do and Your agape would be my friend
My AGAPE, My EVERYTHING
And when I am caught up with overwhelming blessings
You smile and turn my face towards You
And that above anything else, Your Agape is my EVERYTHING
When all the world makes all the noises
And all that surrounds me suppress me
You carry me to Your arms and Your Agape would be my world
My AGAPE, My BREATH
When the water rage and the boat shakes
And when all that's within me is gasping for air
You secure me to a quiet place and Your agape would be my breath
My AGAPE, My FUEL
When all I can hold is nothing
And find myself standing alone
You run towards me and swing me around
And You would always whisper that Your agape is my fuel
My AGAPE, My COMFORT
When all my nerves feel all the pressures
And all the stress rush through all my veins
You never fail to embrace me and Your agape is my comfort
My AGAPE, My STRENGTH
When my knees and all my bones weaken
And my feet is about to lose its balance
You would always there to catch me and Your Agape rekindles my strength
My AGAPE, My ANSWER
When exaggeration becomes my reality
And all the most challenging tricks would come to play
I just close my eyes… and there I would feel Your Agape becoming my answer
My AGAPE, My FRIEND
When no one can decipher what's on my mind
Nor feel what fills my heart
You would always know what to do and Your agape would be my friend
My AGAPE, My EVERYTHING
And when I am caught up with overwhelming blessings
You smile and turn my face towards You
And that above anything else, Your Agape is my EVERYTHING
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Looking from the Lens of Forgiveness
One of the most plausible substances of a believer is their power to forgive but not because they are superheroes but because they themselves have tasted the depth of His forgiveness. But if we lay it down on the table, forgiveness is so hard to spell. It talks about our rights, our pride, our values. It asks you to consider all perspectives. It calls you to weigh things. It is something you can't demand to someone and on the same manner, they can't demand from you. It involves the whole of you.
ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS
Asking for forgiveness is more than being sorry to your actions and more than admitting your fault. I say, it's putting value to the person - to your relationship, to his/her feelings, to him/her as a person. We may have different perspective on the matter but we have to remember that emotions are valid and thus, asking for forgiveness is going beyond our logic.
I believe that the call to ask for forgiveness is not dependent on the consequences it had to make on the person. You don't have to wait for the person to look sorry before you say sorry. Hence, when pride takes the upper hand, remember that we are made from love, for love, and to love.
RELEASING FORGIVENESS
Releasing forgiveness is not a walk in the park because the pain almost always cloud us. But if we will just honestly evaluate it, what good thing can unforgiveness do to us? Even if I ponder it a thousand times, I guess I will never get an answer.
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34
Looking at Jesus' standard, releasing forgiveness is looking from where the person is coming from (for they do not know what they are doing). Scrutinizing deeper, Jesus released forgiveness to the people who don't even have any intention to say sorry, not even a single hint of a changed heart. Needless to say, we don't get the green light from them. We don't wait for the person to apologize even before we extend forgiveness because actually, releasing them is freeing ourselves as well.
As a final note, here's Gary V's tweet for us to ponder: "One thing that blows my mind away is when Jesus, even while being nailed 2 the cross said "God forgive them 4 they know not what they do"......He said this for a people who only had one thing in mind and that was to kill Him. This is the kind of love this God of ours has for us."
ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS
Asking for forgiveness is more than being sorry to your actions and more than admitting your fault. I say, it's putting value to the person - to your relationship, to his/her feelings, to him/her as a person. We may have different perspective on the matter but we have to remember that emotions are valid and thus, asking for forgiveness is going beyond our logic.
I believe that the call to ask for forgiveness is not dependent on the consequences it had to make on the person. You don't have to wait for the person to look sorry before you say sorry. Hence, when pride takes the upper hand, remember that we are made from love, for love, and to love.
RELEASING FORGIVENESS
Releasing forgiveness is not a walk in the park because the pain almost always cloud us. But if we will just honestly evaluate it, what good thing can unforgiveness do to us? Even if I ponder it a thousand times, I guess I will never get an answer.
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34
Looking at Jesus' standard, releasing forgiveness is looking from where the person is coming from (for they do not know what they are doing). Scrutinizing deeper, Jesus released forgiveness to the people who don't even have any intention to say sorry, not even a single hint of a changed heart. Needless to say, we don't get the green light from them. We don't wait for the person to apologize even before we extend forgiveness because actually, releasing them is freeing ourselves as well.
As a final note, here's Gary V's tweet for us to ponder: "One thing that blows my mind away is when Jesus, even while being nailed 2 the cross said "God forgive them 4 they know not what they do"......He said this for a people who only had one thing in mind and that was to kill Him. This is the kind of love this God of ours has for us."
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The STRONG Ones
Many people are amazed on how these “strong” people can do it. For me, one thing that I really learned is that everything just really depends on how we see things, really. Admittedly, I’ve wanted to peek what the future lies so I would be able to appreciate every detail of pain and get at least a little concrete assurance of the trail I’m travelling but then again, where would “faith” comes in?
Through many years of my Christian journey, I have come to understand that FAITH is the main flavour for me to savor every little chunk that comes to my plate. No matter what the taste would be – be it sweet, bitter, sour, tasteless– my FAITH would let me finish my meal.
Running around the unfamiliar roads is not simple, unquestionably not, but every time I see myself again hustling through the wilderness, I would always hold HIS grip. I know seeing it though my perspective won’t help at all; I need HIM to take the lead. It’s actually reading through the blank pages or getting the message through jumbled words – that’s how faith works.
So does it mean being “strong” equates to being “numb” to pain? Absolutely not, definitely not. But I must say, it’s how the strong ones translate the pain into trust, into hope, into love, into every little thing that would radiate HIS glory. The strength of a person is also not about how fast one can recover from the sting of life because I believe, many of these “strong ones” could still be under recovery yet they opt to still run and believe HIS perfect and irrefutable plan.
“In EVERYTHING, give thanks…” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Through many years of my Christian journey, I have come to understand that FAITH is the main flavour for me to savor every little chunk that comes to my plate. No matter what the taste would be – be it sweet, bitter, sour, tasteless– my FAITH would let me finish my meal.
Running around the unfamiliar roads is not simple, unquestionably not, but every time I see myself again hustling through the wilderness, I would always hold HIS grip. I know seeing it though my perspective won’t help at all; I need HIM to take the lead. It’s actually reading through the blank pages or getting the message through jumbled words – that’s how faith works.
So does it mean being “strong” equates to being “numb” to pain? Absolutely not, definitely not. But I must say, it’s how the strong ones translate the pain into trust, into hope, into love, into every little thing that would radiate HIS glory. The strength of a person is also not about how fast one can recover from the sting of life because I believe, many of these “strong ones” could still be under recovery yet they opt to still run and believe HIS perfect and irrefutable plan.
“In EVERYTHING, give thanks…” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Plasters and Blisters
Conquering new heights is like wearing new shoes. We get so excited to try it on. We feel pretty and walk so gorgeously on our first few steps... but after few more steps... and another step, we can feel the pain on our feet... blisters are forming. And for us to just go through the day, we put plasters on them... Yet still, the agony of bearing the pain and letting the day pass is kicking-in. But at the end of the day, we may find our feet with plasters and blisters, there's still undeniable satisfaction of having a new blessing... and we know, after some more tries walking with it, we'll get used to it... and soon enough, we will realize, how pretty we are on our new shoes... and that it perfectly fit with our size.
On the same manner, we get so excited with the idea of starting our career to a new place or new heights or taking new assignment. Hence, our hearts are so filled with joy as we start the journey... We're so pumped up with passion and determination! But as the days... and some more days pass by, the agony of waiting is just 'killing' us...
So I must say, "adjustment period" is inevitable and resistance is almost always part of the process but as long as we begin to see our future in HIS eyes and appreciate each blessing that was given to us, every step, big or small, is indeed not a waste... and sooner or later, it will be paid-off.
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."
On the same manner, we get so excited with the idea of starting our career to a new place or new heights or taking new assignment. Hence, our hearts are so filled with joy as we start the journey... We're so pumped up with passion and determination! But as the days... and some more days pass by, the agony of waiting is just 'killing' us...
So I must say, "adjustment period" is inevitable and resistance is almost always part of the process but as long as we begin to see our future in HIS eyes and appreciate each blessing that was given to us, every step, big or small, is indeed not a waste... and sooner or later, it will be paid-off.
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
It’s all about the character!
Life is a journey but what would take you to the finish line? Life is a quest but what would make you a winner? My bet is that our “character” will draw the line!
Some argue that life is unfair but had it been fair with Job? Some may debate that our “environments” would play a big role but looking at Joseph’s life, his “character” played much bigger. You may have a winning case but if your character fails to function well, you will lose along the way.
Yes, it’s all about our character! Things may present to us as an astounding surprise or likely expected, but the bottom line is, how much our “winning character” will stand out. We may have a long list of unanswered questions but the truth still lies, how are you going to respond while seeking for the answers?
Ephesians 4:14-15 (personally revised version): “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by life’s challenges and every questions left unanswered, and blown here and there by every offensive word, unacceptable reasons and unfavorable circumstances. Instead, speaking (and believing) the truth in love, we will grow having an unoffended life to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Some argue that life is unfair but had it been fair with Job? Some may debate that our “environments” would play a big role but looking at Joseph’s life, his “character” played much bigger. You may have a winning case but if your character fails to function well, you will lose along the way.
Yes, it’s all about our character! Things may present to us as an astounding surprise or likely expected, but the bottom line is, how much our “winning character” will stand out. We may have a long list of unanswered questions but the truth still lies, how are you going to respond while seeking for the answers?
Ephesians 4:14-15 (personally revised version): “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by life’s challenges and every questions left unanswered, and blown here and there by every offensive word, unacceptable reasons and unfavorable circumstances. Instead, speaking (and believing) the truth in love, we will grow having an unoffended life to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Get your portion!
2011 is said to be a great year – greater than ever! It’s our time to shine, our time to walk in the light and to be the light! But as we all know, there’s a price to pay for greater acceleration! As we are all in the market, most of us are working on different industries, there’s always a platform for us to excel – be skilled in whatever comes to our hands not for our name, but for HIS name.
I have been learning a lot from King Solomon chewing on every chunk written in Proverbs – not just reading and hearing but making each principle a reality. Solomon was known to be the wisest man in his time. How wise? All other kingdoms were willing to pay just to hear his wisdom! We want the world to listen to us? Be wise!
Here are few lines that keep on echoing on my head (all from Proverbs)
1. Acquire wisdom. Get insight. Love knowledge. – These are all over the book of Proverbs! We may all want the second word of each phrases “wisdom, insight and knowledge” but ignore the first one, “acquire, get and love”. There’s a step to take, a time to commit, an effort to extend. If we want excellence in our work and all areas of our lives, TAKE ACTION!
2. “For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them.” – Proverbs 1:32
(a) “For the waywardness of the naive will kill them…” – alignment to HIS word is always a requirement. Obedience is always a prerequisite. Don’t compromise! Stay focus!
(b) “…And the complacency of fools will destroy them.” – Don’t ever embrace mediocrity and never sit on your laurel; KEEP ON MOVING UP! There’s so much more to achieve. Don’t ever think that you have reached the top; remember that we go from glory to glory!
3. Listen to the words of the wise! Solomon reiterated many times in Proverbs, “listen my son…” or “pay attention to what I will say…” Learn from the best! Don’t ignore the teachings on excellent spirit and all those gifts given to us. Listen to the words given to Destiny! Listen to the words of GOD!
All the resources have been given – get your portion!
I have been learning a lot from King Solomon chewing on every chunk written in Proverbs – not just reading and hearing but making each principle a reality. Solomon was known to be the wisest man in his time. How wise? All other kingdoms were willing to pay just to hear his wisdom! We want the world to listen to us? Be wise!
Here are few lines that keep on echoing on my head (all from Proverbs)
1. Acquire wisdom. Get insight. Love knowledge. – These are all over the book of Proverbs! We may all want the second word of each phrases “wisdom, insight and knowledge” but ignore the first one, “acquire, get and love”. There’s a step to take, a time to commit, an effort to extend. If we want excellence in our work and all areas of our lives, TAKE ACTION!
2. “For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them.” – Proverbs 1:32
(a) “For the waywardness of the naive will kill them…” – alignment to HIS word is always a requirement. Obedience is always a prerequisite. Don’t compromise! Stay focus!
(b) “…And the complacency of fools will destroy them.” – Don’t ever embrace mediocrity and never sit on your laurel; KEEP ON MOVING UP! There’s so much more to achieve. Don’t ever think that you have reached the top; remember that we go from glory to glory!
3. Listen to the words of the wise! Solomon reiterated many times in Proverbs, “listen my son…” or “pay attention to what I will say…” Learn from the best! Don’t ignore the teachings on excellent spirit and all those gifts given to us. Listen to the words given to Destiny! Listen to the words of GOD!
All the resources have been given – get your portion!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Glued to the promise…
"… for the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10
This verse has been ringing on my head while I was in the bus going to work. For many times I have asked myself, what makes people endure? What keeps people smile in the brink of breaking? What holds them to be strong and just pursue the promised future? And there are so much unspoken mysteries that I can muse about… And then I asked myself… what keep me then fighting the good fight?
I was given a promise since I was a child and just the picture of the fulfillment makes me enthusiastic of the future.
In 2 Samuel 23:9-10, these verses boast about one of the great men of David – Eleazar. When the men retreated, he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and FROZE to the SWORD. Like him, I glued myself to the promise and HIS promise is my SWORD.
"… for the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10. We have this inner joy that only HE provides – a joy that is not dictated by any circumstances or joy that is not bound by time; it never fades and it never falters. But this verse gave another impression to me this morning, a whisper that says, “It is MY joy to see you enduring. It is MY joy to see you standing over and over. It is MY joy to see you winning battles after battles. It is MY joy to see you believing in Me. It is MY joy to see you walking on the water. MY JOY is your fuel because it’s your joy to please me.”
These very words brought tears to my eyes. Since day one, I’m still that same child who received the promise. Years passed yet still I’m that same child who is glued to HIS promise.
This verse has been ringing on my head while I was in the bus going to work. For many times I have asked myself, what makes people endure? What keeps people smile in the brink of breaking? What holds them to be strong and just pursue the promised future? And there are so much unspoken mysteries that I can muse about… And then I asked myself… what keep me then fighting the good fight?
I was given a promise since I was a child and just the picture of the fulfillment makes me enthusiastic of the future.
In 2 Samuel 23:9-10, these verses boast about one of the great men of David – Eleazar. When the men retreated, he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and FROZE to the SWORD. Like him, I glued myself to the promise and HIS promise is my SWORD.
"… for the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10. We have this inner joy that only HE provides – a joy that is not dictated by any circumstances or joy that is not bound by time; it never fades and it never falters. But this verse gave another impression to me this morning, a whisper that says, “It is MY joy to see you enduring. It is MY joy to see you standing over and over. It is MY joy to see you winning battles after battles. It is MY joy to see you believing in Me. It is MY joy to see you walking on the water. MY JOY is your fuel because it’s your joy to please me.”
These very words brought tears to my eyes. Since day one, I’m still that same child who received the promise. Years passed yet still I’m that same child who is glued to HIS promise.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Sometimes
Sometimes, you just want to sit in a corner where no one else could find you
Or just fly to a mountain where not a single person could touch you
Or dance under the rain that no one will dare to stop you
Or maybe just stare the stillness of the sea and feel the breeze where no one is around you
Sometimes, you just want to do something "not you"
Something that will just make you feel good
Something that would make the time freeze for you
Or something that will make all the birds flock around you
Sometimes you feel like playing around the clock
Going fast forward to have a glimpse of the future
Or pressing rewind to hold back some memories
Or pause some pictures on your mind, capturing every detail
Sometimes, you enjoy the attention
But sometimes you long for your space
Sometimes, you pray for the courage to speak
Yet sometimes, you also seek for the strength to remain quiet
Oh sometimes, you don't know what you want
Or clueless how to juggle all things with 2 hands
And sometimes things would trigger you to change your mind
But sometimes, all you have to do... is to do nothing
With many choices in a box, sometimes you dont know which one fits you best
With your joy to paint love around you sometimes left you puzzled which color to pick
Oh sometimes... and all these "sometimes" moments
Still, would lead you ALWAYS to one thing and one place... To a place that never change --- HIS place
(random thoughts within 30 minutes, alone at riverside...)
Or just fly to a mountain where not a single person could touch you
Or dance under the rain that no one will dare to stop you
Or maybe just stare the stillness of the sea and feel the breeze where no one is around you
Sometimes, you just want to do something "not you"
Something that will just make you feel good
Something that would make the time freeze for you
Or something that will make all the birds flock around you
Sometimes you feel like playing around the clock
Going fast forward to have a glimpse of the future
Or pressing rewind to hold back some memories
Or pause some pictures on your mind, capturing every detail
Sometimes, you enjoy the attention
But sometimes you long for your space
Sometimes, you pray for the courage to speak
Yet sometimes, you also seek for the strength to remain quiet
Oh sometimes, you don't know what you want
Or clueless how to juggle all things with 2 hands
And sometimes things would trigger you to change your mind
But sometimes, all you have to do... is to do nothing
With many choices in a box, sometimes you dont know which one fits you best
With your joy to paint love around you sometimes left you puzzled which color to pick
Oh sometimes... and all these "sometimes" moments
Still, would lead you ALWAYS to one thing and one place... To a place that never change --- HIS place
(random thoughts within 30 minutes, alone at riverside...)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
What does your name stands for?
I was browsing the latest magazine of Bloomberg and was amazed when I saw the picture of a very large crowd gathered together to listen to Warren Buffet. The magazine said that there were more than 37,000 people flocked in Omaha, Nebraska, for Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s annual meeting to hear investing wisdom from Warren Buffet and they call it, “The Oracle Speaks”. ORACLE, wow! Just the name of "Warren Buffet" is already a big announcement – they don’t have to put some more accessories, people will surely come. His reputation precedes him!
What about our names? What do they stand for?
In Proverbs 22 verse 1, it says, "A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth, good favor more than silver or gold."
We know that we, believers, are God's representatives (2 Cor 5:20) - we carry His name. Everywhere we go, we bring His banner but we don't (always) say that outright. We don't go around and introduce ourselves as, "Hi, I'm God's ambassador...” Rather, we meet people and introduce our name first, "Hi, I'm Odessa." but the question whether how this name will impact their lives depends on how well we will build our name. We have to admit that one of the common languages today, either spoken verbally or not, is "sorry but you have to earn my respect first".
Next to our name is our CURRENT profession or whatever we are into NOW. We don't (normally) say, "I will soon to be a CEO." They themselves will somehow know how our future paths will be depends on how we perform today. My point is, wherever our feet is standing now, it is our call to protect and establish our name. May we never use our current situation as an excuse to be “nobody” but rather; from all these tests we start to flourish our name and be “somebody”. How sweet it is to hear from others when they say, “Odessa – someone who always perserveres and trusts GOD…”
Apostle Paul said it well that we ourselves are the open letters known and read by everyone (2 Corinthians 3:2). We are the open BIBLE! Trust me, our testimonies speak so much louder than what we preach! So the question is, are we a good steward with the talents given to us?
When I was in my elementary years, my dad usually asks me to buy his all-time-favorite newspaper, Philippine Daily Inquirer. One time, I saw this teaser of the said paper on one of the sidelines that says (I can’ remember the exact words but something like), “We’re sold out because we don’t sell out.” I didn’t understand it then but I carried that line until now. At least during the early years, Philippine Daily Inquirer is one of the most reputable newspapers if it’s not the best. They don’t go around and advertise themselves but the readers themselves look for it. On the same manner, we don’t have to brag around that we're CHRISTians but people will look and follow us depends on how we have established our names.
As a final note, our company is now working on a new product (quarterly report) that we will sell. My boss said, we will give out samples but just the overview. He said, “The trick is slicing it so that people see the icing, but don’t see how the cake is baked." Let me tweak a bit and apply in our Christian lives, "we let the people see the icing or taste the cake. Soon, they want to know who baked it and how it was perfectly done."
What about our names? What do they stand for?
In Proverbs 22 verse 1, it says, "A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth, good favor more than silver or gold."
We know that we, believers, are God's representatives (2 Cor 5:20) - we carry His name. Everywhere we go, we bring His banner but we don't (always) say that outright. We don't go around and introduce ourselves as, "Hi, I'm God's ambassador...” Rather, we meet people and introduce our name first, "Hi, I'm Odessa." but the question whether how this name will impact their lives depends on how well we will build our name. We have to admit that one of the common languages today, either spoken verbally or not, is "sorry but you have to earn my respect first".
Next to our name is our CURRENT profession or whatever we are into NOW. We don't (normally) say, "I will soon to be a CEO." They themselves will somehow know how our future paths will be depends on how we perform today. My point is, wherever our feet is standing now, it is our call to protect and establish our name. May we never use our current situation as an excuse to be “nobody” but rather; from all these tests we start to flourish our name and be “somebody”. How sweet it is to hear from others when they say, “Odessa – someone who always perserveres and trusts GOD…”
Apostle Paul said it well that we ourselves are the open letters known and read by everyone (2 Corinthians 3:2). We are the open BIBLE! Trust me, our testimonies speak so much louder than what we preach! So the question is, are we a good steward with the talents given to us?
When I was in my elementary years, my dad usually asks me to buy his all-time-favorite newspaper, Philippine Daily Inquirer. One time, I saw this teaser of the said paper on one of the sidelines that says (I can’ remember the exact words but something like), “We’re sold out because we don’t sell out.” I didn’t understand it then but I carried that line until now. At least during the early years, Philippine Daily Inquirer is one of the most reputable newspapers if it’s not the best. They don’t go around and advertise themselves but the readers themselves look for it. On the same manner, we don’t have to brag around that we're CHRISTians but people will look and follow us depends on how we have established our names.
As a final note, our company is now working on a new product (quarterly report) that we will sell. My boss said, we will give out samples but just the overview. He said, “The trick is slicing it so that people see the icing, but don’t see how the cake is baked." Let me tweak a bit and apply in our Christian lives, "we let the people see the icing or taste the cake. Soon, they want to know who baked it and how it was perfectly done."
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Capturing my thoughts: Collection of my recent Facebook statuses
I have thought most of them while on the bus going to work and they paint the picture of my thoughts on those said days *wink*
March 2
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney. And here's my version, it's kind of boring to do the possible, haha! Yattir spirit!
March 18
I am soooo me and you are sooo you, haha! See, we are just different in many ways but it's our differences that make our lives so lively and colorful - and that make us dependent with each other *wink*
March 25
Whilst it's well acknowledged that many things would have to undergo a very loooong process, there are just also certain things that can change in just a blink of an eye...
April 5
When you are left with no reason to fight for them, make HIM the reason why... when you are left with no reason to fight for them, make HIM the reason why... After all, that should be the starting point...After all, that should be the starting point...
April 8
I am so glad that I am already dead, haha! Those who have ears let them hear... *wink*
April 15
It's never about who's the best among ourselves but living out the best in each one of us. We are all like stars meant to shine and it's never about outshining one another but shining all together. Enjoy shining my co-stars for the glory of the ONE who enabled us to shine!
April 19
Most of the times, the heart can feel what the eyes can't see... And the ears also do hear what the heart ignores to feel... :)
April 21
Genuine appreciation never fails to encourage someone. Your words don’t even cost a penny so why not be generous to express them? You just never know how they can empower someone's day. Cheers!
April 23
There are times, our beliefs are bound to be questioned and if we only have our doctrines/theology as a back-up, we might end up questioning our own beliefs. BUT our personal encounters with HIM nullify all these venomous doubts - and that's how powerful EXPERIENCES are! Have a blessed morning and may we all have great encounters with HIM today. :-)
April 27
It takes so much courage to speak up but it also does take so much "will" to remain quiet when the circumstance require you to... :)
March 2
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney. And here's my version, it's kind of boring to do the possible, haha! Yattir spirit!
March 18
I am soooo me and you are sooo you, haha! See, we are just different in many ways but it's our differences that make our lives so lively and colorful - and that make us dependent with each other *wink*
March 25
Whilst it's well acknowledged that many things would have to undergo a very loooong process, there are just also certain things that can change in just a blink of an eye...
April 5
When you are left with no reason to fight for them, make HIM the reason why... when you are left with no reason to fight for them, make HIM the reason why... After all, that should be the starting point...After all, that should be the starting point...
April 8
I am so glad that I am already dead, haha! Those who have ears let them hear... *wink*
April 15
It's never about who's the best among ourselves but living out the best in each one of us. We are all like stars meant to shine and it's never about outshining one another but shining all together. Enjoy shining my co-stars for the glory of the ONE who enabled us to shine!
April 19
Most of the times, the heart can feel what the eyes can't see... And the ears also do hear what the heart ignores to feel... :)
April 21
Genuine appreciation never fails to encourage someone. Your words don’t even cost a penny so why not be generous to express them? You just never know how they can empower someone's day. Cheers!
April 23
There are times, our beliefs are bound to be questioned and if we only have our doctrines/theology as a back-up, we might end up questioning our own beliefs. BUT our personal encounters with HIM nullify all these venomous doubts - and that's how powerful EXPERIENCES are! Have a blessed morning and may we all have great encounters with HIM today. :-)
April 27
It takes so much courage to speak up but it also does take so much "will" to remain quiet when the circumstance require you to... :)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
My Work, My Ministry
“You are super, it’s really our blessing to have you.” I would never forget this text message that I received from our chairman – and this is my favourite (so far) among all his sms.
I still clearly remember how our boss treated me on my first 2 weeks of job. He bombarded me with all his pressuring and humiliating emails that everybody can read. I knew it then that how he saw me wasn’t really me so I chose to remain and unleash my true identity. Little did I know that GOD was just preparing me for bigger things… and not long enough, his treatment started to shift.
There are times that we are just clueless on how to reach out our colleagues and even bosses. We may have an unending list of what to do’s but most of the times, still end up fruitless. BUT, are we really required to open the Bible to them and preach for us to fulfil our calling in our offices? Are we really obliged to tell them that they have to follow Jesus or they will go to hell? If you would ask me, I would definitely love sharing them GOD’s words. BUT, first of all, we have to set our record straight!
Working abroad is really not that easy. Given the pressures of work plus throw in all these different cultures and work ethics, it would sometimes blow our mind. But I still think that this is a lame excuse for us not to stand, wherever we are, because before we could say any word on how one should live his/her life, we must first show them how one employee should work.
So, what’s our true identity? We have the very genes of CHRIST – it’s the same CHRIST who walked on the water, healed the sick, caused the lame to walk and even the dead to arise. Our identity is doing supernatural things or accomplishing extra-ordinary stuffs! Putting it in simpler words, EXCELLENCE is just a flow of our identity.
INFLUENCE/CONNECTION is, I believe, one of the greatest powers one can have, but creating a “positive mark” is a prerequisite in aiming for this. A mark of “excellence” coupled with “love” is my number one bet. Once you have those, even our quick casual chit-chats with our officemates would be very fruitful. We don’t need to have a manual on “How to reach my officemate 101” because the answer is within us. Set your record straight and HE will do the rest!
As a final note, here’s one simple conversation of a sister (who made a connection) with her Chinese officemate (simple conversation and yet it served as a platform to share the word). The sister told the officemate the story of a demon-possessed person who got healed after they prayed for her during the African Call.
Officemate: what language did you use in praying for her?
Sister: it’s in English
Officemate: So your God can understand any language? If I pray in Chinese will He understand me?
Sister - yes, even if it’s in Tagalog, He will understand you...
Telling stories like that would not be such a struggle once we have made the difference, once we have built the connection. So remember, never ever underestimate your small talks during quick breaks. As for me, my work is my ministry.
I still clearly remember how our boss treated me on my first 2 weeks of job. He bombarded me with all his pressuring and humiliating emails that everybody can read. I knew it then that how he saw me wasn’t really me so I chose to remain and unleash my true identity. Little did I know that GOD was just preparing me for bigger things… and not long enough, his treatment started to shift.
There are times that we are just clueless on how to reach out our colleagues and even bosses. We may have an unending list of what to do’s but most of the times, still end up fruitless. BUT, are we really required to open the Bible to them and preach for us to fulfil our calling in our offices? Are we really obliged to tell them that they have to follow Jesus or they will go to hell? If you would ask me, I would definitely love sharing them GOD’s words. BUT, first of all, we have to set our record straight!
Working abroad is really not that easy. Given the pressures of work plus throw in all these different cultures and work ethics, it would sometimes blow our mind. But I still think that this is a lame excuse for us not to stand, wherever we are, because before we could say any word on how one should live his/her life, we must first show them how one employee should work.
So, what’s our true identity? We have the very genes of CHRIST – it’s the same CHRIST who walked on the water, healed the sick, caused the lame to walk and even the dead to arise. Our identity is doing supernatural things or accomplishing extra-ordinary stuffs! Putting it in simpler words, EXCELLENCE is just a flow of our identity.
INFLUENCE/CONNECTION is, I believe, one of the greatest powers one can have, but creating a “positive mark” is a prerequisite in aiming for this. A mark of “excellence” coupled with “love” is my number one bet. Once you have those, even our quick casual chit-chats with our officemates would be very fruitful. We don’t need to have a manual on “How to reach my officemate 101” because the answer is within us. Set your record straight and HE will do the rest!
As a final note, here’s one simple conversation of a sister (who made a connection) with her Chinese officemate (simple conversation and yet it served as a platform to share the word). The sister told the officemate the story of a demon-possessed person who got healed after they prayed for her during the African Call.
Officemate: what language did you use in praying for her?
Sister: it’s in English
Officemate: So your God can understand any language? If I pray in Chinese will He understand me?
Sister - yes, even if it’s in Tagalog, He will understand you...
Telling stories like that would not be such a struggle once we have made the difference, once we have built the connection. So remember, never ever underestimate your small talks during quick breaks. As for me, my work is my ministry.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Cherries on top
Different people know us in different ways. Like me, many say that I’m “what you see is what you get” person whilst some says, “I’m more than what meets the eye”. But whichever camp you are in, many have just actually scratched the surface.
People usually notice my smiley face and distinctive laugh. They also say that I’m sporty, a statistician/analyst, a loyal friend, generous giver and some also admire my unwavering faith, passion, determination, driven-for-excellence attitude... and the list goes on… But this list? These are just the cherries on top.
I, myself, am still in the pursuit of knowing the deepest core that God has designed for me. He is not done with me yet. Each day is indeed a new day with God filling my vessel with new things and I would never dare to put a halt on my growth. He fills my cup with joy incessantly and I’m loving it.
No matter how much we try to sketch the whole picture of our image, there's always a need to redraw it. Time and time again, new things will just fall on our lap. You will sometimes just find yourself in awe how God perfectly designed His masterpiece. Each fibre, each moment and every little thing, they make the whole of you. And this where vagueness comes in. There is a mystery on each one of us and we can only unravel it when we SOLELY seek OUR CREATOR.
The way you see yourself even adding up the way others see you still doesn’t speak the totality of you. These are just your cherries on top and God holds the main flavours. And remembering what God said after He created Adam, “it is so good”, is a good start in finding the mysteries imprinted within us. Yes, Adam was good and so are we.
The day He created us is already a mystery. Our journey is even more. We are thrown with many unanswerable questions and sometimes when we don’t find a satisfying answer, we tend to settle with our own assumptions, thus, failing to seek the truth. Like the famous quote say, many are just breathing but not really living. Yes, life is indeed a mystery.
With so much that we can see and feel, don’t just scratch the surface. Dig the treasures. Solve the puzzle. Unravel the mystery. And there is only one starting point - seek your CREATOR.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Price and the Prize of a Disciple
This exhortation is one of the basic things of Christian life - one of the things that we should have already known... But, while I was preparing last night (or morning I should say) for our cell meeting, I was prompted to share with you my notes and I think it's good to start by quoting John Bevere, "Many preachers/believers focused so much on sharing the promises of 'resurrection' but sometimes forgetting to stress the message of the 'cross'. WHY? Because many are afraid to lose their people… If we will only preach like Jesus did, many will walk out..." Remember the rich young man who walked out sorrowful after Jesus told him to sell his possessions and follow HIM (Matthew 19:16-26)?
While I was reading Matthew 10:38 “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me”, 2 questions came to my mind.
First, why "cross"? Why take up the "cross"? The first thing that always come to my mind when we talk about the cross is "Jesus dying on the cross for us" but when Jesus said those words, He has not gone through the "crucifixion” yet so He must not be talking about His death. To put things at the right perspective, it’s always good to check the history. Taking from Wikipedia, the cross “depicts a purposely painful and gruesome method of public execution.” To put it in simpler words, CROSS means DEATH. So when Jesus said take up the cross, He meant death, but not His but ours – DEATH TO SELF. He meant denying ourselves (Matthew 16:24).
Second, why did Jesus had to say “take up the CROSS”? Why did He not just say “follow Me”? Jesus just drew the line! “Taking up the cross” will separate the “true followers” from the “self-proclaimed followers”. Many think and confess that they are CHRISTians and yet still living and loving their old selves.
To set the record straight, let’s take Jesus as our model. Let’s now talk about HIM carrying His cross. When Jesus “literally” took up the cross (note of the word “literal”, that must be a classic example huh!), He bleed and experienced death… and when we take up our cross, we will bleed, surely we will... We will have questions like, “Father, why have You forsaken me?” but like what John Bevere said, that only after dying we will experience resurrection…
So you think following HIM means losing your life? Nah, on the contrary, it’s actually a choice given to us for us to enjoy life to the full (John 10:10). The promises of GOD to us are countless and they are more than the riches of this world… You give HIM your life and HE will surely outgive that. Many get scare of the “price” but the “prize” is actually priceless!
While I was reading Matthew 10:38 “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me”, 2 questions came to my mind.
First, why "cross"? Why take up the "cross"? The first thing that always come to my mind when we talk about the cross is "Jesus dying on the cross for us" but when Jesus said those words, He has not gone through the "crucifixion” yet so He must not be talking about His death. To put things at the right perspective, it’s always good to check the history. Taking from Wikipedia, the cross “depicts a purposely painful and gruesome method of public execution.” To put it in simpler words, CROSS means DEATH. So when Jesus said take up the cross, He meant death, but not His but ours – DEATH TO SELF. He meant denying ourselves (Matthew 16:24).
Second, why did Jesus had to say “take up the CROSS”? Why did He not just say “follow Me”? Jesus just drew the line! “Taking up the cross” will separate the “true followers” from the “self-proclaimed followers”. Many think and confess that they are CHRISTians and yet still living and loving their old selves.
To set the record straight, let’s take Jesus as our model. Let’s now talk about HIM carrying His cross. When Jesus “literally” took up the cross (note of the word “literal”, that must be a classic example huh!), He bleed and experienced death… and when we take up our cross, we will bleed, surely we will... We will have questions like, “Father, why have You forsaken me?” but like what John Bevere said, that only after dying we will experience resurrection…
So you think following HIM means losing your life? Nah, on the contrary, it’s actually a choice given to us for us to enjoy life to the full (John 10:10). The promises of GOD to us are countless and they are more than the riches of this world… You give HIM your life and HE will surely outgive that. Many get scare of the “price” but the “prize” is actually priceless!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Right Choice 2
I have written about this last time, that it's all about making the right choices... From the time you open your eyes in the morning, there are already many choices given to you. The choice if you still want to stay longer in bed and adjust your alarm clock or not. Or, if you still opt to spend few minutes in stillness and solitude with God despite the thought that the clock is ticking and you're late for work or a meeting.
Eating in a restaurant is an example. You are given a menu what food you are going to take so if you end up not satisfied with what has been served to you; it's not the restaurant's fault but that was the choice you made. Granted, you may not know the taste of the food by just looking at the list of options but still we can’t take off the fact that it was you who picked your meal.
I know a lot of people blaming "life" or "fate" to what they are in right now. For many times I've heard the word, "kapalaran" and they start blaming the events in their life; I myself is not excuse with this deception; I've been there so I know. What many can’t understand, or maybe just ignoring the fact, is that life is full of choices and every choice we make has a corresponding consequence. Let me echo these familiar quotations, "we are a product of our yesterday's choices" and "what we do today is what we become tomorrow". There are times that we think we are left with no other alternative but the truth is, even to the last resort, we still have that choice if we will say yes or no.
When I was in college, I was asked by a friend. We were having a breakfast then and I was winning her for God. She posted me this question, “God is all-knowing, right? He knows who will end up in hell or not? So, if He knew that I was going to hell, why did He still create me?" I didn’t know how to answer her then and for many years that question taunted me.
Many around us, even us believers, sometimes blame "fate" to what we are becoming. We sometimes use "fate" as an excuse to make the wrong choices. And, admittedly, the "victim feeling" is sometimes teasing us, but what would be our response is always our choice. So, yes, God knew us even we are still being formed in our mother's womb and His plan for everyone is something greater and bigger. God did not plan for us to end up in prison of pain with the consequences we made. If we can only envisage His plan that awaits us, “wow!” I said, “WOW!” We will be awed, it's something unfathomable. Jesus did not die on the cross for us to settle for anything less. BUT we have to understand that we will only get to that right destination if we will make the right journey. If you know that your destination is Baguio, what ticket will you buy? With all the ticket booths lined up, will you queue at the right line? If you know that there's a great reward awaiting for you in Singapore, will you book for a flight going to China? Again, it's all about choosing the right choices.
Everyday we have choices, in fact, we will not run-out of choices, and the choice to get back on the right track is always and will always be there. Looking back at the conversation with my friend then, it was only now that I've come to realize that it was actually one of God's ways for her to drive back in to the right road. That’s how free will operates and that’s how good GOD is.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Going slow to go fast
“If you want to go fast, go slow”, Gil Grissom said to Sarah when Sarah can barely wait to solve the crime... (That's from CSI Las Vegas) Ironic, huh? Well, life is I guess full of that.
Imagine a high school student working on his project. Wanting to have more time playing, he finished and submitted his work so fast without giving a second thought. But, to his surprise and dismay, after a day he submitted his work, the teacher returned his project because he missed some important little things... And all he could say would be, "Ooops, I didn’t notice that..."
There are times that we just want things to roll faster... Maybe because we feel like the agony of waiting is killing us. Or maybe, we just can’t bear to stay much longer to our situation or could also be that we’re too excited to hop-on to the next level… Here's a big BUT for that: BUT there are some precious gems in small packages that only those who will look intensely will be able to pick them up- some little things that may seem unnoticeable. The sad thing is, they are too little to identify but too significant to miss out. Altough admittedly, there are also times that they are placed in a way that can be seen palpably but we just intentionally ignore them to skip the painful process.
But guess what? Unless we make our “projects” right, we have to do it over… and over… and over again... And when you are caught at that same situation, these familiar and most of the times annoying questions will play again, "Why do I need to be here again? Have I not learned my lessons yet?" Because of our “desire” to shorten the painful process, we end up to a more painful and longer process. Want to mitigate all these unnecessary pains?
Go slow.
Go slow if you want to go fast... Pausing once in awhile is never a bad habit. Take time to think… Evaluate… and never forget to get HIS approval first before making your initial step.
“Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14
Go slow if you want to go fast... Pausing once in awhile is never a bad habit. Take time to think… Evaluate… and never forget to get HIS approval first before making your initial step.
“Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14
Quoting John Bevere, “A good tree naturally bears fruits. You don’t force them to bear fruits…” But why there are still many “strong” believers who don’t understand why their journey is going in a circle when in fact, the “very nature” of the “good tree” is in them? They know that they are called for something greater and deserve something better but they just can’t see what’s missing… Again, go slow and take time to see your face in a mirror. Maybe that “good” tree is placed in a pot- in his little world of comfort zone? Or maybe, that “good tree” should be planted somewhere around the “north” but now waving his leaves on the south?
Sometimes, we just find ourselves wishing things to be just plain and simple but well, it’s not. So I guess all we can do is savour on the food that GOD has placed on our plates… Go slow.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Communicated knowledge vs Revelation knowledge
(Excerpt from Driven by Eternity (John Bevere))
Many believers are too comfortable just listening to preachings/teachings (the “communicated knowledge”) instead of getting things directly from GOD (the “revelation knowledge”). What they (we) are missing is that believers with just “communicated knowledge” on hand are easier to be deceived than those who have “revelation knowledge”…
Many believers are too comfortable just listening to preachings/teachings (the “communicated knowledge”) instead of getting things directly from GOD (the “revelation knowledge”). What they (we) are missing is that believers with just “communicated knowledge” on hand are easier to be deceived than those who have “revelation knowledge”…
Going back to the story of Adam and Eve: Adam received the “revelation knowledge” not to eat the tree of the knowledge of good and evil whilst Eve received the “communicated knowledge” from Adam. Adam committed the sin of “disobedience” or “rebellion” since He disobeyed GOD and had chosen the luring of Eve than GOD. Eve, on the other hand, was easily swayed or deceived by the enemy holding just the “communicated knowledge”. Remember the lethal question of the serpent to Eve, “Did GOD really say…?” Here’s the “what if” question then, what if Eve received the first-hand message? Well, we can’t draw a line what would have happened but the clasp of the message to Eve’s heart would have been “stronger”.
That’s how vital communicating to GOD directly and not to be satisfied with the passed-on-message. Of course, we take delight on the food that our spiritual parents serve but being fed by our FATHER Himself is a completely different story… and this is also the reason why it is very essential for us to lead our “spiritual daughters/sons” to our FATHER and not to ourselves…
But taking the “revelation knowledge” would not exclude me from deception; in fact, this gives me a “greater-weight- challenge” that links to my obedience… and gives me a “heavier accountability” in passing on the message vigilantly…
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Kwentong Bakasyon
Grabe, sobra kaming excited nila Ate Rose kaya naman, 2 months before pa, we have already booked for our vacation (of course din, may promotion kasi dati ang Cebu Pacific, hehe). Malayo pa lang, nagiimagine na ako ng kung anu-anong kakainin ko, haha! Sobra na akong natakam sa mga Ilocano foods! I want all types of “diningding” na may sahog na pritong isda – bunga ng malunggay, pallang, saluyot etc. Gusto ko din ng pritong galunggong, pinakbet na lutong ilokano (di po yun ginigisa). Na-miss ko din ang “papus siomai”!
So ayun, dumating din ang December 06. We arrived at the Clark airport at around 5:30 am at diretso na kami (with Best and Ate Visiel) to Manila for the Fire and Glory Conference. Medyo groggy dahil di kami nakatulog sa plane. Sabi nga, if ma-slain man kami, diretso tulog na, haha! Bago kami tumuloy sa conference, syempre naman, kumain muna kami. Kasama namin yung Kuya ni Ate Visiel at hipag nya (sila kasi sumundo). Grabe, it was a small talk pero I also enjoyed the time just chatting and hearing some stories sa family ni Ate Visiel (and some “shocking revelation” kay Ate Visiel, haha. Joke. But that information is safe with us Ate Visiel, haha!).
Anyways, with all our luggage we proceeded to the Fire and Glory Conference. Everyone welcomed us with a big smile on their face (para bang nakita nila si Marian Rivera in person, ehem! Haha!). Kidding aside, when I entered the room, I felt the presence of GOD. The worship was so awesome. Daddy Leif shared about “chair number 1” – just staying in HIS Presence. Not about performing or achieving but about resting and receiving. “When I am in rest; HE will do the rest”, these are the words of Daddy Leif that hit me. He also added that, “We have been asking GOD to bless what we have been doing instead of doing what GOD has been blessing…” Kuya Paul continued the session in the afternoon with “impartation”. His testimony spoke a lot. Then, impartation came… I was just at first looking around – seeing all these “hungry” hearts. When most of the people were done, I decided to go in front and looked for my spiritual mom, Ate Grace. But when I reached infront, Ate Grace was praying for someone. Kuya Ariel saw me and called me. When Kuya Ariel prayed for me, I felt something “hot” coming into my body then from my back, Ate Janet whispered to me “You have a new assignment – something that will define your identity”. I said to GOD, “Lord, I don’t want a new assignment… I just want transformation to family…” Naki-argue pa ako kay Lord, haha! Pero bumawi naman ako at sabi ko, “But if this is your way for my family’s restoration then so be it. If this is your will then I will obey.” I stayed on the ground crying to GOD at sabi ko, di ako tatayo until Ate Grace will pray for me. Not long enough, Ate Grace approached me and prayed for me…
So ayun, dumating din ang December 06. We arrived at the Clark airport at around 5:30 am at diretso na kami (with Best and Ate Visiel) to Manila for the Fire and Glory Conference. Medyo groggy dahil di kami nakatulog sa plane. Sabi nga, if ma-slain man kami, diretso tulog na, haha! Bago kami tumuloy sa conference, syempre naman, kumain muna kami. Kasama namin yung Kuya ni Ate Visiel at hipag nya (sila kasi sumundo). Grabe, it was a small talk pero I also enjoyed the time just chatting and hearing some stories sa family ni Ate Visiel (and some “shocking revelation” kay Ate Visiel, haha. Joke. But that information is safe with us Ate Visiel, haha!).
Anyways, with all our luggage we proceeded to the Fire and Glory Conference. Everyone welcomed us with a big smile on their face (para bang nakita nila si Marian Rivera in person, ehem! Haha!). Kidding aside, when I entered the room, I felt the presence of GOD. The worship was so awesome. Daddy Leif shared about “chair number 1” – just staying in HIS Presence. Not about performing or achieving but about resting and receiving. “When I am in rest; HE will do the rest”, these are the words of Daddy Leif that hit me. He also added that, “We have been asking GOD to bless what we have been doing instead of doing what GOD has been blessing…” Kuya Paul continued the session in the afternoon with “impartation”. His testimony spoke a lot. Then, impartation came… I was just at first looking around – seeing all these “hungry” hearts. When most of the people were done, I decided to go in front and looked for my spiritual mom, Ate Grace. But when I reached infront, Ate Grace was praying for someone. Kuya Ariel saw me and called me. When Kuya Ariel prayed for me, I felt something “hot” coming into my body then from my back, Ate Janet whispered to me “You have a new assignment – something that will define your identity”. I said to GOD, “Lord, I don’t want a new assignment… I just want transformation to family…” Naki-argue pa ako kay Lord, haha! Pero bumawi naman ako at sabi ko, “But if this is your way for my family’s restoration then so be it. If this is your will then I will obey.” I stayed on the ground crying to GOD at sabi ko, di ako tatayo until Ate Grace will pray for me. Not long enough, Ate Grace approached me and prayed for me…Anniversary kinabukasan… and sobra pa rin heart
ko to listen and just receive… Daddy Leif released the “Spirit of Moravian”. (You can find the story of the Moravian call at the end of my story). While Daddy Leif was still speaking, grabe, the spirit was talking to me and my tears were just flowing. During the altar call, grabe, everyone was undone! More nations for 2009! All we have to do is to receive…
The celebration continued with a fiesta! Sarap ng food! And kasiyahan to the max! we had a very grand program – epic performances of UPLB Filipina and special number of Binan wives (tama po ba?), Jova, Yuri and more. Daddy Leif, Kuya Paul and the American team were asked to dance “tinikling”.
Sabi ko nga, susulitin namin ang bawat sandali, heh
e. After the anniversary, LB Professionals had a dinner together. We talked about… (hush, secret) Haha! Sarap lang ulit makipagkulitan at kwentuhan. It was a very meaningful and fun dinner. No dull moments ba!
The following day, Ate Rose and I had a date with our spiritual mother. It was again time to eat and receive and of course, just enjoy the fellowship. Super short ng oras but still, worthwhile…
Sa gabi ng December 8, we had a “makulit” na dinner with Calamba Professionals and few more LB Professionals. Ahhmm… Medyo late nga lang Calamba pero bumawi naman sa kwentuhan. Aba syempre, di paawat si Kuya Itoh! Sobrang pinaghandaan daw an gaming pagkikita, hehe. It was great and kulit lang ng mga tao, hehe.
FAMILY TIME
On December 9, I arrived in Tuegarao (domestic flight from Manila) – province ng asawa ng ate ko. I slept most of the day sa first day! Haha! I spent time as well with my nephew (my ate’s son). It was my first time to meet him. My mama, nanay (lola), hipag (ate Dhang – my kuya’s wife) and Kate arrived on December 10. Quite sad that my dad, kuya and nephew Gelo didn’t make it for some reasons.
Divine appointment…
Part of our itinerary is to go to Piat Church. I honestly did not want to go because I thought like I have nothing to do but not to play as “KJ”, I kept silent. My sister included that on our plan not to go to that church but to just have a look and take some pictures since it’s one of the historical places. The time our van arrived the place, many vendors (all these ‘religious’ stuff) surrounded us but my mom said in Ilocano, “Sorry, di po Katoliko ang mga anak ko kaya di sila naniniwala dyan.” To avoid some debates, I decided to just stay inside the van. Since my nanay (lola) is a devoted catholic, she went inside the church with my mom. My sister and all the rest went out to take some pictures (ate ko pa, obsessed sa pictures, haha!). After few minutes, they came back and again all these vendors flocked around us. Sobrang kulit trying to sell their items but my sister simply said (with a smile), “Sorry po manang, di po kami bumibili nyan.” Trying to help, my mama also said, “Born Again po kasi sila. Wala daw po yan sa Bible.” One lady from the crowd, for some unknown reasons, started to shout and she was so angry and blurted out, “I was also a Born Again before…” right, she was speaking or trying to speak in English, haha! When the lady said something about being a “born again”, my sister was prompted to speak up. Ate Dada (my sister) doesn’t want that lady to mislead all the people around about being a Born Again CHRISTIAN. So, Ate Dada spoke in a very calm voice to the lady asking what does she really meant of being a born again. But that lady kept on shouting and was so angry. So Ate Dada started to explain what does it really mean of being a born again. She also said, “Baka naman po naka-attend lang kayo ng isang fellowship e sinasabi nyo na pong Born Again kayo dati? Kailangan po yun na nasa puso. Napakaimportante po na maintindihan nyo ng tama…” But the lady all the more didn’t want to listen so my sister said, “Dessa, I need a back-up. This is maybe the reason why you are here now. This is your calling”. I was just at first observing and praying but when my ate called me, I went out the van holding my ipod (since I have a Bible application on my ipod). I started saying, “Handa po ba kayong makinig sa kwento ko?” I read John 3, of course, in English but my sister said to speak in Ilocano. Oh no! I opted instead to explain the verses in Tagalog (was trying so hard…). From John 3, I jumped to Genesis explaining where it all started… I concluded and said, “kung babasahin po natin ng Bibliya, wala po tayong makikitang tunkgol sa isang relihiyon bilang kaligtasan natin. Dumating po si Hesus para magkaroon tayo ng relationship sa KANYA…” (phew, hirap pala magpurong Tagalog, haha! Sana lang tama translation ko, hehe). Then the ladies around me was saying, “Tama sya… Tama sya…” and I saw one lady with teary eyes as she listened… Everyone nod at me except the lady. She again started to say unpleasant words but I just smiled. Sumabat ulit si mama, “Manang, kung Born Again ka dapat di ka ganyan. Dapat di ka nakikipag-away. Pinapaliwanag lang ng mga anak ko kung ano nasa Bibliya. Andami-daming nagsisimba dyan pero sila pa ang mga pasaway. Yun ang sinasabi ng mga anak ko, “relationship” at di “religion”. Ako nga e naniniwala na ata!” Whoa! Praise GOD! Then my mom started to ask a lot of questions in the van…
Side comment: my mom heard one of the ladies was saying, “Bible ba yun?” Take note, I was reading the Bible thru my ipod. haha.
CALLAO Cave…
Then, we went straight to Callao Cave. Wow. Maraming lights sa loob kasi marami talagang nagpupuntahan. I really had a great time. Mas-exciting sana if napasok lahat ng caves kaso, we were with nanay. Hehe. Tama nga si Ate Jane, masmahirap ipasyal ang matatanda, haha! Di tuloy namin narating yung pond sa loob ng cave but nevertheless, masaya pa rin.
The BEACH...
That night we went to my bayaw’s rest house. From the time I arrived Tuegegarao, I always hear about the “bloody game” of politics on that place. By the way, my sister is a vice mayor’s wife. From the different corners, I heard them tell the stories about the recent killing that just happened and so on… as in… bloody game! Revenge is their game. So dapat laging may body guard. Parang pelikula! Hehe. My sister set an appointment with the pastor of that town with his wife. So the next morning, we just had a chit-chat. My mama said that she wants to join the conversation. During the conversation, my mom started to cry and poured out… So the pastor prayed for mom. After that, I just shared about “identity” and I said to the pastor that what their church need is the “FIRE from HEAVEN”! I also said that we are called from glory to glory… Before they step out, I was just lead to pray for them. So I prayed for them… I prayed for the FIRE… and I sensed so much in spirit that they had caught the FIRE! They cried and so my sister. While praying, I heard from the back that someone was sobbing. After the prayer, I looked who was at my back, it was my mama. She was also crying… The pastor asked me to speak to their church but since, we don’t have enough time, I just said that I will come back and will have an “Encounter God Retreat”! They were so excited and looking forward to that…. At the van going home, my mom said, “Ipag-pray mo din kuya mo ng FIRE!” WHOA! Haha! My mom caught the message…
Side comment: At night, my mom was so afraid because of all these stories. Then pagsapit ng madaling araw,nagkaroon bigla ng fluctuation sa electricity. On and off ang ilaw at aircon, so nagising kami. Tapos naririnig ko talaga ang lakas ng kalabog ng heart ng mom ko, hehe and she said “Dada, madaling araw ata sila pumapatay!” haha. I just prayed that night and said to my mom that nothing will happen…
....with my cellmates during the Anniversary
Dinner with LB Professionals
ko to listen and just receive… Daddy Leif released the “Spirit of Moravian”. (You can find the story of the Moravian call at the end of my story). While Daddy Leif was still speaking, grabe, the spirit was talking to me and my tears were just flowing. During the altar call, grabe, everyone was undone! More nations for 2009! All we have to do is to receive…The celebration continued with a fiesta! Sarap ng food! And kasiyahan to the max! we had a very grand program – epic performances of UPLB Filipina and special number of Binan wives (tama po ba?), Jova, Yuri and more. Daddy Leif, Kuya Paul and the American team were asked to dance “tinikling”.
Sabi ko nga, susulitin namin ang bawat sandali, heh
e. After the anniversary, LB Professionals had a dinner together. We talked about… (hush, secret) Haha! Sarap lang ulit makipagkulitan at kwentuhan. It was a very meaningful and fun dinner. No dull moments ba!The following day, Ate Rose and I had a date with our spiritual mother. It was again time to eat and receive and of course, just enjoy the fellowship. Super short ng oras but still, worthwhile…
Sa gabi ng December 8, we had a “makulit” na dinner with Calamba Professionals and few more LB Professionals. Ahhmm… Medyo late nga lang Calamba pero bumawi naman sa kwentuhan. Aba syempre, di paawat si Kuya Itoh! Sobrang pinaghandaan daw an gaming pagkikita, hehe. It was great and kulit lang ng mga tao, hehe.
FAMILY TIME
On December 9, I arrived in Tuegarao (domestic flight from Manila) – province ng asawa ng ate ko. I slept most of the day sa first day! Haha! I spent time as well with my nephew (my ate’s son). It was my first time to meet him. My mama, nanay (lola), hipag (ate Dhang – my kuya’s wife) and Kate arrived on December 10. Quite sad that my dad, kuya and nephew Gelo didn’t make it for some reasons.
Divine appointment…
Part of our itinerary is to go to Piat Church. I honestly did not want to go because I thought like I have nothing to do but not to play as “KJ”, I kept silent. My sister included that on our plan not to go to that church but to just have a look and take some pictures since it’s one of the historical places. The time our van arrived the place, many vendors (all these ‘religious’ stuff) surrounded us but my mom said in Ilocano, “Sorry, di po Katoliko ang mga anak ko kaya di sila naniniwala dyan.” To avoid some debates, I decided to just stay inside the van. Since my nanay (lola) is a devoted catholic, she went inside the church with my mom. My sister and all the rest went out to take some pictures (ate ko pa, obsessed sa pictures, haha!). After few minutes, they came back and again all these vendors flocked around us. Sobrang kulit trying to sell their items but my sister simply said (with a smile), “Sorry po manang, di po kami bumibili nyan.” Trying to help, my mama also said, “Born Again po kasi sila. Wala daw po yan sa Bible.” One lady from the crowd, for some unknown reasons, started to shout and she was so angry and blurted out, “I was also a Born Again before…” right, she was speaking or trying to speak in English, haha! When the lady said something about being a “born again”, my sister was prompted to speak up. Ate Dada (my sister) doesn’t want that lady to mislead all the people around about being a Born Again CHRISTIAN. So, Ate Dada spoke in a very calm voice to the lady asking what does she really meant of being a born again. But that lady kept on shouting and was so angry. So Ate Dada started to explain what does it really mean of being a born again. She also said, “Baka naman po naka-attend lang kayo ng isang fellowship e sinasabi nyo na pong Born Again kayo dati? Kailangan po yun na nasa puso. Napakaimportante po na maintindihan nyo ng tama…” But the lady all the more didn’t want to listen so my sister said, “Dessa, I need a back-up. This is maybe the reason why you are here now. This is your calling”. I was just at first observing and praying but when my ate called me, I went out the van holding my ipod (since I have a Bible application on my ipod). I started saying, “Handa po ba kayong makinig sa kwento ko?” I read John 3, of course, in English but my sister said to speak in Ilocano. Oh no! I opted instead to explain the verses in Tagalog (was trying so hard…). From John 3, I jumped to Genesis explaining where it all started… I concluded and said, “kung babasahin po natin ng Bibliya, wala po tayong makikitang tunkgol sa isang relihiyon bilang kaligtasan natin. Dumating po si Hesus para magkaroon tayo ng relationship sa KANYA…” (phew, hirap pala magpurong Tagalog, haha! Sana lang tama translation ko, hehe). Then the ladies around me was saying, “Tama sya… Tama sya…” and I saw one lady with teary eyes as she listened… Everyone nod at me except the lady. She again started to say unpleasant words but I just smiled. Sumabat ulit si mama, “Manang, kung Born Again ka dapat di ka ganyan. Dapat di ka nakikipag-away. Pinapaliwanag lang ng mga anak ko kung ano nasa Bibliya. Andami-daming nagsisimba dyan pero sila pa ang mga pasaway. Yun ang sinasabi ng mga anak ko, “relationship” at di “religion”. Ako nga e naniniwala na ata!” Whoa! Praise GOD! Then my mom started to ask a lot of questions in the van…
Side comment: my mom heard one of the ladies was saying, “Bible ba yun?” Take note, I was reading the Bible thru my ipod. haha.
CALLAO Cave…
Then, we went straight to Callao Cave. Wow. Maraming lights sa loob kasi marami talagang nagpupuntahan. I really had a great time. Mas-exciting sana if napasok lahat ng caves kaso, we were with nanay. Hehe. Tama nga si Ate Jane, masmahirap ipasyal ang matatanda, haha! Di tuloy namin narating yung pond sa loob ng cave but nevertheless, masaya pa rin.
The BEACH...
That night we went to my bayaw’s rest house. From the time I arrived Tuegegarao, I always hear about the “bloody game” of politics on that place. By the way, my sister is a vice mayor’s wife. From the different corners, I heard them tell the stories about the recent killing that just happened and so on… as in… bloody game! Revenge is their game. So dapat laging may body guard. Parang pelikula! Hehe. My sister set an appointment with the pastor of that town with his wife. So the next morning, we just had a chit-chat. My mama said that she wants to join the conversation. During the conversation, my mom started to cry and poured out… So the pastor prayed for mom. After that, I just shared about “identity” and I said to the pastor that what their church need is the “FIRE from HEAVEN”! I also said that we are called from glory to glory… Before they step out, I was just lead to pray for them. So I prayed for them… I prayed for the FIRE… and I sensed so much in spirit that they had caught the FIRE! They cried and so my sister. While praying, I heard from the back that someone was sobbing. After the prayer, I looked who was at my back, it was my mama. She was also crying… The pastor asked me to speak to their church but since, we don’t have enough time, I just said that I will come back and will have an “Encounter God Retreat”! They were so excited and looking forward to that…. At the van going home, my mom said, “Ipag-pray mo din kuya mo ng FIRE!” WHOA! Haha! My mom caught the message…
Side comment: At night, my mom was so afraid because of all these stories. Then pagsapit ng madaling araw,nagkaroon bigla ng fluctuation sa electricity. On and off ang ilaw at aircon, so nagising kami. Tapos naririnig ko talaga ang lakas ng kalabog ng heart ng mom ko, hehe and she said “Dada, madaling araw ata sila pumapatay!” haha. I just prayed that night and said to my mom that nothing will happen…
THE NEW ASSIGNMENT
As we go back, I was just looking back of what had just happened. God impressed to me that this is the new assignment that Ate Janet was saying… Ever since, I never wanted to get involved with politics but… probably because I don’t want too much complications, hehe. But no matter what I do now, I can’t escape the reality that my sister is a vice mayor’s wife… She is surrounded with all these high profile politics of their town – a place that needs so much righteous leaders, a place where local churches needs revival. That’s also not mentioning that my brother is the number one kagawad of their barangay and the people were asking him to run as kapitan on the next election… Well, di po ako nangangampanya, haha! My part is just probably to help indirectly…
That’s it. I have not exhausted all my stories yet but to end this, of course, nakakain po ako ng mga foods na inasam-asam ko, haha!
That’s it. I have not exhausted all my stories yet but to end this, of course, nakakain po ako ng mga foods na inasam-asam ko, haha!
PHOTO GALLERY
....with my cellmates during the Anniversary
Dinner with LB Professionals
chit-chat at Ahl's Cake
Date with our Mom Grace
Viewing the shots after our walk around UPLB
Journey to Callao Cave, Tuegagaro
(From left: That's me, Lola, Kate (anak ni Kuya), Mama, Ate ko, Dhang (Hipag/asawa ni Kuya/mommy ni Kate)
Callao Cave: View from the inside
Picture pa rin (Ate Ko with her son JL, and our pamangkin Kate)
And of course, the beach...
____
THE TALE OF TWO MORAVIAN MISSIONARIES
Two young Moravians heard of an island in the West Indies where an atheist British owner had 2000 to 3000 slaves. And the owner had said, "No preacher, no clergyman, will ever stay on this island. If he¢s shipwrecked we¢ll keep him in a separate house until he has to leave; but he¢s never going to talk to any of us about God. I¢m through with all that nonsense." Three thousand salves from the jungles of Africa brought to an island in the Atlantic and there to live and die without hearing of Christ.
Two young Moravians heard about it. They sold themselves to the British planter and used the money they received from their sale, for he paid no more than he would for any slave, to pay their passage out to his island for he wouldn¢t even transport them. As the ship left it¢s pier in the river at Hamburg and was going out into the North Sea, carried with the tide, the Moravians had come from Herrenhut to see these two lads off, in their early twenties. Never to return again, for this wasn¢t a four year term; they sold themselves into life-time slavery. Simply that as slaves, they could be a s Christians where these others were. The families were there weeping, for they knew they would never see them again. And they wondered why they were going and questioned the wisdom of it. As the gap widened and the housings had been cast off and were being curled up there on the pier, and the young boys saw the widening gap, one lad with his arm liked through the arm of his fellow, raised his hand and shouted across the gap the last words that were heard from them, they were these: "MAY THE LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN, RECEIVE THE REWARD OF HIS SUFFERING!" This became the call of Moravian missions. And this is the only reason for being, That the Lamb that was slain, may receive the reward of His suffering
Paris Reidhead
Ten Shekels and a Shirt
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Peak years...
If we're thinking and acting “less”, unknowingly or consciously, than our real identity or whoever we are now, then there must be something wrong. These words suddenly dawned on me and made me paused for awhile.
For few weeks now, the words of Ptr. Yang Tuck Yoong of Cornerstone Church were echoing in my head. “Don't retire but refire! There's no glory at the beginning, it's found when the race is finished. We don't judge success at half the race... The years are ahead us and the peak is yet to come.”
Many among us think that our journey is like climbing a mountain. After we've reached the peak, we start to step down and end the journey below... And sadly, this mind setting has muddled our anticipation. We tend to expect less when we think we've already reached our peak. So, sometimes we have the propensity to look back and wish if we could just return to those “glorious” days...
But contrary to what many think, Ptr.Yoong said that, “We should end at the peak of our mountain!” Because, we know it fully that we are called to run the race from glory to glory. So, wherever our feet are standing now, that should be our “peak” otherwise, if we think less than that, we will act less… and expect less.
If we are now thinking or acting less than what we have already gained/established/achieved or been thru, then this is a call to pause for awhile and realign. It needs our conscious effort every time we take one step or we might trip-off from where we are standing and worse, fall off.
But, if we really believe in our hearts that we are just standing at exactly where God has called us to be, then we are only left with one option and that is, to move up because we know and we know that there must be greater things still awaiting for us, more glorious than the latter.
So, if we can still hear our heart is beating then, we have not reached the top yet. We haven’t tasted our finest day yet. Let’s keep our eyes focus on the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith because our optimum is still awaiting us.
For few weeks now, the words of Ptr. Yang Tuck Yoong of Cornerstone Church were echoing in my head. “Don't retire but refire! There's no glory at the beginning, it's found when the race is finished. We don't judge success at half the race... The years are ahead us and the peak is yet to come.”
Many among us think that our journey is like climbing a mountain. After we've reached the peak, we start to step down and end the journey below... And sadly, this mind setting has muddled our anticipation. We tend to expect less when we think we've already reached our peak. So, sometimes we have the propensity to look back and wish if we could just return to those “glorious” days...
But contrary to what many think, Ptr.Yoong said that, “We should end at the peak of our mountain!” Because, we know it fully that we are called to run the race from glory to glory. So, wherever our feet are standing now, that should be our “peak” otherwise, if we think less than that, we will act less… and expect less.
If we are now thinking or acting less than what we have already gained/established/achieved or been thru, then this is a call to pause for awhile and realign. It needs our conscious effort every time we take one step or we might trip-off from where we are standing and worse, fall off.
But, if we really believe in our hearts that we are just standing at exactly where God has called us to be, then we are only left with one option and that is, to move up because we know and we know that there must be greater things still awaiting for us, more glorious than the latter.
So, if we can still hear our heart is beating then, we have not reached the top yet. We haven’t tasted our finest day yet. Let’s keep our eyes focus on the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith because our optimum is still awaiting us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Shy Kangaroo!
Gold Coast Australia Trip (Oct 19-22, 2008)
As far as the eyes can see
Q1 Observation Deck, Australia
Bintan
In my little cage :p
Soon I will have my own yacht, haha!
Gold Coast
Awesome!
Scuba diving - Gold Coast
Posts
