Clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid, H2O, essential for most plant and animal life and the most widely used of all solvents. Freezing point 0°C (32°F); boiling point 100°C (212°F); specific gravity (4°C) 1.0000; weight per gallon (15°C) 8.338 pounds (3.782 kilograms).
I fast. I pray. 58 days. Colorless drink. God bless me.
Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. Normally, the act of fasting is done by us, Catholics, during lenten season in order to afflict the soul through abstaining from fulfilling the needs or wants of the flesh. But during the 2004 SHOUT, I came across a new concept of fasting - and that is for a cause.
Fasting for a cause basically deals with the idea of giving up something in order to have or achieve something. The 'something' you give up can be an act, a thing, i.e. foods and drinks, a hobby (or a vice?), or anything you can think of - something practical and realistic. This 'something' is the object of fasting. On the other hand, the 'something' you want to have or achieve is the cause of your fasting. It can be anything that you are looking forward to i.e. an event, a thing, an endeavor, health or healing for someone.
The idea is quite easy. BUT, believe you me, doing it is kind of difficult and straining.
The catch: the object of your fasting should not be something of less impotance to you. It should be something within your comfort zone, something that is part of your system, or someting you have been used to doing or having. Why is it so? It is because of the principle that if you want something, you need to pay a just 'price' for it; and if you really, really want that something, you need to pay a higher price for it. In short, the more important it is to you or the more difficult it is for you to give up, the better - the more effective it will be for your cause.
BUT then again, it doesn't stop there.
Fasting alone is not enough. You have to PRAY while fasting since the latter will be of no use in the absence of former. As for me, I prayed as often as possible for the cause that I am fasting for, much more if I am tempted (praying for my cause during regular riceless meals). As such, not only that I have stormed heaven's gates with prayers for the cause of my fasting, but I have also built a more intimate relationship with my God.
And now that half of my prayers (causes) have been positively answered, I can attest to the power and efficacy of fasting for a cause. Such an act has not just been something that you can do for that 'something' you are praying for, but it can also become a great way to build personal relationship with Him.
I know it's easier said than done but don't just take my word - try it yourself.
Finally, I got to watch Fireproof. Been waiting for this. Half a year has passed when I first heard about this flick by way of a trailer. The movie lasted for almost a couple of hours and true enough, more than entertainment, lots of things can be learned from it.
The movie started with a daughter asking her mother if he could marry her father. The conversation was kind of cute and sweet as it portrays the child's innocence and great admiration for her father. Indeed a catchy opening that is perfect for the film's lovely conclusion.
Here are some of my reflections and lines that caught my attention:
Never leave your partner behind (especially in a fire).A fireman was almost killed in the line of duty when his partner left him because of miscommunication. A sincere apology will patch it up. Relate it with marriage/relationship.
Relationships are not always broken; sometimes, we just don't know how to make it work. By analogy, a machine may not be busted but if we don't have an idea how to use it then it is as good as broken.
A real man has got to be hero to his partner before he could be to anybody else or he is not a real man.But how about being a hero to God above all? Would that be great? Definitely.
Death should not be feared if you know where you are going.This must be the legitimate reason why most people, including myself, is afraid to die; not because of anything else.
"The sad thing about the covenant of marriage is that when most people promise for better or for worse, they only mean for the better." Need not say more.
"Marriages are not fireproof; sometimes you get burned. Fireproof does not mean that fire will never come, but when it comes, you will be able to withstand it." As regards the fireproof thing, I agree wholeheartedly.
"How can someone show love over and over again when they are constantly rejected? You can't give what you don't have." A conversation where God was mirrored by the complaining spouse who is about to give up on his attempt to revive his marriage. This really makes sense.
God meant marriage to be for life. You've got to keep your vows. You've got to beg God to teach you how to be a good partner. Relationships are all about love triangle among the two parties and God. Likened to a tripod, the absence of one will result to disaster.
Don't just follow your heart because your heart can be deceived. You've got to lead your heart. Mind over heart? Most probably.
In addition, the movie also showed the role of genuine and fake friends - what they actually say and do to the stuff you share with them. Accommodate them but always be on guard.
Pray, allow God to work, and patiently wait for the magnificent result.
If I haven't told you that you are a good man, you are. If I haven't told you that I have forgiven you, I have. If I haven't told you that I love you, I do.
~Catherine's words to Caleb
The movie ended with a reaffirmation of the spouses' vows - as a covenant and not a contract. Marriage is a sacred institution established by God and one that is meant to last for life.
The Love Dare Book is a must-have for those who are in a relationship, much more for those who have already tied the knot. As for me, I ought to have it before I get married. So, I'm calling out to anyone who is kind enough to provide me a copy of this book as a gift. Thanks to you in advance.
Fireproof Soundtracks
SLOW FADE by Casting Crowns
Be careful little eyes what you see It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings Be careful little feet where you go For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away People never crumble in a day It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade
Be careful little ears what you hear When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near Be careful little lips what you say For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away People never crumble in a day
The journey from your mind to your hands Is shorter than you're thinking Be careful if you think you stand You just might be sinking
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away People never crumble in a day Daddies never crumble in a day Families never crumble in a day
Oh be careful little eyes what see Oh be careful little eyes what you see For the Father up above is looking down in love Oh be careful little eyes what you see
WHILE I'M WAITING By John Waller
I'm waiting I'm waiting on You, Lord And I am hopeful I'm waiting on You, Lord Though it is painful But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident Takeing every step in obedience While I'm waiting I will serve You While I'm waiting I will worship While I'm waiting I will not faint I'll be running the race Even while I wait
I'm waiting I'm waiting on You, Lord And I am peaceful I'm waiting on You, Lord Though it's not easy But faithfully, I will wait Yes, I will wait I will serve You while I'm waiting I will worship while I'm waiting I will serve You while I'm waiting I will worship while I'm waiting I will serve you while I'm waiting I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord
YOU BELONG TO ME By Grey Holiday
You run, you hide As tears fall from your eyes They fall like snow From a wounded soul You hold inside The hurt of great divide The hole is starting to get old
So come back to the light To the love, you will find It’s been here all along So come back to the start And you’ll find in your heart That you always belonged To me
Just take the rope I won’t let it go Give in We can start again I’m life, I’m hope And I’m ready to explode With how bad I want you back home
So come back to the light To the love, you will find It’s been here all along So come back to the start And you’ll find in your heart That you always belonged To me
You’re my daughter, you’re my son You’re the one I long to love And you’ve heard I chose to die Do you know you’re the reason why?
BRIGHTER DAYS By Leeland
Time keeps moving on Through the sunshine and the storm And my dreams are set in stone And someday I’ll be who I want to be For now I’ll wait For the sun to shine again And for now I’ll wait For the rain to pass away
And I’m looking for the brighter days When all my hurts seem to fade away I’m looking for the brighter days to come my way
Faces come and faces go But none seem to look my way And walls have stood and walls have fallen But my heart seems to wait For now I’ll sit at the end of the road And for now I’ll wait At the end of the pathway
I’ll see the sun one day shine upon me I’ll see the sun one day And watch the nighttime turn to morning But for now it all comes back around
And my personal favorite - Warren Barfield's LOVE IS NOT A FIGHT
Other Soundtracks include Third Day's This Is Who I Am and Otherside
Cutting the story short, this quotation speaks it all.
"No amount of success in life can ever compensate the failure in the family."
While browsing through some of my stuff, I came across a bundle of paper strips that made me smile and look back to the YFC Youth Camps that I attended, participated in, and served at.
Inscripted to such paper strips were different tags like "I like your smile.", "You brighten up my day.", "You are God's gift to me.", "You inspire me most.", and "Hope to see you soon." Written at the back were the names and contact number of the person who will give them away as a form of remembrance and appreciation.
The giving of these strips is done at the last day of the camp, particularly after the closing worship, and just before packing up. It is during that time that everybody is at the height of their spirituality and gladness after listening to five moving and inspiring talks and participating in various clean, good, fun activities. Both the participants and the service team members are given these pieces of paper, which they will also give to anyone who they feel is suited for the inscriptions.
As for me, I usually receive more "I like your smile." strips since I wear a big grin on my face while roaming around, giving away my paper strips. But what really touches my heart are the "You inspire me most." strips. I got a number of them over the years I served God through Youth for Christ. Seeing mementos like these pieces of paper always makes me smile and reminisce the wonderful memories I had in YFC Youth Camps.
God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good!
13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 3:13-14
Five important learnings from Saint Paul to live by:
Always remember of the ONE THING. FORGET WHAT LIES BEHIND. STRAIN FORWARD IN HOPE. Just PRESS ON WITH THE MISSION. Pay attention to the PRIZE.
Exceedingly blessed weekend for me and everyone who attended the CFC - Bicol Mission Core Weekend. Would like to thank you, Tito Mon and Tita Ludy for inviting me to be part of the production team. I appreciate it big time. It just saddens me that you're going through a trying moment at this time. Am praying for Lola Crispina, and that things will get better soon.
Trivia: My first time to attend such activity, as well as be part of a production team. I'm so glad. Praise God!
November 1, 2008 is a wet, flooded and muddy All Saints' Day at Bicol Memorial Park, Legazpi City. The rain poured down heavily for a couple of hours, causing a lot of people who usually spend time with their dearly departed ones until midnight or morning the following day to go home early.
As soon as we arrived at the cemetery, we placed several bouquets of flowers at the tombstone or tomb marker, lit some candles, offered prayers and recited the rosary for the eternal repose of the soul of our beloved deads, especially the soul of Papa. After a couple of minutes, the sky slowly darkened, drizzle followed and eventually started raining cats and dogs. Armed with an umbrella, I attended a mass celebration at 7 pm under the rain. The priest anchored his sermon to the verse of Matthew 16:26 which says:
"What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?".
He also mentioned that even if we spend 24 hours at the cemetery, offer lots of flowers and lit a dozen of candles, they will all be inutile and of no good if we can't say a prayer for the souls of our dearly departed ones. It struck me and made me realize that yeah, we spend time at the cemetery but spend only several minutes in prayer. What a shame. Sigh! Although the rain halts once in a while, it didn't completely died down until around 8:30 pm; but still, drizzle periodically poured down throughout the night. Minutes later, we drove home to avoid being caught by another downpour. Besides, we can always pray at home!
Ablazemay mean keenly excited or indicating excitement, or lighted up by, or as by fire or flame orresembling flame in brilliance/color, or lighted with red light as if with flames.
These past few days, I ablaze in one way or another.
I just came from a life-changing experience. It is indeed an honor being part of the first ever SFC Bicol Regional Conference (previously with Southern Tagalog for the SFC STaB Regional Conference). The SFC ReCon entitled SFC ABLAZE (anchored on the verse "I have come to set the earth on fire and how I wish it were already blazing." -Luke 12:49) is, as expected, a revealing and moving meeting with God. With sessions about the Holy Trinity and how to ablaze the world for Him, who would not be inspired?
This is how I (together with the SFC Albay Delegates) spent my weekend in Masbate City.
Friday, October 24: For our 9 am meeting time, as usual, some were late and I definitely cannot be excluded. We left for Pilar, Sorsogon at 9:30 am. After an hour of travel and another hour of waiting, we departed through the Montenegro Shipping Fastcraft. We reached Masbate National Comprehensive High School at around 2 pm. Upon arrival, we had our lunch and immediately looked for a place to settle at (DepEd Masbate City Division Office warmly accomodated us for only Php150 - the place is very nice and the people there were very kind; thanks for the pair of basketball shoes that was lent to me and for the Indian mango fruits and seedlings that were given to us). We toured around the city through a motorcade at 4 pm and attended the opening mass at 6 pm. After the preliminary activities, we had our dinner, took a bath, dressed formally (okay, just semi) and proceeded to the hall for the evening session: Embraced by the Father [Lessons learned: That God is so rich that He can and He will provide all our needs; we just have to trust Him. That our Father loves us so much that if we offer everything to Him, we will be truly blessed.] The night was concluded by a short disco party of the knights and princesses - the heirs to the throne.
Saturday, October 25: Woke up at 6:30 am and started preparing for the morning activity: Workshop Sessions. I attended the Counseling Workshop (Gift of Wisdom) with Fr. Felix Ponferrada. The workshop was truly nourishing; Fr. Felix is really a gifted counselor. Not only I learned about counseling but I also learned how to deal with my 'back subjects'. Listening to the unsaid, unearthing, forgiving yourself, cherishing yet treating the wounded past and printing good memories are just some of the things that I will keep in mind. After a couple of hours, we had our lunch break, took a short break and prepared for our basketball games wherein we played against Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. With only 5 players in the team, mostly haven't played an officiated game, both games resulted against our favor. Nonetheless, we sweat hard and enjoyed the game. After the games, we went back to our 'barracks', rested for a while, freshened up and attended the anticipated mass. After which, we ate dinner and dressed up for the evening sessions: Saved by the Son [Lessons learned: The if we are to love and trust the Father, we ought to be more like Jesus - an obedient son of God. That whatever hardships and difficulties we encounter as we live our Christian lives and as we serve God, all we need to do is to simply remember what Jesus went through - His passion to abide by the will of God.] and Empowered by the Holy Spirit [Lessons learned: That it is by Holy Spirit that God is able to manifest His love for us. That if we learned to acknowledge the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we will be richly blessed and be able to go just about anything in serving God.] The night was concluded with a party with the Lord through worship.
Sunday, October 26: Woke up at 6:30 am, packed our things and started preparing for the final session: Ablaze - Set the World on Fire [Lessons learned: That if God and His Spirit is with us, who can be against us? That if God and His Spirit is with us, we can set the world ablaze, we can conquer the world for Him, we can build the Chruch of the Home and the Church of the Poor.] Praisefest, symbolic pray-over of the continents and awarding ceremony concluded the conference. We rested for a bit, had our lunch, headed to the port and boarded the Fastcraft. We then bid goodbye to Masbate and say hello to Camarines Sur. After 2 hours of sea travel and an hour of land travel, I am back home - physically tired and exhausted but emotionally and spiritually nourished, inspired and invigorated.
What a weekend; what a bliss! God is truly an awesome God; I couldn't ask for more. I wished that the said conference would not come to an end. Conferences, for me, are like charging devices wherein I am being re-supplied with spiritual energy or power after a 'hard day's work' serving God. It is like taking a break, going home, resting, freshening up, nourishing and equipping yourself, reviewing your battle plan, and getting ready once again for attacks. It is paying homage to God and asking His grace, blessing, wisdom and 'encouragement' to enable you to keep going and conquer more territories for Him.
SI KRISTO AMING BANTAYOG BIKOL AT SOUTHERN TAGALOG YFC MAGKASURUROG
Kaibigan, kapatid, kasurog kung tawagin Binubuklod ng iisang puso’t panalangin Bawat isa’y aalagaan at mamahalin At si Kristo ang bantayog at tanging didinggin.
At kung puso ang iyong susurii’t titingnan Purong pagmamahal, walang halong kaplastikan Sa lungkot man o hirap, maging sa kasiyahan Laging nariyan at t’yak na hindi ka iiwan.
Sa pag-ikot ng mundo’t paglipas ng panahon Maraming trabaho’t pagsubok ang naghahamon Na sa bawat lubak, pipiliting makaahon Para maging matatag sa gagawing paglingon.
Upang lalong mapagtibay ang pagsasamahan Iba muna bago ang sariling kapakanan Simbolo ng isang tunay na pagbibigayan Na kahit sinong tao ay kayang patunayan.
Respeto, pag-uunawa’t tanging pagmamahal Ang sa bawat nilalang ang s’yang pinapairal Maging sa taong may pusong sing-tigas ng bakal Dahil t’yak na lalambot din ito pag-tumagal.
Ordinaryong tao ngunit hindi sumusuko Dahil ang pagsuko sagisag ng pagkatalo Pagkatalo sa mga labang ipinangako Laban para sa katarungan at pagbabago.
Gulong ng buhay ay kay hirap maunawaan Ngunit kung si Kristo ang ating pinaglalaban Kailanga’y pusong lubos na naninindigan At mga kasurog na ating masasandalan.
While going over some of my files, I saw this one. I wrote this tula (tagalog poem) way back in 2004; just a couple of weeks after our CFC - YFC STaB SHouT (Couples For Christ - Youth For Christ Southern Tagalog and Bicol Summer House Training) in Camarines Norte. I was a very active member of YFC Albay then. I was really moved by the experience I got from that activity, inspiring me to come up with this literary stuff.
The 1st day of this month traditionally opens the Advent season here in the Philippines. The moment the -ber month sets in, decors, cards, carols, foods and anything related to the Yuletide season also begin to grow everywhere like mushrooms. Celebrating Christmas season the Filipino way is said to be the longest (starts as early as September 1 and ends as late as January 31), the merriest and the most vivid around the globe. But while September marks the opening of the five-month celebration of the Advent season for most Filipinos, bar candidates see it otherwise. Not only is September a –Ber month but it is also a Bar month, the dreaded Philippine Bar Examination that is.
After 4 or 5 years of studying Law and 5 to 6 months of intensive review, thousands of bar hopefuls face the toughest professional licensure examination in the country every year. Covering seven hours of each of the four Sundays of September, the examinees squeeze their brains out and storm heaven’s gate with prayers in order to, as much as possible, answer logically the series of questions according to the examiner's fancy provisions of the law for eight different bar subjects (two subjects for each Sunday; one in the morning and one in the afternoon) while staying sane all throughout.
Today, my classmates and friends are a week shy from the first day of the 2008 Bar Exam. I am praying hard that their hard work and sacrifice be rewarded and eventually get what they truly deserve. I am crossing my fingers that they all hurdle the bar with flying colors.
Special regards to Mi, Jude, Dhet, Arl, Anie, Mitch, Joe, Ate Kay, Ate Kaka, Ate Donnah, Ate Myr, Ate Ivy, Ate Vivian, Ate Vilma, Ate Annie Marie, Ate Joy, Ate Rotch, Hadj, and Yen – my soon to be Lawyers.
..“It shall be done to you according to your faith." Matthew 9:29
God bless to all my friends and schoolmates who are going to take the forthcoming Bar Examination and wishing everyone a spirit-filled Christmas season.
3 Not only that, we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, 4 and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.
After 14 long years of studying just to finish a baccalaureate degree, which is said to be the minimum educational requirement to find a decent job, I decided to go back to school for another 4 excruciating years as a Law student.
Being a Political Science graduate, I thought that I have nowhere else to go but to pursue the study of Law. Never did I think that what I am about to go through is a journey to uncertainty. Why? It is because the foremost and ultimate goal of every Law student is to become a lawyer. Unfortunately, passing the Bar Examination is definitely not that easy, especially if you are talking about the Philippine Bar Exam. As a result, a number of times did I entertain the thought of quitting, or at least taking a break for a year or two, from Law school. Such thoughts rush in whenever I am overwhelmed by the terrible rigors of almost everyday recitation and/or short quiz as well as the periodic hell week (prelims, midterms and final examinations), not to mention the number of textbooks, codal provisions, cases and other materials you need to read, understand and keep in mind. Indeed, to be part of the legal profession is to do lots of hard work and sacrifice (of course perseverance and prayers included). Also, the need for me to work and earn money to be able to support my studies even made things difficult for me in Law school. With all these, my doubtful and not-so-confident mind consistently convinces me that the Law course is not my cup of tea.
Nonetheless, our batch was able to graduate. Starting from about 40-50 enrollees, 9 of us plus 9 irregular students survived and finished strong. Last March 2008, I received my LLB diploma. Together with my classmates, I am proud to say that:
“Studying Law is tough, but we are definitely tougher!”
My classmates are now preparing for the fast approaching 2008 Bar Examination. As for me, I decided to take the exam next year to be able to catch up with so many things. But sadly, I still haven’t flipped through the pages of any reading materials for almost 4 months now. Sigh! Hopefully, I’ll be able to get back on track and do what is supposed to be done before it’s too late.
Who among us will become a lawyer, He only knows. And so I say, God bless us all and best of luck.
Jack of all trades, master of none though ofttimes better than master of one. 50% Bikolano, 50% Pangasinense, 100% Filipino. Reviewee. Came from dust and to dust he shall return.
To be acknowledged for who and what I am, no more, no less. Not for acclaim, not for approval, but, the simple truth of that recognition. This has been the elemental drive of my existence, and it must be achieved, if I am to live or die with dignity. ~ Bicentennial Man
Destiny is the bridge you build to the one you love. ~ My Sassy Girl
You're not a loser.. xxx. You're not just used to being a winner. ~ Gridiron Gang
BIBLE (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) ~ The Love Guru
I guess it's hard for people who are so used to things the way they are - even if they're bad - to change. 'Cause they kind of give up. And when they do, everybody kind of loses. ~ Pay It Forward
You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. If you want somethin', go get it. Period. ~ The Pusruit of Happyness
"The people, who were trying to make this world worse are not taking a day off. How can I? Light up the darkness." (Bob Marley) ~ I Am Legend
"Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) ~ Stomp the Yard
Sometimes it gets a lot of wrong answers to get to the right one. ~ Dangerous Minds
You are the heroes. You are heroes every day. ~ Freedom Writers
[Pertaining to his daughter] I've got everything I need. ~ Taken
"You look closely enough, you'll find everything has a weak spot where it can break, sooner or later." "Even a broken clock gets to be right twice a day." ~ Fracture
"Sometimes in life there really are bonds formed that can never be broken. Sometimes you really can find that one person who will stand by you no matter what. Maybe you'll find it in a spouse and celebrate it with your dream wedding, but theres also the chance that the one person you can count on for a lifetime, the one person who knows you sometimes better than you know yourself is the same person who's been standing beside you all along." ~ Bride Wars
November 1, 2008 is a wet, flooded and muddy All Saints' Day at Bicol Memorial Park, Legazpi City. The rain poured down heavily for a couple of hours, causing a lot of people who usually spend time with their dearly departed ones until midnight or morning the following day to go home early.
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