While browsing boob tube channels last night, I was able to chance upon the movie Bicentennial Man starring the great actor, Robin Williams.
Though I have to hit my bed early since I need to beat sunrise today, I didn't mind letting the time pass by just to watch the flick again. As the night grew older, it was only then that I realized that this 10-year old movie is so far one the best movies (if not the best) I have seen so far - smart, funny, lovely and above all, touching. If you haven't seen this movie yet, you are definitely missing something.
OT:
It's a proven fact that if you are excited about something, you will have a hard time sleeping and you'll be awake way ahead before your clock alarms. It took me 30 minutes before I could doze off and here I am, striking the keyboard at 3:14 in the morning. I fear I'd fall asleep in the middle of my 2-hour drive to Naga City (I hope and pray not!) to deal with a first-time experience. Will surely have a post about it later. Eheh.
Update:
I didn't fall asleep nor felt sleepy during my travel. Judge Valentin Pura was on leave though, so there was no hearing. Sayang! Eheh. Perhaps, next time. Instead, went to visit SM Naga City for the second time, and CWC for the third time. Thanks Pipay for the company and great 'assistance'. Hahaha. :p
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."
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!
I just finished watching 24, Seasons 1-6. I have spent most of my leisure time lying on bed, eyes on the monitor, and watch the events unfold on the part of the good, the bad, and the reality. It was really worth it to devote over a hundred hours of my life to this kind of craft. Two thumbs up!
There are so many things to learn from the Series but these are the ones that struck me the most:
That it pays to be candid or straightforward at times rather than being sensitive.
That when you say alright, sorry, be careful and promise, be sure to really, really mean it.
That family and loved ones should not always come first.
That when faced by a fork in the road, consider all the options (weigh the pros and cons), and after coming up with a decision, stand by it no matter what.
That maintaining friendship and living its truest essence isn't a walk in the park.
That sacrificing one good thing for a better something is essential and indispensable.
And that trust can be used interchangeably with love.
I was skeptical when I was told that Prison Break is better than 24. Well, I remain to be such until I prove it otherwise. So if anyone of you is willing to lend or hand me a copy, it will surely be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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!
..that no matter how 'experienced' you may be, never assume that you already know how to handle some things on your own to the point of doing away already with the vital things called preparation and coordination; otherwise, you will just make yourself look stupid, really stupid. worse, make others look the same.
..that no matter how good or intelligent you perceive yourself may be, never think that you are infallible. you can never run away from mistakes. keep your standards low to keep yourself from hitting the ground hard.
..that no matter how cautious you may be, time will come when you will find yourself at the wrong place and at the wrong time. and worse if there is nothing you can do about it. damn!
..that sometimes, your efforts will be just put to waste because of another person's effort. but i ask, when must you insist and when must you give way?
..that although you know that certain problems are to be left where they should be and not to be brought somewhere else, sometimes, you just can not. a simple reminder that you are not an electronically controlled or programmed creature.
..that Thai foods taste good. thanks Ate Cora for the treat; indeed, you are a talented Chef.
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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