We cannot merely pray

We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end war;
For we know that You have made the world in a way
That man must find his own path to peace
Within himself and with his neighbor.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end starvation;
For you have already given us the resources
With which to feed the entire world
If we would only use them wisely.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to root out prejudice,
For you have already given us eyes
With which to see good in all men.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end despair,
For you have already given us the power
To clear away slums and to give hope
If we would only use our power justly.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end disease,
For you have already given us great minds with which
To search out cures and healing,
If we would only use them constructively.


Therefore we pray to You instead, O God,
For strength, determination, and willpower,
To do instead of just to pray,
To become instead of merely to wish.

JACK RIEMER,
Likrat Shabbat



This is an eye opener for most of  us who keep on praying which is within our power so as to spare us the obligation of doing it.

Sometimes we pray too much and take actions less.

We cannot merely pray. We need to take actions and start it within ourselves even though we are surrounded by the world filled with pain, suffering and discouragement.

Waiting in God's Time

One fine day in my class, before I started my lesson, I gave my students the bird's eye view of what they are going to learn and do in the class. All of them sat on the edge of their seats when I told them they would be seeing a funny video clip which I downloaded from the internet. Of course, I told them that they would see it at the end of our lesson (to take hold of their attention throughout the lesson proper). They eagerly begged me to show it immediately but I explained in a calm voice, "No. All of you must pay attention to our lesson first and after that, I will show you the video."

The lesson ran smoothly and they eagerly participated in the discussion. They managed to behave well in the class especially those having highly electrically charged batteries.hehe

Finally, the moment they had been waiting for came. They laughed off their heads while watching the video and they even asked me to play it for them for the second time and so I did.


Waiting is one of the difficult things to do, whether we're waiting for our turn, a phone call or an unanswered prayer. Most of the times, we become impatient and question why we have to wait for a long time to get what we want. We even dare to question God's abilities and intentions.


The way I see it is: God has a different time device which determines as to when He will give us something that we asked for. His ways are different. He looks at the whole bigger picture rather us paying attention to every details of our lives.

Therefore, we just have to keep calm and wait patiently until the right time comes. Besides, the feeling is inexplicable when you receive something you asked for a long time just like when you wait for the flowers to bloom or for the caterpillar to turn into a beautiful butterfly.

So, in times of waiting for something you asked for, you should never give up. You only need to think that God is still designing your request in such a special way that it would be perfectly fit just for you.

Four tips to prevent from losing your things

Have you ever lost your brand new shoes which you preserved for quite a while because you treasure them so much that you won't even wear them because you think they're fragile?

These are my Adidas shoes I recently lost at the residence apartment where I am currently staying.I just realized that I had lost them last Sunday when I was unpacking my stuffs from the huge carton box which I placed by the corridor.

http://www.famousfootwear.com/en-US/Product/32253-1030758/adidas/Grey_Indigo_Blue/Mens+Neo+Daily+Vulc+Low+Top+Sneaker.aspx

I was infuriated because of the fact that I'm in love with them. I talked to one of the security guards to go and and check the recorded footage from the surveillance camera. He simply gave me the nod approval that he would look into it. After that, I felt like something has changed from the way I look at the local employees in the apartment. I didn't smile back at them which I usually do whenever I meet them along the corridor. Totally pissed off I was until my view around me went murky.

After a couple of days, I eventually woke up from the unlikely resentment which I felt.

 There have been no news about my shoes so I just decided to let go of them. I was told to report the case to the head owner of the apartment, but then I replied, "I'm almost over with it. Maybe,someone really needed those shoes of mine."


Based from this experience, I came up with four tips on how to prevent from losing your things:
 

1. Follow your instincts.
According to Lillian Glass, Ph.D., we should not ignore the inner voice that screams at you when you feel something is not right. I already had the voice telling me that someone would be tempted to take my shoes if I left them outside but then, I ignored it.

2. Be proactive.
Think and act right away. I could have prevented my shoes from being stolen if I only had placed them into my room.

3.Trust no one.
This  especially applies if you are a new face from the place where you stay no matter how holy you think it is.

4.Do not put so much thought and heart to your property.
Nothing is permanent on earth. Earthly things can easily perish. Besides, we can't even take them to heaven when we leave the world.

By following these tips, you can minimize losing your things. If you lose any, the impact would be less disastrous. hehe!

How to read a person like a book

Tonight, another book was tested for its credibility and worth. I have just finished reading the book entitled: "How to read a person like a book."

www.goodreads.com

I couldn't ask for a better book cause it taught me so much things on how the human body reacts and respond to a given particular setting with a number of different people. This book sparked my interest to watch people around me especially in my line of work.hehehe!

 I definitely like the illustration shown for certain number of gestures that would make you say "Aha! Voila! No wonder why" etc. -thus, making every page very interesting and comprehensive.

Why don't you take a look at the illustration below and try to guess what each is trying to tell you.

http://cathymorrison.blogspot.com

This book is very helpful for everyone especially those people in business, teaching, marketing, and others, On a less serious note, it can also help those people who are dating, in a relationship, and even married couples.

Reading the body language is not an easy skill and yet it can be learned in due time with practice and focus. There are so many clues and signals that people transmit to us that we often don't care about which leads to misunderstanding and conflict. Conflict and other things as such can be avoided by paying attention to the  cluster gestures, voice tone and facial expressions.

I can only imagine how better our societies could be if everyone pays attention to the body signals that unveil what we really want to say which will then promote understanding and peace.

Pacquiao vs Mayweather: Lessons Learned

May 2, 2015

All the eyes of the boxing world were on these two well-renowned icons in the ring for it was considered as the fight of the century. Boxing fans all over the world have waited for so long just to make this fight happen.

History was made as the final scores were made public right after the fight. Random claims and allegations spread throughout the internet as to who really won the fight.

Well, it was a tough fight for both boxers. Each of them possesses unique offensive and defensive styles and tactics. 

Manny Pacquiao, a southpaw boxer, has a very quick and responsive footwork which allows him to move quickly in and out of the fighting radius.He also has the power jabs and straight combinations which can stun and leave his opponent off guard. Pacquiao is an aggressive fighter who goes in frenzy mode especially at the first round. He throws his punches really fast.He would take his chances to knock down his opponent as soon as he can. 

www.popfeeder.com

On the other hand, Floyd Mayweather's style is different. Unlike Pacquiao, Mayweather is an accurate puncher. He is very careful with every single punch he throws. He makes sure that his throws will land on his opponent. Also, he is a very good counter puncher which also makes him a good defensive boxer.

Mayweather won the contest with the unanimous decision 116-112 and 118-110.

Manny as well as the netizens are claiming that Manny should have won the fight for they believe that the fight was rigged.

Whatever the claims and theories are, for me, the question as to who really won the match is not important anymore.

In my book, both of them are winners. Mayweather on one point was crowned as the undefeated boxer in WBC.  On the other hand, Pacquiao may have lost in the match, but he was able to win the hearts of the boxing fans across the globe. 

Their fight didn't happen for no reason.

I believe that both fighters have learned their own lessons. Mayweather should realise that boxing is not only about the glory and the money, but it's about humility,honor,dignity and respect to all the opponents he had fought. Pacquiao's lesson could be looking at a bigger picture or reason for his defeat. It might be an acid test to his faith whether he will keep on wearing his necklace of faith or not.

Mary Jane Veloso's case: truly a miracle?

Filipinos across the globe are rejoicing for letting Mary Jane Veloso live for her death penalty case was reprieved. 

Mary Jane Veloso, a 30 year old single mother was arrested and sentenced to death for smuggling heroin into Indonesia in 2010. Her case sparked international commotion because she was spared from the nearly death penalty in the last minute.

She was reprieved because the alleged human trafficker, Maria Kristina Sergio surrendered to the police and Veloso will be the witness in court to prove her innocence on the said case.(Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Her mother couldn't believe that her daughter was still alive and she said that it was indeed a miracle.

What would you feel if you were in the shoe of Veloso, sitting in the room  and waiting that you're going to be executed through a firing squad. Then, all of a sudden a phone call from your country comes informing you that the human trafficker surrendered to the police authority admitting the crime which he kept for five years and you were suddenly pulled out from the place where you must be executed.

This is truly a

MIRACLE!

I was left stunned and  speechless when I read the news that my fellow OFW was spared as I thought that she was going to be executed because Jokowi rejected her clemency.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/asia/68114615/firing-squad-8-killed-including-bali-nine-pair

This is another testimony that prayers are so powerful and can truly work miracles. Filipinos all over the world showed their public support through mass prayers. The government exhausted their effort in order to save her. As a result, Mary  Jane is still alive trying to prove her innocence.

I declare my firm support on her innocence not only by the fact that she is my fellow citizen but I also believe that justice must prevail and truth will set her free.

 I pray that she will be given a fair trial and let the world know about her story and her struggles. I also pray that she will never break and believe that for as long as there's a gleam of hope, she must never fail to hold on to God's promises.

AMEN.

The Blogger's Wish

Yes!

It's my birthday today!

How old am I?

That's not important. What you should know about is it's really my birthday today!

 

If you're asking me whether I had a blast on my birthday or not....Well, congratulations! It was a super happy birthday! Though I am feeling under the weather, the people around me made me forget about it and just made me focus and enjoy my birthday.

Thanks to my girlfriend who has always been creative,passionate and hardworking to give me a pleasant surprise. She made a video clip which I came to watch the people so close to me deliver their speeches of greetings and blessings for me here and abroad. My heartbeat stops for a few seconds while watching with amazement thinking how she did piece everything together. It was a very intricate task which takes a whole lot of patience in order to make such a moving video clip. 

Well, that doesn't end there. I had to go to the hospital for a medical check up because of the severe flu I am bearing. Then, it was immediately followed by a dental check up. After that,  I, together with my girlfriend, my brother and his family and a close friend, had our lunch at a steak restaurant.  Then, we went to another place to have my hair cut and had our tea time. We chatted and laughed together cherishing the old times and wondering how are we going to be like a few years from now. Finally, we headed home to have our dinner. It was a long worthwhile day. I wished that I could have more time to spend my birthday to the other people close to me, but unfortunately, I was really unwell so I had  to reach home and have a night rest.

 

I am so glad and thankful for the countless blessings that I received for this year. I can't even remember all of them one by one. My highest thanks to Lord Jesus Christ who never cease to amaze me every single day of my life with his wonderful touch and unparalleled grace that overflows upon my hands. I thank Him for using the people around me who continually inspire me and show how beautiful things are in all of my endeavors.

If I could have only one wish, it would be that the people I care and love so much about would receive the bountiful blessings and genuine happiness so I could see the priceless smiles on their faces which will in return bless me as well.

=)

My thoughts about 'The Maze Runner'

This is my very first book review that I have ever made in my blog. Pardon me for swerving a little bit but  I couldn't help myself to write my thoughts about the book, because it excites me so much. Given a solid one day holiday from school because of the Asian-African Conference Celebration and Commemoration, made me read and post this.

Thanks to Scott who owns this book

Finally, I was able to finish reading the first book from the Maze Runner series after a couple of weeks! Well, I actually prefer to watch it on a big screen rather than reading the book because I don't have the luxury of time at home. Besides, I am not really into reading books. But this one really caught my attention, so I decided to read the book after watching it. hehe!

Anyway, my thoughts about the book! Well, as what we usually expect, it was way different  and way better than the movie. I felt the Grievers more intimidating in the book. The precision of language created a vivid picture of what was really happening. James Dashner's wild imagination triggered mine which made me feel like I was in the maze with them. The plot was unpredictable and gripping. At the end of each chapter leaves you hanging that itches your fingers to flip on the next pages.

My favorite part of the book is when Thomas kept on making seemingly stupid and yet heroic deeds that left the characters astounded. He kept on putting his life on the line of death just to save his comrades. Thomas was unselfishly passionate and brave about savings the strangers' lives in spite of what they had treated him.

Upon reflecting and collecting my thoughts about him, a name suddenly popped up of nowhere. Thomas reminded me of Jesus who willingly put down His life on the cross just to save us. He knew what's going to happen, but He never backed down and gave up on us.

Jesus, for me, is still the most inspiring and the unsurpassed hero of all time.

Embrace your limitations!

"Mr. Noel, this is so hard!"

"Can't do it."

"How to do it?"

These are a few of the heart aching lines that I hear when my students are faced with difficult activities inside the classroom. Then, mixed emotions trigger my mood because I don't know if I should feel upset or pity on them because they are incapable of doing their tasks whereas for me, I have given everything they are supposed to do plain and simple. Then, I would end up explaining everything from the start and give fresh examples or models for them to follow through.

One time I, went home carrying the baggage of thoughts from school thinking and trying to put myself into their shoes. Then, I realized that I also do the same thing when I am faced with difficult situations. When I am confronted by sudden uncomfortable situations, I also whine up just the way my students would tell me. After that, I would pity myself for my limitations that keep me from doing other things that other people can do.Afterwards, I would seek God's comfort and wisdom to help me out of my disappointment.

To comfort myself even more, I recalled the icons in the Bible which had limitation issues in fulfilling God's word and there I found Moses, Gideon, Jeremiah,the disciples, Paul and others.

All of them had one thing in common: they put their faith to God that allowed them to succeed from  a seemed-to-be-impossible tasks that were given to them. My limitations are just the tip of the iceberg as compared to theirs so there's nothing to worry about.

From that day forward, I started to embrace my limitations and to seek God's voice to shed light in all of my circumstances. I  keep on reminding myself that we were born of our own limitations and God is here to fill in the gaps with joy and gladness.

Jack of all trades, master of none! How bad can it be?

As I grow older, I have been able to discover the things I am able to do such as playing music, sports, repairing some machines, cook some food, gardening, baby sitting and  a lot more. But, one thing I noticed is that I am not capable of pushing myself to perfect any of them. I am limited with each and every of those skills which make me feel frustrated especially in times when I see some people who are really good at what they are doing. Whereas I can see myself on the other side of the corner incapable of perfection.

More often I would see myself in the mirror and ask myself the same question: "Why I can't perfect any single skills?

"Jack-of-all-trades, master of none".

I am reminded by this line when I see myself in front of the mirror.

Well, how bad can it be?

At least I can have fun time for myself and help others in different ways. I am happy that I can learn a lot of things pretty easily. I can fit in myself in almost anything in the world. I must be grateful for having this gift because not everyone has the ability to learn the same things I could. Sometimes, I think like this maybe a tool for me to connect and reach out other people. It seems like God has given me this ability so He can use me to bless other people. 

Whatever the reason is, I must continue to uncover other potentials I may have and  strive myself towards fulfilling what God has planned for me to do with kindness and gratefulness.

Christ be all around me

"Above and below me
Before and behind me
In every eye that sees me
Christ be all around me
Above and below me
Before and behind me
In every eye that sees me
Christ be all around me
Whoa...Whoa...Christ be all around me"


These are some of a few lines from the song "Christ be all around me" by Michael W. Smith from his latest album "Sovereign".

Whenever we perform this song in an international church in Bandung, I could really feel the blood rushing through my veins and my tears flowing from my eyes as I play the guitar. This is one of the big reasons that's why it's one of my favorite song.

There are times in my christian life that I go through periods when I don't get emotional leading from God which brings me to the question: Where are you God when I am in distress?

I cried out to Him and yet He seems to be just quiet and non responsive.

What am I supposed to do in times like this?

David did the same thing and the same response from God.

Why does God behave that way? What are the reasons behind it?


One thing I learned recently in the past is that God is a very good listener. He likes to hear our prayers addressed to Him because He wants us to be closer to Him. He doesn't give up so easily and give us the feedback that we want. In a deeper relationship with God, we need to be tough and determined to continually talk with God about the issues going on in our lives. He wants us to acknowledge Him  before everything else. He is a jealous God in which He deserves from the time He sacrificed His own Son for all of our sins. So, we just owe Him everything that we do in our lives.

When you don't see something, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Look at the stars in the daylight. You may not see them, but they are always there. Never gone. We should not cloud ourselves with illusion which happens around us. The devil wants us to believe that God is not always there so he can snatch us from the true living God. We must stay strong and firm from the promise that God has given us until the day He comes.

Remember: God is never gone.He is ever present in any direction wherever you are and whatever you are struggling with. If you need strength and wisdom, don't hesitate to come before Him, and He is much willing to hear your voice and eventually do something for your own good.

What does freedom really mean?

When I was still a kid, I felt like so lazy going to school. I felt so anxious when Sunday steps in knowing that tomorrow I had to drag myself to school. Damn! That was just horrible! I would always wish that time would fly me to the time when I already become mature, independent, and most especially, free to do the things I want to do.

Now, I am already here, but it seems like nothing has changed. I feel like I still get those awkward moments when Sunday kicks in especially before the sun sets down. Also, I still get those worries about tomorrows especially in my job. I got the chance to spend time my hobbies, favorite foods and other vested interests together with my love ones, family and to myself.  I felt like I'm still inside the box unable to stretch every inch of my arms and legs. Then, every night I ask myself, "Am I really free?"

Freedom is more than the fact that you can do everything you want. It means more like being free from your sins and old habits that do not glorify God. Breaking the chain of sin is not easy to do. It takes much more courage and strong faith that in the end, God is watching your back whenever you fall from your weakness ready to pick you up in His merciful hands. I am weak and yet I believe that God will help me finish the war against myself. Truly, the toughest guy you need to face is yourself.

This situation I am facing might be the same ground where you are standing right now. And I recommend you to stay put and wear the armor and carry the sword of God through His word and grace. Let's continue to ask for His comfort and wisdom so we will be guided accordingly.

I think that is the freedom I have always wanted for my entire life. Freedom from guilt and sins of the world.

Photo credit:

www.reginasfamilyseasons.com

burningfireshutinmybones.wordpress.com

A Total Makeover

A couple of weeks ago, I went to the motorcycle shop for my motorcycle's makeover. I had its whole body covered with film to prevent it from scratch. I had my plate number cover that matched the color of my wheel linings. I changed its  muffler into a deep bassy one that does sound like a big bike.  And I had my side mirrors changed with the smaller and cooler ones.  Luckily, it went out very well and my motorcycle has never been as new as it was before. I was so happy that I got rid of the parts that made my motorcycle look awful.

When I went back home, the night before I slept, I was thinking if God can renew me inside especially with my faith towards Him because recently, I felt like a distance away from Him. I don't do the things I ever used to before like writing my blogs, reading at least three chapters in a day, and passionately praying especially before I hit the bed. I kept on praying every night that God will do something and pull everything in my life  back where it used to be. I am guilty for what I am now and I think I really need a makeover just like what I did with my motorcycle for I am sure that He would be so happy to see me as new as I was never before.

Here are the things I would be grateful to win them back:

I want to be as productive as before especially in writing my blogs and reading His word on a daily basis.

I want to be more sensitive to the people around me especially to the ones I love.

I want to be more fond of my work regardless of the rewards.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
                                                                                  -Psalm 51:10



I know that it would be really tough but I must believe that God will always be right here with me. I need to remember that He would be so happy if I would renew myself for his eternal glory and honor.



AMEN

Discouragements?

Discouragement!

My life in the recent days was filled with such very unpleasant word. I felt so ill each day I go to work till the night before I close my eyes. It is horrible. Yup, I understand that no matter how I shake my head from disappointment, there’s no way I could escape the horrible thing.

Every morning and night, before getting up on the bed, before laying my head on the pillow, my heart is throbbing in pain and anguish. I cry out to the Lord to comfort my weary mind, body and soul. My strength is getting weak, my joy is shrinking into vast sadness.

The pain still lingers now though I am still hoping that soon it will fade away to joy and peace of mind. My faith in Him is still on hold even though I am panting with blood sweat on my hands and body.

Every discouragement I face, I just recall how God has placed Paul into his unthinkable ministry to thousands of people. He rejoiced in the midst of rejection, punishment and even death. He rejoiced in the midst of all the discouragements from the apostles, his friends, and all the people around him.

New Year's Resolution: How to Make it Happen?

Beautiful fireworks display once again painted the night skies as we welcomed 2013 with feast and drinks together with our family and friends.

Before 2013 stepped into our calendar, many of us both young and old had already made their new year’s resolution.

But what does New Year’s resolution exactly mean? Are we able to do them successfully throughout the year?

A New Year's resolution simply means a change for better living.

 And by the way, why do we celebrate New Year on the month of January?

Julius Caesar is the one who proposed January 1 as the first day of the year because it was named after the Roman God, Janus, which is believed to be the God of doors and gates. This, then, symbolized the transition from one year to the other.


The top ten mostly overused resolutions are:

1. Save money.
2. Quit smoking.
3. Lose weight.
4. Quit drinking.
5. Get out of debt.
6. Work harder.
7. Be more patient.
8. Spend more time with family and friends.
9. Get a better job.
10. Help more.

These resolutions are frequently used by most of us and mostly we never get to fulfill them because we don’t monitor them consistently. We only have the courage to make a promise for the sake of celebrating New Year, not for our own sake. Making promises on this celebration has just become a habit not considering that it has a far greater meaning on us.

We tend to fail in accomplishing our goals because we do them alone selfishly. We need somebody to help us fulfill them accurately. We need our Lord as the center of our resolution for without Him all things are not possible. Ask Him to give us the strength that can hold us up during the painful process of changing ourselves into better people. (Philippians 4:13). Then, we ask our family and friends to help us in doing our goal for the whole year.

Making a resolution before and during the New Year doesn't end just like that. Fulfillment is the hardest process that many people fail to achieve because of several reasons. A resolution should bubble up from the heart of a true disciple of Christ, not on our selfish desires. As we embark into this New Year, let us embrace it with everlasting gladness, love, faith, hope, endurance and gentleness.(1 Timothy 6:11)

photo credit: williamcho via photopin cc

From spiritual dryness to spiritual success!

For the recent weeks, I was fetching for ideas on how to beat myself from spiritual dryness until God chose Mark to deliver the message last Sunday.

I have been truly struggling for a couple of months and I thought that it was only me who feels it until Psalm 13 was revealed before my eyes.

Here how it goes.

Psalm 13

How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts

And day after day have sorrow in my heart?

How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Look on me and answer, LORD my God.

Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,

And my enemy will say, “I have overcome hime,”

And my foes will rejoice when I fall.

But I trust in your unfailing love;

My heart rejoices in your salvation.

I will sing the LORD’s praise,

for he has been good to me.

David is a very good example to those who are experiencing spiritual setback just like me. He is honest to the Lord in all his feelings. He expressed what he felt in plain language with great pain and anguish. In the end, his trust in him was unfailing and exemplifying in spite of all the misery he was facing. What a faithful servant he has shown for a faithful God. He kept holding on and he saw the fruit of his trust and faith to God.

Sometimes we think that God is away from us. Sometimes we think that he has forsaken us. Sometimes we don’t feel his power nor a shadow of his presence. But the real thing is, He is never gone. He is always there, watching us over on how we are going to react, make decisions and carry out his plans and promises.

For all these days, I thought that I had the worst case in terms of experiencing spiritual struggle. The Lord has been good to me. Now, I am finally over it. I have surpassed the test that I  thought I never would.

 photo credit: Manoj Kengudelu via photopin cc

photo credit: h.koppdelaney via photopin cc