Friday, August 26, 2005

THE POWER OF HABIT

I am your constant COMPANION.
I am your greatest HELPER or your
heaviest BURDEN.
I will PUSH you onward or DRAG you down to failure.
I am COMPLETELY at your command.
Half the things you do
you might as well turn over to me,
And I will be able to do them QUICKLY and CORRECTLY.
I am EASILY-MANAGED; you must merely
BE FIRM with me.
Show me exactly how you want something done,
And after a FEW LESSONS I will do it AUTOMATICALLY.
I am the SERVANT of all the great individuals
And, alas, of all failures as well.
Those who are great I have made great.
Those who are failures I have made failures.
I am not a machine
Though I work with all the PRECISION of a machine
Plus the INTELLIGENCE of a human being.
You may run me for PROFIT or run me for RUIN;
It makes no difference to me.
TAKE ME, TRAIN ME, BE FIRM WITH ME,
And I will put the world at your feet
Be easy with me
And I will destroy you.
Who am I?

I am habit!

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Birthday Mode

Birthday mo na naman!

Kaylan mo huling narealize yan? Nagulantang ka na lang ba nang malapit na uli? Parang ganun-ganon lang yun tapos another year is added to you. Talaga naman, hindi mo halos napansin dumadaan [nang mabilis] ang mga araw.

Kumusta ka na? Masaya ka ba? Ano na ang latest?

Sa paglipas ng panahon, isang bagay ang mahalagang itanong sa sarili: Kilala ko pa ba kung sino ako? May nailaan ba akong panahon para makapagnilay-nilay sa sarili? Healthy yan. Sana nagawa mo.

Masyado yatang seryoso. Parang nakakatakot basahin. Anyhow, heto lang naman talaga ang mensahe: Happy Birthday! Gusto naming lumigaya ka.

[ hihihi…parang praning yata ang pagkakasulat…. Mahal ka namin, alam mo yan! Happy birthday! Muwwwwaahhhhh! ] ~hmm... sino pa kaya ang tinutukoy ko...~

HAHA! dalawang araw pa naman...

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Blessings to you!

The Guy Every Girl Is Looking For

Adapted from the True Story and Movie “Pamela’s Prayer”

Pamela is a Christian and she was raised by her father after her mother died giving birth. Every night before going to bed, her father would pray with her.

Pamela never kissed or dated a guy until she was 16 years old, as her father said many times that there’s no better gift a woman could give her husband than to remain pure and share her first kiss with him at the wedding altar. She believed this until a guy named Jerry from school asks her out, and because of pressure from her friends she consented. Jerry is a very popular Christian guy, so Pamela asks her father if she could go to a basketball game with him. He said NO! She decided to disobey and go behind his back anyway. On their way home from the date, Jerry tried to kiss her but she ran away into the house. Her father was terribly disappointed in her rebellion, but they prayed together and Pamela said she would never do it again. The next morning in school, everyone was talking about Pamela and Jerry. Jerry told his friends that he kissed Pamela many times in his living room. In spite of this lie and rumors going around, Pamela was able to get through this with the help of her loving Dad.

Later on, her father, who owns a Christian film distribution, hired a boy named Frederick to help him. He was a young Christian who went to the same high school as Pamela. Frederick was a man of integrity. He became the friend of Pamela and also her father. They would go hiking together and would even celebrate holidays as a family. After graduating, Frederick decided to stay on as a fulltime employee.

It was wonderful to find out that Frederick, like Pamela and her father, had the same beliefs. He promised the Lord to reserve his first kiss for his bride. It was not long until he realized that he loved Pamela. At the end of the story, Pamela and Frederick married and shared their gift to one another on their wedding day. Her father was overjoyed that his daughter would spend the rest of her life with this man of God.

Pamela and Frederick’s story is not a fairy tale; I believe it with all my heart. It’s actually possible; we just have to make it happen. Why not wait for the best that God has reserved for you? It’s a choice. I pray you choose the best.

Monday, August 15, 2005

Ang Buhay ng Ate

Nasanay na ako sa pagiging ate; halos hindi ko na nga ito maialis sa pangalan ko. Ang totoo, malaking bahagi ng buhay ko ang gumaganap sa tungkuling ito. Sa pakiwari ko pa, doble nang karaniwang gampanin ng isang ate ang nakaatang sa aking balikat.

Maaga kaming naulila sa ina. Hindi na niya nahintay magtapos ng elementarya si Nene; nasa ikalimang baitang pa lamang siya noon. Hindi na rin niya nakita si ate na umakyat ng entablado para sa kanyang pagtatapos. Sayang, pinakahihintay-hintay pa naman niya iyon.

Kahit noong buhay pa si Nanay, ate na talaga kami; lalo na ako. Agad kong inako ang responsibilidad kahit noong mga bata pa lang kami. Kaya nga siguro nakalakihan ko na ang pagiging ate. Kahit saan ako pumunta, pakiramdam ko, ate ako ng lahat. Bata pa rin naman ako ngayon, nasa kasikatan pa ng araw, pero agad nag-mature dahil nga sa tawag ng pagkakataon.

Masaya ako sa pagiging ate; iba ang pakiramdam kapag nagagawa ko ang mga inaasahan sa akin, kahit na yung hindi ko na dapat na gawain, nasasaklaw ko pa rin. Isang salita siguro na maglalarawan dito ay sakripisyo. Ayaw ko namang lumitaw na pabigat ang mga kapamilya ko, lalo na ang mga kapatid ko, para sa akin, HINDI talaga; pero sa paningin ng iba, martir daw, kung hindi masokista, ang tawag sa akin. Naniniwala kasi ako na kung pwede namang isa na lang ang magparaya para sa ikabubuti ng lahat, iyon ang mas mainam na desisyon—at lagi kong kinukuha ang puwesto ng nagpaparaya. Maka-Andres Bonifacio din kasi ako, “Kung hindi ako, sino? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan?”

Tanggap ko na na ganito ang gampanim ko at sabi nga, ‘there’s no greater joy than giving’. Ito nga siguro ang calling ko, ang maging ate. Kung minsan nga lang, dahil na rin siguro sa dami ng mga intindihin, parang nanghihina rin ako. Pero kailangan kong maging malakas para na rin sa aming lahat.

Ang totoo ang pamilya ko ang nagpapalakas sa akin. Pero ang talagang source ng lahat ay ang Panginoon. Salamat na lang dahil kapag talagang hindi ko na kaya, pinaparamdam Niya sa akin na hindi ako nag-iisa. Pasan-pasan Niya ako.

Masarap maging ate, pero maraming responsibilidad. Lalo pa, kung wala na ang Nanay sa pamilya. Kami ng ate ko ang tumayong ina sa pamilya pagkawala ng Nanay. Shock absorber at tagapag-intindi. Ang tingin ko kasi, hindi mabuti para sa mga mas bata kong kapatid na dalahin pa nila ang hirap ng naulila sa ina. Kailangan, pagtakpan na namin ang kakulangang iyon. Hindi man sapat, makatulong man lang. Salamat talaga sa Panginoon at ibinigay Niya sa amin si Tatay. Napakabait niya at mapagmahal.

Kung kikilalanin kung sino ako ngayon, kalahati siguro o higit pa ng pagkatao ko ay imiikot sa pagiging ate. Mabuti na lang may ate rin ako.

Friday, August 12, 2005

Sa Ugoy ng Duyan

This native song is very inspirational and heart warming. It has particular impact on Filipinos, suggesting our values and culture. Almost every Filipino child has his own hammock. A hammock reminds us of our childhood and all the more, the sweetest feeling we’d ever get—our mother’s love. The song tells of someone remembering his younger days…Here is a rough translation.


Sa Ugoy ng Duyan
By the Swing of the Hammock

Sana’y di magmaliw ang dati kong araw
I wish my old days would never come to pass

Nang munti pang bata sa piling ni Nanay
When I was a child in my Mother’s bosom

Nais kong maulit ang awit ni Inang mahal
Once more I want to hear beloved Mother’s song

Awit ng pag-ibig habang ako’y nasa duyan.
A song of love while I’m on the hammock.

Sa aking pagtulog na labis ang himbing
In my deep, sound sleep

Ang bantay ko’y tala, ang tanod ko’y bituin
The North Star is my sentinel, I’m guarded by the star

Sa piling ni Nanay langit ang buhay
In Mother’s bosom, life is heaven

Puso kong may dusa, sabik sa ugoy ng duyan.
My heart dwelling in sorrow; longing for the swing of the hammock.

Nais kong matulog sa dating duyan ko, Inay...
I want to sleep on my old hammock, Mother

O' Inay....
O’ Mother….


Filipinos recognize a mother as source of security especially to little children. This is actually a love song for mother. It makes me cry just typing this song…. Oh, I miss my Mom…

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Para kay Aidz

[Sayang, medyo nahuli ng post...]

Birthday mo na naman!

Kaylan mo huling narealize yan? Nagulantang ka na lang ba nang malapit na uli? Parang ganun-ganon lang yun tapos another year is added to you. Talaga naman, hindi mo halos napansin dumadaan [nang mabilis] ang mga araw.

Kumusta ka na? Masaya ka ba? Ano na ang latest?

Sa paglipas ng panahon, isang bagay ang mahalagang itanong sa sarili: Kilala ko pa ba kung sino ako? May nailaan ba akong panahon para makapagnilay-nilay sa sarili? Healthy yan. Sana nagawa mo.

Masyado yatang seryoso. Parang nakakatakot basahin. Anyhow, heto lang naman talaga ang mensahe: Happy Birthday! Gusto naming lumigaya ka.

[ hihihi…parang praning yata ang pagkakasulat…. Mahal ka namin, alam mo yan! Happy birthday! Muwwwwaahhhhh! ]

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

''I'll Change, I Promise''

''I'll Change, I Promise''
Six Signs of Real Repentance
by Bryce Klabunde, Vice President Pastoral Ministries

Are promises enough?

Many changes come naturally as we mature. Sometimes, though, negative habits form deep ruts, and it seems we can't change, no matter how much we want to. Friends urge us to alter course and warn us of dangers ahead if we don't. We read in Scripture about God's path of wisdom, and His Spirit awakens our spirit to a new vision of a better life in Christ. With tears of determination, we tell ourselves, our loved ones, and our Lord that things will be different. "I'll change, I promise," we say. And we really mean it. We feel a deep sense of sorrow for our sin, even disgust. However, as time passes, the pull of the rut overpowers our most sincere promises, and we fall back into old patterns.

Part of the problem may be our mistake in thinking that sorrow and confession are enough to produce change. Another part is the misunderstanding of the process of change-a process the Bible calls repentance.

Is repentance the same as remorse?
According to the New Testament, there's a difference between repentance and remorse.

Judas "felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priest and elders" (Matthew 27:3). He even confessed his crime: "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (v. 4). Judas had come face to face with the hideous beast of evil in his soul, and he shrank back in terror and shame. Tragically, instead of leading him to God and life, his guilt hounded him to the gates of death. Eventually, his shame turned to self-hatred, and it drove him to suicide.

The apostle Paul calls this "the sorrow of the world" because the world offers no hope for people racked with guilt (2 Corinthians 7:10b). But there is another sorrow that produces life, as Paul describes:

I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, in order that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation. (2 Corinthians 7:9-10a)

The sorrow of an alcoholic, for example, can either drown him in crashing waves of self-pity . . . or carry him to the shores of a new life. The determining factor is not the sorrow itself but whether the sorrow brings the sinner to repentance.

What is repentance?
Repentance is first a decision.

The most common Greek word in the New Testament translated "repent" is metanoeo, which is based on the word for thoughts or intentions, nous (see Acts 8:22) and literally means to "change one's mind." Penitent people take a deep look inside and face the truth about themselves-how they've been excusing their sins and hurting others. They come to a decision point, or what Paul called, "the point of repentance" (2 Corinthians 7:9), in which they change their mind from pleasing the flesh to pleasing God, from trusting in self to trusting in a Savior.
This repentance decision may come at the moment of our salvation as we place our faith in Christ for the first time. It may also be a point of recommitment as we determine to follow Christ with our whole heart. In either case, it is the beginning point to a process of change.
Hand in hand with this decision is a second principle: turning. The Old Testament prophets preached a message of repentance using a special Hebrew word that means, "turn around, return." The Lord urges His redeemed people to return to Him because He has forgiven their sins:

"I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud, And your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you." (Isaiah 44:22)

The Lord is asking His people to take a completely new direction in life. This implies two parts: turning away from sin and returning to the Lord. And it implies a relationship between us and God-much like the relationship between the prodigal son and his father in Jesus' parable. After the son comes to his senses in the pigsty, he turns from his sin and returns to his father (see Luke 15:11-32).

The decision of repentance and the turning of repentance are demonstrated by the fruit of repentance-deeds that flow from the life of a changed person. The prophets described these deeds in practical terms: "Therefore, return to your God, Observe kindness and justice" (Hosea 12:6a). John the Baptizer specified the fruit of repentance this way:

"Let the man who has two tunics share with him who has none; and let him who has food do likewise." And some tax-gatherers also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Collect no more than what you have been ordered to." And some soldiers were questioning him, saying, "And what about us, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages." (Luke 3:11b-14)

Repentance, then, is not merely feeling sorry for sin. A person may feel deep remorse for his or her critical spirit, anger, or greed. A pastor caught in immorality may kneel before the congregation and weep bitterly over the condition of his soul. As important as it is to feel the weight of our sin, these emotions are not repentance. In fact, if we accept these tears as repentance, we can actually hinder the person from doing the really hard work of change.
With all this in mind, let's draw up a definition: Repentance is the process of turning from our sinful way of life and turning to godliness. It is characterized by a change of thinking and a change of behavior.

The path of repentance often leads through dark periods of self-examination and painful surrendering of selfishness and pride. Repentance includes letting go of cherished sinful pleasures and being accountable to others who help us lift our wheels out of the rut as we plow a new course in life. It marks a renewed relationship with the Lord based on a revived belief that His way is truly best and His righteousness is life's greatest treasure.

What Are Practical Signs of Repentance?
How do you know if you're on the path of repentance?

What does the penitent life look like? How can you tell if someone you love is really changing? People who are serious about change tend to display similar behaviors that let you know they are on the right track. Here are a few signs you'll find in a truly repentant person:

1. Repentant people are willing to confess all their sins, not just the sins that got them in trouble. A house isn't clean until you open every closet and sweep every corner. People who truly desire to be clean are completely honest about their lives. No more secrets.

2. Repentant people face the pain that their sin caused others. They invite the victims of their sin (anyone hurt by their actions) to express the intensity of emotions that they feel-anger, hurt, sorrow, and disappointment. Repentant people do not give excuses or shift blame. They made the choice to hurt others, and they must take full responsibility for their behavior.

3. Repentant people ask forgiveness from those they hurt. They realize that they can never completely "pay off" the debt they owe their victims. Repentant people don't pressure others to say, "I forgive you." Forgiveness is a journey, and the other person needs time to deal with the hurt before they can forgive. All that penitent people can do is admit their indebtedness and humbly request the undeserved gift of forgiveness.

4. Repentant people remain accountable to a small group of mature Christians. They gather a group of friends around themselves who hold them accountable to a plan for clean living. They invite the group to question them about their behaviors. And they follow the group's recommendations regarding how to avoid temptation.

5. Repentant people accept their limitations. They realize that the consequences of their sin (including the distrust) will last a long time, perhaps the rest of their lives. They understand that they may never enjoy the same freedom that other people enjoy. Sex offenders or child molesters, for example, should never be alone with children. Alcoholics must abstain from drinking. Adulterers must put strict limitations on their time with members of the opposite sex. That's the reality of their situation, and they willingly accept their boundaries.

6. Repentant people are faithful to the daily tasks God has given them. We serve a merciful God who delights in giving second chances. God offers repentant people a restored relationship with Him and a new plan for life. Listen to Hosea's promise to rebellious Israel:
Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. (Hosea 6:1-2, emphasis added)
After healing comes living.

Repentant people accept responsibility for past failures but do not drown themselves in guilt. They focus their attention on present responsibilities, which include accomplishing the daily tasks God has given them.

One final thought. Repentance is not a solo effort. God doesn't expect us to lift ourselves up by our own bootstraps. Through His indwelling Spirit, God shapes and molds us to make us pure and blameless in Christ. Listen to Paul's hopeful words: "for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13). For many people, the first cry of repentance is, "I can't change by myself; I need You, God." Thankfully, those are the sweetest words to God's ear.

Monday, August 08, 2005

points to ponder

INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIFE

Take into account that great love and achievements involve great risk.
When you lose, don’t lose the lesson
Follow the three “Rs”:
· Respect for self;
· Respect for others; and
· Responsibility for all you actions.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
Don’t let a dispute injure a great relationship.
When you realize you made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
Spend some time alone everyday.
Open arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Live a good, honorable life, then when you grow older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
Be gentle with the earth.
Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

Friday, August 05, 2005

Serious mode: ON

I am in the haze of missing my mother. How many times have I said there’s never a day I don’t think of her? I have long accepted the fact that she’s been with the Lord, but my earthly being still calls for the comfort of a mother. Hay Nanay, miss na miss na kita! I feel sorry for myself whenever I think losing you was because I have loved you more than anyone else. The Lord doesn’t want that; so He took you from me so He will be at the apex of my life. Certainly I know He has planned the number of your days even before you were born. So I shouldn’t resent at all. It’s part of the growing-maturing process. And feeling this makes me realize I should, all the more, ask for the Lord's peace in me.

It’s my birthday month and I’m in my 20s now. Sayang, Nanay, you haven’t seen me turn 20. I know you’ll be happy if you did. You’ve always been. And that’s enough. I just give my gratitude to the Lord for making me a part of OUR loving family.

>>>
Why have such sentiments? Maybe it’s part of the birthday mode. Or plainly not.

Thursday, August 04, 2005

A timely response
Thank you Lord.

Just now, after lunch, I got a text from a friend and co-leader, the Chair. It says:

There’s no oil without squeezing the olives;
No wine without pressing the grapes;
No fragrance without crushing the flower;
So when things press you down,
God is taking the best out of you.

>>>Who am I <<<

from the pacific... very traditional... a patriot... a Christian… has high regard to family... has always been an Ate [older sister]… pictures self as Mulan... a perfect melancholic... can be found in three places only: home, church, school... dreams to become a linguist... loves music earnestly... dreams to play the violin... a child at heart... adores children... will not let go of anime... once been devoted to Sailormoon and Eugene… loves Kenshin and Kaoru... finds Autumn in my Heart unbearably lovely... enchanted by Full House... now into Sweet 18… obsessed with Song Hye Kyo… thinks Won Bin is the cutest guy in the planet... wishes to see Oscar and Josh... a bona fide josh-aholic... will learn Japanese soon [cross fingers]... a researcher... hopes to finish graduate studies... inspired by Helen Keller, Simon from Mercury Rising and The Woman Who Willed a Miracle… beginning to have interest in teaching [special children]...

Superficial, may be, may be not. Guess, the more intimate part is yet to unfold.

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

A Better Me

Lately I’ve been feeling weak; physically, emotionally, spiritually. Maybe I’m being lax with my quiet time and personal devotion, and no longer spare time for prayer. Perhaps I’m lingering on a sin I’m not conscious about.


Dear Lord,

I'm sorry. You know I love You and I’m trying to be the child You want me to be. Please help become stronger. I want to live a victorious Christian life. Let not the enemy rule over me. Guide me and remind me of Your love and compassion. Bless me with Your grace and mercy. Above all, give me peace.

Help me cast all my burdens upon You, because I know, You care. Thank You, Lord.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

What Makes A Cheerful Leader?
A page from Len’s Journal


Despite the price of leadership, I have my reasons to hang on:

Ø Abs. The heart that follows and genuinely respects. Nothing can ever encourage you more than a willing heart.
Ø Mich. The faith that can move mountains. A reason to keep the challenge.
Ø Fati. The believing heart. Secures integrity and self-esteem.
Ø Ronn. The mirror of submission.
Ø Jai. The power of solid trust. It drives you to walk the extra mile.
Ø Ayres. The strength of a leader. Any burden is made lighter with another leader’s support.
Ø Mac. The approach of a younger sibling. Bearing brotherly post.
Ø Quim. The heart that listens amidst sensitive conditions.
Ø Tan. The obedience without neglect.
Ø Nald. The power of initiative.
Ø Pastor. The heart of service and confidence in leadership. Makes the responsibility a habit.

Above all it's Jesus. The Master and Refuge. The One who compensates more than enough. Thank you Lord.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ~Philippians 4:13

Today, I have created a new blog...
I hope my plans for this one will be met.

WELCOME to Dalagang Pinay, where you find my passion, my obsession, and my deviance!

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

^o^