Permanent Tenant

"..so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."

Ephesians 3:17

This is taken from Paul's prayers to the Ephesians after he tells the people in Ephesus the importance of evangelism, and I'd really like to focus on that part. 

Now, I haven't always had the heart for Evangelism. In fact, most time, I'm terrified of ministering to strangers and friends alike. There's always the fear of rejection and being uncertain of the right things to say - they are unnerving. Somehow, for me at least, Evangelism feels like a confrontation. That is, one is confronting the other about their faith, or lack thereof. And with those in mind, it makes it hard for a person (me) to work around it. 

And then there were and are people like Paul who, despite grave circumstances, still manage to spread the word and proclaim God's love and grace for everyone. Then I start to wonder why I can't be as brave or eloquent or faithful as he is. But then, that really isn't the problem. Comparing myself to another person - someone who did many great things for God while he was alive at that - won't help me minister to others or evangelize to them. So what's the point? I say, we - all of us who have this fear - should just suck it up and give it a try (and if they reject you, at least you tried and at least the seed has been planted). 

Besides, when we accepted Christ into our lives, we basically signed a contract and that involves evangelism. And we have to follow through with that contract (or we'll get sued for breach of contract, or unfaithfulness to Him whom we owe our Salvation to). 

I think an excerpt from one of my articles should aptly end this:

"When we feel shy or fearful, we should just bear in mind everything that the Lord has done for us – and I think that helps. After all, if we truly are in love with our God and our happiness is uncontainable, then spreading the gospel, sharing them to those who need it the most would come as naturally as breathing."

If we say that He dwells in our hearts, talking about Him shouldn't be so hard. :)

A Friendly Reminder

"And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit"

Ephesians 2:22

I think it's safe to say that most - if not all - Christians sometimes get too caught up in the pleasures of this world that we all  just kind of forget that they are not important in comparison to what we have waiting for us in the eternal. Is it our fault that we forget? Highly likely. Because sometimes, we just get too busy, too wrapped up in our own little world that our clear vision of God's promises for us gets blurred all of a sudden. Worse, sometimes we try to justify the mistakes we have committed - whether it be drinking, smoking or some other things that keep us from being like Jesus.

The first half of chapter 2 of Ephesians reminds us of how we have been saved; how there really was nothing we could have done to earn that gift of salvation - how there is still nothing we could do to say that we saved ourselves from God's wrath. It was his grace, his love that saved. And believing that, accepting that fact means that we have accepted the Spirit to dwell in us - to be with us constantly. So how do we expect the Spirit to have a pleasant stay in us when we haven't cleaned our even prepared a room for it to stay at? 

We can never be God-holy. But he helps us to be so; and I think it is just rude to bite the hand that feeds you right? If we want to be holy, if we want the Spirit to have a pleasant stay, then we need to commit ourselves to doing, saying, thinking things that is pleasing to God - even if it means discomfort and conflicts on our parts. He's God, and he always has the final say on everything.

And if we say that we truly and sincerely love him, then there really shouldn't be anything that should stop us from doing this. Right?

Hay. Dear self, please be reminded of this, ok?

God Speaks

"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature."

Galatians 5:16

What happens when your want is in conflict with what God wants? Well, the word conflict should already give you an idea. I won't delve into too much into what I've decided and what had happened. Know only that I'm partially happy. I won't be fully happy until I am one with God's will (Bible says so too). 

Why like this? :<

Gideon I

After reading chapter 6 of Judges, specifically the chapter of Gideon's calling, I am with these questions: Is it wise to ask God to keep on proving his self to us? Isn't that what faith is for? 

Although, I understand of course. If I would to suddenly hear a disembodied voice or see God's angel face-to-face, I' probably be just as scared as he was, maybe even more. But that would only be a natural reaction to a supernatural experience. Gideon was threshing wheat for goodness sake. He was minding his own business when all of a sudden, this angel comes up to him and practically says: "How you doing?" Granted, if it was any other person, they probably would have had the same reaction as Gideon did. 

But that wasn't all, when Gideon was a bit certain that the angel was a messenger of God, he asked God if He could do things for him, like a vendo machine. Having read this, I really thought: Kapal naman ng mukha ng lalaking 'to. He kept on asking proof from God, and I just thought: He's God. What other proofs do you need to know? Only now do I understand that if I were in his situation, I'd also like to make sure I'm not going crazy. When he asked the angel what God has been doing now that He sees how his people suffers, it just goes to show just how many years have passed since God has brought the Israelites into the promised land. It's something that they know, sort of like a legacy, but had never experienced for themselves. 

Hate on Me Haters

(Just to clear things up, no, no one hates me... I think)

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."

John 15:18

I'm not really sure what made me to go search the Bible for verses on persecution. I suppose it's the Holy Spirit nudging me about it after someone I know shared their troubles with me. And ok, granted, not my best moment. After he told me about them, I couldn't say anything to him that he hasn't already heard from his mentor or from other people. I suppose, it was an opportunity to share to him, but I don't know. Maybe I didn't see it right away, but back when he was telling me all about how he'd get bullied by some of our batch mates, I didn't know what to tell him exactly. And it sucks since I've been in that situation too before. Somehow, college seems to be a lot like high school. There maybe those who think that college kids are more mature, but that's not really the case. Sometimes, people who take pleasure in harassing others just exist. 

Even though the connection between his bullying and a Christian's persecution isn't really there, somehow, this is what I remembered. No matter what we say or do, there would be some people who would find fault in us, needing to as though their lives depended on it. Although Jesus talks about following in His footsteps in this passage, I just though that whether or not someone's a Christian, they would still be bullied - whether it be through words or through actions. I suppose, what sets us apart as Christians is what we plan and choose to do about it afterwards. 

It's something to think of as well. What would I do if the time comes that I'd be judged and persecuted for my faith? I know deep in my heart what I should do, but there's the fear that my instinct or my fear might cause me to act another way. I suppose this is something to be truly reflected on.

Although I'm disappointed in myself for not taking the chance to share (it would have been good too, seems like he really needed the encouragement), I'm just hoping that I'd be more alert and aware the next the opportunity presents itself.

Pep Talk for Myself.

I've just realized how much I've been slacking lately - in my quiet time with God and sometimes even in school. I know that this is something that I need to fix and need God's guidance and wisdom in. I told Him I want to be DL and qualify for scholarship, but if I don't get my act together, I won't be able to. God is generous and He hears prayers, but I doubt God will give me something I don't deserve just because I asked. I need to rearrange my priorities. Education is much too important for me to just simply take it for granted. 

Oh self. Consider this your first warning. Push yourself more. Don't settle for mediocrity when you are more than capable of achieving greatness, when He can help you achieve greatness. You can do it.

The Musings of Photoboy: Will You Dance?

The Musings of Photoboy: Will You Dance?: "Will You Dance? by Michelle Zerda I lost my life. I stood leaning against the cold hard wall. My head throbbed and my body ached. My heavy..."

It's Your Love That Has Saved Me

"but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what the Father has commanded me" - John 14:31

Tonight, I used the discipling book that has been given to me as a material for my devotions. The first lesson for this module is not only knowing God's will, but seeking it with all that we are. When I was a kid, so much younger than I am now, every time that we're asked if we'd be willing to give up control over our lives to God I'd say yes. I wasn't sure if it was naivety or something else entirely, but I guess part of the reason why I said that instantaneously is because I was a kid. The biggest decision I've had to make then was to decide what I'd eat for lunch or dinner. So I thought then that decisions would be easy if they were always similar to the ones I have and might help me bail me out. :)

I guess, it has only been recently that I'v somehow gotten God's will - although perfect beyond comprehension is still difficult. I want to love God more, I want to follow him. Though I know that there shouldn't be any excuses, it's only that as though God's plan for us is to deliberately takes us out of our comfort zones. And it'll be scary - just not as scary as knowing. I suppose this is where faith and trust comes in. 

Those two are the first things we do when we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior. And yet, those two are still one of the more difficult ones to do perfectly.

Following God's will involves humility, humility in knowing that we don't know the best, only God does. 

Ana Maria Ysabel Cerrer

BIRTHDAY GIRL :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YSABEL :) Truly, truly hope you had a great time celebrating your birthday with us :) Kita mo naman, effor kami sa pagsuot ng shirt na iyan. :))

Us girls in our birthday uniform :)

May God bless you with so many more years to come, dear. You've been such a blessing to all of us already and we're so grateful for you. Continue to be the smart, beautiful and warm person that you are. We love you, Ysabel! :D

I Drown in Your Ocean of Grace

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Phil. 4:6-7 (NIV)

Although I have not finished going through the entire Bible, I would like to say that, for the mean time, Philippians is my favorite book. :) I would now like to take back what I've said the first time I read Philippians, that Paul's only putting up a brave front, that deep inside he's really suffering. Now I see and realize that he's not doing that just so he could mask his pain - whether or not he truly had any - but that Paul had an honest fondness for the Philippians. I see that now. I see how much he cares for them, how much he loves them. 

Considering the situation I'm in right now - and since I don't really know who's reading this blog, I shall not state just what kind of situation that is here - I really needed this. I want that peace, I want to feel as though my life makes sense again, that I'm still the same person my parents raised me to be. This is such a comfort for me. I guess it's the most basic and common things about our relationship with God that I forget the most - just pray. Talk and he'll listen, ask with thanksgiving and receive with a grateful heart. 

If for some reason, during a talk with a friend things seemed blurred to me, it's all so very clear now - distinct. I know exactly what I should do, and I pray I don't lose sight of it. I'd really like to think this is God answering me, talking to me; that it's not just me relying on my own again. I personally took this as Paul's reminder to me, "Whateveryou have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the GOD OF PEACE will be with you." (Phil. 4:9) 

I am very much encouraged by this, after feeling semi-lousy this afternoon. God, you truly are amazing. 

Heavenly Father, 

Thank You Lord for today, the first day of the second semester, of seeing my friends again and having that one special talk with Your beautiful daughter. I think I needed that, to realize it and to stop looking at things through rose tinted glasses. I've never been an addict and I don't want to start now. Father, just please be with me. I need Your counsel Lord, I need You. I need to rely on You, Lord. Father, I lift everything up to You, my concerns with this certain issue. Father may You always be in my every thought and may every decision I make may be considered Godly and have Your approval, Lord. Father, please never tire of reminding me that I've surrendered my life to You, and as such have completely given over the control of my life to You. Lord, just please let Your will work in my life, let me have the courage to confront my anxieties. 

I love you Lord. Never let me stop from falling deeper in love with You.

In Christ's Name,

Amen

Worthy

For some reason, I've taken to writing my thoughts on the Bible passages here on this blog - analyzing them as I did Dante's Inferno and Purgatorio. The only difference is, the Bible is the word of God and there really is just one answer for each passage. But, I took the tools I got from interpreting the first to canticles and using them to somehow understand God's love letter to humanity.

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ."

- Phil. 3:7 (NIV)

I don't know much about Paul, but I know that when he converted to Christianity, he had a lot to lose. He'd already made a name for himself. His fame - or notoriety - was in line. I mean, after persecuting all those churches, to suddenly becoming one of Christ's best warriors. That change of heart, I would assume, put his judgement into question. But knowing what's at stake and what's really important, I guess Paul didn't really give much thought to that anymore.

As for us, it's a matter of setting our priorities correctly and knowing that whatever losses we may have here on earth are in no comparison to the eternal gain we will have in heaven. Colossians 3:2 says, Set your minds on things above and not on earthly things. It's hard, especially since we're all very much susceptible to distractions and temptations. But it really is just a matter of remembering who our God is and just how much he's done for all of us. Having the knowledge that we do now of our God, everything we do hereafter should be a reaction or a response to his love. A reflection of how glorious he really is. 

And the best response would be to spread his good news, to be missionaries in our own little way. We know the options, the consequences - they don't. We should take it upon ourselves to do so, to set our goals on the things that Christ intended for us.

This is our response.

Humility to Unity

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves" - Phil. 2:3 (NIV)

A few weeks ago, when I was still in school for the first semester of my second year, our class tackled Dante's Inferno then Purgatorio. When I was fortunate enough to have had lunch with my professors for this class, I took the opportunity to ask them why Purgatory was structured in such a way that Dante and Virgil had to go through the terrace of the Proud. Fr. Soria said that it's because all the other sins stemmed from pride, that is you do all these other heinous things because you love yourself more than you do other people and God.

Christ, is the exact opposite.

Because he loved us all, he was willing to become human, be a servant to all and die on the cross. My favorite analogy of just how invaluable we truly are is that think of humans as ants and Christ as a human being. Upon seeing that the ants are about to face their demise, he decides to turn into an ant himself just so he could tell them of what's about to happen so that he could save them all; because he loved them. I know it seems silly but it has made the concept of our salvation just a little bit clearer. He humbled himself so that he could save us because he loves us, plain and simple.

What does that mean for us? 

I can't speak for everybody, but at least it's a reminder for myself to keep my ego in check. I mean, I may not voice my thoughts all the time, but when someone is better than me at something I truly love, in my head I've already judged them to be this entirely different I'm sure they're not. Or have plotted their demise, or something. Point is, I feel the resentment and even though I don't act on those bitter feelings, thinking about them is just as bad.

Basically, I guess what this passage is saying is that in order to be united, we need to humble ourselves and accept each other and respect each other. This is quite timely too. Especially since GCF is going through major transitions as of the moment. But, I should say that we're on our way to being a united Church once again, steps have already been made for this. The rest is up to God. :)

4 Loaded Words

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain"

-Philippians 1:21 (NIV)

They say that Philippians is one of the most joyous book in the Bible, and I guess anyone would think that too seeing the word 'rejoice' several times throughout the entire book. For me though, I'm not sure if I completely believe it. I guess I'm just skeptical of the fact that someone can find joy in being locked up in jail, chained and all. I mean no matter how close a person's relationship with God is, they're still human and are still susceptible to feeling anxiety and fear. Of course I have no real way of finding out what Paul truly felt during his time in prison, but I have a feeling that he was putting up a brave front for Timothy and the Philippians. Or I could be totally wrong and he was, in fact, quite happy during the time of his captivity. 

"Yes, and I will continue to rejoice..." -Phil. 1:18

"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him." -Phil. 1:29

Like many, I've also asked myself why Paul would be joyful at such a time. Yes, I know it's part of the package when we agreed to be like Christ; that we'd all be persecuted and hated on by many just like him. But unlike Christ, we hurt and we have breakdowns, not saying that Christ wasn't human - because he became man - only that he had better control of his feelings. Or simply that he knew better that to think or act on his emotions. I suppose what Paul is showing us here is not just his great determination to be like his savior but a clear manifestation of his love for Christ. I kind of imagine him to be like: "Lord, I really hate it here and my situation really sucks but because I love you, I'm going to suck it up and make the most of this situation." That and he was saying how a lot of people are spreading the gospel with so many different motives as a reaction to his imprisonment. Seriously, talk about a flipping silver lining on a dark cloud. 

There are only so few people who can think of the brighter side of things during terrible predicaments and even fewer who can still think of the furtherance of God's kingdom during a challenge like this. I'm not even going to pretend that I'm one of those few. I'm not. I've been blessed enough to not have that many drastic experiences in my life. But even during the times that I consider to be pretty challenging, I know I'm not the most optimistic person out there, but I do have hope that things would be better. I suppose I've mostly rested on the assurance that my God is in control. 

I suppose, and hope, that that is what was going through Paul's mind at the time. That yes, it is an incredibly difficult time for him, but he's okay because God has got him covered. 

Not only that, Paul also doesn't fail to remind us to keep living by example; that since we've all accepted Christ to be our Lord and Savior, it is then a natural reaction to be like him. I mean come on, the man's in jail writing a letter to his disciple and he still manages to stay positive about a lot of things. THAT is living by example - especially for all of us, whether Christian or not, a student or not. One mistake or one lousy day doesn't mean it is the end of the world. Whether or not that keeps on happening, God will still love you. 

So then what does verse 21 mean? I suppose that means that if we truly want to be like our savior then nothing should hold us back or keep us from doing so. You don't follow Christ because there are perks or because you're afraid of eternal damnation. You follow him because you believe deep within your heart that without him, you will be lost forever; that nothing makes sense if he's not there to guide you and that it is so easy to just keep on sinning. 

We follow Christ because we believe in him and because we want to be like him. And we want to be like him because we are so deeply in love with him. 

Dear Lord, please help this child of yours to grow more deeply in love with you. Father, please guide me onto the path that you have laid out for me. May I follow that path with an open mind and open heart and with complete and utter obedience to your word. Grant me that happiness only you can give each time I spend time with you, Lord. 

In Christ's name,

Amen.

Oy, heavy heavy stuff

A friend and I agreed that we'd do devotions on the Book of Malachi together. Although he already warned me how heavy it was going to be, I wasn't quite prepared for the messages it contains. Already in chapter 1, God uses the word hate and says it again in chapter 2. I don't know, I guess it came as a shock for me as I've only ever known God to be loving, kind, faithful, merciful, forgiving and many more good attributes. I know he hates sin and evil, but I never quite thought that He'd hate Esau.

So I don't know the entire story. But based on what I know, Jacob was the one who wronged Esau. He was the one who stole Esau's inheritance then ran away from home when he found out that he has an extremely pissed older brother out to get him.I don't know. Maybe Lance Hahn is right and that we're too immature to fully understand God's reasons for doing things or for hating them. 

Man, I don't really know what to think or how exactly I feel about this. It's a bit a lot to take in, and I suppose it's shows just how much I still don't know about God. And my greatest fear right now is to be turned off by God. I mean I know the Israelites have done plenty of nasty, selfish and inconsiderate things. But right now, it just seems to me that God's a little... I don't even want to say it. I feel like I should scrub my brain clean just thinking about it and going there. 

Ugh. I wish God and I would just talk face to face.. Then again, maybe not so soon, I'd still like to do some things with my life. ahe. But I do want to talk to Him. Well, I guess maybe I should go and do it. :)

God bless everyone. :)

Something to Chew On.

So you know how some people say that it's really boring to read the Bible? Well... I'm betting some of those people haven't read the Old Testament. Though I have friends who say that the Old Testament isn't encouraging to read - and most of the time it's not - I have to admit that it's pretty interesting. 

See, I've already said how I was reading Joshua right, and a couple of days ago, I've started on Judges. I've only started and I'm not feeling any remote encouragement from it at all. But it's like reading the script of a big-budget action film - like Saving Private Ryan, the first 15 minutes of the movie at least. Ok, so far it hasn't been that gory yet. Just that the first 4 chapters include someone getting hammered on the head with a tent peg or someone doing the sepuku on another person. I don't know. I mean I knew the Old Testament included plenty of wars, I just never thought that there would be actual violence, explicit violence. Eh. I even thought maybe the Bible needed like a disclaimer or a warning or something. :|

I was reading Judges chapter 4 and it had the header Deborah on top. She's kind of like the first female Justice in the Bible. She was one of the judges God gave to the Israelites when they were misbehaving, kind of like a babysitter to spoiled kids. I don't exactly know what God is telling me through this passage. I suppose in a way it's as though He's giving me examples of women who can lead, women of faith and women who are driven and with goals. I mean she's not mentioned a lot in this chapter, even though it is her name as a header, but she was the one that delivered Israel from more misdemeanor, or stalled it at least. 

I don't know. But I'm going to go ahead and take it as God telling me that I can do anything I set my mind to, and with His help, I can accomplish them. God has been faithful to me this past semester, and I know He will be again not just for the next semester but forever. 

Next stop, Dean's List. 

My Girlfriends :)

All the girls at Gio's 18th. :)
"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel" Proverbs 27:9 (NIV)

Hi friends :) We so pretty :") I love you guys! I really had so much fun that night. OP. Wala ng kokontra. =)) You guys are the best. I really am so blessed to have met you guys. Grabe lang talaga ang pagkakaibigan natin. Ibang klase. :))

Love you girls! :)

You are Faithful

"Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled" 

Joshua 21:45 (NIV)

The past couple of days, the country has been hit by a super typhoon called Juan and it just left today. Plenty of families and provinces have been devastated. Although for most of us here in Manila, the only thing Juan ruined for us is our plans and it's really not a big deal. But for the people who were directly hit by the typhoon, it cost them their homes, their livelihoods and some their lives.

Having typhoon's is nothing new for our country. But somehow, it always hits us hard when a super typhoon comes. I guess it shows how despite being in the typhoon belt since forever, the country's still not prepared for most of the calamities that come its way.

I don't want to say I'm not troubled by this because those who are living in the city are not directly affected. But it's because I know that God will pull everyone in Isabela, Pangasinan, Benguet, etc though. He has never failed us and the passage is just really timely as an encouragement for everyone. I know that God won't leave and forget about us. I just wish that people won't forget about it just because they're experiencing tough times now.

Encouragement from God

"...Then they are to admit him into their city and give him a place to live with them. If the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not surrender the one accused, because he killed his neighbor unintentionally and without malice aforethought." Joshua 20:4-5 (NIV)

See, I've been reading the book of Joshua and around a month ago I was reading how the Israelites took over and conquered a lot of cities. I mean, a LOT of cities and killed even more people. And I remember feeling uncomfortable reading it and asking God why it was necessary to have all those people killed. I asked my discipler, Ate Rhods, about this and she told me to just keep on reading the book of Joshua because she's sure that one of the later chapters will help me understand my question. She also told me to remember that no matter what happens God is a holy God.

Although God has somehow answered my question as to why He has to eliminate a lot of people, a lot of innocent people too, He has further answered me through this chapter. 

I was reminded of just how many  the Israelites were. I mean, there were 12  tribes. Of course God would have to get the lands of other people for them. Each tribe has plenty of families, and each of that family has a family of its own and so forth. I kind of understood that. But then in chapter 20, the lands were also used to keep refugees safe. Those who committed crimes unintentionally would be taken in in those nations until those who are seeking vengeance would leave or until the high priest who took them in at that time would pass on. 

And I was just reminded that though God is a holy God, He is also a merciful God. Yes we are sinners, there's no doubt about that. But here's what He's telling us - what He's telling me: I know you've done plenty of wrong things in your life, but you can turn to Me. You don't have to go through this alone. It's just so encouraging for me since I feel like I'm doing something wrong and I feel guilty about it. This just assured me that God is not only my Lord, He is also my Heavenly Father and He will do everything to protect me because He loves me and wants only the best for me.

I just wanted to share this with everyone out there who feel like their mistakes are unforgivable. There's hope. There is a God. 

Impatient Me

October 17, can you not come any faster? Please. I'm so tired, I don't know if I could handle anymore puyatan nights. My eyes are already small as it is. If I lack anymore sleep, I'm afraid I'll be squinting forever. ,_,

October 25 and 26 please come soon too. I need a break. I need to rejuvenate myself both physically and spiritually.

The Lord replied, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

UA&P Finals Week Stress

I am so tired. Like. I can't even begin to describe how tired and how painful my head is right now. /sobs. But I know that this will end. Just like fairy tales and the happy feeling when you eat chips. what.

Hello 'To Do List'. I see you.

Oh Economics, you make me want to cry.

,__,

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Bearing in mind..

That I am a child of God and that "In your anger, do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent" Psalm 4:4 (NIV).

But gah. You are just..

Dear You,

I don't like you. >( What was your rush anyway? The class is an hour and a half long? You're making us answer an 80 item exercise and you gave us 40 minutes to finish it? Are you kidding me? And then you'll keep on adding to the stress and pressure, telling us how much time left we had every few minutes. You kept on rushing us. Yes we were grouped, we should have finished a lot faster. Yes, there's no excuse to having failed that exercise, but the least you could do was not single our group out when we failed. Did you really think that it was necessary to announce everyone else's scores but ours? Even going as far as saying, "I won't say your score anymore, but you failed." Seriously. Seriously? How old are you, where is your tact?

As a teacher, even as a sub, you have failed to gain your students' respect and trust. Well, at least you've failed to gain mine.

Lunch Date with the Doctor

Today, Mae and I had lunch with Dr. Dumol and Fr. Soria. 

And alright, some of you may think "Big deal. Students eat with their professors all the time." All I could say to those who think that is, if you would just sit in one of his class, listen to his lecture for at least half an hour, you'd know what I'm talking about. That I even got an invitation from him is already a great privilege for me. 

It was one of the most exciting, awesome and nerve wracking experience for me. I was quite the intimidated ball of nerves. 

It was surreal I suppose; to have been literally a seat away from where he was sitting and eating. He and Fr. Soria encouraged Mae and I to ask questions - questions about the curriculum, the Divine Comedy or even how they could improve the class. It was evident that despite the amount of prestige that he may have, he is first and foremost still and educator. That despite having such a brilliant literary mind there is in him a concern for his students' learning that may only be found in a respectable teacher.

It was also very refreshing to see him relaxed - well, more at ease than he is when he lectures. 

He enjoys the questions, and the only regret I have now is that I don't think I took advantage of that time very well. It may seem tacky, but looking back, I think I should have written all the questions I had in mind down. Or that I had thought of more than a few questions at all. Then all of a sudden, when the time's up, all the questions you should have asked suddenly start popping into your head? Yeah. I had that, and I'm peeved I didn't think of them earlier. 

Now that I think about it, I imagine Jesus to be the same way. I mean, he is a teacher and being God, he knew literally everything. I think, if I lived during His time, I'd probably act in the same way I did around Dr. Dumol and Fr. Soria - like a bumbling idiot. It would be amazing to be in His presence, but intimidating at the same time.The kind of awestruck and starstruck feeling you have in the midst of someone so majestic. There. That's how I felt when I was in Dr. Dumol's company. I mean of course, I'd be more amazed and I'd probably be forever rendered speechless and blinded by just being next to God. 

"A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a student to be like his teacher and a servant like his master." - Matthew 10:24-25 (NIV)

I want to be intelligent like Dr. Dumol and wise like Christ. I want to be like Jesus. I really do. 

But in any case Lord, thank you so much for this day. I learned a lot and was very much enlightened. Please make me smart and wise like Your Son. Thank You. :") In Christ's name, Amen.

He Reigns

Citipointe Live in Manila

Tonight must have been one of the most awesome worships I've had in a while. It's not just because people from every church came in to worship. It wasn't just because the band was more than capable to bring people into a very honest and sincere kind of worship. It wasn't just because the lights were pretty and the songs were good. It was because in every minute that the concert took place, God was with us and His name was glorified indeed.

It was awesome to see every kind of people brought together to worship disregarding their inhibitions and just praising God the best way they know how. It was such a blessing for me to bear witness to the unashamed praising of His name. The entire arena, from the VIP section to those who were seated in the upper boxes, everyone was shouting, singing, dancing and jumping for the Lord. It was fun and refreshing.

And it was all for His glory.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 

Tabula Rasa

I've always used livejournal to put into words my thoughts. But somehow, I've realized that with all the baggage that the 'old one' held, I need a change. So this is me starting anew.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive in Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:11