WWJD in a Sportsfest

WWJD stands for "What Would Jesus Do". Just want to share my God-moment that I had last Ministry Sportsfest in my home church. We had basketball, volleyball, badminton for sports and a cheering competition. I came from the Kids Ministry and I joined our volleyball team with some of my co-volunteers. So we had practices for few days and I also supported our cheering squad.

To make this one short, we didn't win any of the sports and even the cheering competition. Though we are really promising in all of it (except for the basketball sport hoho!). This made me a little sad, thinking that God didn't honor our sacrifices and hard work. We gave our best and all that but still things didn't went in our favor. Then I thought of Jesus.

Sometimes, it's really not about winning, but it's about giving your all. Yes, this sounds very cliche... But just what Jesus did, He gave His all to the world without the assurance of winning all of the people. But still He loved and He gave, and I believe that is what we did in this past sportsfest-- we gave our all, fiercely, lovingly and with joy... without the assurance of winning. :) In the end we gained new friends and built relationships with other kids ministry volunteers that we didn't even know that existed until this sporting event. This I believe is far more important than winning trophies and awards. :)

Isaiah 49:4
But I said, “I have labored in vain;
    I have spent my strength for nothing at all.
Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand,
    and my reward is with my God.”

Point is to give your all in whatever God had called you to do... for what is due us and our reward is with Him. :) Like what our motto in Kids Ministry says, "Whatever it takes!" So thankful that God called me to be in this ministry... or should I say, family! ♥

FUN. FAITH. FAMILY. :D

Photo collage from Ren :)

Better together! :)

2012: The Year That Was

I know that it's been months since the last time I posted here... It must be because a lot had happened to me by the middle part of this year 2012 and until now I am just so amazed of what God did to me for these past 12 months.

It's been a great year and I'm really thankful to God for it! Actually, words are not enough to say or express how thankful I am to Him! :)

Here are some of the stuffs that I'm thankful for for year 2012:

• I got a steady job again after being a freelance for I think almost a year. Thank God because He's using me to be a channel of blessing to my family and to other people through this job. :) I'm also thankful because He's guiding me all the way!

• I think in the early part of 2012 was also a season of equipping for me for the work that God have in store for me... and no, I'm not saying that I'm already fully equipped now but in those times God enabled me to attend or to join several seminars, camps, etc. wherein I've gained knowledge and even friends that will encourage and help me to be the person God wants me to be. He even used people to bless me because during those times I'm not financially able... but He IS able!

   -Kids Teachers Summit 2012 (for National & Ubelt): Being equipped in teaching the kids and as the same time being refreshed with your co-teacher volunteers was really a blessing from God--and it was an all-expense summit/conference/retreat/seminar for me! :) (Thanks Ate Sha!) It's always good to be reminded of how God values the kids, and so in teaching them they just deserve nothing but our best. :)
   -Caliraya Leaders Camp 2012: This time it's for the campus! Again, God enabled me to join this camp for free! I won a slot in a "raffle draw", thanks to Aivy! ;) The whole camp was a time of fun fellowship and a reminder for me that Jesus should be the reason and the foundation of everything--in leadership, for vision, instruction and even in prayer. :)
   -Anchors Aweigh Singles Camptreat 2012: now it's for the young professionals! :) it was really refreshing and fun! Loved the Word that struck to me during this camping/retreat-- If you got lost one time in your life, you can always go back to your foundation and find your way again. Make Jesus as your foundation. :)
   -Done with Training for Victory! Gained new wisdom and understanding about the faith that I have and met new friends in our class. I was also encouraged and comforted with the prophecy that I received from God during our "graduation" day. :)

• Friends, Fellowship and Family!
   -Thankful for the friends that I have! It's good thing to know that after all these years, though I don't see them as much as before, we are still connected with each other! Friends for keeps! :) AND! Grateful for the new friends that I have too... from different parts of the globe. :)
   -Co-volunteers, friends at church, spiritual family, accountability partners, prayer partners, leaders, members, teammates, etc... whatever you call them, they are a big part of my 2012 that's why it's been a great year! Thankful to God of blessing me with these people who are equally crazy (or maybe even crazier!) to have each other in this life we have for God. :)
   -My "biological" family... whom I also consider as part of my spiritual family (hehe). Thankful for all the love and support! Despite and inspite of our imperfections, God still uses us not just to inspire others but also to support one another in whatever the Lord's have in store for us. :)

• Korea, Vietnam and Cambodia! At the start of the year, one of my prayers is that God will enable me to go and volunteer to Cambodia... but then He just don't brought me to Cambodia, but also He made a way for me to be in the nation of South Korea, and before coming and leaving from Cambodia I was able to experience Vietnam, even just for hours! :) I just asked for one and He gave me three! God is just SO amazing! :D

• Jesus (of course) I realized that after all these blessings and breakthroughs, still nothing compares to Him. I was so compelled this morning that I have written this poem (in free verse okay.. I'm not really a skilled poet hehe)


LIKE YOU DO
With all the prayers answered
And all the blessings received
Still there is something inside me
That is craving for more

After all these breakthroughs
And all expectations and goals met
Still there is something inside me
That is seeking for more

I realized that it is You, Lord
The One that I'm craving for more
The One that I will always seek
Yes, it is You Lord

Not because I want more of Your works
Or more of Your deeds
It is You that I want
It is You that I'm after for

Because I just know in my heart
That nothing fulfills
And nothing satisfies
Like You do...

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! :D

Talking to yourself is sometimes healthy

Goodbye year 2011 and hello year 2012! It was quite a "roller coaster ride" for me on the year that was, and I heard this one quote from the radio, "The unreflected life is not worth living." Or something like it. And I'm not sure who said this but it got a point... hehe. :) So after some reflections, I came up with a letter I addressed to myself. I realized that talking to yourself is sometimes healthy! ;)

Image from oranges-world.com

Dearest Mitch,

Another year have passed, and here is another year for you to live out. I know 2011 was a year full of trials and testing in your life. It may not have been one of the best of your years but I know you can always be grateful to God for the year that was. Several days ago, you reflected upon your life on year 2011. It was kind of a surprise because you didn't expect that it will turn out like this! :) But then it's your prayer that God will take you deeper and make you more Christlike. To be more Christlike, a man should go through pruning, refining and molding and in this he will be going through tests and trials because only through these his character will be developed for the better.

You reflected that 2011 was like your year of "purification". God made you check your heart and your motives many times this year. Many of your wrong mindsets were changed and you had a lot of "renewing of mind" episodes. It was also a year of big changes and big decisions in your life concerning work and your walk with God. There were a lot of times when you doubted God, too. There were times when you felt like you're not contented with just His Word because you already want to see concrete results in what you are doing. You are yearning and crying for your promised harvest that doesn't look near to you. You even entertained fear in your mind and be clouded with worries of what would be the future like. In the end you still chose to hold on to God's Word. The Word that you thought is "not enough" is still the One that makes you go on and makes you sufficient. It's still living by faith and not by sight or by your feelings. Always ask God to boost your faith and eliminate your doubts because whenever you doubt Him, you are hurting Him.

And you're also super grateful to God that He blessed you with many friends and a vibrant spiritual family! Surely they are your "fire throwers" when your flame for God is losing its fire! You are thankful for your Victory Group and for the times when you bond with them, study the Word with them or just sharing your life with them. You're also thankful for Kids Church wherein you can be refreshed with the kids or with your co-volunteers and teachers, who also turned out to be your friends. :) Thank God because He entrusted you to be a part of the Kids Church Creative team, that even it can be so tiring the joy is still there because there are people whom He also put to be in the team that you became friends with. And you know you are using the gifts you have from God to serve others so it may bring glory to Him.

Be more thankful to God because He uses you to bless people even at times you are broke! Haha! ;D He also entrusted beautiful people for you to guide with their walk with God. You know that you prayed and waited for them and God gave them to you this 2011. Never get tired of discipling them and meeting them in your Victory Group even though you don't feel like doing it hehe. ;) He also put you in Arellano University to be part of His work in campuses -- Change the campus. Change the world! Again He blessed you with beautiful people that you became friends with! :)

TRULY, IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU AND IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM! Imagine what your life be like if you're apart from Him? A life without purpose and lasting joy!

Never forget to be always thankful with your old friends and family! You can always bond with your Burgeon friends, or spend an evening with your "Tumblr" mates and talk about anything under the sun haha! :D Be in the mall with the Petshap, go out for dinner with your Varsi Kada or hang-out with your HS dabarkads! :D And your family who are loving, caring and who always guide you is something you can always be thankful to God! :) Being part of a godly family is always a blessing from the Lord! :)
 
Also don't forget that though 2011 has been a "crazy" year for you, it's also been a year of breakthroughs for you in the ministry where God had put you. And remember that those God loves He disciplines. He disciplines out of His love for you and because He's taking you as His daughter.

Be thankful for the year that was and expectant for the new year. God said that He have good plans for your life and His best will for you to choose. God is the Rock on which you stand and you know that He's unshakeable. Though you may not know what the future holds, you know who holds the future -- it is your loving and perfect Father God in Heaven! :)

                                                                          Love,
                                                                          Yourself

PS. And about that one prayer that you've been praying for a time now, which you almost quit on believing for may times... Just continue to pray and believe for God to do awesome things. God is working on the background, and he's just out there. :)


   

Twenty Three. Bente Tres. Dalawampu't Tatlo.

Seeing the number 23 reminds me of two persons: Michael Jordan and David Beckham. Number 23 is their jersey number and both are brilliant athletes in their chosen sports. ;) (And Beckham was one of my highschool crushes then... until now haha! :D)

Image from Wikipedia

Image from Wikipedia

I just turned 23 last Tuesday and my 22nd year on this earth was quite crazy! Haha! :D One of my major decisions then was about my career (oohh, career! ;P). Within the year I got a job then several months later I resigned because I decided to go freelancing and put up a small business (online most probably) so I'll have more time to volunteer in the church. But it was easier said that done! I was more delighted and satisfied helping or serving in the church, engaging with people and leading them than being in an office. I'm not saying that I was not thankful during the time that I'm in it, but I'm just happier and felt more fulfilled doing these.

It was not easy because I just found out that when you are just starting as a freelance graphic artist, looking for clients/project-based works through the net is not a piece of cake. Since you're searching in the worldwide web, the competition is more challenging because I'm sure there are hundreds of thousands freelance graphic artists out there doing the same stuffs that I do. Honestly, there are many times I saw myself complaining to God regarding this (and I am sorry to God.. :( ). Generally, I bring my plans to God for His approval before doing them. I believe that I got His approval when I decided to go and leave my previous job. But then in the following months I started to doubt if I really got Him right! There are times when I really got consumed with these issues like I don't have a regular income at the moment. I've known that when things are getting difficult it doesn't always mean that it is not God's will. (Again, easier said than done! Haha! ;P) I'm just thankful to God because when I feel like giving up, He will give me a Word and by His grace I will be able to hold on again. :)

Image from notsalmon.com

I frankly asked Him if I got Him all wrong and can I just get another office work because it looked like I got all the reasons to do so. But He just said to me, through His Word, that I just have to "keep the faith and keep hoping" (Romans 4:16 & 18). He didn't say I got Him all wrong, but just keep the faith. So until now I'm still working on my freelance career and my tiny-winy business hehe. :)

It's said that when you count your blessings, you will find out that there are reasons for you to be always thankful for... even on the little things. So I looked in what I have and not on what I don't. First, I have this intimate relationship with God, I have a whole & loving family and we don't really get sick, I have my spiritual family who are also my friends and are ready to encourage me, God gave me talents that I can use to serve Him and others and He entrusted to me people for me to guide in their walk with God. The list could go on and on and really I have many blessings in this life that I should be thankful to God for. :) This past year may be really crazy (there are more "crazy" things that happened actually than this ;P) but having this roller-coaster ride was worth it all because God is with me. :) I believe He's just teaching me lessons when He put me on these "crazy" situations. :) And yes! Celebrating my 23rd birthday is also a blessing! :D

Image from dogs.lovetoknow.com

I prayed to God a thanksgiving prayer during my birthday, and that I may do His will by His grace and be always joyful while doing it. It's my prayer that I will finish the race strong AND joyful! (And I hope you will have the same prayer, too! ^^) I asked what His Word for me for my birthday and the book of Titus was impressed to me.

"...who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own eager to do what is good." - Titus 2:14

"This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless." -Titus 3:8-9

"Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives." -Titus 3:14

BOTTOMLINE IS: Continue to do what is good! And what is "good"? The will of God (Romans 12:2)... And the will of God is the Word of God. :)      

Let's add a little "cheesiness" on this! ;)

Funny! I made a visit to my almost non-existent Multiply page (because I have not made any updates on it for more than a year now! ;P) just moments ago. I end up smiling and grinning by reading some of my old journal entries & sometimes I thought, what was I thinking back then when I posted those? Haha! :D Obviously I was so hooked up with my Multiply account back then and it was a good idea. :) I was like "walking down a memory lane" when I had a look on it again.

But then, one journal post caught my attention. I posted it on August 18, 2009 and it was a "combo" entry about miracles; it was like two stories about miracles, hehe. :) The first one was about my sister's successful operation and how our bodies work like a "miracle". The next one is about... (drum roll please) love stories! Haha! :D (I'm sure you already had a clue with the title up there! ;P) I remember the song Born for You by David Pomeranz. The first stanza goes like this:

Too many billion people
Running around the planet
What is the chance in heaven
That you'd find your way to me?
Tell me what is this sweet sensation?
It's a miracle that's happened
Though I search for an explanation
Only one thing it could be -

Cheeeeesssyyy!!! :D So it's like also a miracle when two people destined for one another to meet each other and be together even there are "too many billion people" who are "running around the planet". Kinda like destiny and miracle rolled into one. Hmm, maybe that's why I really enjoy watching wedding videos, not because I already want to get married too (I'm still young for that, I think!) but the thought that even there are so many people in this world, those who are destined for each other are well... destined! ;) I also embrace the fact that God writes our love stories (that's IF you let Him!), and I really like it when couples during their weddings honor God in their relationships and acknowledge Him as the Author of their love stories. ;) And it's really good to know that stories like these don't just happen in those chick flick movies! :)

Image from mhatter99

Here's the post that I've been telling you about. I just want it to share this AGAIN (haha!) because I just want to! ;P And honestly, I got inspired AGAIN from my 20-year-old self's post. :)

So who can explain this? IT'S A MIRACLE! :) -Aug. 18, 2009

Just by the time you thought you know a lot about life, something "new" will come to your mind and you'll realize... There are still many many things to know about it.
Yesterday, me and my sis had this conversation about the ovulation/menstrual cycle (yeah, I think this is the "ultimate" girl talk! haha!). Out of the blue, I asked her a simple question relating to this topic. Then you know how talks can go to another topic then to another one and to another. ;)
My sis undergone an operation that removed a cyst from her almost a year ago. Stated on the report, the pathologist said that there were fat, fluid and BALLS OF HAIR found on the removed cyst. BALLS OF HAIR? Truly, there are still a lot of mysteries in life that even our technology today can't explain. Even the creation of life itself. How from just two cells can form a complicated being within months? And this being (a human) that once upon a time was only a zygote, can eventually do some marvelous things when he/she grows up (you know, like lead a country or do some awesome artworks, etc). Science can't explain this phenomenon, that's why I believe miracles still happen in this time and age. And why not? You and me are both created thru a miracle! :D
================================================
Are soulmates real? You know, that idea of "There's someone out there meant to be with me" kinda thing? I've been hearing/reading/watching real stories about people finding someone and believing, right then and there, that they were made for each other.

Yes, that was Michael V. on the Reader's Digest Asia Sept. 2008 cover!

I read an article from Reader's Digest Sept. 2008 issue about a guy of how his whole life is related to a great scientist, Isaac Newton. It was a good read actually, particularly the portion where and how he met his wife. He went in this place meant for dancing and socializing and there a woman caught his attention. He asked her for a dance and after that they had that usual getting-to-know-you talk. He shared to her of how Newton was his constant "companion" of his life. The woman was amused and told him that her surname is actually Newton! Then he wrote that he heard a voice, telling him very clearly that he was looking at his future wife. Weeks later he found out that the woman's family was almost certainly of Isaac Newton's line. Now they're married for almost 5 decades! 
  
Last night, I watched the 700 Club Asia at QTV11. There was this couple sharing there love story and they knew almost instantly (they knew each other for only 6 months) that they will end up together. The girl already knew/felt it but how can she propose to this guy? She is a Filipina with conservative values! :) Then the guy (who is an Israeli) eventually proposes to the girl after hearing a small still voice (God's voice I suppose.. ;) ). Now they are happily married for years with a daughter.

From Pink Sherbet Photography (Flickr)

Then another story for this soulmates stuff. My mother is a steady listener of DZAS (an AM radio station) so naturally, I got to listen to it, too. In one of their radio programs, they had a guest couple who shared their story as a pair. When they first met each other in a church activity/event, the guy was currently with someone and the girl had her suitors. The guy heard a voice when he saw the girl saying that this girl will going to be his wife. The guy came up to the girl and told her that she will be his wife! Of course the girl was puzzled upon hearing it, maybe even freaked out! Needless to say they're married until to this day.  
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Call it coincidence, luck or accident... I remembered what the master old turtle in Kung Fu Panda said: "There are no accidents..." this is almost related to this saying, "Everything happens for a reason". So when all else fails to explain these phenomena, indeed miracles still happen and they just don't "happen", they are I believe... acts of God. :))

Forgive me... Sometimes I just plunge myself in all these cheesiness out of the blue! ;) How's that song goes again??

That I was born for you
It was written in the stars
Yes, I was born for you
And the choice was never ours...

Hahaha! I'm outta here! ;P

So you don't want to be hungry?

Image from www.chocolateguru.net

I'm a fan of eating. I always eat everytime I feel like doing so. Whenever I leave our house I always make it to point to have with me some food. Sadly, this is a privilege for me that sometimes I overlook.

Every 7 seconds, 1 child dies because of hunger... So every minute, roughly 8 children die because they have nothing to eat. You may now chomping a bar of chocolate or digging a pack of chips while millions of kids out there are struggling and dying because of hunger. Statistics say that millions are suffering in starvation just here in the Philippines.

It's really a herculean task to fight against hunger, but this does not mean that we will not take any actions for it to stop.

Last year, I had a privilege to volunteer for the first 12-hour Famine of World Vision Philippines. It was really a memorable event for me because it's the first time that I abstained from food for such cause. ;)

The 12-hour Famine is a youth movement against hunger wherein young people gather to raise funds to help hungry children and their families. They will not eat any solid food for 12 straight hours to experience hunger first hand. On the same day, we also had fun games and activities and featured talented acts. World Vision celebrities supporters were also present in the event. (Honestly, I think this is the only event so far that I took part wherein I saw a lot of celebrities. ;P) These are some of the highlights from the last year's Famine event. (Photos are from World Vision's 12 Hour Famine Facebook)

Ms. Lea Salonga! (I was star struck when she passed in front of me at the backstage! ;P)

Ruffa Gutierrez and her lovely daughters! ;)

Host DJ/Ptr. Jordan Escusa and beauty queen Ms. Miriam Quiambao :)

Dingdong Dantes

Tippy dos Santos, Nikki Gil and Sam Concepcion! (They are really gifted with those voices!)

This year, the Famine event is back again! But unfortunately this time I will not be there (sad.. :( ). But I'm still going to promote this event because I believe some of you can come! Registration is until today, November 18, 2011 and the event will be tomorrow, 8am-8pm at the Ynarez Sports Arena, Pasig.

For more information about the registration and FAQ, please visit the 12-hour Famine's official site:

We are not alone in this! The Famine movement is all over the globe! There are 40-hour Famine Australia and New Zealand, 30-hour Famine Canada, US, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Thailand and Taiwan and 24-hour Famine United Kingdom!

Being young is great. So add more greatness to it by participating in something relevant and by being part of something bigger than your life. You know, we are not here to live just for ourselves. In Deuteronomy 15:11 God says,

There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.

And this verse drives me to help the poor in Matthew 25:40

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Let's say no to hunger!

Retro Christmas Vibbeee! ^0^

Woot woot! Our Kids Church Christmas party this December will be Retro-inspired-- from 50's to 80's. And because of this, I made some time in clicking all the way to search for retro fashion! ;)

50's!!!
Think of printed dresses, high-waist & full skirts, belts and sailors;

 For guys... think of V-neck vests, checkered and stripes polo w/ collar shirts, tucked-in, sleek hair-do.. ;)

 

60's!!!
Also known as the Mod fashion. Think of pixie hair cut, heavy eye shadows, mini skirts, one-piece mini dress, tight leggings, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O.!

 

For guys... ahh... almost just the same as the 50's. Just add Beatles on it hehe. ;)

70's!!!
My favorite retro decade! haha! ;D Flower power, disco fever, psychedelic colors, hippies, bell bottom pants and afro hair do!

   

80's!!!

Huge jackets, shoulder pads, polo shirts, chuck taylors and maong jeans. :)

Whew! So that's about it! ;)) Let's groove tonight! ;P