Christmas Aftermath

After all the parties that I attended, all the food that I ate and all the gifts I received... This realization struck me the most in this year's Christmas.

The day before Christmas Eve we were listening to DZAS (a Christian radio station here in the Philippines) and they had a special programming in which they are raising funds for the victims of typhoon Sendong (Washi) that hit the northern part of Mindanao days before Christmas. The reports and scenes from the typhoon-hit cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete are really heart breaking. Many families lost their homes, properties and even lives of their loved ones--from babies to grandparents. There was a flash flood in the deep of the night that is believed an effect of illegal logging in the said areas.

Many were asking, "Where is Christmas in this?" or "How can they celebrate Christmas?" Sadly, many people believe that to have a Merry Christmas, you have to have a sumptuous meal, gifts to give and gifts to receive, be at the parties and go shopping. I'm not against these but may these things not hinder us to know the REAL meaning of Christmas.

Image from newlifeccc.org.au

Amidst the disaster that hit the Philippines this season, I was really reminded of the real picture or meaning of Christmas.

While listening to the radio, I got so overwhelmed by what I'm hearing that I started to cry. Not mainly because I pity those people who was hit by the tragedy but I can say it can add to that. But really, the reason is I can see the love of God manifested.

It's concrete. It's tangible.

Reporters say that people are giving in-kind donations to their offices, riding on jeepneys or tricycles. On television, many people are taking their part in helping people. Many are praying, many are giving their pledges, many are volunteering.

I know this "Christmas-inspired" post is kinda late but I believe that the love of God is never outdated and never seasonal.

It's classic, it's timeless and it's priceless.

Image from media.photobucket.com

I saw the real meaning of this season during this time of disaster in Mindanao. People are helping the helpless, leaving their comfort zones to volunteer, sharing what they have to people who can't pay them back, praying to people that they don't know and giving love and showing compassion.

It was like humanity before Christ was born; we were helpless, we were destroyed, we were hopeless... and thank God He gave His Son! Now as the song says, "the weary world rejoices"! Jesus left His comfort zone for us, He is generous to us who can't really pay Him back, He prayed and even died for people who doesn't know Him and gave love to us who are so undeserving. When I realized that this is what's happening to evacuation centers, I can't help but be overwhelmed and say that, "That is Christmas!"

Be part of this love movement and give! 

You can give through...
World Vision

Image from World Vision Philippines

Operation Blessings

Image from Operation Blessings Philippines

FEBC (702 DZAS)

Image from FEBC

With this, a verse came to my mind. I think this was the first ever Bible verse that I memorized! :)

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16 (NIV)

  

Emergency!!! Typhoon Sendong (Washi)

Image from World Vision Philippines

Hi guys! I know I still don't have many readers here but I know some of you are from other parts of the world. Typhoon Sendong (Washi) hit the Southern part of the Philippines and the most devastated cities are Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Sadly, from what I read, many children were greatly affected by this. Many houses were destroyed along with their livelihood. Many lives were also taken and a lot of people are still missing.

I have relatives from Cagayan de Oro (my father grew up there) and I am just thankful that they are safe. In the spirit of Christmas let's have the heart to give to those who are in need and hurting -- like the victims of typhoon Sendong. Sending in your donations through World Vision-Philippines is as easy as saying "I love chocolates and marshmallows". Just click here and follow the steps. :)

As you send in your donations, send also your prayers to God. We do the hard work, God will do the "heart" work (healing and restoration for the hurting). Thank you very much and God bless you!

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. :)      

Kids Church realization... :)

Kids are adorable. Sometimes I see myself wearing a wide grin just by watching them. Last Sunday while volunteering for Kids Church Pre-school, I got to see how several kids talk. It sometimes amazes how can they understand each other with those fragments and speech as they talk with each other!

We have this new rule in the classroom. I personally call it, the "balloon rule". (hehe...;) I can't think of any!) We have I think 16 balloons (8 for boys and 8 for girls), stuck on the board in front of the class. If the boys become noisy, the teacher will pop one of their balloons. Same rule apply for the girls. The group with more balloons left in the end of the class wins & will get a reward. This was for classroom management purposes and I must say it worked for us! ^-^ 

Image from www.happypartyidea.com

Now I got to handle one of those kids. She's a very cute and adorable girl with round eyes and slightly wavy hair. She always asks me to help her with her crafts, to come with her when she wants to go to the comfort room to pee or to wash her hands, help her with her food and just ask me questions about anything! Then she started to ask me this question, "Teacher... Are you going to pop those balloons?" Then she covered both of her ears with her hands. I answered her smiling, "No, we will not pop those balloons if you will all remain behave." Then moments came by and she asked me again... "Teacher... Are you going to pop those balloons?" (Still with her hands on her ears) And so I answered her with the same reply.

I can't help but smile whenever I remember this girl! She's just adorable and not to mention she's well-behaved! :) I also prayed for her healing because she have juvenile rheumatism. During one of my quiet times with God, I told Him of how I was pleased with this girl. Even she's asking me the same question over and over again and even she's always asking me to help her with almost anything during that class. Then I came to realize this and asked God, "Am I pleasing You the way this girl pleased me?" or "Am I not irritating You when I always ask the same thing to You over and over again?"

I've got a lot of prayer concerns to God and some of them I've been praying for years now. I always ask Him to help me with these and with those and sometimes I feel like I'm a broken record before Him. Then this morning, I believe He answered me with this,

"And He said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 18:3-4 (NIV)

So I got to ask myself, "Why was this girl asking me the same question all over again? Why is she keeps on asking me to help her and to go with her?" It is because she recognizes me with someone who have authority over her. Because she knows I know the answers to her questions. Because she knows that I am able to help her. Because she can't go with no one to guide her. Because she knows that she's a kid and me being the grown up and her teacher, she knows that I am able.

Image from deviantart.com- cweeks

God is pleased with us when we come to Him as a child. When we know we are helpless apart from Him, when we know He got all the answers to the questions that we have and when we know that He is ABLE. He is pleased when we live as His child and we see Him as our Father. Thank God for Jesus that through Him we can be called as God's children! :D Having a giant faith is being childlike before our God. When you are just relying on His strength, His grace, His faithfulness, His mercy and His love. :)

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
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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