At last it's finished! :)
It's my online portfolio since I'm preparing to have a career in freelancing as an artist. :)
It might not be the supah and most fabulous online portfolio that you've ever since but I'm proud of it! ;)
See it here: YEBAH!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Common Denominators
I have my new work now as an art instructor for kids. I'm only a couple of week old in it and still in the adjustment period. Arts and kids = great combination! Part of the adjusting season is missing my former work and the people that I was with there. I used to work in a non-government organization (NGO) for the poor and I had those times when I went in to houses that are built under bridges, near dump sites, on relocation sites and evacuation centers and spent some time with people living there. I also saw many kids in those places and most of the time if they are not in day care centers, they are just playing with their fellow children and living out their childhood days.
Here in my new work, I'm now more exposed to kids. They are just the same with the kids that I've encountered in my past work -- energetic, fun, have great potentials and a future. Only that they have more resources like they have cars and houses and maybe they are studying in exclusive schools.
Now I'm realizing that God put me in a place where I can see kids from both worlds. They might came from "different" spheres (different backgrounds, upbringing, language used in speaking, etc.) but they are all under the same heaven. Other than food, water, air and shelter, they all need from us are
Love
Appreciation
Affirmation
Understanding
Discipline
And yes, some sweets :)
Yesterday was the coronation night for the Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant. I didn't watch the pageant (since I wasn't really into it hehe) but I watched the Q & A portion of the crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2013 on YouTube. The question was something like if women have something to teach men, what would it be? The answer of the beauty queen was-- sensitivity, because men tend to be so logical and rational. The morena beauty got a point there!
But you know, if men have something to teach women that would be rationalizing. Because women tend to be so sensitive and emotional! (I should know being a woman myself!)
So therefore the common denominators for that would be-- understanding and adjusting. :)
I thank you! :) (left hand on the waist, stomach in, chest out, flash that big smile and do the "beauty queen" wave on the right hand) :D
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
The homework that I didn't submit
Ok, I admit it... Nowadays I'm doing some computer files searching/gathering. So just like my post prior to this, I also stumbled upon this file that was my homework last year. I took the Training for Victory (or T4V) course/program in our church where we are thought about the integral topics that we need in making disciples in a simple way. Part of this was sharing your "Personal Testimony". Simply put, a personal testimony is your own story of how you were before having Christ, how did you meet Him and how are you living today with Him in your life. :)
We are told to write our personal testimony as our homework. We should make it short and simple, yet clear and of course Christ-centered. So I wrote it and on our next class the teacher asked us if there are people among us who are willing to share and read their homework. I didn't volunteer. After a few people shared their personal testimonies, the teacher didn't tell us to pass our homework. So after that I just kept mine and after one year (and few weeks), I found it and read it again. Yep, and it made smile. :)
======================================================
Mar. 14, 2012
T4V Batch 6 Homework- Personal Testimony
I was born and raised in a Christian household. My parents were already Christians when they got married so it was normal for us to always go to church every Sunday. They also taught us to always pray and read the Bible. I and my siblings went to a Christian school from kindergarten until grade school where we were taught to memorize Bible verses. Even though I grew up in a setting like this, still I live a life of compromise and disobedience. A life lived far from God. I curse and say nasty things to people, I cheat on exams, I tell lies, I was disobedience and sometimes disrespectful to my parents, I drink alcoholic beverages to the point that sometimes I pass out. I know that these don’t please God and I always saw myself saying sorry committing them. It was like I am caught up in a cycle of being sorry for my sin then doing it again. I was living a life with “double identity” --a Christian life with my church mates and family, and a life of compromise with my friends.
Then there was a time in my life when I looked at myself and realized that I am tired of living like this. I realized that God is always been good to me. He doesn’t deserve my life offering if I am not giving it wholly to Him, when in fact He gave His all to me through Jesus when He suffered and died on the cross for my sins. I then accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and surrendered my whole life to Him not on a church setting with many people praying with me, but alone with nobody around. It was just me and God and my awareness that I am not happy and satisfied in living this kind of life. I felt the grace and the love of God overtake me. Since then I see Him not only a God that I visit every Sunday or a God that I have to report to because I committed a sin. I take Him now as my Life, my Joy, my Peace, my Purpose, my Reward, my Friend, my Lover—my everything! The Bible suddenly became alive to me. I don’t see it anymore as a bunch of Bible verses that I have to memorize because someone told me so, but I see it now as God’s love letter to me. I have now this personal relationship with Him that keeps me complete, secured, inspired and in-love through Christ.
Now I am not captive to my past sins anymore, like I am being helpless and can't do anything but to give in to them. I am now living a life of freedom. I speak more blessings to others rather than curses and it is easier now to be obedient and respectful. It is not because of me, but because I am experiencing the grace of God that I have in Christ. Though I am not perfect, I am sure something was changed in me and it was a change for the best. I know that I am happier now and joyful because I received the treasure that is costly yet it is for free, priceless but given as a gift for me and for everyone that breathes on this earth—and that treasure is Jesus Christ.
We are told to write our personal testimony as our homework. We should make it short and simple, yet clear and of course Christ-centered. So I wrote it and on our next class the teacher asked us if there are people among us who are willing to share and read their homework. I didn't volunteer. After a few people shared their personal testimonies, the teacher didn't tell us to pass our homework. So after that I just kept mine and after one year (and few weeks), I found it and read it again. Yep, and it made smile. :)
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| Image from http://www.chilboltonbridgeclub.com |
Mar. 14, 2012
T4V Batch 6 Homework- Personal Testimony
I was born and raised in a Christian household. My parents were already Christians when they got married so it was normal for us to always go to church every Sunday. They also taught us to always pray and read the Bible. I and my siblings went to a Christian school from kindergarten until grade school where we were taught to memorize Bible verses. Even though I grew up in a setting like this, still I live a life of compromise and disobedience. A life lived far from God. I curse and say nasty things to people, I cheat on exams, I tell lies, I was disobedience and sometimes disrespectful to my parents, I drink alcoholic beverages to the point that sometimes I pass out. I know that these don’t please God and I always saw myself saying sorry committing them. It was like I am caught up in a cycle of being sorry for my sin then doing it again. I was living a life with “double identity” --a Christian life with my church mates and family, and a life of compromise with my friends.
Then there was a time in my life when I looked at myself and realized that I am tired of living like this. I realized that God is always been good to me. He doesn’t deserve my life offering if I am not giving it wholly to Him, when in fact He gave His all to me through Jesus when He suffered and died on the cross for my sins. I then accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and surrendered my whole life to Him not on a church setting with many people praying with me, but alone with nobody around. It was just me and God and my awareness that I am not happy and satisfied in living this kind of life. I felt the grace and the love of God overtake me. Since then I see Him not only a God that I visit every Sunday or a God that I have to report to because I committed a sin. I take Him now as my Life, my Joy, my Peace, my Purpose, my Reward, my Friend, my Lover—my everything! The Bible suddenly became alive to me. I don’t see it anymore as a bunch of Bible verses that I have to memorize because someone told me so, but I see it now as God’s love letter to me. I have now this personal relationship with Him that keeps me complete, secured, inspired and in-love through Christ.
Now I am not captive to my past sins anymore, like I am being helpless and can't do anything but to give in to them. I am now living a life of freedom. I speak more blessings to others rather than curses and it is easier now to be obedient and respectful. It is not because of me, but because I am experiencing the grace of God that I have in Christ. Though I am not perfect, I am sure something was changed in me and it was a change for the best. I know that I am happier now and joyful because I received the treasure that is costly yet it is for free, priceless but given as a gift for me and for everyone that breathes on this earth—and that treasure is Jesus Christ.
Monday, April 1, 2013
A right time & a right way
I browsed my posted notes in my Facebook account and I stumbled upon this note that I wrote last Oct. 2011. It's like God is reminding me again that-- He. Works. In. Seasons. His Word is timeless, so I think of posting it again here in my blog. :) Enjoy!
=======================================
God once again reminded me that He works in seasons. When we know that He works in seasons, we should understand that He had set a time for everything. One thing to determine if a person is organized or not, see if he/she keeps a planner. This could mean that the person wants to keep his/her time on track & that he/she wants to be efficient with it. God is the God of order, if He is not then we are really in big trouble. Therefore we should be thankful that He works in seasons in our lives. Just like what Ecclesiastes 3:1 says... There is a time for everything.
There's a right time, or season for everything. But there's a right way too to do things when God placed you in the right time.
Okeeeyyy... At first I can't understand a thing from this passage but I believe God is saying something to me in this. And thank God for Your revelation! ;)
THERE'S A RIGHT SEASON FOR EVERY WORK. A farmer have a list of work to do in his field & these must be done accordingly. He have to plow the soil first & then sow the seeds. When harvest comes he will reap what he sown then thresh & grind the seeds & the grains. MEANING! He will not plow the soil forever, time will come that he must sow the seeds. He will not forever wait for the harvest, soon harvest will come. For us this means that we will have to move forward eventually. The things we are doing to today, maybe some of them we need not to do tomorrow. God may have put you in Kids Church today, then maybe someday He will put you to campus ministry or to world missions. Maybe today He's telling you to wait, but your waiting will not be forever. Maybe He's telling you to be still, but someday He will tell you to move.
THERE'S A RIGHT WAY TO DO THINGS. Checking the dictionary, caraway and cummin are plants with seeds usually used as spices while wheat, barley and spelt are cereal plants with grains. They are cultivated & harvested differently from each other. If there is a time for everything, there is also a way to do things in those seasons! When you know that this is the season for "this", you just don't do things the way you wanted it to be. Otherwise it will be also disorganized! God will instruct & teach us how to do it. Example, when God called you to be a missionary, you don't just grab the situation on your own hands and not ask Him for counsel. If your season being a student has ended, you seek God on how will you spend your season being a young professional. Wherever He put you & whatever task He assigned for you to do, always ask for His wisdom & guidance through the Holy Spirit, so you may know how to do things right in the right season. :)
THERE'S A RESULT IN EVERY WORK. Caraway and cummin seeds are used as spices for food. Wheat, barley and spelt are used for breads. Whatever you do today, it will take effect tomorrow. Imagine if the farmer didn't plow the soil very well, the effect will be seen in the plant. If he didn't wait for the right harvest time, the effect will be seen in the seeds. So then he will have poor spices and bread for his meal. Imagine missing out God's best just because you are too in a hurry to wait and you thought you are too wise to ask God for guidance.
So therefore, wherever God had put you today or whatever season you're in, give your best into it! Because God have His reasons why He put you there and soon He will tell you to move forward into your next season. :)
=======================================
God once again reminded me that He works in seasons. When we know that He works in seasons, we should understand that He had set a time for everything. One thing to determine if a person is organized or not, see if he/she keeps a planner. This could mean that the person wants to keep his/her time on track & that he/she wants to be efficient with it. God is the God of order, if He is not then we are really in big trouble. Therefore we should be thankful that He works in seasons in our lives. Just like what Ecclesiastes 3:1 says... There is a time for everything.
There's a right time, or season for everything. But there's a right way too to do things when God placed you in the right time.
Isaiah 28:23-29
vv. 23-24 Listen & hear my voice; pay attention & hear what I say. When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually? Does he keep on breaking up & harrowing the soil?
vv. 25-26 When he has leveled the surface, does he not sow caraway & scatter cummin? Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, & spelt in its field? His God instructs him & teaches him the right way.
vv. 27-28 Caraway is not threshed with a sledge, nor is a cartwheel rolled over cummin; caraway is beaten out with a rod, & cummin with a stick. Grain must be ground to make bread; so no one does not go on threshing it forever. Though he drives the wheels of his threshing cart over it, his horses do not grind it.
v. 29 All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel & magnificent in wisdom.
Okeeeyyy... At first I can't understand a thing from this passage but I believe God is saying something to me in this. And thank God for Your revelation! ;)
 |
| Photo from www.photographyblogger.net |
THERE'S A RIGHT SEASON FOR EVERY WORK. A farmer have a list of work to do in his field & these must be done accordingly. He have to plow the soil first & then sow the seeds. When harvest comes he will reap what he sown then thresh & grind the seeds & the grains. MEANING! He will not plow the soil forever, time will come that he must sow the seeds. He will not forever wait for the harvest, soon harvest will come. For us this means that we will have to move forward eventually. The things we are doing to today, maybe some of them we need not to do tomorrow. God may have put you in Kids Church today, then maybe someday He will put you to campus ministry or to world missions. Maybe today He's telling you to wait, but your waiting will not be forever. Maybe He's telling you to be still, but someday He will tell you to move.
THERE'S A RIGHT WAY TO DO THINGS. Checking the dictionary, caraway and cummin are plants with seeds usually used as spices while wheat, barley and spelt are cereal plants with grains. They are cultivated & harvested differently from each other. If there is a time for everything, there is also a way to do things in those seasons! When you know that this is the season for "this", you just don't do things the way you wanted it to be. Otherwise it will be also disorganized! God will instruct & teach us how to do it. Example, when God called you to be a missionary, you don't just grab the situation on your own hands and not ask Him for counsel. If your season being a student has ended, you seek God on how will you spend your season being a young professional. Wherever He put you & whatever task He assigned for you to do, always ask for His wisdom & guidance through the Holy Spirit, so you may know how to do things right in the right season. :)
THERE'S A RESULT IN EVERY WORK. Caraway and cummin seeds are used as spices for food. Wheat, barley and spelt are used for breads. Whatever you do today, it will take effect tomorrow. Imagine if the farmer didn't plow the soil very well, the effect will be seen in the plant. If he didn't wait for the right harvest time, the effect will be seen in the seeds. So then he will have poor spices and bread for his meal. Imagine missing out God's best just because you are too in a hurry to wait and you thought you are too wise to ask God for guidance.
So therefore, wherever God had put you today or whatever season you're in, give your best into it! Because God have His reasons why He put you there and soon He will tell you to move forward into your next season. :)
Monday, December 31, 2012
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
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
Thursday, May 17, 2012
The Beauty Queen & I
 |
| This is me with our very own Bb. Pilipinas Ms. Universe- Janine Tugonon. |
It was in our Friday youth service when our youth pastor announced that Janine will be with us on our 7pm service to give us a short talk and encouragement. This is what she said that stayed on my mind...
"Focus on what God wants you to do..."
In her personal experience, there are a lot of people who are bashing her, saying that she doesn't deserve the title of being our country's bet for the Ms. Universe beauty pageant. And in joining the competition again for the second time, many were against it and she sacrificed a lot to be where she is right now.
In our very own lives, we may be sure of what God wanted us to do... But there are times (or maybe most of the time) people and circumstances say otherwise, making us put off our focus on Him and on His purpose for us. Like what she said that night, in doing God's will you need to sacrifice things. You'll be sacrificing your own dreams and even your family's dreams for you.
But why do we need to sacrifice these for God's will?
Because when we miss God's will or purpose for our lives, we miss the whole point of why we are here on earth. If we don't do what God wants us to do in this life, it is not His lost... It is OUR lost.
So who says that God can't use a beauty queen to advance His Kingdom on this earth? ;) In this I will quote one of my fave verses from the Bible--
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." -Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)
Though I know that being a beauty queen is not for me (haha!), I know that God can still use me in ways my mind can't comprehend for His glory & pleasure. :))
Thursday, May 10, 2012
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