Gilmore Girls - again

2.05 - Nick & Nora, Sid & Nancy

JESS: So what are you doing now?
RORY: I have some homework to finish.
JESS: Okay, then I'll leave you this last little trick. [hands her a book]
RORY: You bought a copy? I told you I'd lend you mine.
JESS: It is yours.
RORY: You stole my book.
JESS: Nope, borrowed it.
RORY: Okay, that's not called a trick, that's called a felony.
JESS: I just wanted to put some notes in the margins for you.
RORY: What? [looks through the book] You've read this before.
JESS: About forty times.
RORY: I thought you said you didn't read much.
JESS: Well, what is much? Goodnight Rory.

Transcript from: TWIZ TV - Gilmore Girls

Wish i'd meet someone like Jess :)

~~~

More pictures from the Gilmore Girls:

Proposing with a thousand Daisies


Luke and Lorelei under the "wedding" chuppah :)

Pilgrim's Theme

Bukas Palad

Tired of weaving dreams too loose for me to wear
Tired of watching clouds repeat their dance on air
Tired of getting tired of doing what's required
Is life a mere routine in the greater scheme of things

Through with taking roads someone else designed
Through with chasing stars that soon forget to shine
Through with going through one more day - what's new
Does my life still mean a thing in the greater scheme of things

REFRAIN 1:
I think I'll follow the voice that calls within
Dance to the silent song it sings
I hope to find my place
So my life can fall in place
I know in time I'll find my place
In the greater scheme of things

Each must go his way, but how can I decide
Which path I should take, who will be my guide
I need some kind of star to lead me somewhere far
To find a higher dream in the greater scheme of things

The road before me bends, I don't know what I'll find
Will I meet a friend or ghosts I left behind
Should I even be surprised that You're with me in disguise
For it's Your hand I have seen in the greater scheme of things (REFRAIN 1)

BRIDGE:
For Yours is the voice in my deepest dreams
You are the heart, the very heart
Of the greater scheme of things (REFRAIN 1)

REFRAIN 2:
Why don't we follow the voice that calls within
Dance to the silent song it sings
One day we'll find our place
For all things fall in place
For all things have a place
In the greater scheme of things

~~~

I am going to tender my resignation letter today at 4pm and will be leaving NAST after a month. :( Sadness. I will miss DOST so much. Deep sigh…

Field trip - 2

I know visitors are not permitted to take pictures inside museums but since they wanted to promote their museums to teachers, they allowed us to take some. Kaya super thankful ako. I will surely treasure them.

UST Museum


Museong Pambata



National Museum



Orchidarium
Someone from the group made me one of his subjects kaya may pictures din ako. :) yey!

Dear Crush

Hi! I haven’t seen you for almost a week now. How are you? I hope you’re ok. I just wanted to thank you (and your mom) for making me feel beautiful for the past few months now. I was wondering two weeks ago when this will end. I guess now is the right time to put a stop to this temporary madness. But I thank you for making me feel alive again. Even for just a moment. We’re so much alike. From what I’ve learned from you (through casual conversation) we are both in love with the traditions of our culture and our religion. We both like learning new things - you are the teacher and I am the student. I like learning new things from you. It’s just so nice to know that for once in my life, I met somebody who’s in love with what I love. Pati nga sa flavor ng biscuits pareho tayo ng gusto. But I guess I’ve been sending wrong signals. Am I really sending you wrong signals? Am I really pushing you away? Probably. But maybe you just don’t like me enough. As plain as that. I don’t know. All I know is that I like you. Dito ko na lang sinusulat. I will never have the guts to say these things to you. I don’t know if you’ll ever read this. I hope not. When I reviewed my list, you qualified and were able to meet at least 80% of my standards. Funny you thought of them as too high. Anyway, it’s done. I’ll just do what I always do. I’ll be my usual self. I’ll be quiet and aloof. I’m good at it you know. Ganun yata talaga. I probably haven’t met “him” yet. I’ll wait as I’m waiting for the past two years now. I just pray to God to always give me hope. Katulad din ng pinagdadasal mo. Sana din mameet ko na siya. I’ve been waiting for him for so long now. I hope he’ll love me enough to like me. I hope… Yun lang po. Mwah.

Vote AGHAM!

Email Subject: COUNTRY'S INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED SCIENTISTS FORM PARTY LIST

TO ALL INTELLIGENT VOTERS:

After long years of freedom curtailment under martial law, the authors of our present constitution must have been so obsessed then in looking for new ways that would strengthen our new democracy. The idea of including the party list system in the country’s electoral process is a solid proof of this obsession! The rationale of the party list system is that there are sectors, which badly need representation in congress so that bills that should directly benefit them could be crafted and eventually passed into laws. But since these sectors do not have a fighting chance against the well-oiled political machinery of the dominant political parties, the constitution provides that they may form their parties. They shall then apply for accreditation by the Commission on Elections. If they meet the required qualifications of a party list, they are accredited and allowed to campaign. If their parties get the required number of votes, their nominees will then become congressmen.

In its early years of implementation, the Filipinos were so excited about it that almost all sectors want to be accredited: from the war veterans, to the farmers, to the women, to the youth and even to hold your breath, an anti drug group named MAD for Mamamayang Ayaw sa Droga! In fact, actor Richard Gomez who claimed to be a nominee of MAD almost became the Honorable Congressman Richard Gomez!

For the coming May 14 elections, the latest sector to throw their political hat into the political ring via the party list system are the top national scientists with no less than former University of the Philippines System President Dr. Emil Q. Javier as its National President. The scientists call their party as AGHAM or Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Mamamayan, Inc.

Agham’s flyer says that it is a national sectoral organization of Filipino science workers most of whom are field and laboratory research assistants, technicians and laborers, as well as science and mathematics teachers, extension agents, engineers, inventors, health professionals, and science media practitioners and otherwise ordinary Filipino citizens who strongly advocate a science and technology-explicit national development agenda. It is a non-stock, non-profit corporation registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and is accredited by the COMELEC in the party list.

The entry of the real top caliber scientists (its nominees are awardees of numerous prestigious international and local recognition for their achievements in their specific field of science and technology) in the political system is perhaps the best thing that ever happen in the country’s political processes.

AGHAM’s nominees are no doubt among the best minds that this country has ever produced: First nominee is Dr. Emil Q. Javier, former UP System President, former UP at Los Banos Chancellor and current President of the National Academy of Science and Technology. The second nominee is a muslim brother – Saeed A. Daof, who is a peace advocate and currently the Director of the Center for the Promotion of Peace and Development in Mindanao . The third nominee is Dr. Angel Alcala – former Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and former President of Silliman University.

With AGHAM’s offer to serve the country, here is a wish that the Filipino voters would not miss this rare opportunity of sending the nominees of the most qualified party list to congress. As the country tides over the 21st century beset with scientific issues (issues such as global warming, computer-hacking, genetic engineering, etc…) we need AGHAM nominees in Congress to take the lead in drafting legislative measures that would scientifically address the issues!

Field trip

I went on a field trip last Monday.

Actually it’s the Teacher Orientation Program (TOP) project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) – Sub-Committee on Science and Technology (S&T) Museums, and the Department of Tourism for the NCR.

Last week, NS Vergara asked me to present the Philippine Science Heritage Center or the SALINLAHI’s institutional video to the teachers who will attend the program. I produced the said video as a final requirement for my DevC 207 course and NS Vergara said that it could be used to market the museum to the different schools in the country. There are still revisions to be made in the video but since I do not have the time yet, I presented it to the teachers. It went ok naman.

Anyway, we visited seven museums. Ang saya noh?! Seven museums! :) imagine! Super saya!

Doll Museum, Marikina


Shoes Museum, Marikina


World of Butterflies, Marikina


Shoe Gallery, Marikina


Philippine Science Centrum, Marikina


Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife, Quezon City

See this? I would rather hold a snake than a caterpillar. :) di kaya ng heart ko.

Grabe! It was so fun! Para akong elementary student. Super amazed. Next Monday meron ulit! Can’t wait! :)

When we need love the most

Author unknown

A university instructor posed a riddle to her graduate education class. "What has four legs and leaves?" she asked, hoping the students would realize that by considering alternative meanings to the words "legs" and "leaves" that they could arrive at the solution -- a table. However, one woman unexpectedly answered, "My last two boyfriends." Maybe you can relate.

People will leave relationships for any number of reasons and sometimes they should, for not every friendship has a healthy future. Some well-intentioned people come together in heat and passion and all that is left of the union when the fire goes out is a pile of ashes. Others bring along so many destructive problems and behaviors that a happy relationship has no chance of long-term survival.

But what about when friends, lovers or family bolt from the relationship at just the wrong time? After all, those we want to love are not always "lovable" or easy to get along with! Is a temporary lapse into craziness reason enough to run?

Author John Gray sometimes tells about a young mother who asked her visiting brother to get her some pain pills. He forgot and, when her husband returned home, she was upset and in pain -- more than a bit crazy. He experienced her anger as a personal assault and exploded in defense. They exchanged harsh words and he headed for the door.

His wife said, "Stop, don't leave. This is when I need you the most! I'm in pain. I've had no sleep. Please listen. You are a fair-weather friend. If I'm sweet, you're okay; but if I'm not, out you go!" And then tearfully, and more subdued, she said, "I'm in pain. I have nothing to give. Please hold me. Don't speak...just hold me." He held her and neither spoke -- until she thanked him for being there.

It is easy to love those who are at their best. But it is during those times we are unlovable that we may need love the most. And what a beautiful thing when we get it. And even more beautiful when we find the grace to give it.

~~~

I've wanted to share this article for the longest time. Tapos it slipped my mind, tapos nawala, tapos nakita ko ulit kaya po ngayon ko lang nai-post. :)

Let me focus on the last three paragraphs – on the availability of a person to respond to the need of another person.

I've read it somewhere that the best gift anyone can give is his/her gift of time. When a person loves somebody he/she would be available for that person no matter what. It is making time when there is none. Making oneself available, or the thought of "just being there," may not only mean that you will always be there for him/her physically. A listening ear or even a warm hug, for example, can mean so much to someone who is in need. It can be a very good expression of love.

Fr. Elpi, during last Sunday's 8am mass, mentioned that one of his parishioners shared her problems with him. Due to the weight of the problem, he did not and could not say anything. He just kept quiet. In the end, the woman thanked her for listening, for just being there.

Sometimes we just need to be assured that we are not alone in this world and that somehow there is somebody who will be there for us whenever we need them the most. Especially whenever we are in our most unlovable state.

I seek you for I thirst

Bukas Palad

Though many times I run from you in shame
I lift my hands and call upon Your name
For underneath the shadow of Your wings
My melody is You

Oh Lord I seek You for I thirst
Your mercy is the rain on the desert of my soul

Oh Lord I raise my lifeless eyes
And see Your glory shine, how your kindness overflows (refrain)

Oh Lord Your sanctuary calls
I yearn to be with You in the rivers of Your love (refrain)

~~~


with National Scientist Benito S. Vergara

My other parents

I am going to write about my family now.

My mother has four brothers and one sister. Being the eldest cousin, I have been fortunate enough to remember and experience their caring and their love for as long as I can remember.

Ninong was the one who took care of me during my first two years. According to his wife, I was always with him when he was courting her. He was the one who taught me how to add when I was 4 years old. He has seven kids, Jeff, Jeric, Jena, Junjun, Jaica, Jay-anne and Jester. Jeff and Jena grew up with Inay. We’re like brothers and sisters. Since Jeric and Jena were called early home by God Ninong and Ninang only have five to take care of. Jep is now mature enough to work abroad. He went home last month to attend his sister’s funeral. I miss him so much.

Tito Ding was the one who always brought us bread. He was a baker. When we were small, he would prepare special bread for us - one that was extra small or extra big, depending on his nephews’ and nieces’ wish. He would always bring us cheese. Kaya super favorite ko ang cheese. He now has two boys, Patrick and Jomel. He would always tease the youngest kid around – nowadays it’s Maemae’s and Troy’s turn. In a year or two, it would probably be Carlo’s turn to be teased. Last Saturday he asked me to accompany him to buy PC. I went with them siyempre, besides the I have nothing to do naman. When I got back from Megamall, I texted them (mama, papa and him) the same same message so may “love you”. Nakakatuwa kasi he replied with “ingat ka, kumain na ng dinner, lab u 2.”

Tito Joel was the one who took care of us during our early years until grade two. My mama and papa were staying in Manila during weekdays and would only see my brother and I during weekends. He was the one who would bring me to and fetch me from school, the one who would always make sure that we would study our lessons well. He has two kids. Maryel and Rafael Troy (a.k.a. ang pinaka-mabait kong inaanak). Super caring pa rin until now. He and his wife gladly scrutinized my first boyfriend up to the last detail. He and my Papa get along pretty well. They were the “makakakampi” among mama’s siblings.

Tita Luz or Taluts, as I fondly call her, was my mother’s only sister. She took over Tito Joel’s job of taking care of us when he got married. She was the mother of us all. As in! We would often say, “lahat ng apo ni Inay, dumaan sa kanyang pangangalaga.” From Grade 3 up to 4th year high school, she would bring us food during lunchtime, protect us from bullies and reserve seats for us in our school service. Siguro nga, kung hindi ako lumipat ng school ng college, she would still change our “sapin sa likod” during lunch time and would still fight the fight for us. Super protective and super mag-alaga! I consider myself lucky for being her niece. She would probably not like me if I’m not her relative. I just know. I think I am her favorite. She has two boys, Gello and Carlo (our youngest). I pity the women whom her kids would love and marry (haha!). Lagot sila kay Taluts :).

Then, there’s Tito Dan. He was the one who taught me the alphabet, the one who taught me to add and subtract numbers beyond number four. When my brother and I were kids, we would wait for him to come home hoping that he would bring us pasalubong. We would lock him outside when he doesn’t have any (hehe! salbahe noh? :). When I was a kid he was my favorite. He would bring me stationeries and bracelets and pins (brooch type) and rainbow cakes. I just realized now, that the reason why his middle daughter, Maemae favored him over anybody else (and vise versa) was because Tito Dan has always been super sweet to little girls. His eldest daughter, Danna ceased to be showy in her sweetness probably because she’s in her adolescence na. However, I could still hear her say “Papa, basa na ang likod mo, pupunasan ko,” every now and then. He has three kids. Daniel Troy, the youngest is still super sweet kahit na boy siya – manang mana sa Papa niya.

Anyway, I am just sharing this because I want the world to know how great and how kind my aunt and uncles are. They are part of who I am now and who I am going to be in the future.

Holy week activites

April 5
Maundy Thursday
Bisita Iglesia
with SFC Bicutan



~~~

April 6
Good Friday
Watched the Procession
With Mama and Papa, Inay, Carlo and JepJep



~~~

April 7
Saturday
Sampalok Lake

I went jogging at Sampalok Lake with Boy, Danna, Gian and Mama. Stayed at San Pablo the whole day and played with Carlo.



~~~

April 8
Easter Sunday
Dolores, Quezon

The whole family along with Inay, Jep, Danna and Boy went to Dolores to attend the 7:00am Easter Mass.



~~~

Crush took this shot :)

Jesus' redeeming love

Redeeming Love

Refrain:
I come boldly, trusting only
Your redeeming love
Flowing freely, from your side now,
Your atoning blood.
Like a river, like a fountain,
Like a cleansing flood.
I pour out my worship to you
For your redeeming love.

V1:
My glory in your cross of shame and suffering
My glory what the world disdains as nothing
I will glory in such foolishness
I will glory for its nothing else
Than your wisdom and your awesome power my God

(Repeat Refrain)

V2:
My glory in your deep humiliation
You found me and you crowned me with salvation
I will glory all my sin and guilt
Has been covered by the blood you spilt
And now I'm living in your resurrection and light.

(Repeat Refrain)

Palm Sunday in Bicutan

Taken during the 10:00am mass at the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City

Hay...

May crush ako.
He’s making my heart jump and grasp at the same time.
Hay… And I can’t do anything about it.
Parang akong high school! Sheeeeeeeeet!

Crush ko na yun dati kaya lang,
I immediately brushed off the feeling.
Hindi ako sanay. He is way beyond me.
And he is strict din. Feeling ko lang.

Basta, kasi when he talks he knows what he’s talking about. Confident eh.
Tapos, he also has this personal relationship with God.
I have a feeling that we talk and relate with Him in the same manner.
Plus his mom has a great taste. :)

Anyway, I’ll see him later. We have a meeting. Yey! Me excited na!

Just writing it down to get it out of my system
I have been doing that since Wednesday last week – getting him out of my system.
Failing and failing still.

Hay…

Oh my God! I’m babbling!

I Know Him By Heart

Vonda Shepard
Paul williams and Jon Vezner

Theres a secret path I follow
To a place no one can find
Where I meet my perfect someone
I've kept hidden in my mind
Where my heart makes my decisions
till my dream becomes a vision
And the love I feel
Makes him real someday

Cause I know he's out there somewhere
Just beyond my reach
Though I've never really touched him
Or ever heard him speak
Though we've never been together
We've never been apart
No we've never met
Haven't found him yet
But I know him by heart

Am I living an illusion?
Wanting something I can't see
If I compromise, I'd be living lies
Pretending he's not meant to be
Cause I know my hearts worth saving
And I know that he'll be waiting
So I'll hold on and I'll stay strong till then

Cause I know he's out there somewhere
Just beyond my reach
Though I've never really touched him
Or ever heard him speak
Though we've never been together
We've never been apart

No we've never met
Haven't found him yet
But I know him by heart
No we've never met
Haven't found him yet
But I know him by heart

Farewell

Dear Jena,

I have so many things to say but I haven’t had the time to fix my thoughts yet. So kwentuhan na lang kita, even though I know that you know what has been going on since last week.

They asked me to give a simple eulogy on behalf of your Ina and Ama. Your brother, Jeric, was given a beautiful and touching funeral and we, your cousins, also want you to have one. Marielle bought half of those balloons. She was probably hoping that you would see how beautiful they were up there. Rafael Troy, my inaanak, was scolding Daniel Troy for not “properly” taking care of you (they were both 8 years old). Jayjay, Gian, Patrick and Boy stayed up late for several nights just to sit beside you. Gello, Mae-mae and Dana begged their parents to let them miss classes to be with you and many others. You know how our family copes during time of crisis.

After expressing gratitude to those who came to give their sympathies and prayers, I told them a little something about you. I told them about your preference for beautiful things. Although it came as no surprise since you were also a beauty yourself.

I told them about our discussion during one of your chemo sessions. The one where you said, “Ate, siguro may dahilan ang Diyos kung bakit ako may sakit ng ganito, ano?” You didn’t know how surprised I was when I heard that from you. I wasn’t used to discussing God’s plan with any of our cousins least alone with you. Well, at least not yet, until you made that statement.

I have always believed that God made us for a reason. I am glad that before you left, you became aware that God has this wonderful plan for each and every one of us. In a way, I envy you. You have already fulfilled your purpose and you have done it with flying colors. Samantalang ako, I am still looking for my purpose. Still wondering why God made me.

Sabi nga nila, mourning is for the living. We mourn for ourselves. We mourn because we will not be seeing you for quite a while. We mourn because we will miss you so much. On the other hand, I am very happy for you. I know how you love life but wherever you are right now, I am sure you’re happier because you’re already home.

We thank God because he has given us the chance to know and be with you during your stay here on earth. I know you are up there somewhere watching over us. Please hug Lolo Ciano and Jeric for us. Au revoir. We love you so much. See you in our dreams.

Love,

Ate

Dear Jena

Hi. I do not want to ask you how you are doing right now simply because I know that you’re not fine. I don’t know if you are aware but your ate is a coward. Since our talk last December, after I got out of the hospital, I know that your health is deteriorating. I cannot bear witnessing that because I have this image of you being a strong and healthy young lady. I know you since you were born. We grew up together. We may not have the same outlooks in life or follow the same fashion statement, but I know that we are closer than close.

I have always admired your guts, your will and your single mindedness. Alam mo ba yun? Minsan lang kitang nakitang umiyak before ka nagkasakit. Natatandaan mo ba yun? I’ll always remember that. Kasi dun ko nakita that you’re also human. Isang beses lang and I know that I couldn’t bear seeing more. Yet when you got sick, I have been a witness to a dozen more maybe. Inay and Taluts and your Ina have witnessed much more than that. I hope you understand that I am weak. You may have noticed that lately every time I see you, I shed tears. I cannot even look at you without crying. You do not know how much I hurt just seeing you in pain.

I have always asked God to give me healing hands. Para I can cure sick people. I don’t know if He has given me that though I’m still praying for it. I’ve always prayed for you to be healed completely. Now I’m loosing hope. I do not know what to ask God anymore. I am torn as to whether to pray for your complete healing or just pray for you to be with Him. Because I know that with Him, you will be free from all the pains you’re experiencing now. In the end I just prayed for His will to be done.

I miss you so so very much. Everytime I see young ladies who are so vibrant and cheerful, I remember you. I remember you in their smiles and in their girly features. I wish I could see you in that state again. The one where you are so knock-out fashionable and so mataray and so snobbish looking. I wouldn’t mind, promise. Because I know deep inside you have a super soft heart and a super sensitive nature. I wish we could talk and discuss again about anything under the sun – about our loves and crushes, about our other cousins who are so super malalandi (according to our and Taluts standards), about our family, and about our life. Anything.

I still pray for your complete healing. I don’t think I can stop praying for that. For whatever answer He will give us, always remember that I love you so much. So so much. We will always love you.

Love,

Ate

Dig this!

In a span of three months, two people asked me to be their Maid of Honor. One is to be married on July 28 and the other one is tentatively scheduled in December.

Who am I to refuse? Ayt?

My answer to both: "I'd be very happy to be your Maid of Honor"

:)

~~~

I heard baby Carlo just had his hair cut. :) will post pictures here next week.

House addiction

HOUSE, M.D.
Season 1, Episode 5: DAMNED IF YOU DO
Original Airdate on FOX: December 14, 2004

Chase: It’d be better if you don’t have any visitors. Once we isolate what’s causing your allergy, then we can be a little more lax. [Sister Augustine turns away from the window and starts to cry.] I can pray with you.

Sister Augustine: I want to die. Why has He left me?

Chase: I was in seminary school. They asked us once what our favorite passage was. I chose 1 Peter 1:7. “These trials only test your faith to see whether or not it is strong and pure. Your faith is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it.”

Sister Augustine: “And your faith is far more precious to the Lord than pure gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tested, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of His return.”

Chase: He hasn’t left you. The only thing in the way of your knowing if he’s left you is your fear. You have a choice: faith or fear. That’s the test.

Sister Augustine: Do you think faith doesn’t mean I won’t die?

Chase: It will affect how you experience your death, and therefore your life. It’s up to you.

Sister Augustine: Why did you leave seminary school.

Chase: A test. You passed. I didn’t.

~~~

Sister Augustine: When I was 15, I was on every kind of birth control known to man, and I still got pregnant. I blamed God. I hated Him for ruining my life, but then I realized something. You can’t be angry with God and not believe in him at the same time. No one can. Not even you, Dr. House.

~~~

Sister Augustine: You told me your favorite passage. Would you like to hear mine? [Chase nods]. “Celebrate and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again.”

Chase: The prodigal son.

Sister Augustine: He’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.

~~~

Two of my most loved men in the world: Carlo and my father

Myoclonic jerk

I learned this from Dr. House (Season 1, Episode 2):

Myoclonic jerk - very common when falling asleep. Respiration rate falls, and the brain someties interprets this as the body dying, so it sends a pulse to wake it up.

~~~

People often accuse me of being naïve. Wala tayong magagawa dyan, I like happy endings eh. So I believed James Yap when he said that he loves Kris Aquino (watched them at Rated K last night).

Post ko na lang din dito pag nagbago na belief ko.

Don't be afraid to ask

Background

I slept at around 8 pm last night to be able to wake up after an hour or two to study. You see, my brain functions well in the wee hours of the evening/morning. So at around 10 pm, I literally had to drag myself out of the bed to start working on several assignments.

At around 11:30 pm I was exhausted... of staring at my computer. I haven’t finished anything yet. I decided to rest :) – wala pa nga nagagawa, rest na agad! Anyway…

I turned on the TV and saw Bo Sanchez preaching. That was my first time to watch him preach and I would like to share with you what he imparted. The topic was really appropriate and timely and he delivered it very well. I just hope you won't get bored reading this.

Ok, let’s start? Game!

Bo’s topic for February 21, 2007: “DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK”

As a prelude to his discussion, he mentioned that on the first day of his first visit to the US, as an invited speaker, he ate biscuits alone during lunchtime. Without knowing that there was a banquet prepared for speakers, he sat in a corner and ate his “baon”. Luckily, on the second day, one of the hosts found him in his corner (eating biscuits) and invited him to join the rest of the honored guests to the banquet. He was so “nanghihinayang” because he was unable to join them on the first day. Because he didn’t know. Because he didn’t ask.

As children of God, we are given the opportunity to ask God for what ever we wanted and needed in life. That is how great our God is. He hears our prayers and if the time is perfect and according to His will, He also provides the answer. However, we do not practice the art of “asking” properly.

Have you ever had the feeling that you are afraid to ask something from Him? I did and still do sometimes. Nakakahiya kasing humingi kay Lord eh. Baka naman sabihin na niya, sobra na ako. Feeling ko kasi, He has given me a lot and yet I am still asking for more. BUT! – take note of the “but” – that is very wrong and Bo provided us with some reasons why humans are afraid to ask.

So, kindly read on:

Reason number # 1: Ignorance
People are afraid to ask because they do not know that they CAN ask and that God allows them to ask.

I would like to quote Bo on this:

Be specific when you pray! Be specific with what you want! The universe is waiting for you to be specific! Have a goal. Have a deadline. The Universe responds to those who know what they want!

He gave out examples:

1. When single people ask for a husband/wife they just pray: Lord, I want a good husband/wife. But the word “good” is very vague! Be specific! Do not go and settle for kung sino-sino lang. Ask the Lord to give you someone who is faithful and kind and etc.
2. When you ask to receive financial blessings, be specific. Don’t just say, Lord, I want “more” money because having an additional 25 centavos or 1 peso is also more than what you have before you ask for “more”.

Reason number # 2: Low self worth
For this part, Bo referred to 2 Kings 2:9-10:

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.”

He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.”

According to Bo:

We humans, especially us Filipinos, have very low self esteem. As in very low that if we are to be Elisha, we would probably say, “Naku eh wag na lang, nakakahiya naman!” If forced, we would probably end up saying, “Sige na nga, kahit katiting lang ng blessings na ibinigay ni Lord sa iyo, ok na sa akin.” And to think that Elisha asked for a double of what Elijah had received.

Come to think of it, no one is deserving of God’s love. But we receive all the wonderful blessings we are enjoying now because He loves us so much! That is why we call it grace! All we need is ask, and it will be given to us.

Reason number # 3: Fear
Bo said:

People are afraid to ask because, they are afraid to be criticized by other people. They don’t want to look like arrogant and ingrate.

Reason number # 4: Pride
I guess I don’t have to quote Bo on this part. The word will explain itself.

Reason number # 5: Wrong belief
Bo explored this topic by saying that we were raised believing the following:

1. God is stingy.
The truth is: God is very generous! Look around you and witness his generosity!
2. Following God entails hardship and suffering because God is present in our trials and pains.
The truth is: God is also with us whenever we are happy and experiencing His blessings.
3. The mere act of asking is wrong!
The truth is: God is waiting to be asked. We should ask to receive.

And finally, Bo asked, “How should you ask?” and he answered: with expectancy!

In Mark 11:24 Jesus said:

So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.

He said:

Ask like a child. Because children, when they ask for something, expect that it will be given to them. They will find ways to receive what ever it is that they ask.

Yun lang po. :) I hope you feel the same way I did after hearing these things.

It’s already 1:53 am. Wala pa rin ako natatapos. Well, I finished this… so sige na nga! May natapos na ako! Off to work on my assignments again! :)

Have a great day ahead.

*Sniff*

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

I just wanted to share this. :)

Feb fever

It’s Valentines and it’s probably ok to be senti :)

I watched the Wedding Date the other night. My second time to watch said the movie.

My Best friend’s Wedding, on the other hand was on at another channel. Same actor for the role of leading man on both movies.

I used to love My Best friend’s Wedding. I memorized the sound tract of the film.

When I heard this:
From the moment I wake up,
Before I put on my make up,
I say a little prayer for you…

I remembered that I used to pray for him every single day. Thanking God for giving him to me every single day. So it was probably safe to assume that He knew how much I loved him and that He knew what He was doing when He pulled him off my life. Anyway…

A year or so ago I criticized the Wedding Date. Said that it was not that good compared to the Wedding Singer and the Wedding Planner.

Well tonight, I preferred the Wedding Date to My Best friend’s Wedding. I just felt like seeing the leading woman end up with the leading man. Kung baga, I wanted to feel the kiligness.

Someone sent me this text message (sorry, I can’t remember who):
Whenever I see couples kiss and make out, watch romantic movies and hear love songs… I smile and feel good cause I know love still works. If not for me, at least for others. – Ally McBeal

I like the man’s role in the Wedding Date. I like the way he hugged the woman when the woman found out that her sister slept with her (the woman’s) ex.

Wala lang… I missed being hugged. I haven’t had a nice, sweet and tight one for a very long time now.

Yun lang. No more.

And it’s Valentines… I have the right to be senti. Ayt?

~~~

As for Wednesday, we have prepared different activities for the N2D. I’m super excited na. :)

~~~

You are The High Priestess

Science, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education.

The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know. The High Priestess is also associated with the moon however and can also indicate change or fluxuation, particularily when it comes to your moods.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Hapiverthdey Arlene!

Dear Arlene,

I know, I know! Tomorrow pa ang bitthday mo
but i don't know if you'll be online tomorrow.
And besides, i'm super excited na to greet you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my bestest friend! Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!

Cheers! A very tight hug for you! Mwah!

My Wish
Rascal Flatts

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
and each road leads you where you want to go,
and if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
if it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but you never forget,
all the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
and you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
and always give more than you take.

But More than anything, Yeah, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish. Yeah.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

hugs,

Jing-Jing

Favor please

Please offer a simple prayer for the complete healing of my cousin, Jenalyn L. Brion. She has cancer.

Every little prayer that you will offer will be greatly appreciated by me and my family. May the good Lord bless and keep you.

Thank you very much and mizpah.

Simeon's Canticle

Music by: Manoling Francisco, SJ
Arrangement: Paulo K Tirol
Soloist: Celia Uy
Keyboards: Paulo K Tirol

Lord, let Your servant go in peace
For Your Word has been fulfilled.

A Child shall be born to the Virgin,
And His Name shall be called, "Emmanuel."

My own eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared for all men.

A Light shall reveal to the nations
And the glory of Your people, Israel.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

2nd Reading Yesterday

1 Cor 12:31—13:13 or 13:4-13

Brothers and sisters:
Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.
But I shall show you a still more excellent way.

If I speak in human and angelic tongues,
but do not have love,
I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.
And if I have the gift of prophecy,
and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge;
if I have all faith so as to move mountains,
but do not have love, I am nothing.
If I give away everything I own,
and if I hand my body over so that I may boast,
but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind.
It is not jealous, it is not pompous,
It is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing
but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing;
if tongues, they will cease;
if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing.
For we know partially and we prophesy partially,
but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
When I was a child, I used to talk as a child,
think as a child, reason as a child;
when I became a man, I put aside childish things.
At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror,
but then face to face.
At present I know partially;
then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.
So faith, hope, love remain, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.

Perstaym ito!

There’s always a first time, sabi nga.

Yesterday, I love my officemates. Yes, all of them. Especially the boss. They’ve cushioned a supposedly very hard fall. In fact I was laughing so hard my side ached. Thank you all. :)

Siyempre ngayong umaga, balik na naman sa dati. :)

Oh well. Life.

~~~

Anyway, may mga bago akong friends. :) They are from SEI. Sila mga teachers ko sa badminton. Sila experts, ako... naku super over mega beginner. :)

Newbie

One of the many goals of our community here in Bicutan is to train its members to be evangelizers. St. Magdalene of Canossa once said that we should make Christ known for Him to be loved. I was very eager and excited at the thought that I’d be able to share to other people all the wonderful things that God has given me. Unfortunately, I don’t think I am articulate and skilled enough to do such work. That was why I was so grateful when Ate Miles invited me to be part of the Formation/Education Team.

So last Monday, we had a meeting in preparation for the Wednesday N2D. Five of us were tasked to read something, make a reflection out of it and then share the reflection to the community. I got this:

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet,
enough trials to make you strong,
enough sorrow to keep you human and
enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past;
you can’t go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying
and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so that when you die,
you're the one who is smiling
and everyone around you is crying.

And I shared this:

One of the very distinct characteristics of being human is our being discontented with life. Lahat tayo ay may hiling, may mga dalangin at may mga inaasamasam sa buhay. May mga mabibigat na panalangin, katulad ng: “Panginoon, sana po pagalingin mo ang pinsan ko” at mayroon din naman magagaan katulad ng, “Lord, sana po makita ko ang crush ko”.

It would probably be safe to claim that each and every one of us has at least one wish everyday. Siguro lang. You can and you may correct me if I’m wrong. Nuong nagtalk si Kuya Shen about our relationship with God, mayroon siyang sinabi na gusto ng Diyos na tumawag tayo sa kanya. Siguro through our prayers and petitions, ipinapakita natin na tayo ay tao at siya ay ang ating Panginoong na makapangyarihan sa lahat.

Ngunit naitanong niyo na ba kung bakit lagi may kulang? Kung bakit lagi tayong naghahangad? Bakit may mga problema? Bakit nga ba?

One of the main reasons why God created us was for us to be with Him. Ang buhay natin dito sa lupa ay pansamantala lamang. Ito ay paghahanda para sa susunod nating buhay – ang mas permanente na kapiling siya. Kung sa buhay natin ngayon ay ibibigay na niya lahat, maaaring hindi na tayo maghangad na makapiling siya sa susunod na buhay. Maaring makuntento na tayo sa buhay na imperpekto.

Tayo ay patuloy na hinuhubog ng Diyos ayon sa kanyang nais, ayon sa kanyang plano at ayon sa kanyang pagmamahal. Hinihintay lang niyang sabihin nating “YES Lord! Go ahead Lord! Mold me according to your will and according to your wonderful promises!

And all shall be well. Thank you.

I never thought that I would be able to pull it through. I was so nervous! Grabe! But I did and it was a great experience. :)

Crappy mood

Since Saturday I’ve been having major “reklamo sessions” with my Lord. Hanggang ngayon, I couldn’t stop ranting and complaining on why things happened that way. I couldn’t stop asking, “why Lord?” My heart keeps on defending Him, my brain keeps on fighting. Katulad ng isang sugat na pinilit hilumin ang ilalim ng puso ko ay patuloy na dumudugo. I’m so sad. I refuse to believe that He understands me. But deep in my heart I know He knows more that I could ever imagine and claim to know.

Thank you for being patient with your little girl. Don’t ever get tired of me.

On Food

I consider food as a sacred thing that people share with other people. Bilang Kristiyano, may paniniwala tayong, “the family that prays together, stays together,” bukod dito ay naniniwala rin akong “the family that eats together, stays together.”

People have different ways of showing their love for someone. I grew up in a family where food sharing is one way of showing love to one another. So, it won’t be a surprise if I adopted it. When you are my friend, or when I like you to be my friend, I will share my food with you and vise versa. I do not eat with someone whom I am uncomfortable with. Yeah sure, I will sit with you in the same table but I will not eat with you. That is one of my simple (and probably weird) rules in life.

The last time I saw him, we ate at McDo. He ordered for both of us, Chicken McNuggets. However, in as much as I want Chicken McNuggets that time, I wasn’t able to get passed through my first bite. I ended up wrapping the McNuggets in a tissue paper for him to take out. That was more than a year ago.

The other day, I sent Crush a sandwich. =D

~~~

Lord, I feel so small sometimes
in this big old place
Yeah I know there are more important things,
But don’t forget to remember me.

Don’t forget to remember me
Carrie Underwood

~~~

If I Stand
Jars of Clay

There's more that rises in the morning than the sun
And more that shines in the night than just the moon
There's more than just this fire here that keeps me warm
In a shelter that is larger than this room

And there's a loyalty that's deeper than mere sentiments
And a music higher than the songs that I can sing
Stuff of Earth competes for the allegiance
I owe only to the Giver of all good things

So if I stand let me stand on the promise that you will pull me through
And if I can't, let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
So if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home

And there's more that dances on the prairies than the wind
And more that pulses in the ocean than the tide
There's a love that's fiercer than the love between friends
More gentle than a mother's when her baby's at her side

And there's a loyalty that's deeper than mere sentiments
And a music higher than the songs that I can sing
The stuff of Earth competes for the allegence
I owe only to the Giver of all good things

So if I stand let me stand on the promise You will pull me through
And if I can't let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home

And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for home

Relieved

Hay… January pa lang super dami na ng work. Super! Meetings, papers, and business letters everywhere, all of which are/will be used in preparation for the OYS 2nd National Convention and the NAST 29th ASM.

Plus, I’m still in panic mode though I can feel its power over me dwindling. Buti naman! Aba, pano ba naman, I'm 3 weeks late in submitting my thesis proposal. Yup, thesis proposal. Why? Because after 2 months of supposed to be thinking and researching period I still do not have a topic. That was until yesterday, thanks to Joel.

Actually, the gratitude should go first to those who suggested topics weeks ago pa. But since I couldn’t find the devcom angle, I didn’t adopt any of it. So first, thank you to Joseph, who’s always, as in always talaga, willing to help and give out resources - work and studies related. He suggested doing a study related to Mount Banahaw. He gave me the contact info of those who are involved and the website to check for reference. Next on the list is the husband and wife team of Kuya Jim and Loriedel. I emailed Loriedel, she forwarded the message to Kuy Jim, who is a DevCom practitioner and he gave me several topics such as: bird flu awareness campaign in the country, HIV awareness and the likes. Thank you ng madami. :)

So, ok na? Not yet. I still have to start and finish the proposal but the 50% of the work is done. I now know where to start.

~~~

I love Rascal Flatts. Panalo sa lyrics! :)

I found you find strength in your moments of weakness.
For once I am at peace with myself.

“I’m moving on”
Rascal Flatts

Cause when push comes to shove,
you’ll taste what you’re made of
you might bend till you break
cause it’s all you can take,
on your knees you look up,
decide you’ve had enough
you get mad
you get strong
wipe your hand
shake it off
then you stand.

“Stand”
Rascal Flatts

~~~

I’m currently reading a book about teachers. It is supposed to be a love story and I bought it for the very simple reason that I like the cover. Yup, that’s me. I look at book covers. I don’t want those with half naked man and almost naked woman in a very provocative position. I would probably die of embarrassment should you see me reading one of those books. I am not saying that I do not read those books; I do, but definitely not in public. No way man!

Anyway, I found this and I would like to share it with you.

Most of the time, the kids who lash out are just using a teacher for a target because they can’t get at the real ones. Maybe they’ve had a fight with the old man, or they’ve just broken up with the love of the moment, or they’re afraid they’re going to get benched at the next game. It’s not about us. We’re just in the way.

The Wiz
Learning Curve, p. 94

The philosophy does not only apply to teachers. I think it applies to all. In one-way or another, we became the kid who lashes out and in some ways we became the teacher who’s being lashed. When you just get fed up about something and you cannot get the “real enemy” you just pour out the anger at the person closest to you. Sad no? This could go under the heading, “why do we always hurt the ones we love.”

~~~

Crush

I have a crush. After ng may-ari ng tsinelas, may crush ulit ako. :) pero hindi pedeng sabihin kung sino and I don’t think I will ever have the guts to tell anyone about it. As in never. Kaya dito na lang. It will be safer here. No one will know who that person is. I just have to let it out para mawala na rin sa system ko. Hindi kasi puede. I know somebody na may-may gusto rin sa kanya – though gut feel lang. Atsaka basta hindi talaga pwede. I just feel special whenever kausap ko siya (though very seldom). No mushy chenes or whatever, but you will know na nagke-care siya. :) basta, can’t explain. Hard to explain, rather. O ayan, enough said. Sana lang mawala na… para ok. Hay…

Happy New Year!

I hope I’m not too late in greeting you this time. :)

Me, I welcomed the New Year with a smile. I'm thankful for everything that happened in 2006 - yup! good and bad - because God is so good. :)

I had two resolutions last year. The first one was not to be late, which like any other resolutions, did not happen. The second one I cannot say but I think I was able to work on it. And very much happy with the result. Although sometimes the ghost still lingers, there is nothing that I cannot handle. :)

This year I added a few things in the “wishful thinking” list:
1. I will revive the “not to be late” resolution. Will TRY really really hard, promise.

2. Be “more visible” to my friends. Yeyeah, I know. I should have done this before pa but because of jumbled priorities, I only saw them twice or trice last year. This year, kahit at least four matatanggap ko na :)

Anyway, Loriedel and I are planning to organize our 10th year High School Reunion this coming April. Sana lang matuloy.

3. Avoid procrastination. ‘Nuff said :)

Chinese forecasters say that 2007 will be a very good year for those who were born under the sheep/goat sign kaya super hopeful ang lola niyo. :)

~~~

On a completely different topic…

I just finished watching Josh Groban’s concert ulit - for the nth time this year.



And man, he rocks! :) The voice and the angelic face don’t exactly match pero wow! Super amazing. Nakaka-mesmerize panoorin. Hay…

December Twelve

Birthday Greetings from Friends and Family

Happy birthday besee! Love yah! Tythug from ur loving besee.
Besee - 00:02:25

Happy birthday besee! God bless!
Besee - 01:56:06

Happy birthday!
Ms. Wena - 06:33:02

If GOD painted a beautiful rainbow as a sign of his love we must also paint a beautiful smile to start the day right. Have a happy birthday.
Besee - 07:28:28

Today as Angel Inaanak celebrate her birthday, help her oh Lord, her brothers and friends, to live for others, to achieve her goals, to fulfill Your plan for her life for your greater glory. Amen. :) Happy birthday angel inaanak! :) God loves you :) Payakap po :)
Nangni - 07:59:24

Happy birthday! How are you na? Miss ka na namin.
Ms. Rose - 08:13:09

Jing, happy birthday. Kamusta na ikaw?
Ms. Franz - 08:13:45

Love you po pretty angel inaanak :) Enjoy life for you are so loved by God! And He is more than enough :)
Nangni - 08:31:54

Happy birthday, more birthdays to come. Ano handa?
Tito Dan - 08:41:18

Happy birthday po.
Mark - 09:01:52

Happy birthday, Jing! I wish you good health, true happiness and peace of mind. Thanks for being so nice and humble. Stay pretty! Have more blessed years ahead! God bless.
Ate Mavie - 09:23:15

There are two greatest days in your life…
The day you were born,
And the day you’ll discover why…
Happy birthday!
Ate Girlie - 09:42:24

Hi Guads, how are you? I heard you got sick. Hope you’re doing ok especially today because it’s your special day. Happy, Happy Birthday! Take care and God bless!
Weng - 10:32:48

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday
Happy birthday
Happy birthday to you!
Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!
Raciel - 10:43:58

Happy birthday Guadz!
Riza - 13:17:04

Jing, Happy birthday!
Tito Joel - 15:23:50

Pakner! Happy birthday!
Mej - 16:17:39

Advance happy birthday! Maligayang bati at Gratulerer meddagen (Norks!) :) ako pinaka-una for 2007! Hehe! :) Hope you’re better now!
Emily - 18:32:48

Hi Guads! Happy happy birthday! you still in the hospital? How are you na? Miss you na. Dito nako sa batangas.
Loids - 18:32:48

Ate Jing, kamusta ka na jan? Ayos ka na ba? At happy birthday nga pala. Love you!
Boy - 19:47:55

Besee – went out of her way to bring me a chocolate cake and a balloon arrangement. :)
Arlene – wrote this :) hehe! kala ko nakalimutan niya, kaya niremind ko na lang siya. Yun pala meron na nito ;D
Mama and Papa – cooked spag, maja, bopis, minatamis na macapuno and salad for me

~~~

Hay… ang sarap mag-birthday. :) At 20+ years old, I still believe that one’s birthday is an occasion that people really look forward to every year.

Based on experience there is a negative relationship between one’s age and the material gifts one receive. :) Though I really don’t mind. It’s not that I don’t like receiving gifts, I do. But the thoughtful greetings made by friends and relatives, as documented above, made more “impact” than any material gifts in the world because they are more heartfelt. And it made my heart a lot bigger.

Before my big day, I got sick and was confined for four days for doctor prescribed medicines that were a dose too high. For almost a week, I couldn’t even stand and eat without throwing up. I couldn’t even drink water. It had never occurred to me that the medicines I was taking then was the cause of everything until another doctor said that I should stop taking them. The next day, even though I was still nauseous, I could at least go to the comfort room on my own. Luckily, on Saturday the Doctor gave his go signal for me to go home, just in time for Carlo’s first birthday party.

I went back to the office on my birthday. I planned to work the day before, since we had to prepare for the Academicians Christmas Party, but I had to give in to my parent’s request to stay home and rest even for just a day.

It was a nice and thoughtful birthday so I decided to extend the celebration for a week until 19 December. The activities were just too great not to mention.

Dec. 14 – NAST Christmas Party
Dec. 16 – Simbang Gabi – with the SFC Choir at around 3am for the first mass
Date with Maciel, Raciel and Sarah at Pagsanjan and Los Baños, Laguna


Dec. 17 – SFC Choir Fellowship at Sampalok Lake, San Pablo City
Choir arrived at 1:00 in the morning
Slept at 3am
Woke up at 4am
Went to Sampalok Lake at 9:00am
Went biking until 11:00am
Had lunch at Inay’s at 12:30pm
Went home at 2:30pm
Singing session from 3:30-6:00pm
Departure from our place


Dec. 19 – Attended Mr. and Mrs. Devonshire’s wedding
Congratulations David and Tess! :) May your love flourish forever!

Christmas na!

33 days before Christmas!
On Sunday the first candle (violet) of the Advent of wreath will be lit.
I'm so super excited!
Grabe ngayon lang ulit ako naging excited na ganito. :)


Paglamig ng hangin

Pagalmig ng hanging hatid ng Pasko
Nananariwa sa 'king gunita
Ang mga nagdaan nating Pasko
Ang Noche Buena't Simbang gabi

KORO:
Narito na ang Pasko
At nangungulila'ng puso ko
Hanap-hanap, pinapangarap
Init ng pagsasalong tigib sa tuwa
Ng mag-anak na nagdiwang
Sa sabsaban n'ung unang Pasko

Sa pag-awit muli ng himig-Pasko
Nagliliyab sa paghahangad
Makapiling kayo sa gabi ng Pasko
Sa alaala'y magkasama tayo (KORO 2x)

Different parts and different hearts

by John Fischer

Why do we all have different passions? So everything that’s supposed to get done will get done.

Sometimes we get overwhelmed because we are constantly exposed to people with various passions for service, and when they represent their cause, they are so committed to that which has captured them that we feel guilty for not sharing their zeal. We seem indifferent in comparison.

… What we forget is that there are so many needs because there are so many of us to meet them. We aren’t supposed to get our bell rung by every appeal that comes by. We are a body made up of different parts and different hearts; we don’t have to all be moved by the same issues and needs.

This is where the concept and the practical nature of spiritual gifts come in. There are a variety of gifts and there are a variety of ministries, but the same Lord working in all and through all. No one has to do everything; no one can. It is up to us to find out where we fit and what God put us here to do. Soon you will be just as passionate about something because it’s your thing. This is the way it’s supposed to be. We only get frustrated when we forget this and try and take on everything, or get so overwhelmed that we take on nothing at all.

All of this should just make us marvel at the wisdom of God even more. He’s designed us all with different abilities and different interests so that we are not only good at what we do, we do not have to be frustrated or depressed over what we aren’t good at. When we all do our part in the Body of Christ, everyone gets a job, everyone gets honored, and everyone is important. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.

Super delayed post

November 1, 2006

"Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep;
And if I die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take."

~~~

Below is my email to Arlene on January 25, 2006 at 15:57, which also serves, as my draft last will and testament.

From: Guada
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 15:57
To: Arlene
Subject: RE: labadadadadadadadadadada!

sakit lalamunan. mamamatay na.
yung mga books ko pakibigay lahat ke Gello.
yung comforter ko ke baby Carlo (kapatid ni Gello).
yung collection ko ng Beauty and the Beast, pakisabi, wag tatanggalin sa
kwarto ko.
yung mga earings ko and iba pang abubot sa katawan ke Mae-Mae kasi malandi
yun bata pa lang. isama mo na rin ang kokonti kong make-up.
wala ring tutulog sa bed ko.
wala ring gagamit ng mga unan ko (more than 10 yun!) KUNG HINDI mumultuhin ko sila.
yung palm pilot ko ke Gello din.
yung digicam ke Mama.
yung mga damit ko - ndi tatanggapin ng mga pinsan ko yun kasi below their
taste yun. gusto nila malalandi. pakisama na lang sa collection ko ng Beauty and
the Beast.
the VCDs -- mamili ka. the rest will go to Maciel.
audio cds kung me gusto ka, kunin mo na,
yung iba ke Ms. Cha kasi HANGAD yun eh - ndi mo type.
nana.
konti lang pala ang ari-arian ko dito sa mundong ibabaw.
ndi pala ako rich...
ayoko pa mamatay!
magiipon muna ako.

~~~

November 6, 2006

I don’t know if this is just hormones again (I really hope so) but I just feel sad and lonely and depressed.

Ayoko nang gumising sa umaga kasi papasok na naman ako sa office namin. Maghapon na naman akong papagalitan ng boss ko. Since June, hindi siya nagsasawang pagalitan ako ng pagalitan. I know I can do the job that I am tasked to do but there is no drive to do those things any more. Nawala na.

The only thing that brightens my day is the scheduled SFC meeting every Wednesday and Angking Tanglaw’s practices and mass services every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Just yesterday, I was out of the house from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm attending five different meetings in four different venues. Grabe! Ang saya.

Our picture:

Covenant Orientation

~~~

In one of our household meetings, almost all of my ka-household commented that I am so secretive. Ha! Ngayon lang nila napansin. Ako dati pa. And I’m not proud of it. In fact I feel sad about it.

The truth is, I no longer know how to share myself to other people. Lately, there are only two individuals with whom I can tell almost everything, my mother and my former housemate. And I wanted to thank them both for sticking with me and for hearing me out when I feel like sharing.

Right now, I am forcing myself to talk to people again. I have to relearn the art of making friends, most especially the art of sharing one’s self.