True Spirit of Christmas

Christmas is the most festive time of the year. It’s a time when malls are packed with hordes of people trying to find gifts for their family and friends. Commercial establishments probably achieve their biggest sales during the Christmas season.

Amidst all the rushing and shopping, few people truly understand the reason why we celebrate Christmas. Why do we give gifts? Why do we sing Christmas carols? Why do we have parties? The shepherds who were looking after their flocks that special night or the wise men following that bright, bright star would be most capable of telling us why. What then is the reason for the season?

A lot of people do not know why they give gifts, sing Christmas carols or have parties during this season. They just know that they have to do it because of tradition. For those of us who know, this is the perfect time to tell them why.

Two thousand years ago, God sent Jesus to live here on Earth as part of His redemptive plan for mankind. Because of His great love for us, He was willing to let His only Son become the ultimate sacrifice to save us from the punishment that we deserve. Here we see the greatest gift of all, Jesus as payment for all our sins. All we have to do is to accept God’s gift of salvation and commit our whole life to Him, then we will have eternal life.

Many people do not know this so it is our job to tell them. The greatest gift that you can give your loved ones this Christmas is not something that you can buy from the stores. The best gift that you can give them is the message of the gospel. They have to know that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Advent Conspiracy

Nice concept...



Why don't spend less on gifts and more on relationships?

One Flaw of Women

Got this from one of my friends. Just wanted to share it to remind all women how priceless they are.

Women, enjoy!

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One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.



They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.



They don't take "no" for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.



They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.



They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they

think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.



Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.



They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.



The heart of a woman is what

makes the world keep turning.



They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.



Women have vital things to say and everything to give.



HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

A Greater Purpose!

It's been 2 months since I've arrived from Indonesia. I miss teaching. I miss my friends in Surabaya. I miss hearing Bahasa Indonesia. But I am also happy that after so many years, I now have lots of time in my hands (that's just a better way of saying "I am now a bum").

Sometime last year, I felt a deep stirring in my heart to leave Indonesia and go back to the Philippines. It was triggered by one comment made by an immigration officer. She was checking my passport and immigration card when she asked me whether I was teaching in a private school or a government school. I told her that I was teaching in a private school. Her reply was simple, "Good, 'cause if you were teaching in a government school in Indonesia, I wouldn't allow you to leave". She gave me back my passport and said goodbye casually. She had no idea what she's done.

After hearing the immigration officer's comment, I felt uneasy. The message was clear to me. It was time for me to go back to my homeland and serve my fellowmen. I've been in Indonesia for six years and I have loved every moment that I've spent there. I have been given lots of opportunities to serve in communities. The latest was in a poor community where I had the chance to teach Character Building Education to preschool children. I won't be able to forget the memories that I've had in that community.

I remember that I would always feel nervous when it was time for me to teach as I had to speak in Bahasa Indonesia. I would diligently memorize the "script" given to me, trying to imitate a local's accent when speaking. But whenever I stand in front of the class and deliver my "lines", I only see children with blank faces. In my frustration, I asked my friend why they seem not to understand what I was saying. I asked her whether my accent was wrong or was I speaking too fast 'cause the children didn't seem to understand what I was trying to teach them. My friend just laughed and told me that almost all of the children in that community couldn't understand Bahasa Indonesia. They could only understand their tribe's local dialect. It brought relief and at the same time disappointment. I was relieved that it was not because of the way I spoke. But I was disappointed that they didn't understand the lessons that I was trying to teach them. But despite this, I was still very happy that I had the chance to reach out to them. This is the kind of opportunity that I long for. While others are longing for opportunities to work in highly developed countries to earn big bucks, I am dreaming of finding opportunities where I can help others. I would be hypocrite if I say that I don't want to be rich. Of course I want to be rich! But only so that I can have all the resources that I need to help others.

So in November of last year, it was clear to me that it was time for me to pack my bags and head for my beloved homeland. It was a struggle as I was already used to my life in Indonesia. I loved my job, my ministries and my friends there. But then I know that if I don't do as my heart says, I would always be hearing "What if's" in my mind.

Now, I am back in the Philippines. But I still haven't done anything for my country. I was hoping that as soon as I hopped off the plane someone would approach me and hand me and envelope and say, "This is your mission". But then it only happens in movies. I am neither Tom Cruise nor Keanu Reeves. So there won't be people popping in front of me telling me what my mission is. But one thing is for sure, my Almighty Father has already prepared everything for me. He constantly guides me, leading me in the right path. He is always patient, especially when I am stubborn. I am secure knowing that His plans for me are greater than anything that I could ever imagine. I was created for a greater purpose.

Ninoy's Letter to Noynoy

I read this post in the blog of one of my friends. I couldn't help but be teary-eyed. How I wish Ninoy was still alive so he could become our President. Read on.

LIHAM NI NINOY KAY NOYNOY (Ninoy's Letter to his son, Noynoy)

August 25, 1973

Fort Bonifacio

11:30pm

Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III

P E R S O N A L

My dearest Son:

One of these days , when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.

In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man – the matador – is pitted against an angry bull.

The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet "muleta" and sword. The Spaniards call this "the moment of truth." This is the climax of the bullfight.

This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie's, your sisters', yours and all our loved ones as well as mine.

I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I've been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the "Anti-Subversion Act" and murder.

You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.

You may ask: why did you do it?

Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.

You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people.

For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.

Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets.

The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.

I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings.

In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.

Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate.

Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage.

It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.

I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant's revenge.

It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.

Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.

I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.

In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.

Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.

Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.

I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide.

The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.

There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.

Son, the ball is now in your hands.

Lovingly,

Dad

True Worship

Some thoughts on "worship" after reading the book "Teaching Kids Authentic Worship" by Kathleen Chapman... 

Whenever we hear the word worship, we often think of the kind of worship that we may have experienced. This may entail singing a gospel song over and over or raising up our hands with tears streaming down our cheeks. However, worship is much more than these actions.

For us believers, we still remember the time when we made the decision to commit our lives to Jesus. We were definitely excited to grow in our relationship with God so we attended camps that resulted in “mountaintop experiences” or retreats that gave us a warm feeling all over. There were times when we would be stirred in our hearts to love God more after listening to a very good sermon. These wonderful feelings are usually equated with worship. Sadly, these things are not worship.

According to A.W. Tozer, “worship is to express in some appropriate  manner a humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder and overpowering love in the presence of our Father which art in heaven.” This simply means that worship is speaking or expressing God’s worth, and our responsibility to adore Him. It is not about music or singing, and it’s definitely not about us. It’s not about what we enjoy doing for Him.

Worship is more than just faithful service. It is more than just reading your Bible from cover to cover or singing loudly in a church service. Worship is focusing only on God and never thinking about ourselves. God is so awesome and wonderful that our prospects for worship are limitless. Nature alone already speaks of God’s greatness. Yet, there are still a myriad of other things around us that show us God’s grandeur.

Practicing true worship can bring us closer to God. It can bring us so close that nothing or no one can come between us and God. May we learn to practice worship in its true form, not focusing on ourselves but focusing on God alone.

 

Working at MSCS

The article below is my write up for the MSCS yearbook for AY 2008-09. Hope you enjoy reading. :)

“What is there to enjoy in Surabaya?”

I was asked this seemingly unimportant question that brought me to realize this very important morsel of truth: we were created to enjoy our relationships. When I was asked this question, my instant answer was “The people, my friends.” It was then that I realized how important our relationships are and that we were created to enjoy each and every relationship that we have.

Relationship with God.

Our most important relationship is our relationship with God. We were created to have fellowship with Him each and every moment of our lives. We find wisdom and strength only in His presence. I was so blessed to have been part of a school where we corporately worship God and pray to Him for our needs daily. It is just right to make Him first in everything that we do.

Relationship with others.

When one of the teachers said that MSCS has a very good working environment, I just couldn’t agree more. When I first came to this school, I immediately felt the warmth of the people working here; it was as if I was part of a very intimate family. Every one was so accommodating that I did not find it difficult to adjust to my new environment. It became very easy for me to do well in my job because all of the people here were so kind and helpful. Even the students were so adorable and loving. I truly treasure my relationships with my bosses, my colleagues and my students. Though years may pass, I will always have my MSCS family in my heart.

I consider working for Mawar Sharon Christian School or MSCS as it is more commonly known, to be one of my most rewarding experiences. That is why it was very hard for me to say goodbye after working here for two years.