forgiven...chosen...loved

Behind the scenes

2011-07-01T23:29:00.003+08:00

I sometimes wonder what's really happening behind the scenes.

It's been almost a month since the start of classes. I've noticed that traffic gets really heavy especially in the mornings. Waiting in traffic is not a welcome routine for me. I always get agitated and irritated. But during those "waiting times", my thoughts wandered on life in general. I think God is working "behind the scenes" while I'm waiting. He's been teaching me "life lessons" while driving during heavy traffic. I'll share a couple of thoughts.

Give others some "space" or "allowance". I'm sort of diligent in trailing the car in front of mine during traffic. Actually it's my "defensive move" to prevent other cars in cutting my lane. But as much as I want to "protect" my "space", some drivers are really brilliant in cutting your lane even with just a tiny space. This usually gets my anger level high. But God has been teaching me and reminding me that I should give "space". I will get to my destination anyway even if that car cut my lane. Giving ample space will also protect me from bumping incidents.
Look at the mirrors as often as needed. Just as they say that you should always look forward when driving. You should also look at the mirrors (i.e. side mirror and rear-view mirror) as often as needed. The reason is pretty obvious. You need to glance at the mirrors before you make a move to your left or to your right or when going on a reverse. In life, we need to look back (just like looking at the rear-view mirror) to see how far we've come. It also helps us remember the lessons we've learned along the way. Looking at the side mirrors is like seeing how other people are doing. Care enough not to bump them. :)

From time to time, God is also reminding me to look beyond my "ordeal" (i.e. the long wait while in heavy traffic). Try to see some sceneries (if there's any). Try to look at the surroundings and who knows you might notice something that you haven't noticed when it's not traffic. This morning I have this "I didn't know there was that --" moment while looking around. I didn't know that there was a beautiful acacia tree on that cement island near SM Marikina. There's a beautiful line of Indian trees too. I was telling myself, "I'm passing this highway almost everyday and I didn't notice that?!". I must say, "Thank God for 'waiting times'."

Book excerpt

2011-04-23T12:11:00.002+08:00

There are three categories of people in the world, and my bet is that you fall into one of them. Today, you might be what I call a "BP". You're "before pain", which means that up until this point in your life, you've been spared debilitating tragedies and heartaches. For you, God's promise in Romans 8:28 to "work for the good in all things" will be nothing more than theory. I recommend you keep this good theory nearby, nevertheless, because at some point in your life, you just might need it. Which brings me to category two.

You might be an "IP" -- someone who is "in pain" right now. In our broken world, pain will eventually find you, and when that day comes -- of if you're in the throes of pain as you read these words today -- Romans 8:28 is a lifeline, plain and simple. Our God can redeem even the darkest of days for his purposes. Without this promise, your trials and mine could feel overwhelming, and our pain could feel unbearable.

Or, perhaps you're like me, an "AP", which means you've made it over the most recent of life's painful hurdles in one piece. You're recovering and rebuilding as you navigate the waters called "after pain". For you, Romans 8:28 is a treasure. You now can see evidence of how God worked the pain for good, and as you face the prospect of future trials, something in you knows you'll make it through.

Wherever you find yourself on this continuum -- BP, IP or AP -- I encourage you to commit that Romans verse to memory. God promises goodness for your tomorrows, regardless what realities you're living through today.

--pages 125-126 THE POWER OF A WHISPER by Bill Hybels

Does He still feel the nails?

2010-04-01T21:26:00.003+08:00

Art on truck

2009-12-22T20:48:00.004+08:00

Jumong on a red truck

This red truck caught my attention while I was driving to work this morning. The artwork reminds me of the hand-painted movie billboards before.

You'll never know what you'll see on the road. :)

The First Day of Christmas Project

2009-11-25T13:58:00.003+08:00

Want to be a part of The First Day of Christmas?

There are many ways to be a part of it!

Visit http://firstdayofchristmas.theedge.ph/ for more details!

REDEEM THE AIRWAVES - RTA 4.0 "CUT THROUGH THE NOISE"

2009-05-12T20:21:00.004+08:00

REDEEM THE AIRWAVES - RTA 4.0
"CUT THROUGH THE NOISE" (Music and Media Conference)
May 15-16, 2009
Union Church of Manila, Rada corner Legaspi Sts. Legaspi Village Makati

This year's conference will start with a FREE (yeah, you heard it right! FREE!) Praise and Worship concert! 6-9PM on May 14!

Performances by:

Indios
Abby Sanchez
Lei Bautista
Tiny Cactus
Acel Bisa Van Ommen
Hubert Cheock
Kitchie Nadal

So invite your friends!!!

For more info, contact 339.01.40 or visit www.rtaconference.ning.com

God in a bottle

2009-04-29T23:42:00.001+08:00

Sometimes I notice myself that I was praying as if I have a genie in a bottle. Always praying for what I want. "Lord, please give me this..." "Lord, please help me on this..." "Lord, I need this..." etc, etc. Well, nothing's wrong in involving God to our lives' little mundanes. But when our prayers are almost 100% about our wants and needs, I think we should evaluate ourselves. It's great when God answers our prayers with a "yes". When the answer is "wait", we get impatient, uneasy. When God gives us a big fat "NO" for an answer. We fret. We get angry. We rant. We feel disappointed. We may think that God doesn't understand. What I always try to remind myself whenever I got a NO answer is the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (in Daniel chapter 3). I admire the kind of faith these guys have. My favorite phrase in their answer to King Nebuchadnezzar is "but even if He does not" (Daniel 3:18). Amazing faith! Let me share with you my favorite verse: "And we know that all things work for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28 KJV).

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you can't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart

30 lives

2009-03-15T21:14:00.002+08:00

Up+Up+Down+Down+Left+Right+Left+Right+B+A+B+A+Select+Start
The cheat code to have 30 lives for 2 players in Contra video game.
Just when I was playing the game I was thinking... "Wish there's a 'cheat code' to have 30 lives in real life huh?!"
We just have one life to live so better live it well.
And God reminded me... Even when we don't have 30 lives, God promised eternal life to those who'll put their trust in Jesus! :)

To detour or not to detour [part 2]

2009-02-28T13:29:00.002+08:00

I think I've asked myself this question many times these past few days. I have to drive back and forth to Manila for ten consecutive days for the APRICOT 2009 conference. I've already mapped out a travel route in advance (thanks to Citi Atlas and wikimapia.org!) but I've learned it's good to have an alternate route plan to avoid last minute changes. :D

But the last minute changes (in travel route) made the travels more exciting! It was like "thank God for the traffic jam!" If not for the traffic jams I wouldn't have taken those detour routes.

The feeling is great (as in total bliss!) when the detour route looks like a success. That is when I thought I had escaped from the traffic jam. I feel disappointed when I took a detour and the traffic is even worse. But then it's still OK because I've learned a new route and observed the road and its surroundings better.

Just some passing thoughts while taking those detour routes...
It's good to have a map/atlas. In life we don't have a map or atlas but we have the word of God (Bible) to guide us in our way.
Don't be envious. I sometimes become envious of drivers in the other lane or opposite lane when the traffic is not bad in their side. I was thinking, "I wish I were on their side of the road." But time and again God would remind me that we have our own different journey. It was just my time to endure the traffic. I have to appreciate the moment and learn from it. :D
There are blessings in disguise. I'm not a traffic jam fan. But being stuck in a crazy traffic could be a blessing. Just looking around (while stuck in traffic), I got to discover places I had just heard or saw in the map. I've been hearing myself saying, "Ah yan pala yon!" (pertaining to a street or a building or a restaurant, etc.). I sort of get more acquianted with the place rather than just passing by.hehe.

Now, I think it's always worth a try to take a detour. :D

To detour or not to detour

2009-02-04T20:20:00.003+08:00

I don't like detours before. But now that I'm driving, I welcome the option to detour especially when there's a traffic jam ahead. I'm just having a dilemma sometimes because I have this thought that maybe I would just waste some gas by detouring.

One thing I'm learning from this, sometimes I just have to endure the traffic jam because it will soon pass. Patience exercise! :)

Just thinking: In life, we may not have the liberty to choose to detour or not to detour. But whatever we're going through in life, I believe it's for a purpose.

Word 4U Today 1st Quarter issue out now!!!

2009-01-27T16:45:00.006+08:00

Get your copy now for only P50!

If you wanna bless your friend with a copy as well, you get a back issue free!

(Special promo: buy 2 current issues and get 1 back Issue free)

Back issues are still available for P20 only!

To get your copy now…you can:

Call 3390140 and look for owie

Visit us at the station!
Unit 301 State Condo 1 Salcedo St Legaspi Village Makati
Visit any PCBS Branch nationwide
or subscribe now!!!

How then shall I live?

2008-12-20T15:51:00.006+08:00

I think December is the month of the year when most people are in their most emotional and reflective mood.

I remember this scenario when I heard Steven Curtis Chapman's Last Day On Earth song...
One morning while I was driving to work, I heard the sound of a siren. And when I looked on the center rearview mirror, there was an approaching ambulance. Cars on both lanes were making way for the ambulance. As I was maneuvering my car to the left to create ample space for the approaching ambulance, I suddenly glanced at the billboard for the "now showing" movie "The Day The Earth Stood Still". The ambulance had passed by and as I was going back to my previous lane, thoughts were racing in my mind. What if I was the one in that ambulance?

Last Day on Earth
by Steven Curtis Chapman

I pull over to the side of the road and I watch the cars pass me by
The headlights and a black limousine tell me someone is saying goodbye
I bow my head and I whisper a prayer, "Father, comfort their broken hearts"
And as I drive away there's a thought that I
I cannot escape, No I, I cannot escape this thought
I can't get away

Oh, if this should be my last day on this earth
How then shall I live?
Oh, if this should be the last day that I have
Before I breathe the air of heaven
Let me live it with abandon to
The only thing that remains
After my last day, here on earth

If this should be my last day here on earth
If this should be my last day here on earth
If this should be my last, last day here on earth

And if tomorrow comes to find me
Looking in the face of Jesus
Will I hear Him say the words "well done"?

If this should be my last day here on earth
If this should be my last, my last day here on earth

Cause this could be my last, this could be my last
This could be my last day

*Last Day on Earth is the 4th track in the album All Things New. You can listen to it for free at Steven's website. Here's the link for the said album.

Want to be a blessing?

2008-11-12T22:25:00.002+08:00

Christmas is just around the corner. Want to be a blessing to others? How?
The Edge Radio Manila plans to decorate an orphanage this Christmas!!! Just donate your still pretty and use-able Christmas decors! If you'd like to donate your decor or help out in any other way, please contact The Edge office at 339-0140 or 0918.959.3343. :)

The Edge Radio's first

2008-11-07T11:07:00.002+08:00

The Edge Radio is doing its first live remote video webcast at Acel Bisa Van Ommen's album launch at Eastwood tonight, Nov. 6, 2008 6-10PM.
Watch it live at http://www.theedgeradio.net/edgetvpage/manila/

Rainbow

2008-10-27T07:49:00.003+08:00

Monday morning rush. I was having temper spurts while driving. I was quite annoyed by the jeeps and cars that were cutting my lane. When I was making the U-turn along Marcos Highway, a jeep tried to cut my lane again. I managed to make that U-turn safely. I was trying to keep my cool and stretch my patience. After making the U-turn, a rainbow greeted me. Whoa, I haven't seen a rainbow for a long time. It was so clear you can see the ROYGBIV colors. If I could just stop the car and stare at the rainbow for some time.hehe. I just managed to drive while glancing at the rainbow once in a while.

How great thou art!

Grace [period]

2008-10-06T07:00:00.003+08:00

It's all because of grace [period]

Just when you thought you were invincible, God would always remind you that you cannot do anything without Him.

We're living under grace [period] Nothing more, nothing less.

Half filled or half empty?

2008-07-25T10:24:00.002+08:00

Oil price hike every week. Traffic jam every morning. Annoying circumstance.
Perspective in life is really important.
I'm trying to be more thankful.
Oil price hike every week -- I'm thankful I have a car.
Traffic jam every morning -- I'm thankful I could take some pictures and patience level is being put to test.
Annoying circumstance -- I'm thankful because it's a test of my character.
This morning, a passenger jeep cut my lane (as in sharp cut). I was in shock but then my shock became anger. After a few seconds of state of anger I reminded myself to be thankful. Thankful that no accident happened. Suzuki (my car) wasn't hurt. I wasn't hurt. No extra expenses in case Suzuki and I got hurt. Test of patience indeed.

Borrowed time

2008-07-20T20:28:00.002+08:00

We were on our way to church earlier this morning when we encountered a traffic jam along Amang Rodriguez Avenue. I was quite irritated by the traffic. My irritation was turned to mixed emotions when I was able to catch a glimpse of the cause of the traffic jam. What I saw is a woman lying on the ground beside a motorcycle. Then men were trying to carry the woman to a car and I supposed they will bring the woman to a nearby hospital.

When I saw that situation, my mind was filled with flashback images. I also had a street accident about 3 years ago. I realized I was living on a "borrowed time" for almost 3 years now. I suddenly have a quick evaluation of my so-called "borrowed life". God reminded me once again that I don't have complete control over my life. He's the boss. He could take it away anytime so I should live a meaningful life.

Unique story 2

2008-07-19T15:54:00.002+08:00

Remember my "Unique story" blog entry about two months ago? Well, few weeks ago I was able to buy a new pair of sneakers. We just went to the mall that day to stroll but I ended up with new pair of shoes. It was my mom who noticed the sneakers. I tried fitting the shoes and surprisingly it fits. The salesman said it's the last pair already. I really appreciate the shoes because it's comfortable and has simple design. And the best thing was the price is 50% off! Woohoo! It's only now that I realized that almost all of my shoes were bought at a discounted price ha! Thanks to the unique size of my feet! I knew God has a purpose for everything. :)

Trapped in an "I-land"?

2008-07-13T18:37:00.003+08:00

It's mid-year already. For the past weeks I've been "evaluating" my "progress" in this life of mine. Am I more loving... more patient... more generous... more joyful... more serving... or am I trapped in an "I-land"?

Driving here in the Philippines is very challenging. It takes a lot of courage. You try to drive safely but it seems that others don't care about it. I've noticed lately that I'm driving faster than I used to be. Maybe it's because I'm always in a hurry? Well, maybe it's because others are driving pretty fast and I thought I'll be left behind in the "race". Hehe. I guess I should have a sort of "metronome"(in music, it is a device to help you have a steady tempo) in my car. I'm keeping myself aware of my driving speed now... be more giving and patient and especially not to go with the flow of fast driving but not to the other extreme of driving too slow just like a funeral car! Hehe.

God is so thoughtful he remembers even our crazy little requests. Years ago I've been wanting to try other things like being an elevator operator, photocopying machine attendant and (school bus or private) driver. God made my little crazy requests into reality few weeks ago on different occasions. At first I was sort of complaining, but when I realized my requests were granted I had a wide smile. I realized that God is giving me opportunities to be of service to other people. :)

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4 NIV)

Benefit of the doubt

2008-06-07T15:46:00.002+08:00

Before, I thought it's negative to doubt. When I was in college, my professor in Humanities would always comment when we're unsure of our answers -- "It's good when you're doubting. It means you're thinking." One of the things I could still remember from the devotional book "If the Pasta Wiggles, Don't Eat It..." by Martha Bolton is the "bumper sticker for the day" that says, "Sometimes the best gift you can give a friend is the benefit of the doubt."

I realized that the "benefit of the doubt" lesson is also applicable when driving. This "benefit of the doubt" had saved me several times from accident. You cannot really always trust what you're seeing. Some of my experiences were... The intersection might look open but when I'm about to cross it, another vehicle will pop out. I look at the side mirror and the lane seems to be open but when I'm about to change lane, a man riding a motorcycle is suddenly in the lane. I look at the rear red lights of the vehicle I'm trailing as a guide if I have to step on the brakes, more often than not, most vehicles on the road have busted rear red lights. Most drivers do not flash signal lights when they are turning right or left and this annoys me sometimes. Oh well, I took note of these things and try to be aware of the possibilities.

I think we could learn life's lessons while driving. :)

Thanks for the lemonade!

2008-06-04T22:38:00.002+08:00

Lemonade is not my favorite but we should be thankful for everything.

If life gives you lemons, make lemonade! :)

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Spectacles and HipHop/RnB

2008-06-01T21:26:00.003+08:00

During my elementary days, I envied my classmates who wear eyeglasses. They looked like geniuses and smart kids. I could still remember I was asking my mom to buy me eyeglasses even when I have 20/20 vision. I would interview my classmates how does it feel to wear eyeglasses. One classmate of mine said, "Mahirap ang naka-eyeglasses!"

Two to three years ago, results of my eye checkup was my eyes are "astig" (as in astigmatic). I was advised to wear corrective eyeglasses. I was excited to wear eyeglasses. As I was wearing eyeglasses more often, I found out that eyeglasses are sort of obstruction on the face. I now fully understand my classmate's statement before. I hope and pray that my eyes won't be "astig" anymore. Funny me! I wonder if God is nodding his head and would scold me, "'Kala ko ba gusto mo ang naka-eyeglasses?!" I remember a Henry Blackaby's quote, "Oh God, if I ever give You a request and You have more to give me than I am asking, cancel my request!" :)

My brother likes hiphop/rnb sounds while driving. He would put down the car's windows plus have the audio's volume up plus matching wearing sunglasses equals 100 pogi points! My mom and I are quite annoyed with this style of his. I observed teenagers and young adults on the road and most of them have this style also. I guess this is just the trend. Recently, one sunny day while I was driving along traffic-free Katipunan Ave., a hiphop/rnb sound was played on the radio. I put down my car's windows plus have the audio's volume up. I said to myself, "Ah, ganito pala ang feeling!" I found out that hiphop/rnb is a good background music while driving. Hehe. I've learned that you'll never really know how it feels until you experience it yourself.

In life, sometimes we may feel that nobody really understands how we feel. We just have to remember that we have a God who understands us and He experienced it all. Hebrews 4:14-16 (The Message) says, "Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help."

Cinderella

2008-06-01T10:15:00.002+08:00

Cinderella
by Steven Curtis Chapman

She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad, I need you

There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I danced with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I danced with Cinderella
I don't wanna miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of her dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I danced with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I danced with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

She will be gone

Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I danced with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I danced with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

For a sample audio of Cinderella, visit SCC's site.

---------------------------------------------------------

I guess this song became more important than ever to SCC.

I've been hurry-sick for the past weeks and this song reminds me to cherish and savor each moment all the more. It's difficult to chase time. :)

God has a unique way of getting our attention. While driving along our street going home, a big frog popped up and blocked my way. I stepped on the brakes. I have second thoughts of honking my car's horn because I've been training myself to just honk my car's horn if really necessary. While the big frog was sitting pretty and blocking my way, I smiled. I said to God, "You got me!" He knows I can't run over a frog so I need to stop. (I was so sorry then for all the frogs I've dissected during my Bio 2 class when I was in college.) I stopped for a while and then geared my car to reverse to avoid the frog. When I was parking my car in our garage, I suddenly thought, "God, was that my frog prince?" :)

Trying times

2008-05-24T00:35:00.003+08:00

I've read about Maria's death early yesterday morning. May the God of all comfort comforts the Chapman family in this time of grief. (Click here for more details)

There are just some things we will not understand in this side of life.

Just this 12:01AM, there's another PhP1.00-1.50 increase in oil petroleum products. Sometimes it's just so depressing.

I thank God for songs of comfort and hope:

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
- Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
- Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, All fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives
- Because He Lives (hymn)

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
- Trust His Heart by Ray Boltz

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." -- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Hurry-Sick Tin

2008-05-18T21:50:00.002+08:00

I'm fascinated in observing and monitoring things (e.g. weather, traffic, etc.). Lately I've been monitoring myself.hehe. And I noticed I have hurry sickness (hehe self-diagnosed disease).

My Symptoms:
- Honking my car's horn more often (esp. when there's a slow moving vehicle in front)
- Disliking red traffic light
- Eating fast
- Talking fast
- Walking fast or running more often
- Always looking at my watch or my PC's clock

I'm not saying that doing things faster is bad. But there is a time for everything. I'm forgetting to cherish the moment and enjoy the ride. God is too wise to catch my attention by giving me pain last week. It is as if He was saying, "Slow down, Tin." Now that I'm aware of it, I'll be monitoring myself again and hope I will make progress this week. :)

Unique story

2008-05-03T07:40:00.002+08:00

Thoughts of being a "generic" human being keep on bugging my mind lately. I thought I have a generic name and a generic face. (Hehe. Just in my low self-esteem mood.) I asked God, "Is there something special about me?" (Just wanting to have some affirmation and assurance.)

Last night, my mom and I came early for the Black Gospel Music Celebration Worship Concert. We decided to eat and stroll inside the St. Francis Square while waiting. My mom suggested that I should buy a new pair of shoes (as an alternate to my fave sneakers). There were lots of shoes on different stalls. There were many choices of design and color. "I want a unique one!", I said to my mom. After going around the stalls for some time, we saw a cute sneaker-like-girly-looking pair of slip-on shoes. We asked for the price and it was reasonable. The salesman encouraged me to try the shoes. The shoes on display looked big. My mom asked for the smallest size. The salesman said the smallest size is 35. "Oh yeah, 35 is my size!" (I remembered I bought a pair of shoes years ago with size 35 and it fitted my feet.) But when I tried the shoes, it was one size bigger than my size. Too bad. The salesman encouraged me to look for other designs. I saw my second choice but then the smallest size is not my size again. Too bad again. I was quite disappointed because I wasn't able to buy a pair of shoes. But I felt that God just want to say something to me, "Tin, you have a unique size of feet! You see, with all the pairs of shoes available in all these stalls, nothing fits your feet -- because you're unique!" Hehe, God has a good sense of humor. "Yeah, I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made!" :)

Balinguynguy, atbp.

2008-04-26T20:24:00.002+08:00

Naaaliw ako sa mga terms and trivia. Di ko alam kung bakit. Nung college ako, nagbibigay-aliw ang mga terms na natututunan ko sa human physiology at nutrition subjects.hehe. Kamakailan lang nalaman ko na ang tagalog pala ng nosebleed ay balinguynguy. Kaaliw! Tunog ethnic. Parang pangalan ng isang ethnic instrument - e.g. kudyapi, kulintang, kubing, at bungkaka. Nauso pa man din ang expression na "nakaka-nosebleed" kapag may mga bagay na mahirap maintindihan. Ang medical term naman para sa nosebleed ay epistaxis.

Ako ay nagbalik-tanaw sa mga terms na nagbigay aliw sa akin sa nakalipas na mga taon:

1. Angina pectoris or angina for short - ito ang medical term for chest pain. "Wag kang magalit baka magka-angina ka!"
2. Borborygmy - ito ang medical term para sa growling sound ng stomach. Alam ko lang sa tagalog ito ang sinasabi..."kumukurokok na ang tyan ko!"
3. Dysgeusia - medical term sa pagkawala ng sense of taste. Naaalala ko pa kwento ng teacher ko nung college pambiro nila itong term na ito sa mga classmates nila na walang taste sa pagpili ng boyfriend or girlfriend. Sa pagkakatanda ko kulang sa zinc kaya nagkaka-dysgeusia.
4. Cardiomegaly - medical term sa enlargement of the heart. Basta kapag may suffix na -megaly ang ibig sabihin ay enlargement or swelling ng size - e.g. hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), renomegaly (enlarged kidney). O-megaly = enlarged letter O?hehe.
5. Steatorrhea - medical term for fatty stool. Ito raw ang karaniwang side effect ng pag-inom ng diet pill.
6. Allium Cepa - scientific name ng onion. Pano kung may pagka-scientist yung nagtuturo sa mga cooking shows... "Sauté the Allium Cepa..."
7. Moringa Oleifera - scientific name ng malunggay. Herbal plant ang malunggay. Naalala ko yung isang pinsan ko nung bata pa sya tuwing nagkakasugat sya ang sinisigaw nya ay "Magdikdik kayo ng malunggay!"
8. Y'ami - ito ang pangalan ng island na nasa pinakataas ng Pilipinas. Sa pagkakaalam ko ito ay kasama sa Batanes group of islands.
9. Bundok Buntis - pangalan ng bundok sa may Maragondon, Cavite kung saan pinatay si Andres Bonifacio. Sabi sa mga history books may mga haka-haka na si Emilio Aguinaldo raw ang nagpapatay kay Andres dahil sa pulitika. Tsk, tsk, tsk... pulitika talaga.
10. Ubuntu - pangalan ng isang Linux operating system (free and open source software). Ang "ubuntu" pala ay isang ancient African word na ang ibig sabihin ay "humanity to others". Ang nakalagay sa jacket ng installer CD ay "Ubuntu is software libre. You are encouraged and legally entitled to copy, reinstall, modify, and redistribute this CD for yourself and your friends. Share the spirit of Ubuntu!" Great, di ba? Not your typical "illegal copying and distribution of this CD is punishable by law!"

Yan lang muna ang mga naalala ko sa ngayon.

P.S.
Ah, sa nickname ko rin may naisip na ako na nakakaaliw na terms:
- Patpat Tin = payat si Tin
- Sakit Tin = masama ang pakiramdam ni Tin
- Taba Tintin = kapag tumaba na si Tin
- Kulit Tin = hyper-mode si Tin
- Mainit Tin = kapag may bad temper si Tin

Epekto lang ata ito ng global warming kay Tin. Hehe. :)

Tour Of the Fireflies 2008

2008-04-20T22:55:00.002+08:00

My brother and I decided to join the Tour Of the Fireflies this year.
Here's the route (as far as I can remember):

1. Tiendesitas - Starting Point
2. J. Vargas Ave.
3. San Miguel Ave.
4. Shaw Blvd.
5. Pioneer St.
6. Boni Ave.
7. Maysilo
8. San Francisco St.
9. Coronado St.
10. Makati-Mandaluyong Boundary Bridge
11. P. Burgos Ext.
12. Makati Ave.
13. Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. (Buendia Ave.)
14. Roxas Blvd.
15. South Blvd.
16. Parade Ave.
17. Quirino Grandstand - Stopover
18. Katigbak Drive
19. Padre Burgos Ave.
20. Ayala Blvd.
21. P. Casal
22. Legarda
23. Nicanor Reyes
24. España
25. Quezon Ave.
26. Timog Ave.
27. East Ave.
28. Quezon City Hall - Stopover
29. Kalayaan Ave.
30. Kamias Road
31. Anonas
32. Aurora Blvd.
33. A. Bonifacio
34. Riverbanks Mall parking street
35. C5 Marikina
36. E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C5)
37. Tiendesitas - End Point

Most of the participants used mountain bikes. We only have Japan-surplus bikes. I personally enjoyed the bike tour. I couldn't believe that we were biking in the major streets in the metro. The roads where I enjoyed the tour most were Boni underpass, Buendia Ave., Roxas Blvd., and flyover going to Marikina. Though I was just a bit shocked by the uphill climb in J. Vargas at the start of the tour, I managed to finish the route by God's grace. It was tiring especially for the not-so-athletic people like me. Towards the last leg of the tour, my leg muscles were tired already and there were still several uphill roads along the way. It was just a sort of "mind" game for me. I saw some people taking their own stopovers. I was tempted to make a stop also but I think I would be having a difficult time going back to the track again. I just keep telling to myself Walt Disney's quote, "Keep moving forward".

I realized the importance of training. I need more practice. Practice, practice, practice. Practice makes permanent. :)

Attitude Is Everything

2008-04-17T19:29:00.005+08:00

Just want to share this transcript of Francis Kong's Business Matters episode about attitude aired last March 7 over 98.7FM.

This is an old story but worth repeating.

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?" So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"H-M-M," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?" So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Attitude is everything.

I remember respected businessman Andrew Liuson tell this story.

One day an old lady who seems to be cheerful all the time got into the nerves of a wealthy businessman who seems to be miserable all the time. This old lady is not only poor, due to poor oral hygiene she has practically lost all of her teeth except 2.

The businessman could not understand. And so he approached the happy toothless old woman and asked, “I can’t seem to understand why you are happy all the time. Tell me. Why are you happy?”

The old woman looked at the businessman and said, “I am happy because although I only have 2 teeth left at least they are still aligned.”

Attitude is such a huge thing.

There are many people today who cannot attain the success they are looking for in life not because they are lacking in talent or skill but simply because they have an attitude problem.

Your attitude would either make you or break you.

Sales guru Jeffrey Gittomer says:

"Several national tests have revealed the following startling statistics about why salespeople fail...
15% Improper training both product and sales skills.
20% Poor verbal and written communication skills.
15% Poor or problematic boss or management.
50% Attitude."

I’ve known of people who are extra-ordinarily gifted. They are skilled. They are intelligent. They are highly educated. And they are getting nowhere in life simply because they have a lousy attitude.

Famous author and speaker Charles R. Swindoll says: “This may shock you, but I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude. It is more important than my past, my education, my bankroll, my successes or failures, fame or pain, what other people think of me or say about me, my circumstances, or my position. Attitude is that `single string' that keeps me going or cripples my progress. It alone fuels my fire or assaults my hope. When my attitudes are right, there's no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme, no challenge too great for me.”

This is why if there is anything that is important for me to develop, it is to from in me a Christ like attitude.

To give thanks in everything and in anything appreciate God and His love for me.

This gives me the ability to understand and accept other people.

So let me offer you a piece of advice.

Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.......

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.

It's about learning to dance in the rain.

God bless you.

Just When I Thought I Was Over 'You'

2008-04-15T20:27:00.002+08:00

First of all, let's define the 'You'. I just notice 'him' about two years ago when I started driving a car. He's been bugging me from time to time. At first I'm not aware of 'his' presence but now I'm always cautious because of 'him'. He'll just pop up any time. Sometimes I could contain 'him' but there were times that I just let 'him' go. Just this morning, I said to myself, "Just when I thought I was over 'you'..."

Alright, enough of this guessing game. I'm talking about my 'bad temper'. I thought I was over with it recently. Now I know why I thought I was over with bad temper... because I haven't encountered traffic jam for the past few days and I had achieved my greatest victory so far last weekend (i.e. enduring the traffic jam from Bicutan to Alabang). Oh well, I always tell 'patience'... "and you left me, just when I needed you most" hehe. Errr... "don't rest on your laurels" so they say. I've learned that dealing with bad temper is not just a one-time shot. Sometimes I'm thinking if I could only take a pill (just like Bonamine for dizziness) to prevent bad temper. Most of the time I tend to like shortcuts. But life is not like that. There are just some things in life that we have to endure to help us grow and build our character. We need God's amazing grace to do that.

Feel The Nails

2008-03-23T18:52:00.002+08:00

Feel The Nails
by Ray Boltz

1st verse
They tell me Jesus died
For my transgressions
That he paid that price a long, long time ago
When he gave his life for me
On a hill called Calvary
But there's something else I want to know

Chorus
Does he still feel the nails
Every time I fail
Can he hear the crowd cry "Crucify" again
Am I causing him pain
Then I know I've got to change
I just can't bear the thought of hurting him.

2nd verse
It seems that I'm so good at breaking promises
And I treat his precious grace so carelessly
But each time he forgives
What if he re-lives
The agony He felt on that tree

(Repeat Chorus)

Holy, Holy
Holy is the Lord
Holy Holy
Holy is the Lord

Do you still feel the nails
Every time I fail
Have I crucified you Jesus with my sins
Oh I'm tired of playing games
I really want to change
I never want to hurt you again

Holy, Holy
Holy is the Lord
Holy, Holy
Holy is the Lord

Redeem The Airwaves 3.0 : Upload

2008-03-20T20:35:00.002+08:00

What: Redeem The Airwaves 3.0 : Upload
When: April 10-12
Where: Lighthouse Christian Community Alabang, Muntinlupa
For more info, visit www.theedgeradio.net

Nakakapagpangiti

2008-03-16T20:59:00.009+08:00

May mga bagay na nakakapagpangiti.

Isang umaga na papunta sa office, trapik at medyo inaantok-antok pa.hehe. Medyo naiirita na naman ako sa trapik nang mapatingin ako sa mga signboards. Yung isang signboard ang sabi, "GENERAL BODY REPAIR & PAINTING WE FIX BANGGA, DENTS, ETC. MECHANIC ON DUTY". Binasa ko lang yung signboard, tapos bigla ako napaisip kung anong ibig sabihin ng "bangga". Nakailang banggit ako sa sarili ko ng salitang "bangga" (in American accent!hehe). Akala ko English word! Grabe, hindi lang ako napangiti, natawa ako sa sarili ko. Hindi maalis ang ngiti sa mukha ko habang nagda-drive hanggang makarating ako sa UP. Hanggang ngayon sinisilip-silip ko yung signboard na yon tuwing nadadaan ako at napapangiti pa rin ako.

Na-appreciate ko ang trapik pa-minsan-minsan kasi nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon na kumuha ng mga pics, parang "Slice of Life" ni Larry Alcala. Matagal ko na gustong dalhin ang Japan-surplus bike ko sa UP. Pero di kasya sa likod ni Suzuki. Sabi ng mom ko bibilhan na lang raw nya ako ng foldable bike para magkasya. Nung nakita ko ito, napangiti ako at nagkaroon ng idea. Tanggalin ko na lang kaya yung spare tire sa likod ni Suzuki at isabit si Japan-surplus bike?! :)

Di ko alam kung bakit naaaliw ako sa Volkswagen Beetle Bug. Napapangiti talaga ako! Nakatabi namin ito sa Podium parking nung nakaraang Sunday.

Nakakapagpangiti itong sight na ito. Pababa ito sa stairs. Inaabangan ko ang cloud formations at effect ng sunset sa clouds dito kapag uuwi na ako. :)

Ang sweet ni God dahil binibigyan nya ako ng pagkakataon na ma-appreciate ang mga bagay-bagay at mapangiti sa mga ito. :)

Walking Her Home

2008-02-27T21:58:00.002+08:00

Broken & Beautiful
by Mark Schultz

Looking back
He sees it all
It was her first date the night he came to call

Her dad said son
Have her home on time
And promise me you’ll never leave her side
He took her to a show in town
And he was ten feet off the ground

(Chorus)
He was walking her home
And holding her hand
Oh the way she smiled it stole the breath right out of him
Down that old road
With the stars up above
He remembers where he was the night he fell in love
He was walking her home

Ten more years and a waiting room
At half past one
And the doctor said come in and meet your son

His knees went weak
When he saw his wife
She was smiling as she said he’s got your eyes

And as she slept he held her tight
His mind went back to that first night

(Chorus)

He walked her through the best days of her life
Sixty years together and he never left her side

A nursing home
At eighty-five
And the doctor said it could be her last night
And the nurse said Oh
Should we tell him now
Or should he wait until the morning to find out

But when they checked her room that night
He was laying by her side

Oh he was walking her home
And holding her hand
Oh the way she smiled when he said this is not the end
And just for a while they were eighteen
And she was still more beautiful to him than anything
He was walking her home
He was walking her home

Looking back
He sees it all
It was her first date the night he came to call

====================================

This song lyrics seems like a story plot of a movie. :) Actually, I was supposed to post this for valentines. Time flies so fast I didn't notice it's almost the end of the month. Anyway, it's still February...better late than never.hehe.

One Step At A Time [Full lyrics]

2008-02-14T21:12:00.003+08:00

When something seems
Too hard to handle
Too big to conquer
Too far away to touch

When all your dreams
Begin to shatter
And deep inside you
You're hurtin', oh, so much
That's when it's time to say

Refrain:
I'm climbing my mountain, step by step
I'm climbing my mountain, day by day
I'm climbing my mountain, all the way
I'm climbing my mountain
I'm gonna make it

Chorus:
One step at a time
One step at a time
One step at a time
With Jesus by my side
One step at a time
One step at a time
I'm climbing my mountain
One step at at time

Even though you might grow weary
Don't be discouraged
In our weakness God is strong

Remember this, He'll never leave you
He won't forsake you
He's your strength and He's your song
So sing and start to say...
(Refrain then Chorus)

================================

Can't really remember the second verse and Mr. Google can't help me this time. I asked my mom and my brother if they remember the second verse. They made me sing first (1st verse and chorus) so they could remember the tune and hopefully the lyrics. Unfortunately, they could only remember the chorus. But my mom remembered she wrote the lyrics in her small notebook. (We had the album in cassette tape but unfortunately the album cover was lost already.) Good thing my mom still have that small notebook. :)

Thoughts I've realized... it's good to take notes and remember where you put the notebook (hehe!), and I'm just amazed how God designed our memory! :)

One Step At A Time

2008-02-13T23:25:00.003+08:00

When something seems
Too hard to handle
Too big to conquer
Too far away to touch

When all your dreams
Begin to shatter
And deep inside you
You're hurting, oh so much

And now it's time to say
I'm climbing my mountain, step by step
I'm climbing my mountain, day by day
I'm climbing my mountain, all the way
I'm climbing my mountain
I'm gonna make it

One step at a time
One step at a time
One step at a time
With Jesus by my side
One step at a time
One step at a time
I'm climbing my mountain
One step at a time

=========================================

This is just the most I could extract from my memory bank. hehe. I can't remember the 2nd verse. Anyway, it takes moment-by-moment discipline to shake off worry. And it's really amazing how God brings encouragement during those weary times. Now my mind is not filled with worry anymore. It's busy trying to remember the 2nd verse. hehe.

Comforting line... One step at a time, with Jesus by my side

Unfortunately...

2008-01-31T22:09:00.000+08:00

I'm reading the Astronomical Diary of PAGASA and unfortunately....

"An annular eclipse of the Sun will occur on February 7. Unfortunately, it will not be visible in the Philippines. The Moon will pass directly between the Earth and the Sun. It will be seen from most of Antarctica, New Zealand, the south-eastern part of Australia, Vanuatu, Fiji and Western Samoa.

On February 21, a Total Lunar eclipse will occur. However, it will not be visible in the Philippines. It can be observed in the Arctic, western part of Russia, most of Arabia, Africa except Madagascar, Europe and America."

Read more >>

Blue Lone Star

2008-01-31T21:19:00.000+08:00

I've been noticing this certain blue lone star for about 3 times in a row already. And I notice it every time I'm driving. It just pops up in my point of view when driving.hehe. Tonight when I arrived at our house I decided to take quite a long look at it and I noticed that it's really color blue. I wonder what star it is and what's its name. I don't want to leave questions hanging on my mind. I called up UP Observatory (FYI: It's operational 24 hours a day) and inquired if they know what is the name of the blue lone star. After some describing negotiations (hehe!)... I just described the star as blue and bright-looking star. The Observatory personnel asked if it has companion stars and if they form an equilateral triangle. (Oh no, is this geometry class?!hehe) Anyway, I noticed that the blue star has two other companion and they really form a triangle so I said yes. And the star name is.... Sirius! It is the brightest star. Also known as Canis Majoris. Sirius is commonly called the "Dog Star". Now I know! :) I browsed in the internet to verify the information and yes it's the Dog Star! (See wiki info.)

When somebody claims he/she is the brightest star... I will ask him/her, "Are you Sirius?" :)

Oh Worry

2008-01-19T14:58:00.000+08:00

Just a few weeks after the New Year and worries seem to be piling up. God has perfect timing and a good sense of humor. I stumbled upon this cartoon recently. Check this link. God is gracious because every time worry seems knocking on my door, He is quick to remind me of His promises. One of my fave verses is 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Worry, worry, go away
Don't come everyday
Busy Tin wants to pray

Crazy Ideas

2008-01-16T23:06:00.000+08:00

I just want to share some...

To avoid car collisions, I'm thinking if cars could have that ala-"bump car" setup... or an electromagnetic shield feature where once you enter your car you will just push a button (just like the hazard button) and voila you're 99% collision-safe... or the roads have a certain system which could detect where the cars are and it's programmed in such a way that no two cars should occupy the same space, well something like that.

For those who don't like to use overpass or footbridge... I understand that it's quite tiring to climb the stairs.hehe. I'm thinking if there is ala-trampoline device which you could set the projectile angle. People could just "ride" in the trampoline device, set the destination they want to go and they will just be "thrown" to the other side of the road.

Oil price is getting higher, I'm thinking if I could have my car's engine converted to a water-enabled one... or if it could be solar powered one... or a rechargeable one. Lately I've been observing my "driving techniques". I'd like to know which technique would save me some gas.hehe kuripot. There's a downhill portion from Katipunan to Marcos Highway. I don't step on the gas pedal on that downhill part. I think it's effective. It's like hitting two birds with one stone. I save on gas and I build my "patience" muscles. I'm always tempted to step on the gas and speed up on that part. But I always remind myself that I'm in a real-life driving and not on a Need for Speed video game.hehe. "Continue" option/button is not always available in real-life accident. I might get a "game over" or should I say "life's over".hehe.

New year is here again. Making resolutions is a fad. We want to change for the better. Well that's good. I just don't know what to feel when people say that I'm getting thinner. I don't know if it's a compliment or an indirect suggestion to eat some more.haha. I'm confused! :)

I think my brain is reaching almost "90% CPU usage" these days.hehe. Out of the blue, I was just thinking if a person driving is called a "driver", what do you call a person waiting? A "waiter"? What if the person waiting is a female? Will "waitress" be a correct term?

Oh well, enough of this craziness. I may just be a little hypoglycemic or a little "hyper". By the way, my most mentioned word these days is "weird" but I'm not a "weirdo".haha.

Goodbye SAD days...

2008-01-01T18:21:00.000+08:00

January is here. I think the SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) days are gone. Though we're in a tropical country, season of December just brings a gloomy feel.

Before the end of the previous year, the "board of family members" decided to name our puppies (drum roll please)... Blackie and Brownie! hehe it was so hard to think of those names... unique names, eh?! :)

Something I like about new year is the concept of "starting over". It's like "forget the past and move on" idea. The gloomy feel is just replaced by feeling of hope. One of my comfort songs during SAD days is... Because He lives / I can face tomorrow / Because He lives / All fear is gone / And because I know He holds the future / And life is worth the living just Because He lives. :)

Nostalgic

2007-12-28T23:14:00.000+08:00

I was walking along Apacible St. going to shopping center when I smelled a familiar scent. No, it was not the smell of a perfume. It was a smell of a tree. I remembered I could smell that tree scent when I was walking past the bridge going to DL Umali Hall in UPLB campus.

Our office is just in front of a residence hall. Last week, students carrying big travel bags were a familiar sight. I was once a student who carried quite a big travel bag and a backpack during weekends.

Pavements and big trees in UPD bring back good memories of UPLB. :)

Gloomy feel

2007-12-26T21:40:00.000+08:00

December... Rain... Listening to a sad song... Hearing a sad story... Alone in a quiet room... A day after Christmas... these bring a certain kind of gloomy feel.

Accomplishing a task... no traffic jam... refreshing breeze after the rain... driving in a traffic-free road while singing along with the fast-beat song ("...you caught my soul when i was struggling to breathe.."), it makes me want to step on the gas even more (hehe!)... remembering the significance of this season ("For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Son...")... these bring hope, a releasing feeling; looking forward to another day. ;)

Name those puppies

2007-12-24T14:51:00.000+08:00

These puppies are still nameless since Thursday last week. My brother and I couldn't think of any nice names for them. Well, my brother keeps on suggesting wacky names and my brain is in vacation mode.hehe. My mom gave an ultimatum to name these puppies ASAP or else they will be called "Tintin" and "Natnat". Waaah! :)

Tintin thrives in the Arab world despite censorship

2007-12-18T16:19:00.000+08:00

Neither censors nor "Orientalist" stereotypes have dampened demand for the cartoon adventures of Belgian boy reporter Tintin, who has stoked the imagination of generations of Arabs from the Atlantic to the Gulf.

Created in the middle years of the 20th century, Tintin spent more time in the Arab world than anywhere else, in four books: "Cigars of the Pharaoh," "The Crab with the Golden Claws," "Land of Black Gold" and "The Red Sea Sharks."

"It's extraordinary that Tintin came here so many times and still has so many friends," according to Tunisian academic Issam Marzouki.

Opium smuggling, the scramble for Middle Eastern oil, the slave trade and more were all sources of adventure and -- to this day -- controversial storylines for Tintin's Belgian creator, the illustrator Herge.

"Reading Tintin when I was a child was like seeing yourself in a magical but distorting mirror," said Marzouki, insisting that "Herge's way of looking at the Arabs kept on evolving, renewing itself."

But the end of the relationship a year ago between Belgian publishing giant Casterman and Egyptian publisher Dar al-Maaref, which had the right to print Tintin in Arabic for 30 years, means the daring reporter with the trademark quiff is no longer available in Arabic.

Bubble thoughts

2007-12-16T20:30:00.000+08:00

I like the concept of "bubble thoughts" in cartoons/comics. Sometimes I wish I could read other people's bubble thoughts.hehe. Since I can't read other people's bubble thoughts I'll just share some of my bubble thoughts during my meteor gazing (hehe hangover!).

Bubble thoughts:
- <"If they only knew..."> Our parents were sound asleep while my brother and I were enjoying the meteor shower. We put old plastic mats on the ground and we were lying on our backs ala "sun-bathing" or should I say "moon-bathing" or "star-bathing".hehe. It was a real planetarium experience! :)

- <"How many are you, stars?...What are your names?...Who is Gemini, Perseus, Orion, etc?...You (stars) look so small, you're even smaller than my hands"> Just some of my thoughts while waiting for the shooting stars to show up. I'm always left amazed whenever I gaze on the nightsky. I remember a verse in Psalms that says, "He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name" (Psalm 147:4). In my perspective those stars look so small but if I look at the big picture, it was me who is small. Anyway, God knows each one, great or small and He cares for them. It was just an overwhelming event for me. :)

Sometimes it was not just bubble thoughts but bubble songs (hehe)...
Stars by Switchfoot... Open Skies by David Crowder Band... a fave hymn "How Great Thou Art"... How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin... and portions of a song "He's still working on me" - He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be / It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars / The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars / How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.

Stars

2007-12-15T15:03:00.000+08:00

Last night, I was able to watch the Geminids meteor shower with my brother. It's a "real planetarium" experience for us. We were like kids so amazed seeing falling stars. My brother said seeing 10 falling stars would be enough for him already. I told him I would stay outside as long as I see falling stars.hehe. My body fats couldn't stand the cold anymore so few minutes after midnight I ended my meteor gazing. I saw around 20 falling stars. :)

ebook excerpt

2007-12-14T09:53:00.000+08:00

Home automation
Asterisk is still too much of an über-geek’s tool to be able to serve in the average home, but with no more than average Linux and Asterisk skills, the following things become plausible:

Monitoring the kids
Parents who want to check up on the babysitter (or the kids home alone) could dial an extension context protected by a password. Once authenticated, a two-way audio connection would be created to all the IP phones in the house, allowing Mom and Dad to listen for trouble. Creepy? Yes. But an interesting concept nonetheless.

Locking down your phones
Going out for the night? Don’t want the babysitter tying up the phone? No problem! A simple tweak to the dialplan, and the only calls that can be made are to 911, your cell phone, and the pizza parlor. Any other call attempt will get the recording “We are paying you to babysit our kids, not make personal calls.” Pretty evil, huh?

Controlling the alarm system
You get a call while on vacation that your Mom wants to borrow some cooking utensils. She forgot her key and is standing in front of the house shivering. Piece of cake; a call to your Asterisk system, a quick digit string into the context you created for the purpose, and your alarm system is instructed to disable the alarm for 15 minutes. Mom better get her stuff and get out quick, though, or the cops’ll be showing up!

Managing teenagers’ calls
How about allocating a specific phone-time limit to your teenagers? To use the phone, they have to enter their access codes. They can earn extra minutes by doing chores, scoring all As, dumping that annoying bum with the bad haircut—you get the idea. Once they’ve used up their minutes... click... you get your phone back. Incoming calls can be managed as well, via Caller ID. “Donny, this is Suzy’s father. She is no longer interested in seeing you, as she has decided to raise her standards a bit. Also, you should consider getting a haircut.”

page 199 of Asterisk: The Future of Telephony (1st Edition) / page 326 of Asterisk: The Future of Telephony (2nd Edition)

==============================

Asterisk is the world’s leading open source telephony engine and tool kit. Offering flexibility unheard of in the world of proprietary communications, Asterisk empowers developers and integrators to create advanced communication solutions...for free. <www.asterisk.org>

I've browsed over the 1st edition months ago but I haven't noticed this part. Reading this section made me smile. I thought these high-tech applications could only be seen on the cartoon series "The Jetsons".hehe. It reminded me of a local telecom's tagline "making great things possible". Though sometimes it's too good to be true. :)

"For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37, NIV)

Book excerpt

2007-12-12T16:24:00.000+08:00

...We are only ordinary folks who get out of very comfortable beds in the morning, brush our teeth with running water, put on whatever we like to wear, and eat whatever we want for breakfast. Our lives generally don't seem to call for much courage. We are so accustomed to luxury we think of traffic jams as hardship. It ruins our day if the air conditioner quits, or the waiter says they're fresh out of cherry cheesecake. Of course it is only a matter of time before the traffic jam is unsnarled; time and money can fix the air conditioner; we can order a different dessert. We expect to get things fixed -- fast. When we can't, we are at a loss.

Loneliness is much worse than being stuck in a traffic jam or having to do without cheesecake. Perhaps we hardly think of its calling for courage, because we hardly think of it as real suffering, yet it fits the simplest definition I know: having what you don't want or wanting what you don't have. Loneliness we don't want. It comes from wanting what we don't have.

Who can compare sufferings? They are unique as each sufferer is unique. "The heart knows its own bitterness" (Prov. 14:10, NEB). We respond according to our temperaments. Some cast about for solutions, stew, fret, rage, deny the facts. Some sink into an oblivion of self-recrimination or pity. Some chalk it all up to somebody else's fault. Some pray. But all of us may be tempted sometime to conclude that because God doesn't fix it He doesn't love us.

There are many things that God does not fix precisely because He loves us. Instead of extracting us form the problem, He calls us. In our sorrow or loneliness or pain He calls -- "This is a necessary part of the journey. Even if it is the roughest part, it is only a part, and it will not last the whole long way. Remember where I am leading you. Remember what you will find at the end -- a home and a haven and a heaven."

pages 106-107 The Path Of Loneliness Finding Your Way Through The Wilderness To God by Elisabeth Elliot

I Celebrate The Day

2007-12-08T21:19:00.000+08:00

I Celebrate The Day
by Relient K

And with this Christmas wish is missed
The point I could convey
If only I could find the words to say to let you know
How much you've touched my life because
Here is where you're finding me
In the exact same place as New Year's Eve
And from the lack of my persistency
We're less than half as close as I wanna be

And the first time that you opened your eyes
Did you realize that you would be my Savior
And the first breath that left your lips
Did you know that it would change this world forever
And the first time that you opened your eyes
Did you realize that you would be my Savior
And the first breath that left your lips
Did you know that it would change this world forever

And so this Christmas I'll compare
The things I've felt in prior years
To what this midnight made so clear
That you have come to meet me here

To look back
And think that
This baby would one day save me
And the hope that
That you give
That you were born so I might really live
To look back
And think that
This baby would one day save me…

And the first time that you opened your eyes
Did you realize that you would be my Savior
And the first breath that left your lips
Did you know that it would change this world forever
And the first time that you opened your eyes
Did you realize that you would be my Savior
And the first breath that left your lips
Did you know that it would change this world forever

And I
I celebrate the day
That you were born to die
So I could one day
Pray for you to save my life
Pray for you to save my life
Pray for you to save my life

============================

I'm looking for "something-new-to-the-ears" Christmas songs when I found this one. :)
Good thought-provoking song. The lines "And the first time that you opened your eyes / Did you realize that you would be my Savior / And the first breath that left your lips / Did you know that it would change this world forever" are set on a repeat in my mind's media player now.hehe. But the best part is the ending...

Finding _______

2007-12-08T19:26:00.000+08:00

I had a series of successful "search and find" moments the past days.
I found the book (The Path of Loneliness by Elisabeth Elliot) I was looking for. It took me almost a year before I found it.
I was able to find the answer for the "backup and restore feature" of Trixbox. The question on that feature kept bogging my mind for days. It was a "mystery" solved now.
I found an mp3 of the Parachute Band song (entitled All My Life) I've been looking for since 2005.
I attended a 2-day IT workshop in Astoria Plaza last Thursday. I can't find a parking space yesterday when suddenly one of the organizers of the workshop saw me and suggested that I could park in the hotel he was staying in. Woah, what a blessing, I felt like I'm a presidential daughter!hehe
This morning, my brother and I was looking for the magnetic coil of my car's compressor. Good thing the owner of the repair shop have many contacts. We found an exact fit. Now it's "freeze n' cool" inside my car. :)

I have some unsuccessful "search and find" moments though. Can't find Vivitar Icecam and an exact fit for my car's brakeshoe. :(

I'm also looking forward to buy a telescope and SLR cam. I'm broke and don't have enough funds until now.hehe. To ease my frustration, I have thought of some "activities" while waiting for that time when I can finally buy them. I'll keep myself busy first in finding the famous constellations using my naked eye and with the aid of binoculars. I'll experiment with the point-and-shoot cameras I found here in our house and will try the pinhole camera more often. :)

Finding things I've been looking for quite a long time really gives me a good feeling.
I was once "lost" before but now I'm found. Being "found" gives me a much more good feeling...a feeling my heart can't contain. Thank God for finding me. :)

Wonderful Wonder

2007-12-02T19:16:00.000+08:00

Wonderful Wonder
by Ginny Owens

I don't know the ocean's crystal blue
And I don't climb the mountains for the view
Or wish upon the stars above my head
Or bear witness to a marvelous sunset

But the very thought of things I've never seen
Is all it takes to bring me to my knees

(chorus)
Oh what a wonderful wonder
A display of great beauty and power
Oh what a wonderful wonder
You are to me

I wish that I could see life through your eyes
To gaze upon the canvas from your side
To understand all that you've done before
And to realize the plans you have in store

And when I long to know what I don't see
You give me the courage to believe

(Chorus)

I can hardly wait until the time
When you will turn my darkness into light
And I'll finally find my way to heaven's door
Where I won't need my faith anymore

And when my eyes behold your majesty
I'll join with the angels and we'll sing

(Chorus)

===============================

This is one of my fave songs this past week. Listening to the song's lyrics makes me wonder. The songwriter, Ginny Owens, has been totally blind since the age of two. I was humbled by the first stanza of the song -- "I don't know the ocean's crystal blue / And I don't climb the mountains for the view / Or wish upon the stars above my head / Or bear witness to a marvelous sunset / But the very thought of things I've never seen / Is all it takes to bring me to my knees" What a great faith! Just the very thought of things she never seen is all it takes for her to be in awe of an awesome God. It's not always true "to see is to believe". The Pharisees saw the messiah but they did not believe Him.

Sometimes I'm so full of my "self" that I forget to see the beauty of creation and praise our wonderful Creator. But there are times when I'm driving and I see a nice cloud formation or a beautiful full moon that I just want to stop for a while and gaze upon its beauty. Oh what a wonderful wonder!

On The Road Shots

2007-11-28T23:14:00.000+08:00

stoplight going to San Mig Ave.

to Cubao (near U-turn slot going to Marcos Highway)

near U-turn slot going to CP Garcia Ave.

rainy traffic 1

rainy traffic 2

Pinoy transformer

night traffic 1

night traffic 2

night traffic 3

morning traffic

can you see "brad pete" written above the plate number?

approaching Marcos bridge

Secret Codes

2007-11-17T21:48:00.000+08:00

It's really thrilling to know secret codes. I'm not a hard-core gamer but it's nice to know the secret codes of your favorite software game. Until now, I couldn't forget the secret code for 30 lives in Contra (family computer game). It needs a little practice and right timing though. At the title screen, press Up-Up-Down-Down-Left-Right-Left-Right-B-A-B-A-Select-Start and voila you'll have 30 lives.

Just few minutes ago, I read a blog entry in Techrepublic.com about some awesome tricks for 3D Pinball in Windows. The kid in me can't help but try the tricks. I remember back then that I wished there would be unlimited number of balls available for me to play the pinball. Well, after x number of years, my wish is finally granted.hehe. How? By typing bmax at the start of a new game, you get unlimited number of balls and play for as long as you like.haha.

After playing for more or less 100 balls in pinball and reached about 11M points, I got bored. My theory before that playing with unlimited balls will make me enjoy the game more is not true at all. 3D Pinball was designed to have just limited number of balls so as to pose a challenge to get as much points as you can and look forward for another game. :D

These secret codes are just short cuts. I was thinking that maybe it's cool to have "secret codes" in real life... like applying some secret codes to get what you want in life. It's wonderful to have secret codes to skip the "heavy traffic" part of my driving everyday.hehe. But then I'm reminded that God knows everything and He has a wonderful plan for us all. He designed life to have some adversities, some painful moments, some waiting times, and so on for us to grow. We just have to learn along the way, appreciate the "moment" and take time to smell the flowers. :)

2007-11-13T09:11:00.000+08:00

Will you still love me? Hard habit to break

I appreciate "oldies but goodies" songs. Most of the oldies songs sound familiar to me but I don't know the song title or the artist. I discovered that some of the oldies songs I like are originally sung by Chicago. Sometimes I feel like I'm a failure and I made so many mistakes that God would not love me anymore. During those times I like to sing this line to God, "will you still love me for the rest of my life?" But then I'm reminded that God loved me as I am, in my best times or even in my worst times. Paul says in Romans 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

While listening to "Hard habit to break" song, I'm thinking what's my hard habit to break. After thinking for a while, I guess waking up late in the morning is my hard habit to break. I accept now that I'm not a morning person.hehe.

Driving observations

Here I go again, talking about my favorite subject: Driving. Driving sometimes drives me crazy.hehe. Welcome traffic jam! I was left wondering last week why I experienced traffic on my way to work. I forgot that 2nd semester has started already. I believe that Filipino people are flexible in different situations. During traffic jams, a two-lane road could be a three-lane one. I think "If there's a will, there's a way" principle is being applied by most drivers. Even if there's only little space available, most of the drivers try to have their cars get through. Some drivers cannot distinguish between left and right. Some would flash their left signal but then they go to their right. (Sometimes this makes me doubt if I'll give way or not.hehe.) Others are undecided which lane they would go. When I'm trailing an undecided driver I feel like saying Moses' speech on Deuteronomy 30:19 -- "...I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life..."

I encountered traffic again on my way to the office this morning. But I enjoyed my journey, I put on Switchfoot's Nothing is Sound CD (thanks ate jolly!). Though there were instances that made me a little impatient, generally I believe I passed my Patience 101 test today.hehe. After playing almost 11 tracks and 3 repeats on track 2 ("Stars"), I finally arrived in the office.

With the recent oil price hike, I'm thinking if I could just ride a bike going to the office.hehe.

Inevitable

2007-11-11T21:33:00.000+08:00

Having heard of couple of death news this past week made me think of the inevitable -- Death!

I had a so-called "near-death" encounter a couple of years ago. It was a reality check for me. It really made me re-organized my life's priorities. It made me more expressive of myself to the people I love. I don't want to have regret in the end that I haven't told them what I really felt.

Are we ready to face our Creator?

Brewing thoughts

2007-11-06T20:55:00.000+08:00

"They say you never know what you got till it's gone" has been playing in my mind for few days now. This line of Tobymac's Gone song was quite a theme for the past holiday. It's just a reminder for me to really appreciate every moment that I spend with my loved ones. :)

When someone or something is gone, there's sort of detachment period. It's like a span of time when you process your feelings and thoughts. Detachment from things is quite easy because you could buy a replacement (though the original one is really irreplaceable). You can't find a replacement for a person.

"Tell me what you want, what you really really want" is one of the lines in an entertainment park's radio ad. I think it's an adaptation from one of the Spice Girls' song. It made me think somehow of what I would really really want. Sometimes you pray for something and when God grants your prayer, you say to yourself, "Do I really want that?" This thought reminded me of a quotation from Henry Blackaby: "Oh God, if I ever give You a request and You have more to give me than I am asking, cancel my request!" :)

"Yung Ferrari na may spoiler, yung pinakadulo sa right!" -- this is a portion of my brother's text message to me this afternoon. He was asking me to buy him a Ferrari. I smiled when I read his message. I could imagine he's like a child pointing to the toy he wants to buy. Well, technically it's a toy. He heard that I would gas up the car on my way home so he's asking me to go to the gas station with that Ferrari promo. With additional 49 pesos to a certain amount of gas you'd buy and you could avail of the Ferrari ala matchbox or hotwheels toy. I was quite new in the gas station so I don't know their products' name. I just remembered asking the gas boy to just gas up my car and give me that Ferrari with spoiler in the farthest right (of the promo poster). Too bad it was out of stock and the gas boy just gave me another model of Ferrari. I asked the gas boy if there's any way I could get that Ferrari with spoiler. (You know, I'm just a 'big' sister who doesn't want to disappoint her 'little' brother.hehe) The gas boy seemed to see the desperation on my face so he suggested that I could drop by the gas station tomorrow and he himself would replace the one he gave me with the Ferrari with spoiler. :) I was glancing at the Ferrari toy while driving through the traffic. I was hoping that my brother would be happy with this model. Well, he looked first for the Ferrari when I came home. I explained that the one with spoiler was out of stock. He looked at the toy car and said it's okay, he doesn't have that model yet. (Whew! That was good to hear!) Now, 2 more models to go to complete the collection. Whaah! :) Just an afterthought, if a not-so-good-all-the-time sister like me would love to see her brother happy, how much more a so-good-all-the-time God would love to see us happy. Sometimes what we think would really make us happy is not really what would really make us happy. :)

Mind Over Heart

2007-10-23T22:30:00.000+08:00

It was raining hard when it was time for me to go home. But still I decided to face the rain (and eventually the heavy traffic) on my way home. I was surprised (ows?!) when I saw the cars were piling up approaching Aurora Blvd. "Oh well, this would be a long way home", I said to myself. I was getting quite impatient because all vehicles were finding their way through the traffic. Vehicles were moving inch by inch. If I could just leave my car and walk away (haha, escape route!).

Anyway, I decided to endure the traffic and started to think of ways to divert my growing "impatience". I suddenly thought that probably this is an opportunity to be patient. Because of the heavy traffic I was able to read the traffic advisory posted at the corner of the flyover going to Marikina. Actually I noticed it yesterday on my way home but I wonder who might have read that long verse of advisory when all the vehicles at that point are either speeding uphill (going to flyover) or downhill (going to Antipolo or Cainta). I thank God for my car's good wipers. I noticed that it really wipes the water cleanly off the windshield. I was enjoying my ride after all. I put on the radio and Christmas songs were already being played and the radio dj announced that it's 62 days to go before Christmas. I was getting emotional (i.e. reflecting on life, Christmas plus the gloomy feel of rain) when suddenly cars were attempting to cut my lane. I recently discovered that cutting my driving lane makes me feel so irritated. In just a split second I was on my "high temper" mode. I managed to blew my car's horn a couple of times or make it one looong time.hehe. By God's grace, He reminded me to calm down. Thoughts popped out of my mind: "I don't want to suffer heart attack while driving on a rainy evening...tsk, tsk, my cause of death: traffic jam?! oh no!" (hehe!)

Well, I managed to get home safe and sound with normal pulse rate and blood pressure. ;)

Afterthought: Emotions are really hard to control especially when you're feeling "high". But by God's help and by doing our part, we could overcome our feelings. Now I understand why there's a statement such as "love is a choice". :)

Love Languages

2007-10-21T20:08:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday, I was able to listen to the sharing of our area pastor (Pastor Bert) about the Five Love Languages. Well, I think it wasn't planned that he should be there in our dgroup meeting but anyway his presence is always very welcome. He was the officiating pastor in our dgroupmate's wedding recently so the topic of conversation was related to LCM (Love, Courtship and Marriage). I think we had an overview of what a pre-marital counseling is minus the partner (haha!).

Pastor Bert shared about the Five Love Languages. I know it is a book title by Gary Chapman (hehe, it's in my book-buy-list but I wasn't able to buy it for some reasons). Anyway, in a short span of time, Pastor Bert was able to explain briefly what are the Five Love Languages. Though the Five Love Languages was originally meant for a husband-wife relationship, love is applicable to all our relationships so as the Five Love Languages as well.

5 T's of Five Love Languages:
Time - spending quality time
Task - acts of service
Treat - giving gifts
Talk - words of affirmation/encouragement
Touch - hug, kiss, pat at the back, etc.

Every person has his/her primary love language. He/she feels loved when you "speak" to him/her through his/her love language. Some people feel loved when you speak to them with words of affirmation/encouragement. Others feel loved when you serve them. Some feel loved when you give them gifts. Others feel loved when you spend quality time with them. And others feel loved when you hug, kiss or touch them. Knowing the love language of your partner, your friend, your siblings, your parents or anyone dear to you will help you make certain adjustments to the way you "speak" to them. If you "speak" in their love language, you will express your love for them better. I think generally for most parents, their primary love language is task. So they appreciate more their kid's act of service like cooking breakfast for them or doing household chores instead of giving them gifts. :)

I know that love seems like a complicated thing. But I think it's not bad to try loving the people you love better. ;)

Thought-provoking

2007-10-20T21:19:00.000+08:00

I'm not into movies so I seldom watch movies in the big screen. I think my last visit to a moviehouse was January of last year. hehe. Anyway, I was able to watch the video of Evan Almighty with my brother the other day. I just found some thought-provoking insights in the movie. When God wants to speak to us, He uses many ways and most of the time through little things like alarm clock, delivery receipt, a statement of an officemate and of course through His Word, the Bible. When God asks us to do something, most of the time we resist, we resent. We resist, we resent, we give a lot of excuses because the work looks great. We forget that God didn't give us something we cannot bear. Of course, nothing is impossible with our big God! (hehe, I should always remind myself of this one!)

The part I like most in the movie is the conversation of Evan's wife (Joan) with the waiter who happens to be "God" (played by Morgan Freeman). Joan is deeply troubled by Evan's behavior. I like God's dialogue: "Let me ask you something, if someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? or does He give them the opportunity to be patient? If you prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does He give him the opportunity to be courageous? If someone prayed for family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does He give them the opportunities to love each other?" I like this statement because I could relate with the first few lines. I always ask God to give me patience whenever I drive but I keep on wondering why I also encounter traffic jams and all kinds of "interruptions" when I drive. All kinds of "interruptions" could mean a slow moving vehicle I'm trailing, people crossing the street (I wonder why people like to cross the street when it's my car's turn to move!), or animals (like cats, dogs or even frogs) obstructing my path. Little did I know that God is already answering my prayer for Him to give me patience. He's giving me opportunities to be patient! God's answers to our prayers may not be really what we wanted but we could be assured that it is for our best. Besides, He's sovereign, He knows everything, He cannot make a mistake.

A chorus of a song says, "God is too wise to be mistaken, God is too good to be unkind, so when you don't understand, when you can't see His plan, when you can't trace His hand, trust His heart." :)

This Pain

2007-10-07T17:14:00.000+08:00

If given a choice, I would not choose pain. Who would welcome pain with open arms, anyway? I experienced sort of numb feeling on my right arm for few days. I have some speculations on the cause of this numb feeling. Eventually I found out that the pain is caused by a stiff muscle in the upper back/shoulder area. I'm not used in taking pain reliever right away. I know pain relievers just keep you from feeling the pain but the pain is still there. It just stops the cells from producing prostaglandins (the chemical released by the cells when injured or damaged). Pain is the body's early warning system that something is wrong. My principle is: "it's good to know where it hurts!" My mom used to scold me because of my principle. But the pain became unbearable and I opted to take a pain reliever.haha funny me. :)

In life, we also experience painful moments. I believe it's also an early warning system to signal that something is wrong. But sometimes, pain is just there for no reason at all to help us grow in our character. Hello, Pain! ^_^

Nasaan Kaya Ako

2007-09-30T20:41:00.000+08:00

Sa tuwi-tuwina ako ay namamangha sa kadakilaan ng ating Maylikha. Ang karunungan nya ay hindi maabot ng aking isipan. Namamalas ko ang kanyang kadakilaan at katapatan sa akin araw-araw. Wala akong magawa kung hindi ang magpasalamat sa Kanya. Pero minsan kapag nakakaranas ng hindi masyadong maganda sa buhay, napapatanong ako ng "bakit ako pa?", napapaisip na hindi Sya patas at hindi yata karapatdapat ang mga nangyayari sa akin.

Pero sandali lang, sino ba ako para maging mapaghanap? Ano ba ang nagawa ko para maging karapatdapat? Naisip ko na hindi nga Sya patas, dahil ang isang katulad ko na rebelde at makasalanan ay kanyang minamahal at inaalagaan. Minamahal ang mga hindi karapatdapat? Anong klaseng pag-ibig nga naman ito! :)

Habang nasa ganitong estado ang aking isipan, bigla kong naalala ang koro ng isang lumang kantang Papuri...

Nasaan kaya ako, Hesus kung wala Ka
'Di ko na malaman kung saan ako pupunta
Maaaring nasa hangin pa ako
'Di alam kung saan tutungo*

*Nasaan Kaya Ako by Butch Charvet, Papuri 3 album

Saan nga kaya ako pupulutin kung wala Sya? *napaisip* :)

Doing Math

2007-09-29T01:31:00.000+08:00

It is during my quiet time when I could think clearly and do my math correctly. You may ask why am I doing my math during my quiet time? Well, seeing and doing many things throughout the day could influence how I do my math.

For example, when I woke up and I sort of feeling lazy to go to work... wrong math: "I wish I didn't have to go to work today".
When I feel I don't like my breakfast... wrong math: "I wish I have another choice of food for breakfast".
When driving on the road and I saw a beautiful car... wrong math: "I wish I'm driving a new car".
When I encounter difficult people... wrong math: "Wish I could disappear now or wish he/she would disappear as in now na."

Ungrateful me. I should've been grateful for all the blessings and even for difficult situations and people (note: God just want me to grow!Ü). I'm learning to count my blessings and name them one by one (hehe sounds like a Sunday school song!). Well, here's my not-so-complete list...I'm thankful for my family, my friends, food I'm eating, clothes I wear, Escudo I'm driving, our house, my job, music, traffic, rain, orange shoes, iced tea, Rodic's Tapsilog&Tocilog, PAGASA, PHILVOLCS, FNRI, UPLB, UPITTC, FCS, UPCC, CCF, Nokia, Rusty Lopez, Acer, PLDT, Sony, and the list goes on... (this is a thank you list not a list of sponsors!heheÜ)

Now Playing

2007-09-18T23:00:00.000+08:00

There are times when I just remember a certain line of a song. If my memory serves me well at that particular moment I would remember the complete lyrics of the song. Otherwise, Mr. Google is ever ready to help me find the missing lyrics. :) This song (specifically the chorus part) is currently playing over and over in my mind today. I've been trying to be more appreciative of things, people and even time lately. Can't help but say thank you to a God who continues to care for me through all these years. Every fiber of my being wants to shout "thank you, Jesus"! :)

When I Think About The Lord
(Hillsong version)

When I think about the Lord
How He saved me, how he raised me
How He filled me with the Holy Ghost
How He healed me to the uttermost

When I think about the Lord
How He picked me up and turned me around
How He set my feet, on solid ground

It makes me wanna shout;
"Hallelujah, thank you Jesus,
Lord you're worthy of all the glory
and all the honor, and all the praise!"

Click here for the mp3 of this song

The Promise

2007-09-12T21:35:00.000+08:00

It was over a month now since I bought a product/service. I really have no great expectations on this product but there was a freebie sticker on the pack when I bought it. It was an aftersales freebie offer. Few days after I bought the product, I was able to do the condition indicated in the freebie sticker in order to claim the aftersales freebie but I wasn't able to get the freebie. I called the customer service hotline twice but the customer reps just kept on advising me to just wait for the freebie. Until now I haven't gotten that freebie. Oh well, the freebie thing is not really a big deal for me. I just thought that the old saying might be true: "promises are made to be broken".

In as much as we want to keep our promises, our words can't be 100% dependable since we don't have complete control over everything. It is only God who is sovereign, faithful and true to His word.

I'm really trying to be true to my words so if ever I still have unfulfilled promise/s made to you some time ago don't hesitate to drop a note, give me a call or send me a text message. By all means, I'll try to fulfill my promise. Promise! :)

God's Sense Of Timing

2007-09-11T22:47:00.000+08:00

I'm still working on my patience test whenever I drive. Just this morning I was in the brink of getting hot-tempered because of a slow moving car I was following when I saw the bumper sticker of the car in front of the slow moving car. It says, "Lord give me patience NOW!". I just smiled and thought, "thanks for the reminder, God!"

On my way home, it was quite traffic. I was patient almost 90% of the journey but when I was along Felix Avenue I got quite impatient. I blew my car's horn quite often than usual and avoided every car that would cut in my lane. After all my "selfish" acts on the road, I noticed the bumper sticker on the taxi I was trailing. It says, "GIVE WAY, God loves a cheerful giver!". I smiled again and thought, "OK God, next time I'll try to be more giving on the road." Isn't God's timing perfect? He has a way of catching our attention. :)

The Cost Of Brotherhood/Sisterhood

2007-09-09T22:56:00.000+08:00

I think my blood pressure went up when I was watching the segment about hazing in Jessica Soho's show last night. I was angry and I think I could cut into pieces those cruel people who were so mean in inflicting pain to their would-be brod or sis. I was thinking if I'm the only one who is so slow in understanding the rationale of this useless initiation rite. I can't really comprehend the reason behind it. Is hazing the only way to be accepted in a brotherhood/sisterhood?

Good thing God (the Master) doesn't have any policy like hazing in order for a person to be accepted in His family. Just a repentant heart and faith on His Only Son and you're in. Great! Isn't it a better offer?

I remember this verse when I was burning in anger and want to cut into pieces those cruel people: "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." - Romans 12:19 (KJV)

Afterthought: I just thought it wasn't that easy to belong in God's family. We should "die" as a penalty for our sins in order for us to be reconciled with God (Romans 6:23). However because of God's love... for God so loved us that He gave His only Son (Jesus) to be our substitute (John 3:16). I just imagined that Jesus accepted all the blows and pain that should've been for me. I thank God for loving me. :)

PBP GINF WMY

2007-09-05T23:18:00.000+08:00

What in the world those letters mean? No, I haven't gone from Mars and learned a new language.hehe. Last Sunday, ushers in our church wore pin-buttons with printed letters of "PBP GINF WMY". Our pastor "decoded" the message of those letters. "Please Be Patient God Is Not Finish With Me Yet". We're learning more about love as God commanded. It's kinda easy to love the lovable people but it's a totally different story in loving the difficult and unlovable people. We are all "work in progress" until we meet our Creator and have our glorified bodies.

In applying the lesson I've learned last Sunday, I try to think that each vehicle in the road has its own PBP GINF WMY pin-buttons. Whenever I'm sensing that I'm getting annoyed or irritated because of a certain vehicle's behavior, I remind myself to be patient. 1 Thessalonians 5:14b flashing in my mind - "Be patient with everyone." :)

Striking line of our pastor: "Life is not about our happiness, our fulfillment...Life is not about us, it's all about God." I remember the book I read entitled "It's Not About Me" by Max Lucado. It talks about the shift we have to make in our lives, from living a self-centered life to a God-centered one. As the moon reflects the sun's light, we, Christians, should reflect the glory of God's Son. We should be Son-reflectors.

Caution: When you're getting annoyed or irritated because of me, please remember I'm also wearing that "PBP GINF WMY" pin-button. Please let me know also so I would take note. ;)

Look How Far You've Come

2007-08-30T22:03:00.000+08:00

While waiting on one traffic jam, I spotted this yellow marker. It has a KM 16 mark on it. I remember that the KM 0 is located somewhere in Luneta Park. I also remember that there's a KM 64 somewhere at the entrance of UPLB. That's why the bus conductor always punches the 64km in the bus ticket when you're going to UPLB. :)

While walking in the UP campus, I suddenly saw a yellow marker with KM 15 mark on it. For some weeks, I got curious with these yellow markers. I tried to spot the other yellow markers. I was able to see the KM 18, 19, 20, 21 on my way home. This morning I saw the KM 14 near the U-turn slot going to C. P. Garcia Avenue. :) I wonder what's the last KM number. Is it located in Mindanao?

Just a thought: In life, there comes a point when I think I'm not making any progress or any improvement. God reminded me of this song of Chris Christian. What a timely encouragement! :)

LOOK HOW FAR YOU'VE COME
by Chris Christian

So you've lost your will to live
Seems you're down to your last friend
And the weight of the world
Keeps tryin' to pull you in

Chorus
Don't give up, don't give in
Give it all to Him
'Cause He cares so much more
Than you know
When it seems who you really
Want to be
Is someone you'll never become
Just look how far you've come

Though you've failed at plans you've laid
Don't forget all the steps
You've made
He has brought you this far
He can take you the rest of the way

(Chorus)

I know it's not always easy
But don't you throw it all away
I know that He will take care of
You everyday
(Chorus)

For mp3 of this song click here to download.

To See Is To Believe?

2007-08-29T23:32:00.000+08:00

I wasn't able to see the eclipse last night. I was excited because I was finally at the roof deck of PAGASA observatory in UP Diliman. The place was quite crowded. Students, lovers, enthusiasts and families went to the observatory wanting to gaze at the expected beautiful red moon. I saw Kuya Kim of Channel 2 and Mariz Umali of Channel 7. Media crews were busy setting up the lights and video cameras. Members of Astronomical League of the Philippines (ALP) were also busy setting up their cool telescopes. Based on the information I read from PAGASA, greatest eclipse would be at 6:37PM and the totality will last for one hour and thirty minutes. It was really cloudy.
My ever supportive mom accompanied me. She knows that it was my long-time plan to visit the observatory since last year. My brother drove her to my office. She even brought some snacks. :)

Waiting, waiting, waiting. I overheard that the moon should be visible at the eastern side of the sky. While looking at the cloudy sky where the red moon should be visible, I was thinking if the red moon was really beneath those clouds. To see is to believe?

At exactly 7PM, I decided to go home. My mom was patiently waiting for me at the old CHE building. She cheered me up by quoting Kuya Kim's line, "laging tatandaan, sa buhay ay weather-weather lang." Oh well, there would be next time... some time in 2011.

Just a thought: We don't always have to see in order to believe. Do you believe in love? Can you see love? Do you believe in the wind? Can you see the wind? Has anyone seen love or wind?

Total Eclipse of the Moon

2007-08-28T10:39:00.000+08:00

The partial phases and totality during a 1982 lunar eclipse.

I wonder if we could see the total lunar eclipse tonight? Hoping for clear skies. :)

"A total lunar eclipse will occur on August 28 and will be visible in the Philippines, the United States of America, the Pacific, eastern Asia, and Australasia. The totality will last for one hour and thirty minutes.

The eclipse will begin as the Moon enters the penumbral stage at 3:52 PM (Philippine Standard Time), and the umbral stage will begin at 4:50 PM as shown in the illustration. The eclipse will end at 9:22 PM (PST). The Moon will rise at 6:08 PM and sets on the following morning at 5:16 AM." -- from Astronomical Diary at PAGASA WEBSITE

Love Them While We Can

2007-08-27T18:15:00.000+08:00

It's my lolo's birthday today! He passed away 13 years ago. It was my first encounter with death in the family. I don't know what to feel. I could not cry but I was sad. I saw how my mom and my aunties and uncles mourned on my lolo's sudden death. One lesson I've learned on my lolo's death is "love them while we can". "Love Them While We Can" is a Chris Christian song. It talks about loving our parents while they are still around and while we are still around. :)

Does Anybody Hear Her

2007-08-26T18:49:00.000+08:00

DOES ANYBODY HEAR HER
by Casting Crowns

She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

If judgment looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her

If judgment looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her

Never even met her

Does anybody hear her? Does anybody see?
Or does anybody even knows she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me

Does anybody hear her? Does anybody see?
Does anybody even know she's going down today?
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Does anybody see?

He is running a hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction

=======================================

I first heard this song earlier this year. But I was moved by this song when a classmate of mine let me watched its MTV. I remember this song this morning when our senior pastor Peter talked about "Love One Another" in our church's 23rd anniversary. "...We should love one another." - 1 John 3:11. As Christians, we are commanded to love one another. Jesus said in John 13:35, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

The video is shared in this link and a downloadable mp3 is available in this link. :)

Almost A Savior

2007-08-23T09:43:00.000+08:00

I was able to watch "Ninoy" documentary the other night on QTV 11. As I was watching the documentary I had a feeling I was watching a modern-day documentary on Jesus' death. I don't know but I saw some similarities in the lives of Ninoy and Jesus...like both were falsely accused and beaten while in prison. But there were major differences also, unlike Ninoy, Jesus rose from the dead and he is a savior. I think Ninoy was just almost a savior. Ninoy's famous statement is "The Filipino is worth dying for." I'm grateful to Ninoy for the democracy and freedom that we have now. But then, this freedom of ours is only for this lifetime. God so loved the world that He gave His Only Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Would Jesus say "the world is worth dying for"? I believe He already did when He said, "It is finished!" while hanging on the cross. The freedom that Jesus offers will last here and after. Have you accepted His offer?

Earthquake or not

2007-08-21T12:41:00.000+08:00

Sitting still, I saw my PC's monitor was moving. I was not moving in my chair but the monitor was still moving. I think it was an earthquake. I asked my officemate who's about 2 meters away from my desk if he felt the earthquake. He said no. "Was I just feeling dizzy or what?" To remove the nagging question in my head, I searched for the PHILVOLCS telephone number . I contacted PHILVOLCS and the operator connected me to the Seismology Department. The lady on the other line informed me that "yes, there was an earthquake, intensity 1 in Quezon City area, intensity 4 in Subic, intensity 3 in Clark and intensity 2 in Makati area." Yes, it was an earthquake, I thought I was just feeling dizzy.hehe :)

FYI: PHILVOLCS telephone number is 426-1468.

Potholes Ahead

2007-08-20T00:41:00.000+08:00

POTHOLES AHEAD

I walk down the street. There is a big hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
I walk down the street. There is a big hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it. I fall in.
I can't believe I'm in the same place, but it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
I walk down the street. There is a big hole in the sidewalk.
I see it there. I still fall in. It's a habit. My eyes are open.
I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately
I walk down the street. There is a big hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
I walk down a different street.

- Author Unknown

I remember this piece I read from my old Campus Journal devotional book when I was driving and didn't remember the new potholes on the road. Because of the recent rains and floods the "ice-phalt" (asphalt) on the road melted. I have to memorize the new potholes added to the previous ones. There were times I forgot the locations of the new potholes and ran over them again. The other day, I made a mental note of all the new potholes. I hope next week I've learned my "lesson" already and will not run over those potholes again. :)

In life we commit mistakes but what is more important is to learn from it and not commit the same mistakes again.

"I got to keep my eyes on Jesus through the weak days..." sings Steven Curtis Chapman in "Weak Days", a song included in his First Hand album in 1987. (Visit Steven Curtis Chapman's new website www.stevencurtischapman.com to listen to his albums online.)

Retreat and Surrender (part 2)

2007-08-15T12:03:00.000+08:00

Along Felix Avenue

Still along Felix Avenue

Heavy downpour of rain with lightning and thunder plus quite heavy traffic...
A week ago I decided to retreat and surrender. This time I made a choice to apply "No retreat, No surrender"! :)
After almost 2 hours of travel, I made it to our office. Thank God! :)

FYI: For the latest in weather news, call PAGASA's new 24-hour hotline at 433-ULAN (433-8526) It has a pre-recorded weather bulletin and you have an option to listen in English or Filipino versions. Cool! :)

Good Food

2007-08-11T21:31:00.000+08:00

I have a growing appreciation for food lately. I don't know why but I look forward for eating time.hehe
And I discovered that eating with family and friends makes the food tastes even better. :)

Random list of foods I recently appreciated:
- Nissin's Ramen Noodles Seafood Flavor (local and imported)
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Meatballs in Sweet and Sour sauce
- Purefoods' Longadog with Fried Rice
- Hot Pandesal with Kraft's Cheez Whiz
- Monay with Coco Jam
- Magnolia's Mango Tea
- Rodic's Tapsilog
- Rodic's Tocilog
- Mang Jimmy's Sizzling Pusit
- Mang Jimmy's Sizzling Tapamix
- Mang Jimmy's Sizzling Tuna
- Mang Jimmy's Sizzling Sisig
- Mang Jimmy's Lechon Kawali
- Fruits in Ice Cream's Cappucino Ice Cream
- Fruits in Ice Cream's Pistachio Nuts Ice Cream
- Fruits in Ice Cream's Raspberry Ice Cream

Happy eating! :)

Additional foods as of Aug 29:
- Holy Kettle Popcorn
- Tokyo Tokyo's Miso Soup
- Homemade Fried Chicken
- My mom's adobo
- Knorr's Chicken Noodle Soup paired with Fried Galunggong
- Lucky Me's Instant Pancit Canton Toyomansi Flavor
- McDo's Twister Fries
- Nestle's Koko Krunch Duo Breakfast Cereals
- Bread dipped in hot Milo for breakfast
- Ham Sandwich

Happy happy eating! :)

Retreat and Surrender

2007-08-09T21:20:00.000+08:00

"No retreat, no surrender" is not always applicable.

Today, I learned that there are times when it is better to retreat and surrender. Due to strong downpour of rain last night, our village's main road became flooded this morning. I was hoping that the rain would stop and the flood would be gone. My mother told me not to go to work today because based on the information she got from our village's security personnel, the main road is not passable already for vehicles except for fire trucks and big trucks. I was quite persistent and keep on rationalizing that my car could make it through the floods. My mom suggested that maybe I could go after lunch. After a few minutes of "deliberation" and weighing my options, I decided that I would wait for the flood to subside.

A couple of hours before noon, I thought the flood is gone and decided to survey the streets. My brother accompanied me and we rode his car. The main road was still flooded. When we were approaching the "deepest" portion along the main road, we saw quite a long queue of cars hesitating to face the deep flood. Few cars already made their decisions and made U-turn. We were still taking our time weighing the situation when a fire truck appeared from a distance. The fire truck hitched people from our village's gate who wanted to go home. As the fire truck was approaching, my brother looked at me as if I'm the "captain of the ship" and asked, "what's next?" Well, seeing the situation, as much as I want us to go ahead, I ordered him to retreat.

Just a thought: As we were going back home, I remember a chapter about surrender in Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life. Thoughts about surrender flooded my mind. Most of the time we are wrestling with God for control of our lives. But there will come a time when we need to make a decision: are we going to continue to fight with Him or simply surrender? I made my decision to surrender to Him several years ago. I'm sure it was the most important decision in my life that would affect my eternity.

Adventures of Tintin

2007-08-07T14:24:00.000+08:00

In France, almost everyone knows who Tintin is; in the Philippines, I don't know.hehe

My brother and I like to watch Tintin series on TV when we were younger. We bought volumes of Adventure of Tintin comic books but we weren't able to complete the set. It is a series of Belgian comic books created by Belgian artist Herge, the pen name of Georges Remi (1907–1983). Tintin is a young reporter and he travels a lot with his white terrier dog named Snowy.

I just remember Tintin because a friend asked me if I was able to read all of the "episodes". I think I've read almost all. I have to find the lacking volumes in order to read them "all".

Just a thought: Good thing the Bible comes in one volume, 66 books-in-1. One could not say, I haven't read this "book" because I wasn't able to find a copy of that. And besides the Bible is the best selling book of all times. :)

I Will Be Here

2007-08-07T08:30:00.000+08:00

I was listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's All About Love album on my way home couple of days ago. I pressed the "repeat" button when "I Will Be Here" track was being played. Good chillin' out music when stuck in traffic. :)

I remember I was able to watch Steven Curtis Chapman sang this song with our very own Gary V on national television a month ago. Thanks to Mary Beth (SCC's wife) for the picture. Check her blog entry about it on their Asia and Beyond blog. SCC sang the Gary V's version of the song. The original singing the cover's version, huh? ;)

Tara na, byahe tayo! (Come, let's travel!)

2007-08-02T16:38:00.000+08:00

I visited Corregidor Island last month. This catchy travel advocacy song stayed in my mind for quite some time. It was played several times when we were in the ferry boat. I was able to watch the MTV of this song on government-owned channels several years ago. Recently I discovered this cool site "Lakbayan: How much of the Philippines have you visited?" Got a grade of D. I only visited places mostly in Luzon area. 7,105 islands to go! :)

To view the lyrics and MTV of "Byahe tayo!" song, visit this site - http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/biyahe_tayo.html

My Lakbayan map:

My Lakbayan grade is D!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

Please signal your intention

2007-08-02T12:53:00.000+08:00

"Please signal your intention" is my begcry (I'm begging and crying at the same time.hehe) for the past weeks for all the drivers out there. I didn't get formal driving lessons but one thing I've learned from my good "teachers" in driving is to signal your intention a few meters away before making a left or a right turn. I'm not an excellent driver but I'm trying my best to make "signal" a second nature to me when driving. Wish all drivers could make the same effort. Hmm.. oh well, they are not under the circle of my control so might as well guard myself. I'll try to be more understanding and patient on the road.

In relation to this, I'm just wondering if I could say this begcry to God whenever I encounter not-so-good circumstances. Most of the times we are wondering what is God's intention in letting us go through certain circumstances. Hmm... I remember Pastor Peter's message last Sunday, we need to go through difficult circumstances in order to grow. Well, if God would say His begcry for me it would've been, "Shut up, just grow up!" :)

When simple seems hard

2007-07-27T13:02:00.000+08:00

There are things that look simple but seems hard when doing it. I was tasked to make screenshots for the documentation we're doing. Hmm.. I think it's quite easy as simple as pressing the "Print Screen" key. Then I began to wonder how will I capture the entire page. That's the problem. I asked around what tool I could use to make my work easier. Mr. Google had lots of suggestions but I don't have time to try it all. Thank God for a friend who recommended Hypersnap. It has a free trial version that works perfectly fine. I haven't explored its other features but I think it's good. Its "Capture" function has a lot of options and I particularly use the "Entire Page with Scrolling". Amazing, Hypersnap makes my work easier! Hmm... this sounds like a testimony in a marketing channel on TV.hehe. Check out www.hyperionics.com for the free trial version of Hypersnap.

WinZipping is just as simple as doing a right click on the folder or file you want to zip and choose "Add to zip file". That's so easy when you're using a PC running on a MS Windows. For me who's using Linux CentOS... it's a problem. How will I zip the folder? Thanks to Mr. Google. After reading site after site after site, I finally found the answer. I just have to open a terminal then type the word "file-roller", press "Enter" key and an Archive Manager GUI (Graphical User Interface) will appear. Voila! I can now make a zip folder then just add the files I want to be zipped. Actually there are options in the Archive Manager on what archive type you want the files to be compressed (i.e. .tar.bz2, .tar.gz, .tar, .zip, .ar, .ear, .jar, and .war). I felt the feeling of Ferdinand Magellan when he discovered the Philippines.hehe

Anything goes...

2007-07-24T16:38:00.000+08:00

Today is my brother's birthday!

Exactly a month after my birthday is my brother's birthday. It makes me feel that I'm just a month older than him.hehe. I don't know if my parents planned it to be like that but I find it amazing. Based from my mom's story it was me who didn't come out at the expected time. I was supposed to be borne two weeks earlier than my birthday. Well, I think I find it comfortable inside my mom's womb that I don't like to come out.hehe. I'm blessed to have my brother. It seems like I have an elder brother and a younger brother rolled into one. He grew up taller than me so almost everyone who meet us would ask my mom who is the elder one.hehe I always grin in those situations. He has moods and wake up sometimes feeling he's older than me. His current favorite line whenever I leave the house: "Tingnan mo dinadaanan mo, 'te!" (with a certain "kuya"-commanding tone). I know he's just concerned about me. Anyway, I greeted him already this morning but in case he's reading this - "Happy birthday, Nat!" :)

Driving update

Almost a week after writing my blog entry about driving, I've become extra "careful" with my temper whenever I drive. There was an instance when I almost lost my temper along Katipunan Ave. Hmm.. I already made up my mind that I would not be affected by traffic jams. I don't like to have high blood pressure and certainly don't like to look old because of being "high tempered".hehe.

Museum visit-plan

El Poeta del Color
Amorsolo in the Vargas Collection
June 18 - October 7, 2007
Kawilihan Gallery

"For the first time since the Vargas Museum was opened in 1987, all 57 Amorsolo paintings and drawings acquired by UP alumnus and Commonwealth period Executive Secretary Jorge B. Vargas will be featured in one exhibition." - excerpt from the article in U.P. Newsletter

I inquired in the Vargas Museum yesterday and I found out that entrance fee is P20 for UP, P30 for non-UP. Viewing hours 9AM - 4PM Tuesdays to Sundays. No cameras or video cameras allowed inside, even bringing of ballpen inside is also probihited. However, bringing of pencils is allowed (just in case you want to sketch Amorsolo's works on-the-spot. hehe!).

There's a bomb!

2007-07-19T15:14:00.000+08:00

Our office guard got a phone call from an unknown guy who said there's a bomb planted in our office. Police responded and asked everyone to vacate the building. I didn't see the urgency in the face of my officemate as he put down the phone receiver so we thought it was just a fire or earthquake drill. I just realized that it was urgent when our office maintenance personnel came rushing in saying, "Pakibilis raw po sabi ng mga pulis." At once I got my bag and jacket and rushed down the stairs and out of the building.

Since we haven't eaten lunch yet, my officemates and I decided to eat lunch in a nearby canteen. When we went back, the police were still checking the premises. We decided to just sit and wait in a nearby bench. After two hours, we were advised that it was safe to go back in the building. Bomb scare.

I Am Blessed

2007-07-19T10:01:00.000+08:00

I Am Blessed
by Rachel Lampa

Verse 1:
I may never climb a mountain so I can see the world from there
I may never ride the waves and taste the salty ocean air
Or build a bridge, that would last a hundred years
But no matter where the road leads
One thing is always clear

Chorus:
I am blessed, I am blessed
From when I rise up in the morning
Til I lay my head to rest
I feel You near me
You sooth me when I'm weary
Oh Lord, for all the worst and all the best
I am blessed

Verse 2:
All along the road less traveled, I have crawled and I have run
I have wandered through the wind and rain until I found the sun
The watching eyes asked me why, I walked this narrow way
I will gladly give the reason
For the hope I have today
(chorus)

Bridge:
You've given me joy
You've given me love
You give me strength when I want to give up
You came from Heaven to rescue my soul
This is the reason I know
I know
(chorus)

=======================================

This is the current song playing over my head. It's a nice reminder that I am blessed. I really love the chorus of this song. It expresses what I want to say to Him right now. "Oh Lord, for all the worst and all the best, I am blessed" - such a strong statement! Sometimes we feel blessed only in what we think our "good times" but we forget that we're still blessed even in our "bad times".

I remembered this chorus while trying to patiently wait during one particular traffic jam. I was about to lose my patience and was about to complain about the traffic when I noticed the people inside the jeep in front of my car. They seemed to be getting impatient also because of the traffic. It seemed hot inside the jeep. Maybe some were annoyed with the jeepney driver's choice of music. I realized I was blessed. I was sitting comfortably in my car's well-cushioned seat. My car has an aircon unit. I could listen to my choice of music. And besides I was only about 500 meters away from our village's gate at that time. "Oh God, forgive me when I whine." :)

I was trying to look forward for our village's gate at this point :)

Postscript: I discovered that I could upload music files in the multiply site for free. Click here if you like to download an mp3 of the song "I Am Blessed".

Driving

2007-07-16T16:51:00.000+08:00

I've been driving regularly for some time now and I've been observing my behavior during my journeys to and from the office. I think I'm having symptoms of "sudden high temper syndrome". I used to think that I'm a cool driver but I overlooked the "pasaway" drivers in the streets. (haha, I think some drivers consider me also as one of the "pasaway" in the streets some times)

Well, these are the symptoms of my "sudden high temper syndrome". I tend to be talkative. Even when I'm driving alone I tend to speak to the vehicle that's blocking my way. Some of my favorite expressions are "kuya naman!" (when a jeep/car suddenly cuts my lane), "why are you so 'bagal'?" (when the the driver of the car in front of me feels like he's driving a funeral car and I can't change lanes), "kung naiinip ka, lumipat ka" (when I feel like I'm driving a funeral car and the driver of the car behind me feels annoyed with my driving). I tend to blow the car's horn more often than usual. Blowing the car's horn is one of my parameters if I'm getting hot-headed already. My worst of all symptoms is tapping the steering wheel so hard as if I lost a racing match.haha

I'm working on my "sudden high temper syndrome" and here are some of the ways. I entertain myself (especially during traffic jams) with cool music (like classical music; they say classical music has a "calming effect"), praying for people and taking pictures. And yesterday, I got a new idea from our beloved Pastor Peter. He shared that he became annoyed in one of the traffic jams he encountered last week (aha, I'm not alone!hehe). He was reminded by God during his "sudden high temper syndrome" that his "joy" is being robbed off from him. Hmm... ting! Aha, my joy is being robbed off from me every time I feel annoyed when I drive. So now I'm trying to have my mind set that my joy should not be robbed off from me when I drive. Hmm.. easier said than done but by God's grace I'll be fine. And if I can't keep my "cool" when driving the car, I think I just have to drive LRT/MRT trains so I would not encounter traffic, but maybe I think I'll ask them to put "eject people" button so I don't have to stop at the stations?haha :)

...Be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Yeah, nice reminder "be patient with everyone" and "everyone" includes myself. My ironic prayer when I drive is "Lord, give me patience now!" :)

Getting Into You

2007-07-16T13:06:00.000+08:00

GETTING INTO YOU
by Relient K

When I made up my mind
And my heart along with that
To live not for myself
But yet for God, somebody said
Do you know what you are getting yourself into

When I finally ironed out
All of my priorities
And asked God to remove the doubt
That makes me so unsure of these
Things I ask myself, I ask myself
Do you know what you are getting yourself into

[Chorus]
I'm getting into you
Because you got to me, in a way words can't describe
I'm getting into you
Because I've got to be
You're essential to survive
I'm going to love you with my life

When he looked at me and said
I kind of view you as a son
And for a second our eyes met
And I met that with a question
Do you know what you are getting yourself into

[Chorus]

I've been a liar and I'll never amount to
The kind of person you deserve to worship you
You say you will not dwell on what I did but rather what I do you say
I love you and that's what you are getting yourself into

[Chorus]

He said, I love you and that's what you are getting yourself into

==ooOoo==

It's been a while since the string quartet version of this song is playing over my head. One thing I've learned from my mom is to know what I'm getting myself into before making a commitment. Because once I've made a commitment I should be responsible to fulfill that commitment. In all my commitments, I think it's with my commitment to God that I always fail. I think of our commitment as a love contract and I know what I'm getting myself into. Good thing God doesn't like law suits, or else I may be filed with a breach of contract case every time I'm unfaithful to Him. hehe:) I like the last line of the song "He said, I love you and that's what you are getting yourself into". Sweet, huh?! :)

"Night-shining clouds"

2007-07-13T13:46:00.000+08:00

Image above: This image shows one of the first ground sightings of noctilucent clouds in the 2007 season. Credit: Veres Viktor of Budapest, Hungary taken on June 15, 2007.

Click here for more details.

"HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!"

What's Up?

2007-06-24T20:22:00.000+08:00

Silence

Hmmm…

I’ve been watching this TV drama for the past weeks. I just like some of the concepts in this drama. One of which is the use of sign language. Watching the female lead doing the sign languages makes me want to learn sign language as well. Another is the concept of “what if I only have 3 months to live?” This was not the first time this concept has captured me. I had a sort of face-to-face encounter with mortality a couple of years ago. Once again, I was reminded to constantly re-evaluate my so-called life. I appreciate silence lately. It is a time for reflection and thinking. The silence makes me more aware with the sounds surrounding me. I appreciate music more. I think I became more appreciative now.

Independence Day

I really like holidays. It is an extra rest day! Yehey! :)

This verse of a praise and worship song crossed my mind… “It was for freedom that Christ has set us free, no longer to be subject to the yoke of slavery… So we’re rejoicing in God’s victory, our hearts responding to His love!” I’m just really fascinated with this rescue/restoration concept. Whenever I see the repainting job being done to the old giant sundial monument at the back of our office, I see God as a restorer of broken lives and souls. This makes me remember another verse of a song, “Oh He heals the broken hearted, binding up their wounds, it is good to bless His holy name.”

I remember my own “independence day”, it was such a liberating feeling when I surrendered my all to the One who knew me well. I can’t describe the “high” feeling. :)

Remembered

It’s nice to be remembered… remembered as who you are. I had this experience in college while I was passing by the “flying carabao” monument in the main library when suddenly a girl greeted me “hi!” with a wide smile. I didn’t know her but I greeted her back. I was really wondering who she was. Then she asked me, “Are you Patricia?” (Nyeee!) I simply smiled and replied, “Sorry, I’m not Patricia”. Good to be remembered, huh? I had several encounters when people would say that I looked like someone they knew. I guess I have a “generic” face huh. :)

I thank God for remembering me. I’m really grateful for his abundant grace. I always tend to forget His faithfulness. But time and again He’s showing me His faithfulness in every way.

Driving experience

I’ve been driving regularly for almost a year now. I encountered some petty accidents, had some temper spurts, and had some impatient moments.

So far, I’m learning something every time I drive.

I’ve learned to “psychologize” the behavior of cars in my surroundings and anticipate their moves.

I’ve learned to be patient during heavy traffic though there are still times when my temper rises. One of the things I’m doing during heavy traffic is to remember people and say a little prayer for them. Another thing is to take pictures of traffic. :)

All the while, I thought I’m sort of a patient person but I didn’t know I have some temper spurts until I drive. Driving in the metro is some kind of a test of patience, with the likes annoying jeeps, trucks, pedicabs and motorbike. :)

Simple thoughts of you

In connection with my appreciative attitude lately, I’m having simple thoughts of Him every now and then. When I look at the sky, the cloud formations, the trees, the stars, and other creations, I can’t help but be amazed and think of the greatness of my God! :)

Missin' You

2007-05-26T22:14:00.000+08:00

MISSIN' YOU
by Chris Rice

I heard about the day You went away
You said You had to go prepare a place
And even though I’ve never seen Your face
I’m missin’ You

I lie awake tonight and I watch the sky
And I wish it didn’t have to be so high
‘Cause I’m belonging on the other side
And I’m missin’ You

‘Cause somewhere behind those stars
Is Someone who belongs to me
And I know in my deepest heart
There’s a place for You until I find the place You made for me
But still I’m missin’ You

I dream about Your promise to return
And I wake up hangin’ on Your every word
But for now my feet are planted here on earth
So I’m missin’ You
And even while they say that I’m a fool
I know you see me waiting here for You
Oh, and prayin’ that somehow You’ll get here soon
‘Cause I’m missin’ You

‘Cause somewhere behind those stars
Is Someone who belongs to me
And I know in my deepest heart
There’s a place for You until I find the place You made for me
But still I’m missin’ You

How much longer will it be
Till I get to see you
Though I know you’re right here with me
Tell me when can I be there with you

‘Cause somewhere behind those stars
Is Someone who belongs to me
And I know in my deepest heart
There’s a place for You until I find the place You made for me
But still I’m missin’ You

Oh, I’m missin’ You
Lord, I’m missin’ You

You Never Let Go

2007-05-20T21:59:00.000+08:00

You Never Let Go
by Matt Redman

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Chorus:
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

============================================
The story behind the song (from www.mattredman.com)

I wrote this song with my wife Beth, and it's special to us because it helped us make it through a very hard season in our lives. It was written in a really intense week. Beth suffered a miscarriage, and actually it was also the week of the London bombings. There are times when everything in life seems to be breaking and shaking apart, and that age old Psalmist cry of 'How long O Lord, how long?' is echoing through your soul. It's in seasons like those where we need to find something firm to stand on. For as real as these struggles are, there's an even greater reality we can connect with, the wisdom, power and love of our amazing God. In our darkest moments He's as kind, caring and in control as He ever was. The song for us was a really a way of reminding ourselves that there´s a God who never lets go us, through the times of calm, and the stormy times.

In the song we use Psalm 23 as a springboard into the theme. 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death', and aim to lead people into a place of hope. Since writing the song we've been so encouraged by some of the emails and letters we've received in response. For example, people who have lost loved ones in a such hard circumstances. And though they're very real about it and grieving the loss, they've made a choice to remain on the paths of trust and praise. Our God never let go of us, and if we're wise in worship, we'll never let go of Him.

============================================

When we feel like giving up on ourselves, when we feel like we just want to disappear, when we feel like we're worthless and more than useless, when we feel like there's no one who cares, when we feel like the weight of the world is upon us... God never lets go of us!

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:11

Remembering

2007-05-20T21:50:00.000+08:00

It has been three days since I’ve started in this job. I can’t help but remember countless things, persons and experiences as I tagged along with my officemates in the inventory of network equipment in UP Diliman campus. I visited UP Diliman few times before when we did library research when I was still in highschool. UP Diliman is very much like my beloved UPLB… the trees, buildings, road pavements, smell of old books, etc… I think UPD just lacks the “rural” and “camaraderie” feel of UPLB. :) The walk through different buildings was like a “walk to remember”. Some images of things, persons and experiences were flashing back in my mind. Well, the walk was quite tiring but I enjoyed it very much. I used to walk in UPLB then. It was like I’m having “field trips” every day.hehe :) (Actually, I miss the “walking sessions” with my dorm mates or blocmates.)

Some memorable remembrances are:

the smell of old books in the main library – I used to stay in the UPLB main library before and I really love the smell of old books even if it was one of the probable cause of my rhinitis.hehe I don’t know but that “old-book-smell” gives me a different natural high…parang rugby!hehe
red-floorwax-polished-floor – I love the feel of “gliding” my sneakers on the red-floorwax-polished-floor. I remember the red-floorwax-polished-floor in my college dorm.
College of Education and College of Law were the buildings I visited when I was in highschool – I remembered I found a good reference book about graft and corruption in the College of Education library for my social studies paper. I got a copy of a republic act on organ donation at the College of Law for another social studies paper.
familiar trees especially the palm trees I saw in NSRI – I used to memorize the names of those trees before because in UPLB most of the trees have “labels” complete with its respective scientific names. I wouldn’t forget the lined up palm trees from Carabao Park to Humanities building and from CHE (College of Human Ecology) building to PhySci (Physical Sciences) building.
Lab rooms in the PAV1, PAV2, PAV3 buildings – I remember my Chem and Physics labs before…wearing of lab gown made me feel like I’m a doctor and doing different strange experiments made me feel like I’m a scientist/physicist!hehe
ROMVLO HALL – I used to wonder how to pronounce ROMVLO when I was in highschool… hehe it was the first UP Diliman building I saw then… it’s the first building you’ll see when the jeep from Katipunan enters UP campus.
Walk along R. Magsaysay road – I remembered my journey in finding the unpopular CSRC building to inquire about ITTC. From R. Magsaysay road to CSRC building is quite a long walk. :)
CHE (College of Home Economics) building – It has the same initials with our college… College of Human Ecology! And besides, a good friend is also from CHE (College of Home Economics)… confusing di ba? Both colleges produce brilliant nutrition graduates.hehe :)

With all these remembering thoughts, once again I thank God for giving us memory! Good thing He thought of putting that “memory” feature in human beings. :) I really appreciate memory these past weeks! But most of the time, we are forgetful people. Forgetful on the blessings we received and the mistakes we made. May God help us remember the blessings we receive each day and give us wisdom to learn from the mistakes we make! Happy remembering! :)

Hello, Goodbye, Hello...

2007-05-11T20:29:00.000+08:00

Hello!

Forrest Gump once said, “Life is like a box of chocolates…” I say, “Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes.” From the time we said “hello world!” till the time we’ll say “goodbye world!” we encounter different “hellos” and “goodbyes”. May it be to a person, thing, animal, problem, experience, or whatever it may be… everything has a beginning and end. We say “hello shoes!” then after a while “goodbye shoes!”… then after a while “hello new shoes!” then “’goodbye new but now old shoes!” It’s just a cycle. But the important thing in all these “hellos” and “goodbyes” is what transpired in between. Did we choose to love? Did we choose to appreciate? Did we choose to cherish the moment?

We can’t avoid having mixed emotions in all these. We may feel sad because of a goodbye moment but we may also feel both excited and happy for what lies ahead (a.k.a. hello moment). Mixed emotions, isn’t it? Been going through some “hellos” and “goodbyes” these days… makes me feel sad, excited, happy, fearful in a way, and everything! But life must go on. :) Live the moment, appreciate it, cherish it, learn from it. :)

People have different styles in handling certain “hello” and “goodbye” moments. Well, in my case, music is my “therapy”. Some of my current “comfort” songs are: “Cry On My Shoulder” by Overflow; “Rescue” by Desperation Band; “Hand” by Jars Of Clay; “I Won’t Give Up” by Everyday Sunday; “Because He Lives” (old hymn). I feel better when I’m eating ice cream while listening to the music.hehe :) Seriously, these songs give me encouragement and sense of hope. I know that all these “hellos” and “goodbyes” are inevitable and in everything God has a purpose. :)

The only tragedy in between “hello world!” and “goodbye world!” is not to know the Author of Life in this lifetime. We are just travelers in this so-called life and there is a better (or worse) life waiting for us after this. Now it all depends on our relationship to the One who saves us from our sins, Jesus! Accept Him in your life and you’ll say “goodbye world!” “hello heaven!”. Reject Him and you’ll say “goodbye world!” “hello hell!”. Two choices. One important decision. The decision is ours. Make it here and now not then and after. (For more info on the “one important decision” I’m talking about… just leave a message in the chatbox or click here.)

That’s all for now!
Goodbye! :)

The Space In Between Us

2007-04-23T00:05:00.000+08:00

THE SPACE IN BETWEEN US
Building 429

Look at my heart again
Look at the mess I've got it in
I'm trying to trust in You
To know that you'll see me through
Through my pride
Through my shame
Into Your love
Into Your grace
I'm not looking back
Till I see Your face
And I'm running straight to You
Because

All I really want to do is to fall into
The emptiness that is
The space in-between us
To break this division
All I really want to do is to fall into
The emptiness that is
The space in-between us
Erase it and bring us together again

My life's like an open book
Nothing is hidden when you look
You break through my boundaries
Revealing my insecurities
But through my pride
And through my shame
You show me love
You show me grace
I'm not looking back
Till I see your face
And I'm running straight to you
Because

All I really want to do is to fall into

The emptiness that is

The space in-between us

To break this division

All I really want to do is to fall into

The emptiness that is

The space in-between us

Erase it and bring us together again

Here I am saying I need you
I know I need you
Here I am, I'm coming to meet you
Cause I want to see you

----------------------------------------------

I've been busy for the past weeks because of our final project. Long hours of lab work and finally it was over. Can't believe it was over. This song has been playing over my head these past few days. I think it's just my heart's desire lately to "break this division...erase it and bring us back together again". :)

Class is finally over. We're just completing some project documents for us to be cleared for graduation. Time flies so fast. I can't believe that 1 year had passed. God is so gracious. Our final project went well though I feel like the weakest link in the group (hehe!)... DB server and VPN concentrator don't like to cooperate. I remembered old worship songs in the course of doing this final project of ours. One song popped out from my mind when I was thinking why those computer services won't work even when we did all the recommended procedures... "I have made you too small in my eyes, O Lord, forgive me, And I have believed in a lie that you were unable to help me... But now, O Lord, I see my wrong, heal my heart and show yourself strong..." Mr. Google couldn't give much help anymore and I forgot that I have a big God who is almighty and sovereign. I haven't known Him as an IT expert but I know He made the stars and the skies, how can He not make our computers work? Thank God for giving us wisdom. I thank God for my hardworking groupmates and our group's counterpart in the other class. Our group was able to host their portal successfully. :) Then another song crossed my mind... "how can I say thanks for the things you have done for me, things so undeserved yet you give to prove your love for me, the voices of a million angels cannot express my gratitude, all that I am or ever hope to be I owe it all to you...to God be the glory!"

To describe this whole thing in one word -- "Amazing!" I'm glad we're done with the final project but well, I'm getting sad because it's time to say, "so long, farewell, I hate to say goodbye." (sounds like a "Sound of Music" song!hehe) :)

Need For Speed

2007-04-02T13:13:00.000+08:00

Almost all students are having their summer vacation at this time of the year. We are just starting our final group project. Well, time flies so fast and my 1 year study will come to an end in less than 20 days. I used to have countdowns when I was in college but this time it seems that I don’t want to count how many days left before the classes end. We’re busy doing our respective group projects but at the back of my mind, I’m starting to get lonely. I will miss many things…the parking lot, manong guards, labs, classmates, teachers, Japanese experts, and many more. Just few more days before we say, “So long, farewell, I hate to say goodbye”. There’s a time for everything as the Bible said in Ecclesiastes.

Because many students are in vacation already, traffic jam is not so usual these days. Driving is easier than before. Anyhow, my mom commented that my car speed is getting faster and she’s quite worried. Hehe. I didn’t notice that I’m driving the car faster than before. Maybe it’s just because I’m quite used to driving already and the streets are not crowded with lots of cars so why take it slow, right. Hehe. I’m feeling there’s some kind of need for speed. And besides it’s what people want these days. We want speed… we want fastfood… we hate long queues…we like instant coffee, instant noodles, instant cash, instant transformation and a lot of “instants”. In this world where people want everything to be in an instant, we’re forgetting that this world is a time-bound planet. There’s a time for everything. God has His own timetable. Why am I saying all these things? I notice I’m quite in a hurry for nothing recently… waiting is such a wonderful process if we could only see its bright side. Most of the time I just want to get out of God’s waiting room. But I always fail to remember that this life is just a series of waiting rooms…once you get out from one, you’re entering another one. So no need to be in a hurry to get out from one, they are all waiting rooms anyway. Take time to look at things positively while staying in one waiting room. Appreciate the moment and take note of the lessons being taught. Anyway, God is seldom early but never late. He’s right on schedule even if we feel he is very late. Am I reminding myself? Hehe :)

“God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Numbers 23:19

By the way, I think go-kart racing is cool! :)

P.S. This “loser” idea can’t get off my mind. I made an acronym for a loser like me…
Leaving Oneself Securely Entrusted to the Redeemer! :)

Loser

2007-03-20T13:00:00.000+08:00

I'm kinda frustrated with myself lately. It's like I'm disappointed with the way I'm performing. It's the feeling of "I do what I do not want to do". Barely a month before my certificate program ends and I'm getting lazy. This should not be. I think I'm such a loser.Hehe. Timingly, a classmate shared the "Loser" song of Switchfoot (see lyrics below).
I feel like an Israelite in terms of grumbling and rebellion.Hehe. Thank God for traffic jam. It is during traffic when God would made me realize things. My car is in number coding during Mondays and I have to wait till 7pm before I could go home. As I was approaching the downhill curve of Marcos Highway (it's the road fork where taking the left road will lead you to Marikina), an L300 van contested my position in the lane. I'm not really a risk-taker but that time I tried to fight for my position in the lane I was following to. I've never get that close with another car in my entire "driving" career.Hehe. But the L300 was really persistent and I think he would not yield. So I decided to give way for the L300 van. I felt mixed emotions -- anger, disappointment, etc. In short, I felt like a loser. Then I realized that God oftentimes asks us to yield and become a loser to Him. He is sovereign and the almighty one. He knows what's best for us. There are wishes and dreams that I am tightly holding to. There are times when I grumble and rebel when those wishes and dreams did not materialize. I have the feeling of "I don't deserve this" attitude.Haha. I'm such a fool. I'm such a forgetful person like the Israelites forgetting how the Lord their God had brought them out of Egypt. Be still and know He is God. :)

Loser
by Switchfoot

Only the losers win
they've got nothing to prove
They'll leave the world with nothing to lose
You can laugh at the weirdos now
Wait till wrongs are right
They'll be the ones with nothing to hide

'Cause I've been thinking, thinking
I've got a plan to lose it all
I've got a contract pending on eternity
If I haven't already given it away
I've got a plan to lose it all

I've been the burnout kid
I've been the idiot
I'll turn the other cheek to be hit
You can take what you want from me
Empty me till I'm depleted
I'll be around if I'm ever needed

I wrote this song for you
To show how I'm selling out
I'll take the benefit of a doubt

appreciate the moment

2007-02-03T13:58:00.000+08:00

First month of 2007 had already gone. Can't help but reminisce old memories. I'm such a sentimental fool! I've mentioned in my previous blog entries about my amazement on human memory. Thank God He thought of giving us memory. Letters and pictures help us be reminded of something or someone. So let me share some of my treasured personal favorites...

Moonrise I've seen while waiting on a Monday evening

"Feel good" sights along NLEX

Great sight while having a break on a group workshop

Trees, grass, and trail going to CS building

Nice scenery outside our school building... one of my faves cellphone wallpaper

Piece of art at the third floor of Main Lib

Traffic-free NLEX

a memorable lunch-merienda personally delivered by a beloved achi

Oblation in UP Diliman

Suzuki Escudo I've been driving for quite some time now

Sometimes I wish our eyes could have "capture and print" feature to document all the wonderful things our eyes could see. I can't help but say "how Great is our God!"

******
One thing I'm learning early this year is to appreciate the moment, things, relationships, good health, ideas, etc. Life is fragile, you'll never know what will happen next.
I'm also learning the "love them while we can" attitude. I think it's a Chris Christian song title way back in the 80's but it's a nice reminder... to love your parents, family, friends, even pets or things while you're still living and capable of showing them love.

******
I've read this from a book by Elisabeth Elliot...
"Life requires countless "little" deaths -- occasions when we are given the chance to say no to self and yes to God... We are not meant to die merely in order to be dead. God could not want that for the creatures to whom He has given the breath of life. We die in order to live."
This passage reminded me of "a chance to die".