Mitch Memories

2006-01-24T23:52:00.000-08:00

MY BEST FRIENDS

All along, I grew up being aloof from people. That might be because my mother died earlier and no one really mentored me on how to relate well with others. I was shy and I just want to be myelf even getting paranoid of the noisy and talkative people. That might be because I was born poor and I heard all over in town that people will only be nicer to you when you have something what they want. In short, I thought that I can have best friends in life when I will be richer, prettier and taller. With that thought in mind, I don't believe people very easily. It hurts when other people's intentions are true and genuine but I am closing my doors bluntly I failed to receive my blessings if we can call it at that.

I only had one trusted person way back in Elementary and her name was Merilyn Simblante. She was there with me through thick and thin. Our friendship blossomed in the course of time but it was on one certain incident that I made up my mind, Merilyn is going to be my best friend. You know, in elementary, there were instructions given by the teacher. I was raised sensibly by my mother before she died to obey and listen to instruction from people in authority. Our teacher in grade one said, we are not going to go out when in the classroom. Yet, I would really want to go to the comfort room and pee. But what will I do? I do not want to disobey Mrs. Lolita. So there I was sitting still on my desk all through out and well, I pee there in my desk..hahahahaha..now the secret has been revealed. But I was still a child at that time, fearful of anyone in authority, genious as others had to described me and so shy that I cannot even approached my teacher that I needed to go to the CR and pee. With that, my classmates teased me all throughout the year. They wrote my name on the black board day by day and even painted my name on the wall broadcasting it to all teachers, parents and elementary students. Every night I always prayed to Jesus to be transferred to other school but there was none to be transferred to. Other schools are too expensive my mother can no longer afford. Resigned to fate, I prayed that my classmates will stop teasing me and prayed too that one of them will be braved enough to stop the elementary students from teasing me. Yes, God heard my prayers. From all my classmates, only Merilyn stood up for me. She did not listened to teasing and even made an effort to stop it. She went with me anywhere and be the first person to defend me every time I was teased. She was courageous enough to talk to my teacher to have it stopped because it has affected me and she was there to say to all that others made a mess too in their closet-soon it will be found out-even more scary than what I had went through. She was a friend from Grade 1 until grade six. When I was so sick and cannot go to school, she endured walking to a far away mountain to visit me and discussed with me what the teachers taught in school. I remembered being so ill, she mentioned it to my teacher and all the class walked their way to our mountain bringing their letters wishing for me to be well. Because of Merilyn, I was loved by my classmates and teachers. Because of Merilyn, I believed that I had so much potential because she always believed in me. I cannot remember any betrayal from her. Being a true friend, she was there with me and plainly tell the truth most of the time. My life today is not just because I am so blessed with wit and intelligence, but it is merely because there were people like Merilyn who really believed in me.

Now in my high school. I was praying that Merilyn will be enrolled in the same school that I was in. But, it was so sad, she was on a vocational school and I was on a different school. We seldom talked. She was a working student while I was a working student too. However, everytime we have our time crossed while walking on the road from school to home, she was there to pat my back and she was not changed-she still believes in me. Our friendship had been tested with fire but it was still a solid one that no one can just marked and stepped. It was proved and tested. Thank you Lord. Having no Merilyn as my constant companion, I prayed that God will give me another Merilyn in my life. I had been with my acquaintances but had never found one until God gave me-Ana-lee. She was so religious then, waking up early in the morning for mass and we are good students too, always praying that God will help us remember what we had been studying. While others go home with a motor ride, we enjoyed having a walk from school to home-saving our one peso for our projects; one way of helping our parents too. We graduated with honors. I always remember her inviting me to go to her grandma's house to make our projects. She was so nice and she was always there to tell the truth to me even when she knows that it pains the most. But hey! it is always liberating to know the truth. Ana-lee believes in me so much like Merilyn. When we graduated, we had a firm hand shake praying that the future will be nice to us. I wasn't able to see her until last year when I met her mom as I had my vacation. I just heard the company and lo and behold the first thing I did when I arrived Cebu was to look in the directory the number of where my friend has been employed. I dialled the right number and I was able to bring her to Cutting Edge twice. Praise the Lord!

Now in the real world. God blessed me a nice job. I was hired as Praise Cathedral secretary. But, I had no friends. I didn't mind anyway. I can live even without having a close friend. But after two years of being a secretary, I sensed God calling me to become a pastor. It was challenging. I was not allowed to be closed to anyone because I need to treat others fairly. In retrospect, that was a nice advice. However, everytime I read the Bible, I was always convicted that having bestfriend is biblical just in the case of Jonathan and David. Their story was so touching that every night I always prayed that God will give me a Jonathan in my life. And yes, God gave me three in the form of Michelle, Lucy and Toni (not their real name).

Lucy. She was a woman who loves to serve the Lord. She has a nice voice and so intelligent yet she remains humble. She knows all about me and I never heard it blurted from others. She is a woman who will not forget my birthday and even treated most of the time in Chowking if she received her blessings. God knows how I deeply treasured our friendship. I knew her inside and out and I promised to the Lord that I will be there for her defending her and loving her for who she is. And yes, she a prayerful lady too, the first person who prayed for me everytime I am assigned to preach.

Michelle. She is very beautiful inside and out and her compassion to children is beyond compare. She serves the Lord whole heartedly and she never afraid to become dirty. She loves purple and she hates pink but it really doesn't matter. We treasure our friendships and we really love each other. I am praying for her and of course she is praying for me too the moment I was so down she was the first person that I called up to. She listened patiently with me as I tell stories that really hurt me. Thanks so much Michelle.

Toni. A talkative woman who wants others to be happy always. She cooked for me so many times and she showered me with gifts that touches my heart. Well, all gifts are really touching to me. How proud she was about me to her family and I am so proud of her too.

Through the years, I can say that I have so little to complain about and so much to thank God for. Jonathan's are gift to every person for they are to comfort and to cheer us. They are not perfect but the fact that God gave them to me means we have something worthwhile to share about.

Most of all, thank you dear Lord for being there for me when these Jonathans were not around.
You are the best and I know that You know it.

2006-01-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

LIVE EVERYDAY

Yesterday was over. It may be filled with victories or despair and the thought about it might suddenly pop in the air-still-it was nothing but past. Living so much in the succesess of yesterday may be nice in a moment but hey! today is a new day worth to be celebrated too. Maybe yesterday is not about victory but defeat-yet it was all over-why cry over a spilled milk?

Today can be beautiful if we let it be. Flowers along coastal roads may not be held as jeepneys' we ride too glide so fast but we can as well breath and say only God can make theses flowers courted by a bee.

Instead of complaining of how terrible life is; boss so irritating; co-workers so medicocre, and others are so slow, why not pass by the skywalk and see how little children though not having the luxury of a clean trimmed teeth yet manage to smile through the day not minding where the next meal will be. We should therefore live everyday like little children hopeful too that our dear Lord will stay with us and has no intention of forsaking us even if we made fuss not worthy of His smile.

And yes! why are we belittling ourselves for a job not well done? Haven't we realized that we are imperfect people and that's the reason of a cross? Now, if we are still too hard to ourselves then why not manage to take a look to mental hospitals? Aren't we thankful that we can still think and that we still have hope that next project is going to be better or best? Let us live everyday not too serious and hard with ourselves because second to God we can be the best lover of our being.

And by the way, why did we allow unforgiveness to take root in a fertile ground that is our heart? Are we not mindful enough to think that soon this will grow and will bear its fruit; sad enough the fruit is so bitter even an animal will not dare to taste? Let us live everyday by casting every negative things to His care knowing His time to set the record straight will come and occur in much unexpected ways.

Yes it is true. Life can be beautiful if we let it be. Time is too short to remember each others shortcomings. Let us then set our minds straight and focus to the one who endured the cross so our life will be as easy if we want it in day to day.

Though we are not promised to stay this earth without flaws but having enough air to breath without stepping other people's toes may be a key to a peaceful sleep at night.

How did I say it again?

Live everyday and I mean really live.

2006-01-15T21:36:00.000-08:00

MORE THAN A DEVOTION

It was January 15, 2005. I woke up late knowing there was no service in church. Later, I rushed to take a bath and off I went to wait for a jeep going to Ramos. I just later found out that the jeep will only up until Imaculada and thus I have to walk from there to church. It wasn't boring then. Walking long distance had been a norm on that one fateful day. It was a mob! The contingents on their respective costume was fun enough to see not to mention their make-up with their body to match. I continued my walk religiously, though alone then, yet my heart was filled with so much joy having a chance of observing people I even asked myself of where did they all came from. I stopped in one lane to really stare one contingent who one person was nice enough to say they came from Inayawan. Later, I heard voices shouting familiar name but whose face I haven't seen in person. I just found out that Pinoy Big Brother motorcade was slowly approaching with the house mates of course which was the reason of too much shouting I heard riding in it. True to form, a woman named Nene whom they said the ultimate winner of that show was jolly enough to entertain the masses, seeing her energetic with her dance number whose actions definitely depict the beat which was heard that day-Sinulog beat if we can call it that way. By then, people whom we thought as religious; whom we thought that their purpose of joining is to honor their patron saint sto. Niño displayed their true colors. They shouted the same name. They pushed old men and women; they pushed little children too, just so they will have a chance to see big celebrities having been famous because of a show PINOY BIG BROTHER. It was even surprising that instead of having their patron saint as the talk of the town-what you will hear from people's lips either adults and kids until you reach National Bookstore are names of Nene, Cass, Francine, Raquel and all others. Does it bother after all? Not really! No one really poke a gun on me to walk with these crowds and being pushed around were not other people's problem but mine. All in all, I got to little by little see what was in the heart of the people. People were not there because of too much devotion but they were there because SINULOG was greatly associated with fun, and recreation you can acquire for free. Part of it's affairs package is to see in real life ordinary people turned celebrities-a rare sight that was hard enough to miss-with that, who does not want to see what is into that SINULOG Day. Amazing how each one endure the scorching heat of the sun just so they will be able to stay for that activity.

Hungry, I rushed my way to carenderia but unfortunately, carenderia and other fast food restaurants were filled with so much people, Filipinos and foreigners alike and I decided to rather endure a long wait in Chowking. Besides, I will get to taste again my favorite bangus dish which I just had a handful's bite a night after that day. Thanks Yan-yan for the treat!

It was so warm in the office so I forwardly went to Robinson and sipped my darling frozen chocolate located at third floor level. It was again hard to enter in as you have to allow yourself to be pushed through with these strangers as they would like to have a cold place and a refuge as the rain pours in. I was a little bit happy knowing it rains and their honor to their saint will be stopped, but having remembered the characters of God, I knew He would still be merciful to innocent people who danced and prevail all day long. After all, He wants all men to be saved. As I was taking a walk to this department store, I saw a very compassionate God in tears watching these people. I was about to say punish them Lord, when He reminded me again that it is His goodness that leads men and women to repentance. Truly, He is good and His goodness endures forever. Who I am then to judge these people falling away from God? Or else, what difference I will be from the Pharisees!

In Robinsons first floor. I was completely shocked with what I saw. Once a clean store with people enjoying their window shopping then became a picnic place exactly like what we frequently saw in parks. People chatted and squatted on the floor enjoying bites of junk foods and ice creams which may quench a throat that may seem drying because of a sudden change of weather. Not to mention how it became a place where lovers kiss and make up too. And hey! Was that a freedom day? No guards scolded anyone there a treat which we seldom experienced on ordinary days. Feeling refreshed, I went back to church. On my way, I heard people partying everywhere. Most were dancing on the streets too and yes, no one mind, it was normal that day.

That night, I was again filled with so much hope. People's fun were almost over and I could see how desperate they were by just having a mere look on their faces. They wanted something more than a mardi gras. The place may be filled with so much love songs but it wasn't enough to fill in the void they had on their hearts. Many I know longed to feel a love that will last-the love of Jesus. And maybe because of pride devoted men and women will not agree to this, but if they will listen to their hearts I am sure that they will really want to taste that real thing-a loving embrace of God.

It really wasn't so much with their deep devotion after all. My hearts were filled with so much compassion not anymore judgment. I just couldn't help but love the masses and include them in my daily prayers. What a task ahead!

2006-01-13T18:30:00.000-08:00

I CANNOT THANK HIM ENOUGH

My melancholy in nature dominated again. Here I am cutting articles of Lucy Torres-Gomez for my clippings. You are raising your eyebrows? Please let me explain. since Lucy started to be visible on TV, I started to like her personality. I learned to love fashion because as she said, good grooming is something you owe to yourself. I can see myself in her specially in organizing stuff and her prayer life is so amazing. Amidst being born with a silver platter in her mouth, she maintained humility-a trait that draws her more to people. She is painfully shy and yet she is confident and poise when interviewed. Do I like her? YES! Besides, my mother's personality was exactly like her. And oh! I will not be guilty too, my mother died long ago, I will have the right to look up to who I will choose as my mentor. As far as I can remember, authors of inspirational books preferably women had been my mentor. Their words are soothing to my whole being though some faces remained a mystery to me. Now, here's Lucy and her column in Philippine Star is so inspiring. Her love for family is evident and her appreciation to ordinary people are genuine. She is far from being perfect but her qualifications is more than enough to become my mentor. Her calmness and poise puzzled me because though she had been gossiped painfully, she answered it with composure. She is not just a strong woman but a woman of strength-credit it to her strong relationship with God. I cannot thank Him enough for allowing me to see someone like LUCY.

After an organized clippings about LUCY, I texted my sister, CECILE in Manila. She is my one beautiful sister whose smile and laughter brings thunder to one's room. She is a sanguine, never afraid to take risks and optimistic about life. We are texting about life whereabouts and our plan to transfer to another house presentable for relatives, friends, and visitors. My heart had been bitter for having no luxury of living a nice house-with this I am convicted the virtue of patience and perseverance. We are planning to buy new kitchen wares and it was amusing to plan with a sister you took care when she was a child. I cannot thank GOd enough for having an imperfect family yet still together through thick and thin. I had been so close to my brother since we were kids and our phone calls-hearing our voice together is enough to move to life. He was my number one fan- a boy now a man-proud of my accomplishments in life. His child is a light of our home and his wife is a rose that calm us down. My other melancholy sister LIZA-strict she may be yet her love for family is abounding. I regret so much by I dealt with her but she is still one who is proud of me-continuously loving her witch ate mitch.

As I lay in bed gazing the clouds turned gray, my mouth smiled with so much love while my hair permed all the more thinking about His unending affection.

More than expensive jewelry and expensive furniture that other will get to appreciate, God enveloped me with something worth more than zillion in this world.

Tears could not stop flowing even if I get my eyes closely to His arms. Though I saw Him gently wiping my tears, it fell all the more. His face is so radiant, His touch with so much love, and His presence with so much wonders applauded me that says "well done good and faithful child."

My tears kept flowing as I really can't thank Him enough for His goodness.

2006-01-11T21:07:00.000-08:00

When Tears Isn't Enough To Comfort One's Fear

Bookstores! How I love it. National Bookstore is a store that stocks what I want. OMF is a Christian store that inspires me again even as I browsed pages and not to forget PCBS whose manager became a good friend of mine. These are my favorite stores and it has been a place of refuge and a box of safety one's my soul has been in a pit. Every once in a while I stopped by these stores and though may not buy books due to financial constraints, I left these places inspired again. Thank God, sales ladies and sales men are nice enough to allow me to skip pages after pages just so I will have a glimpse of the books contents.

Again, being an independent by nature, I had a hard time opening up the collection of my inner being. I maybe a good counselor as others would have said, but pride it might be, the hard thing is to be counseled upon. I passed through the test of life with God's hands gently directing me and I had been used to sharing it with Him. So when circumstances hits me, it is always been Him whom I look for guidance and direction. And with that, authors of different books helped mentored me as I go through different stages of life. This is maybe the reason why I would love to read womens books than mens' write-ups. This is not to say that I be little their writing capacity, it is just that I find a certain connection when I will be reading women's work of literature.

Come the movies. Yes, I'd love to watch Filipino movies but I had to make sure that I will learn or like the supporting lady or the lead lady character herself. This might be because my mother died as early as I was eight. Whatever the reasons are, I just love the fact that women are rising from their sit more than being the slave of men and elders alike. This is not true for all but real experienced to others as well. When a woman of strength get hurt, get sick, betrayed, and being taken advantaged of, women naturally cried but will eventually bounced back to life. Tears had become their solace and safety to avoid hitting other's feelings.

Tears had been a form of weakness to others but in reality, tears are signs of courage and tenacity. Tears are blankets of comfort, a bear that hugs and a flower that brings consolation to a tired eyes that barely see. Tears releases anger and after tears are gestures of forgiveness to a bitter bosom. But then again, what if we feel so alone and tears isn't enough to comfort our fears. What if eyes will get tired of producing teardrop and it will become so accustom of our own longings and worries? What if what had happened to us is abruptly in contrast to what we expect? What if the circumstances around seems blew out of proportion simultaneously in a different manner to what God said in His Word? What if people will no longer accept us because we seem to lose the talents they need from us? What if the people who publicly announced as our friends left us and even forsake us as one of our best buddies? What if our loved ones laugh at our lowest moments to a point of gesturing in joyful mood because they were able to get even? Will tears be dropping still in a life like Job? What if we will almost die of too much desperation?

When tears isn't enough to comfort one's fear, where we will look for comfort? Would that still be books of inspirational authors? Would that still be people spiritual people whose lips don't care enough if others get hurt or would it be raising both two hands upward in a form of surrender? Is surrender a sign of defeat after all? Would this mean giving up to life challenges and radically shout, “GET ME LORD, I AM TIRED.”

When tears isn't enough to comfort one's fear-SURRENDER and hide peacefully under the wings of a hen. A hen whose life is put a front so we will be protected. A hen who promised to wipe our tears when overloaded with life despair. A hen who run after others who would like to steal her chick. A hen whose wings are warm enough for the chick to feel the unconditional love. A hen who will protect us until we are ready to face life again. A hen who never leaves us nor forsake us. A hen whose touch is enough for us to move on and bounce back to life. A hen whose habitation brings enough comfort and peace so bitter emotions will be completely healed.
Yes, when tears isn't enough to comfort one's fear and sorrow, SURRENDER completely to the hen who never fails, who never judge but whose work is to accept one's mistakes, failures, and shortcomings. Surrender to a hen who never find fault in our daily dealings. Surrender to the hen whose intention is to see us blooming as a rose among high thorns. Surrender to the hen whose aim is to see us standing tall from an angry lions.

Friends, when life seems going up a hill with slippery roads that pulled as back from below, remember to SURRENDER and hide in the warmness of the hen's wings. You will never go wrong because those wings are too big to be our shelter-it is the wings of Jesus love.

And when eyes started to pour drops of tears again, get back to HIS wings to shield you from too much pain, gaze at His presence and gently touch His hands, as it will wipe every tear away from your eyes.

Rev 7:17 17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (from New International Version)

2006-01-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

MY PASSION FOR ORGANIZATION

I had been like this ever since. I remembered as a kid how I flared off over a project not given on time and to be told I need to submit it now infuriated me. What else, I would love it then had it been given to me ahead of time so I would have an ample time to prepare. I remembered how I listed down groceries purchased for my grandmas' little store so I will have my sheet balanced come the auditing time. The paradox of it comes to the fact that I hated numbers too much but not stuff that I need to organize. I knew of so many instances way back in my high school days of how genius I was called by peers and classmates appearing too serious when it comes to my studies. My favorite aunt even commented that I was doing the right thing of not bringing materials for review come the first to fourth grading exams. It was then accepted with a fake smile of my cousins whose somehow jealous with how I performed academically in school. When given deadlines by teachers, I imposed deadlines to myself too so my teachers will not have a hard time following me up. Legalistic as it may sound nor boring it might be to popular sanguines and powerful cholerics, but yes, that's just me a perfect melancholy who hates chaos and loves order. Our neighbor way back in Englis V. Rama gossiped about me for frowning all the time but the fact is, I was in my deep thought analyzing and planning things. I was mad about it for some time because I can't understand how people can be so mean. While others are up for all fun and recreation, I am left doing something that will bring order to my life. Yes to be labeled kill joy is nothing new to me since a pastor friend on the year 2000 said the same thing as well. But what is really wrong of keeping things in order, I thought? What's wrong if one has to follow instruction from a superior?

Time passed and my way of handling things vary. Yes, I am still the same old one who has penchant for organizing stuff but it has modified in some ways. I realized that not all people are like me and how I treat others may not work to some. I should therefore learn to smoothly work in various personalities and handle them wisely according to their God-given ways. Others have a hard time understanding me as well because of my high-down, up-low moments. One day, people saw me laughing boisterously and the next day they saw me sinking in despair. With that, I need to learn to be poised under pressure. It had gotten to my ears time and time again but I am still on the process of changing to be that way. For one, I needed a conscious effort to be graceful and trying to handle things with grit and composure and yes, to be emotionally stable all through out.

Up until today, arriving to a disorganized table give me a fever and flu. I love to scream if the office would be mine but I had tempered it politely if the cubicle belongs to someone else. For sure, he/she has his/her own way of arranging things so different from mine.
True to form, organization is the key to one's success. It is one way of remembering people of various ministries and it is one way of checking on things if we need them on time. When one is disciplined enough to organize, then things will just go well swimmingly without pace and intervals of what is going to be next. Piles are filed accordingly. Books are arranged according to use and literary form. Notebooks are into one direction according to what has been recorded. Pencils are in the pencil case while make-ups are all set inside a make up kit. Office table is all set for work, cleaned and wiped properly while computer is free from dust that will cause a bad cough and cold that hardly get away. Organization is a skill that can be learned when religiously pursued but it will affect much to one's system when lightly treated. Once the system is all set-up, it will be easy to follow through and once a hard life will become an easy as it glides. Organization will then our friend, best friend, and our ally to success.

Love it because for sure it will love you back!

2006-01-03T02:27:00.000-08:00

Me in gray..giving instruction to leaders and kids during our feeding the poor taken last December 24, 2005. (Thanks Bro. Joseph Librero for the picture..your a blessing!)

2006-01-03T02:18:00.000-08:00

from left to right: Ptra. Josie, Me, Jojo and Kuya Joseph during our badminton game!

2006-01-03T02:06:00.000-08:00

Children are told to form a straight line.

2006-01-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

THE RICE & THE SURPRISE MONEY

Thank God, the season of saving for gifts and for food contribution has been over. I am stepping on another year, another challenges to face, another victories to thank Him and another surprises that I know I will be excited about. Upon my reflection, I was reminded of the rice and the surprise money.

It was the Life Connection's Party in church and to make the parents contribution lesser, Children's Ministry decided to join with them. Upon our meeting, I was assigned to take charge of the registration as well as to cook for 25 kilos of rice for everybody. I happily agreed knowing I don't need to prepare for the viand and one new member in the children's ministry decided to share the load with me. Now comes the the day of the party. It was 12 noon and my partner decided to back out as to regard to her contribution for the rice because she has to go home and her money is enough for fare. I was left having no money in my pocket and the people around me had nothing to share too because of too much loss to December party fever. My mind was wandering who to go to but I was also sure that no one will lend me money to buy for the rice. I was left to no one but God. Being not a perfect daughter to Him nor sometimes at my worst in my relationship with Him, I call upon His name once again and ask help to provide for the rice. You see, time was running and the party is about to start. My mind was really thinking for a solution but it seems like no solution coming out. All of a sudden, I received texts messages echoing the same message, they will be bringing rice and they all came an hour before the party has to start. With that, I only need to cook little to add with what others bring. Wow! Sometimes what we think as our last minute is going to be a perfect time for God. We had a good party then. The food were overflowing and we had so much left over of rice that people were dividing it to bring home. After the party was over, God reminded me to keep trusting in Him and even brought me back of how He fed the five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish. Again, I was humbled by His goodness. I was humbled by His faithfulness. There were times that my mind had been polluted with the things of this world but He keep me on track by providing me all that I need. Truly, He is a God who gives liberally without finding fault.

Now with the surprise money. I was in debt and it was the due date. I need to pay the said amount but there was no money coming in. Again, I was thinking of a solution. I was thinking where to go. The one who have to collect for the money is about to arrive and I don't even know what to say if he will arrive. I then again ask God for help. And true indeed, before the collector will have to arrive, I receive what I call a surprise money enough to pay to that debt.

God certainly knows how much I need Him at that time. He was there and miraculously provided for the rice and for my debt.

Isa 55:8-9 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,"

declares the LORD. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (from New International Version)

2006-01-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
What we call the beginning is often the end
And to make an end is to make a beginning. -- T.S. Eliot






___________________________________

2006-01-01T03:01:00.000-08:00

God often uses small matches to light great torches. No matter how small we feel in this world, God has something BIG in store for us.

This is a text I received from my favorite Aunt from Leyte right after the sermon of Pastor Centino at the 4 PM service.

It really coincides to Pastor's preaching. God is really real and no doubt about it.

2005-12-31T05:39:00.000-08:00

AN INSPIRATION

I am about to throw old news papers I kept hoping I can use all these as wrapper for all my Christmas gifts only to find out that I wrapped none. As I was browsing some news for year 2005, I came across an article about Chief Justice Davide's secret to success. That was a testimonial written by Dr. Romulo G. Davide, Ph. D. for his beloved brother. Though, I wasn't able to follow through the beginning of that story since it was the conclusion of the doctor's testimonial, I felt like heaven inspired again to follow my dreams. You see, the Chief Justice may look so big in his position, somewhat out of reach yet, it was propounding to know that he started just like other ordinary people had. The only thing with him is that he had a dream and he was determined to follow his dream, that of becoming a lawyer. But when he became a lawyer, he was not just a lawyer but an excellent lawyer. The author was once interviewed regarding his mansion, (and that was on the hilt of the Chief Justice impeachment) he outrightly said; the Chief has the biggest mansion in the world but they could never see or photograph it because it was hidden deep in his heart. That mansion is his heart itself that radiates great love for God, country and people. As he added, there is no doubt whatsoever that the Chief loves his job very much.

I then again kept this article in my inspiring clear book section. This added to my clippings of success stories worth imitating. Through the Chief I was inspired to pursue my dreams that has been stagnant for five years. Dreams will boil the heart to move on despite struggles. It will push us to continue on and never waver. It will give joy to a tiring heart. It will motivate us to go around winning like how the Chief won various cases that was given to his hands. He did not started rich. He walked from home to school and vice versa but it did not hinder him to dream. His path when he was young may be dirty and stony to the physical but it was so straight in the spiritual realm-he really knew what he wanted in life.

This convicted me so much. I know in my heart that God has planted a seed of greatness to me since I was a kid. I know that He gave me abilities to fulfill the path that He has chosen for me. But, what keeps the dream stagnant? What keeps this dream from showing up? Had I been too fearful to start something new because I am living in my comfort zone? Had I been too fearful to voice what I really wanted in life because of fear that people may not accept me? Had I been too fearful to start all over again for fear that I may not be doing it right? I would love to say probably yes, but the truth of the matter is a BIG RESOUNDING YES! I am so fearful to try. Shocked? Its alright! For so long, I was always concern about what people has to say about me. It irked me when they don't like me anymore so I have to do things that will conform their belief so they will be pleased. Sounding like insecure? Yeah, I will honestly say that I was so insecure but not anymore now. It is good to know that I have God and I am secured in His loving arms.

Today, my love for God deepens and my dreams sprouted again. This time, no one has the right to trample it and stop it. This time, no one has the right to block it. This dream will have to be seen. Though, there are really hindrances before reaching what we want, it is still not right to say that we failed to reach it because of others. For the truth is, we are always the first enemy to our success. We want others to admire us before we start believing in ourselves. We want others to appreciate us before we are convince that we have the potential. We should be our number fan! We know ourselves better than what others perceived about us. We know our strengths and weaknesses. We know better of our potential and our ability to succeed. Let us not wait for others to push us. Let us be the first one to push ourselves for what our next generation will see if we will be coward to pursue the dreams we know will be our best destiny.

Thanks Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. for the inspiration.

2005-12-30T00:53:00.000-08:00

GET OUT FROM THAT BOX

Year 2006 is really near! I am excited! I know that my latter will be greater than my past. I will have a life full with surprises.

You see, year 2005 has been great but if I have to evaluate it, it seems like I had allowed people to dictate me what I need to do in life. One person is not pleased with my long hair, so I had mine cut according to what she said. A very spiritual lady made mentioned that she doesn't like to see me by the way I dress and it is just so funny how she criticized me with the way how I carried myself during my primitive days..hehehehe...She really wanted her style to be my style. I am doing something stupid already if I don't do it her way. But, hey! All these are over. I have a life of my own. I have a dream which has been planted by God in my heart. I have my own destiny sculpted from above. Who needs to be pleased more..God or people. We know the answer, it is God.

Year 2006 will be an exciting year. I will chart my course. I will allow Him to use me mightily and I will allow the real me to blossom and bloom. There are so many things that we can do in life. There are so many dreams that we will be able to achieve. Why limit ourselves by how people is measuring us?

Let us be shining in the year 2006. Let us be productive and fruitful. Let us follow the chart God has for us rather than doing what others would want from us. Let us break barriers. Let us take the risk of doing something new.

It will be very sad to face God not accomplishing anything all because we limit ourselves to what we think people will only be pleased. No one should limit us anymore. If God is telling us to do something, let us do it. If we fail, hey! it is never final. Let us stand up and start again.

Had you been hurt and disappointed on the year 2005? Get up! Don't bury yourself in the heartaches and disappointment of the past. Shake off your past disappointments and try again. That will prove that you are a true winner..because you don't set your mind to fail but to succeed.

Had you been too serious? Smile a bit and laugh like a child. Life is just too beautiful to frown and be lonely.

Not being able to reach your goals? Don't worry, learn from the past and be wise to put strategies in this year..You will avail it and you will have your goals reach.

Betrayed? It's alright! We are working with imperfect people who are work in progress. Give some allowance but be discerning enough next time of who are you going to open your hearts into.

Loveless? There are so many people that needs our love. There are so many people that needs our attention. And much more, ourself needs our own love. Love yourself first..share it to others and don't be surprised if Mr. Right/Miss Right comes along.

We will have 365 days to achieve something we want in life. Let this year not be marred by little disappointments and mistakes. Let this year not be tarnished by the gossip mongers. If something not worthwhile comes along, don't dwell into it. You will be surprised to know that there are wonderful things that had been happening in your life had you focus on the brighter side of it. And oh, let us remind ourselves that what had happen this year is never because of the shortcomings of others but it is all the result of our own decision. Let us take responsiblity on our actions and think out from the box.

I tell you, there are so many things you know you can do if you will really have to do it that way...and of course..it is not just going to be you but ME and YOU!

A blessed, prosperous, productive year 2006 for all of us!

2005-12-28T20:14:00.000-08:00

LESSON FROM A LOBSTER

I got a chance of talking to a wonderful counsellor from fh, a foreigner from UK now based in Negros. We had a wonderful time chatting about our dreams and wants in life. I used to be ashamed having the first person to say "hi" but this time, since it is Christmas, I grabbed the opportunity of greeting them a happy holiday. They had been so nice then to reply and our conversations were just non-stop. So that's what is! This talkative counsellor was just talking but I was so happy hearing from him. I was so happy about his views about our country, how beautiful it is compared to them and how warm people are. In the course of our conversation, he made mentioned of a beautiful lobster in a seafood restaurant. It was still alive held by a waiter for their food. He gracefully accepted that beautiful lobster and instead of eating it he threw it back where it belongs. When asked why he was doing such a thing, he said, the lobster will be happier where it belongs.

This really made me think because this is true even in life. There had been a lot of people who had been in prison by doing what others would want from them. They do what others told them to do instead of pursuing their own dreams in life. They might be called free from this earth by not staying in the prison cell but in reality they are in prison by doing what others dictate they have to do. A woman who wanted to become a doctor become a nurse because of what the parents dictate. A man who wanted to become a pastor but become a lawyer because he was expected to do so. A lady wanted to resign from work and pursue other career but seems restricted because of ormountable debts. A lady who wanted to do something but seems hindered because of fear that she might hurt others.

This world may sound free to those who are not in prison but the truth of the matter is that we had been imprisoned from our very own dreams. We allow circumstances to rule over us. We accepted defeat. We view failures as final. We view poverty and bankcruptcy as the end. We think like it's over.

But we need to be where we need to be. Like that of a lobster. That lobster will be happier if it was thrown back to where it is. God is like that of a counsellor. He will free us and bring us to a place He knows we will enjoy. He is not a kill joy God. He will do greater things in us. He will bless us with so much. He will give us freedom to do things that will expand His Kingdom.

Let us be free from the dictates of people, from the pain of the past and from the ridicule of people.

Let us enjoy life..let us think of a solution..let us think of victory.

We are victors and not victims.

That's what the lobster meant to me.

2005-12-28T01:22:00.000-08:00

TAKE IT EASY

December has been a very hectic month with too many things to decide and prepare. Deadlines popped up in mind even if I am in bed. The payables had become too big because of people being sponsored not to mention the amount needed for exchanging gifts for parties. Too many parties to host plus a biological family that needs attention. Feeding the poor had gave me a crunch in my stomach because of late response of sponsors but then again our good Lord never fails to provide. Hearing kids appreciating what has been given to them makes me really smile. The children's production was a wow too despite little natural occurence that is expected to happen when there is a play. Though broken hearted of feeling taken advantage because of my kindness it does not stop me in reaching out to others. If I have to compare December last year from this year I would really say that our schedule this year makes me crazy. Pressures are too much but we can as well decide to take it easy. Joseph, a dear friend made mention that I was sick last year because of too much work, which really was true. I became very sensitive to little comments it affected my relationship from other people. Learning from last years lessons, I encouraged myself not to dwell too much on the problems but rather, I have to look for solutions. I encouraged myself to take everything easy and do it in a poise demeanor. I encouraged myself to love people instead of criticizing them. I encouraged myself to laugh like a child and believe that everything will turn out into the best. Though, I will still get irritated with nonsense teasing and comments, I offer myself to God knowing that I am His workmanship and that I am a work in progress.

We can take things easy. We can still accomplish so much by being nice to others. We don't really need to be rude to others to accomplish our goals in life. We just have to do it the way Jesus Christ did it-maintaining poise under pressure. You see, after five years of working in the church, I realized that pressures are all in the mind. We think too much on the bulk of the work instead of putting our hands to work. Instead of saying to others I have so many things to do, why not dive into what we are suppose to do without making so much fuss. People don't really need to hear all the complains, they would love to see what we have accomplished in life.

Maybe some of you had been so tired from work. Pressures from home really make you sick. Your rising debts may cause you some insomnia and deadlines may cause you some ulcers. Hey friends, let us loosen a little bit. Everything has a solution. God will turn every negative event to a positive one. In Him, nothing is impossible.

I thank Him for allowing me to carry all of this year's load with poise. This year is really awesome but I am confident that my latter will be greater than my past.

So, let us journey together and let us take it easy. It is still good to savor an accomplishments without stepping on other people's toes.

2005-12-26T00:15:00.000-08:00

Life is a decision.
We decide to love.
We decide to be loved.
We decide to hurt others.
We decide to get hurt.
We decide to commit.
We decide to say no.
We decide to save.
We decide to spent.
We decide to be successful.
We decide to live in mediocrity.
We decide to move on from past hurts.
We decide to dwell from the hurts we feel.
We decide to laugh.
We decide to be sad.
All in all, we are the result of the decision we make in life.
When something's bad happen, we have no one to point our fingers into.
We have no one to blame.
When we make mistakes, we can either decide to stand up and correct it or we we can dwell on it and cry all the day long.

Life is just to short.

Let us decide wisely!

2005-12-18T20:44:00.000-08:00

IN OUR WEAKNESS HE IS OUR STRENGTH

It was a tiring week. So many responsiblities to be fulfilled, so many projects that needs to be accomplished this month, piling bills to be paid, children and teens to be coached and family to think about. I've got so many things to think about for a 26 years young minister. Sometimes, it has become so overwhelming, I don't know what to do next. The sad thing sometimes, is that the expectation from people is just too high but the best thing somehow is the adrenalin rush to rise above the challenge.

Nevertheless, I saw how God moves. In a stressful day, He surprises me so I can smile. He gives me wonderful people to enjoy with and most of all He trully proves that in my weakness He is going to be my strength and I can do all things because He will be the one to give me the strength.

Isn't this article too short for a tiring week? It really is!

2005-12-15T21:56:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU LORD!

Ps 118:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (from New International Version)

Year 2005 is almost over. As I look back, I remember the steadfastness of God's Word. Truly, His words will not come back to Him empty and void. He had been so merciful to me in countless ways & His love for me is beyond compare. I cannot count in my fingers and toes how He had been so good to me. He had been a very good provider to me beyond compare. Indeed, I can't thank Him enough.

Year 2005 was never a perfect year for me. There had been things that had happened which makes me sigh in disbelief. There were good things that had been happening because I had been an obedient child to Him, while there had been things I wished it didn't happen all made because of my foolishness. Nevertheless, it was in bad times that I saw how God worked in my behalf so in the end, I will not be put to shame. Yes, He really is a God beneath my wings.

Lord, let me thank you;

For the joy in my heart as I continue in the ministry. You had been my joy in stressful and pressured times. You surprised me enough to make a beaming day. For that Lord, thank you!

For Pastor Noel Centino and Pastora Siony who continue to mentor me even if I had become so hardheaded. They stood with me in tough times. They trusted me so much. They had loved me just like their children. They are two different individuals who are far from being perfect yet so real. Thanks for them Lord!

For a loving father; Camilo Nacional who never fails to support me in the calling that YOU had placed in my heart. He is never a perfect one. He made mistakes. He tried his best to please me but I can never be pleased by him. Yet, he is the one who wash my clothes, he is the one who cooks for us, he is the one who wash the dishes and keep the house. Where in the world can I get another father like him? For him Lord, thank you!

For a loving brother, Jerry and sisters, Liza and Cecile who cried for me when I am so down. For lending to me their money when I will have nothing. For staying with me even if my attitudes has never been pleasing to them and for accepting me for who I am. For them Lord, thank you!

For my best friends, Yan-yan, April and Anna who accepted me for who I am. They listened to my wailing heart. They celebrated with me, cried with me and laughed with me too. They learned to love my jokes and encouraged me to stay put when the going gets tough. We have lived a separate lives but we have one thing in common-our passion for our friendship and for God still remains. For them Lord, thank you!

For the teachers in the children's church, Ate Lucy Amores, Ate Maya Zafra, Ate Malou Reyes, Ate Flor Cusare, Jennifer Cusare and one additional Ms. Leny for supporting me in the ministry. How can I really stay without them? They had been a blessing to me. They stayed with me even if I had been so snooty in handling with them. They acted the one matured and adjusted fairly to their immature pastora. For them Lord, thank you!

For the Teens Leaders, Tara, Rasheed, Adrian, George, Nandy, Christine, Karen Michelle, Mark, Aaron, Jennifer, Joy-joy, Antonette & Leona Grace. Seeing them growing and maturing in their faith made me realized that I am doing the right thing. Their passion for YOU LORD inspire me to keep on teaching YOUR words. Their leadership and support in the children's ministry made me jump for so much joy-YOU really allow me to enjoy bountiful harvest as this one. For them Lord, thank you!

For the Kid's leaders like Isah, Shanelle, Rio, Mel June, Ian Paul, Christine, Aislinn & Raji. They made my life so much easier. They worked without so much supervision. They accepted my correction with a good heart. They rejoiced with me and cried when I was about to leave them because I was assigned in other ministry. Their words like in our hearts no one can replace you is a music to my ears. Lord, let their life be filled with so much joy. Let all their needs be met. Let their parents live a long life and to those whose parents are separated, I pray that YOU will let them feel how great YOU are as their father. Let them not be tempted Lord to do things that are not pleasing to YOU. Make them the head and not the tail, Lord. Make them the best in class Father. Lord, that each one of them get their dreams. Father, YOU know how much I love them. You know how dear they are to me. Lord, I commit them into YOUR hands. I trust YOU enough to meet their needs. Lord, for them, thanks so much.

For the new book your best life now given by Joseph Librero. Thank YOU so much. You know how I like that book. You know how I was so impacted to each & every word. Let brother Joseph Librero exprienced his best life now as well Lord. For the book and the giver Lord, thank you!

For Bambi, Baboo, Angie, Melanie, Joseph L., Kuya Eric, Ate Rock, Christy Arreza, Dave Dayanan. Ate Elvie, Bimboy, Gerard, Joel Bayas & all the rest for their wonderful support when I was assigned in the Cutting Edge. I never felt like I was an alien in the ministry. My being a young pastor was never a threat to them. They were wonderful blessings to me. I will have a hard time forgetting them Lord. They had a good heart of service to YOU. Let each one of them be blessed financially. Let them drive their brand new cars, give them their house and lot, and promote them Lord. Give them a humble heart, who will remain nice despite their blessings Lord.

For Ptra Rachel who acted like my second mother-thanks for her. She is a gift and a blessing.

For Eugenie Banasig Lord for painfully teaching me the keyboard.
She had been so patient with me. She has a great heart so I will learn and with that thank YOU so much.

For a wonderful Raindown Concert Lord. Thanks so much. I did not expect it that way but truly, YOU are the one leading the way. That was YOUR concert.

For my nice skirts, blouses and shoes. YOU really make me a like a princess in YOUR sight. Thanks TO YOU too for letting me know about fashion. Those who once laughed at me because I dressed like from the mountain laugh no more. You are such a GOD of surprises. Thanks to you Lord!

For everyone who challenged my ability, who challenged my height, who challenged my personality-thanks for them Lord! I will not be who I am today if it were not with those challenges.

For the things I failed to write Oh Lord, let me say thank YOU!

I know I am still work in progress Lord. I am far from being perfect but I trust YOU enough to mold me into a woman you want me to be.

Next year will be another year. New memories to cherish. New friends to be added in my friends list. New big things to happen. New big surprises. Help me Lord to cling on more to YOU and to be sensitive to YOUR leading. Help me Lord to follow what YOU will have to say other than what other people has to say. Help me not to be persuaded on the things of this world but rather be a woman persuaded by YOUR word. Change me from glory to glory Lord.

Thank You Lord for I know that my latter will be greater than my past.

2005-12-14T20:01:00.000-08:00

Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe-

This is a message that brings conviction to my caloused heart at times. This reminds me that everyone is special and is capable to be treated with respect and dignity. Equal treatment should be given to all; they might be a beggar, the poor, the middle class and the rich. However, it really hurt me the most knowing our society in general unconciously taught people to respect accordingly to how much is in one's wallet. It hurts to have seen it in my own eyes that sometimes, the church is doing the same thing. Leaders in almost all kinds of organizations measure value through someone's wealth and riches. Some treat others as special if their physical appearance meet their standards.

People who have so much potential but not treated squarely thought they are the menace in the society and therefore act the same way they had been thought of. Children who have the ability to excel had the hard time reaching excellence all because they had been looked at differently.

Church sometimes do the same way. They reject others and when it is their turn to be rejected, they stand up from their feet and defend themselves without listening what really is the truth. They laughed at others mistakes and when it is their turn to commit one, they will get angry when others will laugh at them. They asked for favors but most of the time they will act so rude and get angry when they will not receive the favors they think they deserve. I can pin point this truth to others but I have to admit that it is me sometimes. We disregard others because we too had been disregarded. According to the book of Pastor Joel Osteen, if someone is rude and inconsiderate, we can almost certain that they have some unresolved issues inside. The major problem might be anger, resentment or some heartache that they are trying to cope or overcome. To some degree, this is so much true. Hurting people will really hurt people.

With this, it is obvious that there are a lot of people who are carrying their baggages in the past. If we will not cast our baggages to the Lord, then who in the world will show kindness and mercy to this very rude world? If Christians will at the same time listen to what the flesh dictates, then how can we show Jesus to others? How can we help others to become what they are capable of doing?

Can evil be overcome by more evil? If we mistreat people because they had been mistreating us, will it make the situation better? When we express anger to a person who has been angry to us, will it make the situation cooler?

We need the presence of God so we can respond to unbecoming moments right. We need to take the high road of being kind and courteous even if it is a hard thing to do. I will have the hard time doing this but I can overcome this if I will rely on God than I have to rely on my flesh.

2005-12-13T07:18:00.000-08:00

Amazing!

Tuesday early in the morning, I was in a high mood. Everything seems falling into place! I had a nice and sound sleep. I was not late for badminton call time. Though we lost in the in the first round badminton game, we bounced the second round, so it was not like going back to church a loser. In between, I was reminding Pastor of the church treat for Pastor Oski and Kuya Joseph's birthday. I was then called as the "SOLSOL" ministry knowing they all give in to my request. Did it offend me? Not at all. I even considered it a strength only me possess.

The food were so dilicious it came in as my favorite. Seafoods, and dried fish were there present I had no hard time finishing what I best served in my plate. On our way back to church, I had a nice and sound sleep in the car until we reached the office we are headed into. As I checked my phone, an unexpected person texted me, so I ended up buying a one hundred pesos load instead of patiently waiting for another Sunday so a person I would to help with sell me a load. The conversation progressed and we ended up agreeing to have a chat through yahoo messenger at 8 in the evening. Knowing I can't do anything in the office since there was a church music practice, I led myself to the nearest internet cafe and waited for him to appear on line. He didn't! All along I was expecting that it was 7 in the evening so I will just have to wait for him only to be surprised that it was 9:30 and I failed to even have a good chat with him. A little bit frustrated, i returned back to the office only to know that it was lock and the funny thing was that I left my bag with my key and the phone was left charged as well. My flesh and my spirit began to fight. My flesh would like to scream in anger but my spirit was strong to tell I need to pass the test in patience. I decided to just pray indeed having hope in my heart that one will just come to church and have it opened. I waited for an hour, knocked the glass door a thousand times through my five peso coin, yet, no one really showed up. I pressed the buzzer, but it was not functioning! I would love to break the glass door but how will I pass the test of character if I will decide to just impulsively do that!

With hope to enter church that night, I walked going to Chowking and treat myself with my favorite bangus and buchi. I was asked to wait as I was handed the 23 number after I paid. I patiently waited my food only to find out that I was served a garlic rice which I really didn't like and changing it will cost another time to wait. I decided to just enjoy the garlic rice, sipped a little from time to time with my favorite large ice tea and well, savor the moment than mourn. In my heart, I was high spirited heading back to church with an expectation that somebody must be there in the office.

As I arrived, I hopelessly knocked the glass door again and no one really mind the noise brought by that door. As I was about to turn my back going home instead and enjoy a nice sleep, a media man opened his office and therefore and I got inside, praise God. When I entered my office, one of my co-workers was there unmindful of my existence. When asked why he didn't bother himself to open the door for me, he just answered he didn't hear anyone knocking, an excuse that I can't in any way accept.

All along, the situation was very frustrating if I have to think it that way, but if I have to really read it in between, it was a test in patience that needs to be passed. Why in the world will I have to take removal test if I can pass it right then.

Life is not perfect. What we want will never turn the same way we expect it to be. However, if something like this will just be taken positively, it will turn out to be a history that will bring new meaning in life.

Sometimes, we always allow our flesh to rule over us, blowing up on things beyond our control when we can still live a stress free life and learn a lesson brought by every moment of circumstances when we can take control over our life and allow the Holy Spirit to convict us so as we can act appropriately still.

After all, it is still amazing if we allow Him to lead moment by moment in our life...

2005-12-11T16:27:00.000-08:00

There is a great man who makes every man feel small. But the really great man is the man who makes every man feel great -G. K. Chesterton-

Are we a great man or the really great man?

2005-12-09T18:22:00.000-08:00

Loving Is Taking a Risk

by: mitch

There is magic in the word LOVE. By mere mentioning it, young people shout in awe from inspiration. By its name, young adults smile from ear to ear. Just a mention of the word, wife glows from within forgetting a husband's mess. It is by this word that a young man jumped for joy having known to himself that the person he has been courting for too long echo the same words to him-”I LOVE YOU TOO.”

A person who is falling in love cares too much. Most of the time, it is forgetting one self for the sake of the other. A mother who loves her child thinks highly about the child that instead of doing something for her pleasure, she bends backward for the child's sake. A father who loves his children thinks first of his children's needs before he even think about himself. A husband who falls in love to his wife so much, give in to the wife's request most often even if the wife's request had been weird to him-he only shakes his head rather than pushing his own way and vice-versa. Jesus who had been so much in love to mankind endured being crucified on the cross so as people who will believe in Him will not perish but will have a life that is everlasting.

But is true love really exists in this fine world? Do people really understand the magic word LOVE? 1 Cor. 13:4-8 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails. NIV

What we see on this earth is a sad reality. People had been hooked so much on performance thing generally equates love to accomplishment. Parents may not say it but children can read it-the latter have to work their way out to be loved. Husbands place a high expectations from their wives and when the bar has been passed through, they expressed their love. A young woman love her man because their was an investment for her. She in return shows her affection. The boss says, I love my employee because they have a good performance. The mob says, we love the athletes so much because they bring glory to our nation. The student says, I love my teacher, she is so kind and nice towards me. The wife says, I love my husband so much, he provides for our needs more than I could ever expect or imagine. Christians say, I love God very much, He answers my prayer requests. Church members say, I love my pastor so much, he and his wife always greets me during church service. Is this really the true measure of love? Is this the kind of love children needs to feel? Is this the kind of love employees has to discern? Is this the kind of love husband and wife has to embrace? If this is all, then it is no wonder why marriages won't last. It is no wonder why there is a fast turn over of people in the company. It is no wonder why children rebels. It is no wonder why rallies are all over. It is no wonder why friendships don't last. The wrong kind of love had been planted in one's heart. The wrong kind of love has been sculpted in one's bosom. Does this mean we are incapable to love? Not at all! If one has to bend his knee and set aside the pride of life, everyone is capable of loving when he acknowledges the fact that he loves the wrong way. However, if pride is still the banner of life, it would take us a long time to really understand the truth of love.

Love after all is taking a risk. When we decide to love, we open ourselves to be hurt. Revelation? Good if it open our minds. Why do I say so? Simple. We decide to love an imperfect people like us. No one has the capacity to love into perfection. Once in a while, we messed up life and become a sort of menace to our dearly beloved. Are we going to continue loving? To some maybe yes, but for the majority, it is giving up love and finding another that will best suit our standards. I heard people shouting from a distance! You are saying, I know I really love, it's just that, we are really not meant for each other. So, I am giving him up for the sake of a new found love. Really? Maybe you jumped to a wrong side of the pool resulting that injury. It wasn't true love. It was a mistaken love. Disagree? It's alright. But, if you would like to embrace this truth, you are very much welcome, you will love differently the next time around.

We don't need to work to be loved and others don't have to work much to gain our warmness. We just have to love because we are commanded to love. Simple, right? But this is the hardest to do. There a lot of people whom we don't want to love because their personality irritates us. In this, the test of how loving we are is going to be tried. Getting harder? In the beginning it will really be hard but once our mind is going to be renewed through God's word, loving difficult people will just be easier. Why? In our weakness God is going to be our strength.

In life really, it is a matter of taking risks. Business people tried it. Athletes are doing it. Much more ordinary citizens are called to take a risk to love. We risks ourselves being rejected. We risks ourselves being thrown away in exchange of someone. But, which do you think is better. To be rejected because we love or having experienced no hurt but failed to love?