Firebrands

New Address

2009-09-22T09:45:00.000+08:00

Hi guys. I have moved into a new address here. I have kept some of the posts I've written under Firebrands and will continue posting along with my "Notes" in Facebook. See you there. ~James

Weep

2009-09-13T21:17:00.000+08:00

I wept.Watching the three short clips on "The Forgotten People" by CNN so gripped me, knocked me helpless that I am left with nothing to do but weep.Here I was worrying when the next big sale in the mall will be, and there they were beaten by Thai military, disowned by their own government and unaccepted by their neighbors.You know why it hurted so much? Because from each of their eyes I could

Back

2009-08-08T22:58:00.002+08:00

I am back.Since I am closing my facebook account soon, I will be posting some stuff I wrote as notes there in the next few days.I hope to continue doing my passion here without much of the distraction.Bear with me,James

Perspective

2009-05-16T08:52:00.000+08:00

Call it whatever you want, but it simply comes down to perspective.What the religious call faith, what the motivational speaker call positive thinking and what an awful lot call fate, are all merely different perspectives.The end of the world for an ant colony who minds their own business in an anthill could simply mean a construction project where mounds were needed to be levelled off. Meanwhile

Two Trees

2009-03-29T12:02:00.001+08:00

I know, I know. I'm a hypochondriac.Reading books on diseases had been my favorite past time as a kid that I have nightmares in my sleep of dying from plagues I've read when awake. I used to resolve not to read any of those kind of books anymore, but at the advent of the Internet, I find it hard to resist the temptation to read, and read even more.Meanwhile, at the slightest pain here, a rash

Numbers

2009-03-12T22:54:00.000+08:00

I went home today pretty happy that the results of my Annual Physical Exam are normal.BUN, Creatinine, Total Cholesterol, Uric Acid, Hemoglobin, Hemoticrit and WBC Count all within the normal ranges. My HDL is high and my LDL is low which, by the way, I was told was a good thing.While I was looking at the pieces of paper handed to me containing the results, I can't help but wonder, "So, is this

Middleman

2009-02-17T19:25:00.000+08:00

Have you ever had someone ask you to pray on their behalf? Well, I do get them a lot.Growing up, people always think I have this special open communication line to the powers that be. But it was just recently when a friend asked me to pitch in a few good words for her, that I became aware of this fact.Why do people do this? It's simply because we are obssessed with mediators.I wonder why we can't

Heaven and Hell

2009-01-22T21:46:00.001+08:00

Recently, I found myself passionately speak against how most well-meaning Christians treat Christianity like a transaction. You know, all those talk about "accept-the-Lord-Jesus-and-you-will-go-to-heaven-when-you-die" kind of stuff.Eternity is not something that kicks in after we die. The word "eternal" in eternal life means unending, not later. It's something we could enjoy and bask into here,

Breathing

2009-01-14T16:01:00.001+08:00

Although some would say YHWH is pronounced as Jehovah and others, Yahweh – one could never be certain as to how it was really pronounced as ancient Hebrews didn’t even utter the word out of reverence. So it was said to have been lost in time.Rob Bell, however, had a rather beautiful way of pronouncing it.By simply breathing.Y (exhale), H (inhale), W (exhale) and H (inhale).If Bell is right, and I

Blessed

2008-12-24T23:27:00.002+08:00

I was about to sleep and call it a night, when I felt like something was missing.Yes, I took a nice warm bath, brushed my teeth, did my evening rituals but still, that gnawing feeling that something is missing is well, there. I realized I haven't blogged a while, and I haven't even written my yearly thanks to people who rocked my life in the year that is about to done in a few days.So yet again,

Present

2008-10-28T08:27:00.004+08:00

I wonder what God is trying to speak to us by telling us His Name... what truths we can get by simply understanding "I am who I am."If God lives in an eternal present - seeing all of human history, the present and our futures unfold before him at once - what is in it for us?

The Person

2008-10-22T23:21:00.002+08:00

My mistake is not that I have become a heretic or an atheist. My troubles abound not for lack of knowledge even as there are plenty.My problem is that I separate the things I seek from the Person of the Giver.I was always told not to seek the gifts but to pursue the Giver. Something that sounds true and even cool to mouthe in the circles of religion where I belong.But really, nothing could be

Ruined

2008-10-18T08:25:00.002+08:00

"Ruin me," I desire to pray - which according to Craig Groeschel comes down to "our hearts needing to break for the things that break the heart of God."But how can it be, when it's so easy for me to give it to someone else just like that?And so instead of giving the full loaf for God to break, He ends up just getting the crumbs or what's left of it.The amazing thing is He is accepts them

Hurdle

2008-10-16T13:59:00.001+08:00

From the way I see it, perpetual loneliness seems sweeter by all means compared to the searing pain of losing someone.But that is exactly what my problem is: what I see.While I am called to a Life that is beyond what I could see, feel or even comprehend, I limit my reality to something just within my grasp.Could it be that while I am inundated with all these questions on loving and losing those I

Flooded

2008-10-15T17:39:00.000+08:00

If perfect love casts out all fear, then why are my fears the strongest when I love someone so deeply, almost so perfectly?If you truly and fully love someone, how can you bear the pain when the day comes that each of you shall go your own separate ways?Will I wake to a day when I will love without the fear of losing someone? Will I – acned, lanky and spiky hair and all – really wake to an

Desires

2008-09-19T14:13:00.006+08:00

And so, the struggle continues.How do you deal with a friendship that's threatening to become more than just that without ruining it?In the past, my instinct is simply to run away and hide. Literally. It actually worked for a while, but then the cycle continues and thus my life is marked by broken relationships which start off as something really promising and beautiful but end up abruptly,

Struggle

2008-09-14T20:47:00.004+08:00

It was one of the weirdest places to learn a really valuable lesson.I was watching the Love of Siam and got so into it that I was caught in by surprise with its ending. I have to admit, I have seen so-called "gay-themed" movies before but I never saw anything quite like this.Brokeback Mountain was a good one with all the awesome scenery, artful content and well, Heath Ledger. But it failed to

Bella

2008-09-08T22:06:00.004+08:00

I'm ready to call it a night. But not quite.I have to share this movie I have just indulged myself in. And it's called Bella.Life has its way of twisting the truth and making simple things complicated. The movie undid just that. In its simple yet honest way of portraying life's greatest tragedies, it moved me to the core.And it's not your ordinary love story, by the way. Perhaps even the only

Jesus

2008-08-24T11:04:00.004+08:00

So really. Who decides on what is good or not?Have you noticed that each one of us has his own definition of what is good or bad? That no matter how you belong to one church with a given set of beliefs you still disagree on the minute details? That much of the misery and disappointment in life roots back into the thought that God allowed bad things to happen and therefore He is not good after all

Faithful

2008-08-17T20:16:00.002+08:00

I was in Bacolod last Friday so I decided to check out the youth meeting at Ikthus. Since I started being a part of the worship team here in Iloilo, I've met really amazing people. Amazing for two reasons: young as they are, they are really gifted with the instruments they use and two, their passion for God is challenging!Little did I know that I was in for a surprise. After being met by Timi

Twist

2008-08-16T22:33:00.006+08:00

Alright sure, I didn't make it to the Passion Concert, but I certainly did learn a whole lot. First, is that travelling by Cebu Pacific to Manila will probably be a bad idea until they sort things out in their new terminal at the NAIA3. Thanks to them, I arrived Manila around 9pm and waited for a cab till maybe 10. I met my friend Arthur at MOA and simply decided to just grab something to eat

Happy Birthday, Nelson Mandela

2008-07-17T22:57:00.004+08:00

While having my hair cut earlier today, I grabbed a copy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer beside me. I started wandering towards the editorial section - something I rarely do.I was led to this column about Nelson Mandela. The writer mentioned that Mandela actually spent a few years early in his life as a shepherd. I was floored!Here was a man who inspired millions of people to live radical lives

Definitely Going

2008-07-16T15:33:00.008+08:00

Two more weeks then I'll be off to Manila for the Passion World Tour. I'm just so excited to be a part of this. I know deep within me that I am a part of something greater.A Plan. A Revival. An Awakening.Whatever it is, I have to be a part of it.I must say I ain't going coz it's the cool thing to do now. I am going coz I feel in my heart of hearts the Lord is orchestrating something in the

Books I Wish Bookstores Here Have

2008-07-11T20:09:00.003+08:00

It's really frustrating to spend a whole day in Mall of Asia, checking out Fullybooked, Powerbooks and National Bookstore only to realize they don't have any of the books I have in my list. Imagine, I only go to Manila like twice a year, and only have a day for shopping as the rest are for what I went there for - training.Anyhow, I tried buying books online, but the shipping and handling costs

It is Finished

2008-07-02T18:54:00.002+08:00

A few posts back, I was ecstatic at the thought of the warfare over my life. It made me realize that indeed, I am special and as the Psalmist put it, "fearfully and wonderfully made."The reality of the battle against me reaching my God-given destiny became a proof that I am not a mistake - not some product of a accidental cosmic Big Bang.That was good news then.Now I stumbled on something even

Typhoon Frank

2008-06-24T15:58:00.005+08:00

No words could capture everything that raced through my mind as I took these pictures. All I could ever do is sing the song "Still" by Hillsong and rest in the fact that indeed, "when the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with You above the storm. Father, You are King over the flood. I will be still and know You are God." And beyond a shadow of a doubt, I know HE truly IS.

Bleeding Love

2008-06-17T09:14:00.002+08:00

Listening to the hit song by Leona Lewis "Bleeding Love," it makes me wonder what I'll bleed of when I'm cut open.Love, like what it says in the song? I doubt.What I want it to bleed though, is another thing. I want to bleed worship.Love for God and of others I may not be able to do always. Unlike God's love for me that is unwavering, mine is shifty.So I choose worship. And I wish to tap into

Questions

2008-06-16T22:27:00.003+08:00

I've been wondering - where in the Bible are we specifically told to "accept Jesus" so that "we will be saved?"I tried searching the NIV website for verses with "accept Jesus" or "receive Jesus" in them in the New Testament and it told me that it didn't find any matches. That puzzled me. I mean, for real.You know, after listening and literally immersing myself in the revolutionary teachings on

Invitation

2008-06-08T21:00:00.002+08:00

Wasn't that busy last Friday afternoon and I thought I'd try to make a short clip from scratch. Literally. Our church is going to launch the 40 Days of Purpose and I thought I'd make myself useful. I'm not techno-savvy though, but hopefully I did get the message across.

Joseph Prince

2008-05-25T16:33:00.002+08:00

Have you heard Pastor Prince speak? I first heard him while laying on a hospital bed. Needless to say, his teaching on grace revolutionized the way I perceive myself and my relationship with God altogether.I wanted to include the youtube video here, but embedding was disabled. Or I'm just basically not that techie yet.This video I am sharing is just first of several parts. A little patience

Kaka

2008-05-15T10:56:00.006+08:00

I was expecting TD Jake's name somewhere in the list of the Time 100. Surely he is a man of influence.But I failed to find him anywhere. Perhaps the reason why I expected a Christian in the list is the fact that we are a people called to be the salt and the light of the earth. It's a bit shallow since the list is a secular one. You know what I mean. We aren't supposed to be concerned about being

When the Wrong Time is the Right Time

2008-05-13T09:44:00.000+08:00

"God is in the business of strategically positioning us in the right place at the right time. A sense of destiny is our birthright as followers of Christ. God is awfully good at getting us where He wants us to go. But here’s the catch: The right place often seems like the wrong place, and the right time often seems like the wrong time."Mark Batterson from A Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Evening.

Hillsong United - Live in Manila (Again!)

2008-05-11T09:36:00.004+08:00

I was wandering aimlessly in SM City yesterday when I passed by a House of Praise outlet. I saw this new poster from Hillsong United and learned that they will be soon releasing a new CD entitled With Hearts As One. Well, actually they already have them, but they were told not to release them until the15th. I was a bit disappointed for a split second, until she mentioned something that the Team

Happy Birthday, Yanyan!

2008-05-10T21:56:00.003+08:00

Birthday Boy

Pure in Heart

2008-05-10T12:03:00.004+08:00

"To be pure in heart is more than being clean in heart. To be pure in heart is to be of singular desire, to be engaged in wholehearted pursuit. To be pure in heart is to want nothing more or less than God Himself. God will give you the desire of your heart - He longs to give you your exceedingly great reward. That He desires to give me the absolute best reward possible is the reason that He

A Global Warning

2008-05-01T15:42:00.004+08:00

It wasn't until recently that I understood the REAL effects of global warming. Thanks to Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth," I finally understood what harm it will personally cause me and the succeeding generations.After watching the video, it got me thinking rather deeply on what I can do to help. It's as if I felt a bigger burden not only because I live in this planet, but because I am a

Jaunts

2008-04-29T19:26:00.003+08:00

Just got back from a quick trip to Ormoc City. It was my first time there and it was fun. It was a full day of more templates and reports to finish but I didn't complain. Sabin Beach Resort, the place where we spent two nights, was such a comfy place to stay. I guess what made all the difference was being close to nature. That, or the thought of having a quick dip in the pool after a stressful

Chasing the Lion

2008-04-27T22:45:00.002+08:00

When I first landed on Jen's blog, what caught my attention was her Lion Chaser Manifesto. After further following the link she gave to Evotional, I was hooked.Since I can't get my hands on the book, (the downside of living in an obsure island with only one decent bookstore) I was practically scavenging for anything I could get in the web about "Lion Chasing."Then I found this other site which

Don't waste your Troubles

2008-03-14T09:06:00.003+08:00

I was told that if there comes a moment in my life that I begin to doubt the destiny God has for me, I should look at the good things in my past. Look at my blessings, I should say.But Bishop Jakes blew my mind, today. Take time to watch this, please. And after, I am sure your view on your struggles, troubles and whatever you call it, will definitely change.God bless you!

Revelation

2008-03-10T15:22:00.000+08:00

Just because someone's being judgemental, doesn't mean his judgements aren't true.

Repercussions

2008-02-11T18:45:00.000+08:00

If only we realize that the things we say or do (including what we don't) have repercussions in eternity, I think we get to live our lives a bit more carefully than we do.Our problem is we are so caught up with the now that we lose sight of the whole picture altogether.Seriously, our words could either bring life or death. It may not be apparent or instantaneous, but the result - no matter how

True Joy

2008-02-03T19:28:00.000+08:00

I think this deserved to be shared...St. Francis of Assisi is walking down the road with a fellow monk when he asks, “Father Leo, would you like to know what true joy is?” “I’m in,” I imagine Father Leo saying excitedly. “Did you know that you could receive all the revelation and knowledge there is to receive, and you would not have true joy?” St. Francis asked. “No,” Father Leo responded, “then

All the Blessings

2008-01-31T22:29:00.001+08:00

Happy Birthday Biboy.FGCC is cooler with you in it. Not to mention the WLT.You rock!

The Good News

2008-01-30T14:12:00.000+08:00

It was two months ago when I had my last test on the level of SGPT in my blood. Now, I am back in the clinic to have a final one – hopeful that somehow, what skyrocketed into a 4000 something and went down to a still-high 600, will now be within the normal range of 0 to 36.While waiting for the results, a mother holding her 1 month old baby boy entered the clinic. The baby looked healthy, but I

Another Book to Grab

2008-01-30T09:52:00.001+08:00

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death.Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention.Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start

Pile

2008-01-29T14:30:00.000+08:00

Just within this month, I made several unplanned trips to bookstores. Unplanned meaning I didn't plan to buy these books either. I was thinking of buying a shirt or two, but the latebloomer of a bookworm in me had other plans.Growing up, I am more interested with collecting insects at our yard and performing experiments on them that would probably drive PETA mad. Then came senior year in high

Expectant

2008-01-18T13:56:00.000+08:00

Hi guys. Happy new year to everyone.I'm taking it easy on posting these past few days. I've really been busy with work, yes. But more than that, I consider myself on receiving mode lately.So I checked Jason Upton's site for whatever I can get my hands on. I downloaded every bit of free material they posted, expectant that it will blow my mind off.Let's all pause before we start this year and

Flying Bros

2007-12-31T23:40:00.000+08:00

Yes, I am back home for the holidays. I apologize for not being able to blog since I got here as there is no high speed connection here except through my mobile phone. But here's something to highlight my stay: my flying bros.Happy New Year everyone! All God's best in the year of New Beginnings!

Grace by Installment

2007-12-18T21:50:00.000+08:00

If we are saved by grace alone, then why do most Christians live as if they are paying for their salvation by installments?I think we need to realize that the result of both the evil and good of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is death. The good part is still as deadly as the evil. We need to partake of the fruit from the Tree of Life for us to truly live.And we can only do so by grace.

Battle Cry

2007-12-17T23:20:00.000+08:00

If we Christians would love homosexuals MORE than the homosexuals love their homosexuality, then something WILL definitely happen. Our task is never to hate, discriminate or judge. Our job is simply to reflect the Love of God. A love that gives sinners a hard time going to hell. And in the process, be totally changed by Love Incarnate Himself.

On Dying and Death

2007-12-15T10:07:00.000+08:00

The very moment I realized that the highest of all callings is to die for Christ, my life was changed.That split second when it dawned on me that I was born to be a martyr for Jesus liberated me from all the man-pleasing hypocrisy that so gripped me for so long.In a time when you can be Christian and popular, it is tempting and so very easy to confess Christ for all the wrong reasons. But when we

I Am Forgiven!!!

2007-12-06T08:39:00.000+08:00

For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.~Romans 5:17New Living TranslationFor the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.~Romans 6:23New Living

Teach Me How to Pray

2007-12-05T08:41:00.000+08:00

My deepest desire has always been to know how to pray and what to pray for. Most of the time, I pray out of selfish ambition cloaked with a deceiving spirituality that God so often convicts me of. I share the same sentiments of this song by Jason Upton. I pray, that as you watch, God will give you the utterance to pray His Will.Teach Me How To Prayby Jason UptonMommy, I hear the baby cryingHelp

Blessed by These Kids

2007-12-03T19:04:00.000+08:00

It all started with me buying Hillsong Kids' "Supernatural." I watched the video and was totally blessed by the kids worshipping God in a freedom most adults can only do so in the shower.Then, a couple of nights ago, I was on prayer amidst lots of tears when I came across "A Rare and Different Tune" and read about the blog owner's son Eli. It really blew my mind, I tell you.I was in deep prayer

For the Sake of The Call

2007-12-02T09:36:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I met with the worship leader and the pastor of the church I go to. It's been a year since I got transferred here from my hometown. And a year without a church you are committed to is one long time. Especially when you don't have people you can be accountable for.I believe with all my heart that whatever God plans for us, it is always linked to the local church. I used to think I can

Guilty

2007-11-29T20:52:00.001+08:00

"For a small reward, a man will hurry away on a long journey;while for ETERNAL LIFE, many will hardly take a single step."~Thomas a Kempis

Intercession Needed

2007-11-28T07:23:00.000+08:00

Friends,Since my recent confinement due to Hepatitis A, there has been two other dorm mates of mine who are experiencing the same symptoms early on the onset of the disease. Sadly, there has been four before me as well - something I only knew when I was already in the hospital.What seems to be an "epidemic" here, I know full well is a demonic attack. My appeal to the Christian readers of this

The Freedom We Know

2007-11-26T12:11:00.000+08:00

We’re gonna dance dance danceIn the freedom we knowWe’re gonna dance dance danceIn the freedom we knowWe’re gonna dance dance danceIn the freedom we knowBecause the freedom we know is gonna last forever!~The Freedom We Know (from Hillsongs Mighty to Save)Claiming complete healing for my body, deliverance for my spirit and refreshing for my soul, I sang this song and danced knowing in my heart of

Lessons from the Sickbed

2007-11-23T18:01:00.000+08:00

Stripped of blinders from my eyes, I saw life unfold as it is: simple and yet full of God’s glory.Lying on a sickbed yet again has its way of clearing my own vision. Little things like burping and farting mean a whole lot, it made me audibly thank God for such neglected blessings. When you are lying there, stomach all bloated barely being able to eat and consequently not being able to heed nature

Early Christmas

2007-11-06T20:45:00.000+08:00

Christmas is just around the corner.I know, it’s quite early to write about it, but as I am looking for Christmas songs online, I came across Mark Harris’s “A Strange Way to Save the World.”What a song, it is! I never thought about it that way, but what a unique way to look at things! It made me appreciate more what God has done for me. For us.It made room for more questions to rise, too. What if

Seasons of Love

2007-11-02T21:01:00.000+08:00

Just wanna share this wonderful song. If you haven't heard of it, then it's about time.PS. Arkel, if you are reading this, thank you. =)ALLFive hundred twenty-five thousandSix hundred minutes,Five hundred twenty-five thousandMoments so dear.Five hundred twenty-five thousandSix hundred minutesHow do you measure, measure a year?In daylights, in sunsets, in midnightsIn cups of coffeeIn inches, in

Tough Month Ahead

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

October may be a busy month, yes. But November threatens to be yet another tough one ahead. Early as now, I am informed of my itinerary and I am quite worried. I barely found time for myself this month. Me not being able to blog in past few days is one living proof.Well, blog like I used to, I mean. Not some random post here and there assuring the motley crew of readers of this blog that, alas, I

No Reservations

2007-10-29T19:22:00.000+08:00

At last, I have time off from work. I just got home from an instant shopping spree and a movie, and though I am really tired from walking to and fro, I am satisfied.After having Tok Buki for lunch, Chuckie - an officemate of mine and I, mall-hopped looking for some really good deals. Luckily, we found these awesome Abercrombie and Fitch jackets at half the price at the Atrium, and nice long

Off to Kalibo (Again)

2007-10-26T18:56:00.000+08:00

Bridge to NumanciaPS. Don't worry. I will be posting soon. On Wordpress though. =)

When All is Said and Done

2007-10-13T13:38:00.000+08:00

On my way back to Iloilo, I got this text message from my friend Jeff. It is interesting, he quipped, that although all of us wants to go to heaven, nobody seemed to wanna go first.When the laughter subsided, the thought lingered. With all the things I'm going through now from my confinement to the jungle my colleagues call an office, circumstances would rather lead me to pray, "Come quickly,

Dextrose

2007-10-07T20:11:00.001+08:00

Yup, that's blood. I may be confined but I have to finish reports still. I didn't notice this until my left arm started to feel painful and itchy at the same time.That's IV and my bare skin. I was curious the whole time the nurse was doing her thing.

Prophetic

2007-10-06T08:18:00.000+08:00

It hit me just now that my entries are somewhat prophetic. I mean, just a few days ago, I was brought into a unique Quiet Moment while in the midst of a noisy crowd. I blogged about it, thinking it was a nice trail of thought only to find out it was really intended to be an encouragement for me prior to whatever I am gonna go through.Wow. God indeed still speaks. He knew I'd need those words when

Learning

2007-10-05T09:08:00.000+08:00

I got confined. My doctor has been observing me for dengue since I got the rashes, the on and off fever and the headache thing.My platelets are fine though, but I have to go through more blood test just to make sure.Thing is, I work in an island away from home so being hospitalized isn't really a comfy thing. Sure, you get to stay in a temperature-controlled room, but when you've got dextrose

Sick

2007-10-03T17:52:00.000+08:00

Early this morning, I woke up chilling and my throat painful. I went to the doctor by noon time, and she gave a 1 gram of Augmentin 8am by 8pm.This must be the price I have to pay for doing two jobs. Our Marketing Officer went AWOL a few months ago, and I sort of took the position over gradually. My boss started asking me favors to do this little report and that, and before I knew it, I was

Abba

2007-09-30T19:37:00.000+08:00

I don’t understand your ways.I don’t understand why I need to go through these.I don’t just get it why such emotional rubbish should torment me day in and out.Why this kind of pain, this kind of thorn?Why of billions, me?Ah, everything in my life now is totally beyond me.One moment, I seem wise as a sageFoolish on another, in as quick as half a heartbeat.And yet I am audacious enough to call

Quiet Moment

2007-09-29T18:05:00.000+08:00

There is a misery only experienced in the seemingly happiest moments just as there is joy in the midst of the despicable.There is a pit in getting high, loneliness in orgies, a peculiar sobriety in drunkenness even.There can be tears in laughter just as there could be a smile amidst the tears.The Almighty in His infinite wisdom, has designed the whole universe in such a way that reminds us of Him

Seafoods

2007-09-29T14:39:00.001+08:00

I'm currently at Roxas - the seafood capital of the Philippines. Been here since Tuesday enjoying the food and life as it is - without the pressure of my boss. Haha...I wasn't able to bring my camera, so I used my phone to take a quick pic of my current faved dish: fried scallops. You know I'm not really into shellfish, so for me to consider this one a favorite, I tell you - it must be

Taking Sides

2007-09-26T09:19:00.000+08:00

A lot of things have happened in the office recently. From my own boss, to my officemates, to the good ol' me, circumstance after another have brought me to realize the heart is indeed deceitful above all things.But just when I was about to point a finger and make judgments on the people around me, I realized, I can't - as I know a portion of their lives that makes me turn towards mercy instead

All Who Are Thirsty

2007-09-17T11:59:00.000+08:00

All who are thirstyAll who are weakCome to the fountainDip your heart in the stream of lifeLet the pain and the sorrowBe washed awayIn the waves of his mercyAs deep cries out to deep (we sing)Come Lord Jesus comeHoly Spirit comeAs deep cries out to deepThis song brings about pleasant memories to me. Although simple, it captures the deepest and greatest of my heart's desire: to see my Lord come

Being Dorian Gray

2007-09-16T18:08:00.000+08:00

Has anyone read The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde?I just finished reading it. Twice, actually.I know its author isn't much of a role model, but reading his work taught me heaps. Through page by page, I realized I am not that different from Dorian - minus the horrible narcissism.The Basil and Henry in the book, I found in myself as well as I identified with Dorian. And furthermore, I

Shy

2007-09-14T23:17:00.000+08:00

I went home late, tired and worn out after a day's work. I took a quick warm bath as my custom, turned off the lights and tried to fight the urge to go online and check a blog or two.I took matters into my own hands. I made sure my laptop was turned off and headed to hit the sack.Then a knock on the door came.Now I usually get those from my dorm mates in the room just across me. I was used to it,

Ouch

2007-09-11T20:59:00.000+08:00

"Truth that is not experienced is no better than error, and may be fully as dangerous. The scribes who sat in Moses' seat were not the victims of error; they were the victims of their failure to experience what they taught.""The devil is a better theologian than any of us and is a devil still." by AW Tozer

I Will Wait

2007-09-08T08:57:00.000+08:00

I think God is teaching me how to wait. Not just waiting on the spiritual sense of the word, but waiting on the general and broader sense.Besides, where can I learn to wait, really wait on the Lord, than behind queues as I check myself in a flight... Or wander around aimlessly clueless on when my plane will actually arrive... Or seemingly die of hunger in eager expectation of the food I ordered

Cry

2007-09-04T22:41:00.000+08:00

It doesn't make senseWhy of all weaknessesI have to bear this one.I don't understandWhy of all thornsI need to endure mine.Of all the billionsThat walk this worldWhy me, why this?My faith faltersMy hope's blindMy love fadesBut why me?Why this message?Why this messenger?But my heart, Be not anxious;Hope in God.All the painAll the joyWill soon make senseIf you wait,You will realizeIt'll be worth it

Worth It All

2007-09-01T21:56:00.000+08:00

Amidst tears still streaming down my face, I write this post.I was trying to write an entry about the book I was reading while listening to songs I downloaded from Limewire. I'm barely halfway through and this song, Worth It All by Rita Springer, filled my room. A few lines within the first verse I found my hands on the air. Then I just wept.I googled for the lyrics and listened to the song again

Loving it

2007-08-28T19:30:00.000+08:00

I got this new book from PCBS lately. (Yes, a new book. And no, I didn't finish the earlier one. Yet.) I am still on the introduction part, but I am getting goosebumps already.When I got to this part where author Andrew Comiskey wrote, "I have discovered that God does not free me from all my weaknesses. Rather, he frees me to cry out to him as I struggle to do what is right. Then, he is faithful

Precious Moments

2007-08-25T13:26:00.000+08:00

After a grueling time for budgeting in Cebu, I headed towards Kalibo, Aklan for a training. At last, technology arrived in our obsure Sales Office in Numancia! And of course, true to the title of this blog entry, we had precious moments when we went to Sampaguita Gardens.I wasn't really listening to the tour guide but from the few lines I heard, the owner of the large estate is an American who

Stranded

2007-08-21T19:50:00.000+08:00

I woke up early for my 8am flight to Cebu. The plane arrived half past twelve. Here are a few scenes I won't forget.

Three Flames

2007-08-17T00:01:00.000+08:00

The very moment I finished watching this clip, I knew I had to post it here. If you've read the stuff at the side of this blog, you will know why I am particularly inclined to these topics.I really believe that he who has been to the blackest of darkness will love the light the most. Just as he who has been forgiven much will love much.Now this does not suggest that you have to have some

Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now

2007-08-12T08:01:00.000+08:00

I think I placed it somewhere here that I am reading Dana Candler's book "Deep unto Deep." In a recent post I even shared a prayer she wrote eloquently. It seems that she captures what I really want to say, and I only have groans instead of words.In her book, she shares what God has revealed to her in her study of the Song of Songs. Most of us don't really enjoy reading it because of its "

Quoting Arthur

2007-08-04T22:17:00.000+08:00

I was reading through my old posts, and I came across a comment made by my friend Arthur.I've read it several times but reading it again this time, I felt compelled to share it with you guys and add a few of my thoughts. I may have edited it, but it's only to put emphasis on the point I'm trying to get across..."Before, I tried to be meek or gentle to other people thinking that I am a Christian

A Prayer of Barreness

2007-08-01T23:56:00.001+08:00

by Dana Candler from her book Deep unto DeepMy heart aches.I love Him, yes, but faintly.I desire Him, yes, but weakly.I want Him, true, but waveringly.Even the pain that lies within I recognize to be such faint pain,A mere discomfort next to the heart-wrenching anguish that grips two lovers.My knowledge is nothing. My wisdom, infancy.I see nothing as it truly is.Eternity what is light. This life

So True

2007-07-31T19:59:00.000+08:00

i used to try to figure out if i was surrendering ALL to God. i would pick apart every part of my life and determine that i had failed, because not ALL was surrendered to his will over mine.i'm learning that the first step is not to abandon all. the first step is to surrender. one decision, one stronghold, one unselfish act at a time.i surrender.~from The Desire by Marcia

Psalm 23

2007-07-30T12:08:00.000+08:00

I ended my last post with a quote from the 23rd Psalm, this time I’m starting with it.The thought that lingered on me most is the fact that goodness and mercy will follow me.Goodness, I get. But mercy, I couldn’t quite understand.It’s by the goodness of God that I live to see each day. From the time I open my eyes to the moment I force it shut including the moments when I struggle to keep it open

Surprises

2007-07-27T21:53:00.000+08:00

Just when I thought this Friday would be just like any Friday I had... just when I was about to call it a day... just when I thought - wait, I wasn't even thinking a while ago, so let me stop there.Twas a long day. I finished the forecasting template which used to take me 30 straight hours to finish a year ago when I was still a newbie, in just less than a day. I went out to have lunch with a

Old Notes

2007-07-23T22:26:00.000+08:00

Tucked somewhere in my hard drive is this notepad file on love. I think it won't hurt if I share it, even though I can't remember when exactly I wrote it.-------love.most of us never get to admit it, but that seems to be the only thing we look for in this terrestrial ball called earth.when i heard a verse from the Scriptures that God is Love, i never quite understood what it meant. i just thought

I believe

2007-07-23T22:07:00.000+08:00

"What I believe is not what I say I believe. What I believe is what I do."~I think I read this quote somewhere yesterday. I can't remember where I got it from. It just stuck in my mind the day today so I thought I'd share it with you guys. Have a blessed week ahead, everyone!

Antique's Sunset and Moonrise

2007-07-22T13:13:00.000+08:00

Magnificent DefinedAfterglowEarly DuskOn my last day in Antique, we went to the shore to witness nature first hand. Not from afar, like in the mountains of Bundok's Viewing Deck. But as close as we can get to the glowing setting sun.If the heavens declare the glory of God, then what a declaration it was - those short moments before sundown, I witnessed.

Acned

2007-07-19T17:51:00.000+08:00

I’m sure you must’ve let out a chuckle when you read that title. Or a snort, if you laugh like I do.You know, if you are 25 years old and still be on the losing end of a bitter war against pimples, you will surely have an idea what I am feeling now. I don’t have to be Einstein to mentally deduce that my zits seem to exponentially explode in number by my age.Believe me. I have tried every possible

San Jose, Antique

2007-07-19T14:08:00.000+08:00

Stairway LushGood Ol' TimesRays of LightI'm in San Jose, Antique with one of our Supervisors doing fieldwork (and taking pictures.) Chuckie and Steve brought me to Bundok's Viewing Deck and waited for the sunset. Using the Color Accent feature in my cam, I took the photos above.

Solitary

2007-07-14T10:38:00.000+08:00

I don’t want to be lonely. Nobody does. I think it is a God-given feeling – this wanting to connect, to share, to love.If God is love, and we were created in His image, I believe it is but natural to feel the need to love someone and be loved in return.That is why it is so much better to have someone to hold hands with when you witness the beauty of the sunset. The best things in life are meant

Struck

2007-07-08T12:25:00.000+08:00

"We are not called to go to church as much as we are called to be The Church.It's about time we get rid of powerless "churchianity" and start living the real deal."~Just a thought that struck me this morning. Have a great Sunday everyone!

Encountering God

2007-07-06T23:21:00.000+08:00

The man that will have God's best becomes at once the object of the personal attention of the Holy Spirit. Such a man will not be required to wait for the rest of the church to come alive. He will not be penalized for the failures of his fellow Christians, nor be asked to forego the blessing till his sleepy brethren catch up. God deals with the individual heart as exclusively as if only one

Biblical Science

2007-06-28T16:44:00.000+08:00

For me, one of the advantages of doing fieldwork is being able to watch TV. In the small room I rent here, I only have space for a bed, a coffee table and a chair. I barely have room for anything else, much less a television.And although we have one in the dining area of the dorm, I rarely have time to watch. I leave early in the morning and go home late most of the time. But during fieldwork, I

Guimaras

2007-06-27T22:48:00.000+08:00

Just recently, I found myself a new hobby. Since I already finished paying for my laptop, I thought it would be nice to get a digital camera.I did. And people, especially from work, told me I have the knack for it.I don't know. Maybe they are right, maybe they are wrong. But either ways, I enjoy doing what I am doing. So here goes a few.The Laid back LifeRoad to San Lorenzo