If It's God's Will, Don't Complain But Fully Obey

Good day guys!

It's been quite a while since my last post. I have been trapped with some highly important matters that's why I wasn't able to post updates. In addition, I feel sorry for my blogger friends that visiting their blog has taken a halt. I will cope-up guys!

I am not sure if all my blog followers/readers know that for the past weeks I was busy administering (together with the rest of the poge admins) FINDING MANG ROLDAN PINEDA JIMENEZ. Aside from that, I too,have been engulfed into lots of personal stuffs. In short, I just attended to important events in my life.

Last night, I was able to read a private message coming from one of the followers of the page and I want to share it with you. Pardon me guys since I can only provide little details to protect the sender. I post it here so that those who don't frequently visit the page can have access here.

And here it goes;

"It’s past 1am here now. Sleep doesn’t visit me yet. For some reason, it’s been few weeks that I hardly hit the sack before midnight. It has always been my problem that whenever I’m still up after midnight it’s difficult for me to reconcile with sleep.

Uggh! It’s killin’ me and I’m a bit in irate. But instead of waiting for my eyes to finally commune with darkness I’ll just grab t

his opportunity to write random thoughts that can inspire you all.

Just few minutes ago, I’ve read a very long private message from someone sent through this page. I won’t mention the name though for privacy. I felt honored that I was able to read it before Joemil. It was really intended for Joemz but since we are five people administering the page, all the messages filtering through can be read by anyone of us. Perhaps, she was thinking that the only admin of the page is Joemil. 

What We See Sometimes Isn't Always What It Is

I spent almost two hours searching for this video in my FB wall since I got it posted last year. I got exhausted and I felt like almost giving up but my inner voice (spirit) told me to go on and do few more try. Ending, I still didn't find it. Frustration started to fill me so I buzzed two of my community friends to help me how to quickly search for it. They gave me inputs and tips but those tips were the same thing I just did awhile ago. 

But my search didn't end to that, I then shift to YouTube in the hope that I might find it there by using key words. I tried few key words but I failed. I tried again and again to the point of almost losing my patience. Still FAILED! But at the back of my mind, I keep on convincing myself  by saying " Don't give up, sayang ang effort". So, with all the positive thoughts and energies backing me up, I did continue to search. 

Occasionally, the thought of letting it go keeps bugging me, forcing an entry into my head. But, I hold on. I persisted. I persevered. And luckily I found it. Wow, as in wow. I'm on the brink of giving up...really. It was like I was hangin' by a thread and ready to let go anytime. But, thanks God I did it. And you know what were the key phrase I put in? It's this "Invite someone to church" and bingo! below video popped-up in the list of choices and this is what I exactly look for.

Christian Corner: "We Aren't Created To Be On Our Own"

Photo courtesy of Google --I just modified it

Since it's SUNDAY, I just want to share this article by Greg Monteclaro

Being in Community 

by GREG MONTECLARO 

“In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:5 

We are called to belong, not just to believe.


We are created for community, formed for a family, fashioned for fellowship, and none of us can fulfill God’s purposes by ourselves. The Bible says we are put together, joined together, built together, members and heirs together, and held together. 


We were never meant to be on our own, and must not strive to be separate from others. While our relationship to Christ is personal, it is not intended to be exclusive. In God’s family, we are connected to every other believer, and we will belong to each other for eternity.


Following Christ includes belonging, not just believing. We are members of his Body — the Church. C.S. Lewis noted that the word membership is of Christian origin, but the world has emptied it of its original meaning. Stores offer discounts to “members,” and advertisers use member names to create mailing lists. In churches, membership is often reduced to simply adding our name to a roll, with no requirements or expectations.

Christian Corner: Somewhere In The Middle

"Somewhere in the middle you'll find me" 

Yesterday, I was in the middle of work hurrying to finish a deadline, in between my busy mind, I still keep my focus on continuous brainstorming about our 2014 -2nd HS Grand Reunion. I'll be spearheading the team. You can gauge how busy I am right? Well, yeah I love being busy. It delights me realizing that my neuron is working and working for a goal. A goal for common good.

And since I'm so annoyed by the deafening silence in our office I decided to put on a wireless headset run via bluetooth connection and browse some Christian songs. This is my habit -- whenever I want to be inspired I always play Christian songs --it's my comfort zone especially when I am writing. Drawing an inspiration from a song that's intended to glorify our God is a blast and worthy of a listening ear.. And there ain't no other form I'd be inspired aside from it. 

And this is the song. Listen carefully and try to internalize it and maybe somehow you'll gain wisdom after hearing it.

It's quite funny how I was caught up by this Christian song when in fact the singer's message was "it's for the youth who goes through a critical stage in their teenage life.

And so I am leading you back to my high school era. An era of each person's lives where dreams begin to sprout, where fools rush in, where confusion sets in and where preparation for the tedious college life is being boiled down on hot water of middle school learning.

Some of my HS Batch 94 who attended last April 8, 2102

Christian Corner: Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me, Dying He Saved Me)

Christian Corner: -- this blog's segment will feature my endless pursuit of real joy through enriching my faith, allowing myself to learn through my spiritual struggles. Sometimes, exposing  my spiritual dryness--a humanly character of any person, and all that relates to my Christian beliefs. It has no intentions to intimidate, nor to force others to believe what I believe and how I believe. But, this is a section that aims to encourage anyone who seems drifting away, going astray and clouded by doubts into discovering their own personal relationship to Jesus.

Today, I will feature a Christian song. A song I must say is listed as one of the many Christian songs favorites I claim.

Casting Crowns - one of my fave Christian bands

GLORIOUS DAY

The subtitle captured me the most. And it says: "Living He Loved Me, Dying He Saved Me"

Here's the complete lyrics if you feel like singing it. It's worth listening and after you can contemplate and reflect on it.

CONFIRMED!

     Yesterday was such a long and exhausting day for me. But fruitful enough to complain all about fatigue. Why? Well, I'll tell you, just bear with your eyes open so that you can read the details of it..hehehe. 
     
     Basically, as a Catholic Christian, it is our religious tradition to undergo different sacraments as a requirement of being a full member our religious congregation. 
     
     Before I'll proceed with my story, let me orient you with the different sacraments we have in our Catholic faith. Actually, we have seven (7) of them and here it goes;

1. BAPTISM - For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.

2. EUCHARIST - Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God. 

3. RECONCILIATION - The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others









4. CONFIRMATION - Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

5. MARRIAGE - For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values.

6. HOLY ORDERS - In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.

7. ANOINTING OF THE SICK - The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.




     My story is a bit funny. For others, some would think, "Why just now?" It should have been done way back during my teen-days. Days like that of grade school years. But, there are things in life that happens against the way we wanted. It's the course of nature sometimes. Or I guess it's more fitting if I'd say it's part of God's plan for me. I don't want to go back whining and blame my parents why this had happened. I am sure whatever reason they have way back is reasonable enough.


     I am talking about my "Confirmation". Yes, it's clear....my confirmation. It just happened yesterday (Friday of 23rd of September 2011). Never did I imagined that due to one unexplained (but the real reason is | forgot) incident during my teenage days that's why it happened the way it did. And never in my wildest fancy that I'll be receiving the said sacrament in a place where doing such is a discreet thing. 


     Pardon me guys, I won't throw away details of it for security reason. Plus having the feeling of not being able to share you some photos together with the bishop who conducted it to me is so frustrating - I have photos of him though as he willingly let us do some photo opportunity with him. He's such a nice man - very fond of cracking light humor yet so funny when he throws it out. He is an Italian bishop specifically from Venice, Italy. He told me that he had been to our country - Pinas in Surigao in particular.  And last Friday he visited our silent and private religious sanctuary for a very important mission. Many had been so envious yet excited and happy because I am the first one who received the sacrament under him just in time when he officially declared "your church is erected on this day" as an official parish. The very first in this part of the world. He was commissioned by the Vatican to do the honor of "officially erecting the church" from where I am located now. That day marked a "history" in my life. Instead of having the feeling of awkwardness since I'm old enough to be given such sacrament but it turned out that many including other nationalities extended a message of congratulations to me. Such a touchy-feely moment...hehehe!


     I'm really battling with the idea of whether to post or not to post photos of us. It's just because I am so proud to have been able to brush-off shoulder with him, engaged in a light convy--and also the first time to see a bishop in person. That day, too, was a testament of congesting influx of parishioners. As I glanced my eyes around, I can see that the place has been so crowded, some where really finding their way to squeeze in just to earn a seat in the venue. I'm with my fiancee, my confirmation sponsors, and with some of my community friends.


     OK, I have high respect to the reason of security measures and high confidentiality of the place. So, I decided not to post anything that would literally put our silent religious sanctuary in danger and the very lives of the priest and bishop who conducts mass inside it. Now, if you're really filled with overflowing curiousity, feel free to send me a request and I'll let you view photos of us privately.


     By the way, part of the reason why I was forced to undergo "urgent confirmation" is that I am going to tie the knot this year. If not for the wedding requirement, I would still have been ignoring this important part of being a Catholic up to this time. Funny right?, hehehe..but that's life. As they say, things happen for a reason. 


     This is all for today, I have nothing to add plus it's too lengthy already. So guys, have a nice read. Godbless everyone. Until my next entry.
     

This Is How I Pray

     A week absence is like unforgivable. My neglect is punishable. Ohh! I only got 24/7 to be a superman and do all things that needs to be done, things that inspires me and wished to be scribbled.

     I hope I'll find the luxury of time to capture & write all ideas, inspirational insights, and motivational situation that I see & comes in my mind. My neuron is rushing like a sprinter racing to tipped-off in the finish line and be victorious. But poor me, I only have one thalamus, 10 fingers, an able body and two feet to do all of these. But I am still highly thankful to GOD for providing me with these sets of physical support system for if one of them be rendered handicapped things will change......for sure.

  
  This post is devoted for my prayer of thanks, forgiveness, intentions/petitions and concerns that I want to lift up to the Lord.

     LORD.........
     
Thank you....

     -for the gift of life. Having one reduced me to appreciate all the wonders you've created
     -for the opportunity to wake up everyday, to smile to the world and to people
     -for the challenges I encounter each day. Challenges that provide me learning lessons.
     -for the camaraderie I enjoy in SFC (Singles For Christ), they inspire me, they guide me, they draw strength from me as I from them, they share blessings, we meet weekly to do that and I am forever thankful.
     -for the mantle of protection that as always you shielded me.
     -for having an imperfect yet supportive family
     -for peace of mind
     -for letting me part of my GG's life who has taught me important values to learn in life.


Forgive me.....

     -for my shortcomings, my stubbornness and my guilty pleasures sometimes.
     -for using my senses indulging to unholy thoughts, actions, and rants.
     -for being so lazy sometimes to pray.
     -for losing my sense of control over difficult situation and things.
     -for all of my past mistakes
     -for being unfaithful to you at times.


I Pray.....

     -for continuous guidance in me in every step I take and in every decision I make.
     -for protection to my family and friends
     -for the young, hopeless, and abandoned kids.
     -for our government and church leaders.
     -for people in our community.
     -for harmonious relationship with my love ones.
     -for peace to prevail on Earth.






As they say, pray like an innocent child, converse to God every minuscule of things in you. As I end, I leave with this question, "How Do you Pray?"