What a Year this will be

The first two weeks of 2012 has been a big revelation to me. I have not fully grasped this new year yet the things that I learned seemed to overflow.

For starters, I learned to set my goals and visions first and not put all my energies into organizing. The more energy you put into organizing things and roles, the more you neglect the bigger things that matter. 

I learned to get on my knees more often than before. Being on my knees tell me that my bigger partner and Biggest Boss is there to keep me on track. 

I learned and was reminded that I need to keep myself busy either with my career or with my service to God. That way, I won't have time to worry about things. Having a spare time to worry could cut your lifespan. Enjoy life while it's there.

I learned just today to find my happiness. 

I guess it's not too far off...

Stalker

I tried to use some stalking skills not to stalk a person but a company.

Yes, I tried to Google the clinic where I work.

I stalked an all mom's forum. Found a blogger mom, and still more forums.

What I found out was really shocking!

Actually, all I could do was smile at the prospect of finding out that the clinic is actually receiving all praises from our clients. Most of the moms were more than satisfied of the facilities plus they were all praises to our head OT. 

Wow! I never realized that I was actually working in a prestigious and well talked institution.

This just adds more pressure. 

Waaah!

Just Wondered.

I just came back from a two-day-long road trip to search for the best retreat destination. We scourged the entire Tagaytay area to look for suitable retreat venues. We were looking for venues that could accommodate 60 people for two nights and two days with food. Part of our criteria is that the venue should allow team building activities (noise + large space), and a suitable conference hall wherein we could conduct our sessions.

Someone once commented why not make our retreat a camping style retreat with tents and the great outdoors as a venue. I have no problems about that, although some of my fellow youth may not agree. Some are not so comfortable with the lack of a suitable comfort room or the idea of sleeping under a tent with unfavorable weather conditions (you can't predict the rain!). It is also unfair for the facilitators if they would have to worry about cooking and food preparations. So to accommodate everyone, we had to find a good venue already with dormitory beds, enough comfort rooms to last several lifetimes and a food package that would cover all the meals during the stay. I had other personal criteria aside from those mentioned.

Hence we had to search for a venue. We made a quick (which is an overstatement) of our previous venue: Caleruega. Two years ago, we went there and had the best retreat so far. It became the benchmark (whatever that means) of any future retreat. Everyone was so hyped it, all facebook videos of the event became viral throughout the youth of our church. However, when we checked out the place, the venue has already been booked by a different organization. We were supposed to scout the surrounding venues but due to the heavy traffic that sunday (part of the four day long weekend) we had no choice but to take the fastest route home. Some of us had work early the next day  (no holiday=me) and some of us had a flight to catch.

Due to the dire circumstance of not having a venue for the retreat a month before the supposed date, we had to reschedule another day for occular inspection. I had to sacrifice one day (no holiday=me) from work to be able to scout for other venues with others who were on holiday hence, available. We were able to scout 6 other venues. It was an amazing road trip. We practically drove around Tagaytay City and stopped at every place that had a "retreat" on its name. We were amazed by the view of some. Others we didn't enjoy so much due to certain reasons.

On our trip, we all noticed one thing in common with all the retreat venues: all were run by priests or nuns of the Catholic Church.

Now, I have nothing against that denomination. Most of my friends are Catholics. I was actually amazed at the number of their retreat centers that really offered a great view or a great ambiance suitable for meditation and prayer. It goes to show that they value constant meditation and communication with God. Some of the venues we checked also had Bibles at each corner or at each sitting area. While resting you could meditate upon God's word. Talk about convenience!

What really bothered me was the fact that we're not the only ones who conduct retreats on a regular basis. I'm talking about other SDA youth ministries from other churches or areas who also annually conduct retreats or hikes or camp meetings in various locations. They may have different program sets or themes, but one thing is certain, SDAs love retreats, hikings, campings and the like. We're people who love the outdoors and nature. 

Because of this, I can't help but wonder how come we never had any SDA owned venue for a retreat? A campsite or a retreat center that would help any youth ministry with their venue problems. It doesn't have to be grand. A wide plot of grassland or forest could be enough. It has to be something that doesn't double as a school, and has the sole purpose of being a venue for retreats. It doesn't even have to be an exclusive venue, if we could accommodate other denominations, it would be better. Aside from being an income generating institution, it would also be another means of reaching out to other denominations so that you won't have to answer "What is an SDA?" every now and then. It could also have a free public access library which could be available to all who would rent as an additional amenity. That way, other denominations would also have access to our books which has the potential of drawing them closer to God. 

If we could only find the idea to invest in a retreat venue on top or at the side of a mountain, we wouldn't have any problems. 

The Youth Ministries is Alive!

I don't really know how to react. I guess the youth really is the backbone of the church.

I was sent on a beat weeks ago to gather information regarding the schedule of activities of all the ministries of the church from August to September. This is in line with the new ministry that is about to come out. It's called Engage and it's going to be the new publication of PAC. 

Since I already have an active role in the Youth Ministries, gathering their calendar of events was as easy as checking my daily schedule. The same goes with Makati Project Grow and the Deaf Ministry. I tried to contact Lifeline Chorale, our youth choir, and the Angels' echoes, the children's choir and gathered their activities. Next I contacted people from the Prison Ministries, Radio Ministries and Women's Ministries. Then, I inquired from our head deacon and the deaconesses about any up coming activities. Finally, I was able to ask the head of the Health Ministries for any medical missions and such for those months. I couldn't find the head of the Senior Citizens Ministries a.k.a. Young Once Ministries and the head of the Home and Family Ministries.

What I found out was really amazing. I don't actually know how to react, but it turns out that out of all the ministries, majority of the ministries headed by the youth have a full schedule. Other ministries don't even have a schedule for august or september. I figured they either made no plans or just made activities on the fly. 

Great job Youth! 

Looking forward

I have no work for the third day this week. It's another stretch of vacation when just a week ago I spent a weekend on top of a mountain, then the week after that, I spent the long weekend on a great venue called tagaytay.

Now I have another long weekend.

What's sad about our profession though is that if you cancelled sessions, it meant you cancelled your pay. No work, no pay. regardless of reasons, unlike in some businesses, wherein you are entitled to sick leaves with pay or absence with pay, our profession is really lenient enough to allow you to be absent but don't expect any payment.

Because of this, lots of questions popped on my head. How long would I live like this? What else can I do to have steady flow of income and still do what I want to do?

I am not business minded and most of the people who try to give suggestions offer multi-level network businesses which I don't really like (remember the PONZI scheme). Now I am at a loss as to what business or sustainable activity I would do...

Drained

It seems weird to admit that I'm feeling drained. After working for 6 straight days for a month, I cant help but admit that I needed a break. I needed to go somewhere fresh and green. Maybe a secluded garden or on top of a mountain. 

Looking back, I never had this kind of feeling before. I used to have activities 7 days a week including church activities, school activities and some outreach activities. Still think I can do it. I don't admit that I'm getting older, there's still a lot of things I wanted to see, hear, touch and experience. I'm not that old.

Maybe it's because things have become somewhat a routine. Sure the kids are act different each day, but still you have that feeling of going to work at 8 am or 9am, take a lunch break at around 11 or 12 noon and end by 5pm. It has become that kind of a routine for some years or months now. Whereas in college, schedules shift after 3 months or so and each day is a new lesson or a new experience. 

I hope I could have a change in routine. Maybe an earlier time out? Maybe a different day off? Or maybe a career in the academe? There's so many possibilities but it seems hard to find which path to take. I'll just leave it to God to tell me where to go. As of the moment, I guess there are lessons that I must learn.

Hit Your Head With This.

Reading the book Messages to Young People by Ellen G. White is like taking a bottle and hitting your head with it. Lots of realizations that could cause you to blink, think at what you're doing and realize that you're making small mistakes. 

Consider the following quotations:

"You will not suffer lovesick sentimentalism to so blind your vision that you cannot discern the high claims that God has upon you as a Christian.--"

in short, being emo is bad.

"Those who love society frequently indulge this trait until it becomes an overruling passion. To dress, to visit places of amusement, to laugh and chat upon subjects altogether lighter than vanity, --this is the object of their lives. They cannot endure to read the Bible and contemplate heavenly things. They are miserable unless there is something to excite. They have not within them the power to be happy; but they depend for happiness upon the company of other youth as thoughtless and reckless as themselves. The powers which might be turned to noble purposes, they give to folly. . . ."

In short, no parties and small time enjoyments, because they do not give you real happiness...

"As disciples of Christ we shall not mingle with the world from a mere love of pleasure, to unite with them in folly. Such associations can result only in harm. We should never give sanction to sin by our words or our deeds, our silence or our presence. Wherever we go, we are to carry Jesus with us, and to reveal to others the preciousness of our Saviour. But those who try to preserve their religion by hiding it within stone walls lose precious opportunities of doing good."

in short, socialize and be friendly but be firm on not crossing the boundaries of your convictions and beliefs.

These are just few quotations from the book. If you wanted to find a straight path to a straight life, this book is a must read.

Jitters.

My hands were clammy and cold. I felt like the smallest person in the universe. I mustered all my strength to talk in front of a crowd. I couldn't quite find my voice at first. I sounded like a squeaking mouse. I really am not good at preaching.

I could write full sermons or a full essay but I couldn't get myself to deliver it in front of a large crowd. I believe it is completely normal. Anyone would really feel scared when asked to stand in front of a large congregation and share a little piece of your life. 

I'm really glad it's over. Praise be to God.

Fall Down. Serve.

How many times have I asked God why I am doing this job? How many times have I left the question hanging and just served even though most times, I am beaten to a pulp by the kids who seem stronger than me. Most days I am over powered. Yesterday was the worst. Yet at the end of the day, God gives surprises. I was truly humbled over yesterday's request, I felt so small to receive so great a recommendation. This was all God's work, not mine.

So now, I'll still fall down and serve.

New Schemes. New Discoveries.

At the start of a new year, I finally decided to start a new hobby. I started writing Haiku or Japanese poetry. Although I admit there are some lapses to my understanding of the art, I still try to maintain the 17 moras or syllable pattern of the poems and the partially revealed themes of the poems. So far I have taken the burden of making one or two haiku a day and posting at least one each day on my wordpress blog.

This day marks the 20th day of writing the poems. So far, I have found an increase in readers. Because of this, I have to improve the craft as well as improve the articles I write. I have other things in mind like how to earn through blogging but I would have to study that further. As of now, I hope I could still keep posting articles and hopefully be blessing to other people in this simple way.

Taking It Further Post Script

A friend showed me a scrap of paper with things listed on it. There were also tick marks beside each item. She said it was a list of things she wanted to buy last year. Those were the things she asked God to give her. Included in her list were petty things like a G11 Camera to big things like the renovation of their house. She was ecstatic to tell me that all those tick marks meant that those items were given by God this year. 

I nearly fell on my seat as she related these to me. 

Flashback. I made a similar list here on my multiply. You can view it here. I never intended to give it to God. I thought it was too materialistic of me to give it to Him. After all the kindness and protection that He has given me all these time, I still had the nerve to ask for petty things. Instead, I just listed it and posted it on this site just for fun.

I actually forgot about that list.

God seemed to have read my post. I found out after hearing my friends story that God gave me 4 out of the 7 items I listed. I got all within the year. This time I really fell of my seat. Maybe if I did pray for it and handed the list in God's hands I might have received everything on that list. Nothing's impossible for Him so I guess it could have happened. 

So maybe this is a practice in the making. Maybe I'll post another wish list here. This time I'll really leave it in God's hands.

Water: The Two Whites

October 10, 2010. The famed 10.10.10.

I awoke to the sound of my alarm. It was still dark outside but most of us were already up. I got up with quite a struggle. My body still bore the muscle pains of hiking the other day. It was hard to move my knees and my ankles. They were still tender. However, had I not dipped my body in the Hot springs, I might not be able to move at all. It was still a struggle moving from the bed to the bathroom and back. I had lean onto something, but it would be too embarrassing. Read more.

Earth: The Mountain Trial

Most planned trips have this rule: Expect the unexpected no matter how precise the trip was planned. A slight delay with the flight could mean the cancellation or postponement of an important business meeting. Several minutes delay could destroy the day altogether.

Our itinerary for the Sabbath of our trip was a short hike up Mt. Hibok-Hibok, one of the mountains in the island of Camiguin. Next was a trip to either the sunken cemetery or the famed White Island. We would cap the day by another dip in the hot springs of Ardent Springs.

We never got the chance to go the last two in our itinerary.

Though, dismayed and exhausted, the experience we had with Mt. Hibok-hibok could never be exchanged for anything else. Read more

Air: The Wind Rush

October 8, 2010. Dawn came. I was awake the moment my alarm went off at 4:30 in the morning. People were still singing so I figured my companions might still be struggling from lack of sleep. I plugged my ears again and set my clock at 5:00 AM. By the time the alarm started, I was drowned by the sudden silence.  The singing stopped and the drunken revelers had packed and gone. It was still dark outside though so I went back to snooze.

I was suddenly awakened by someone grabbing my foot. Read more.

First Flight: Prelude to Adventure

Flight to Cagayan De Oro on this plane

I have been cooped up in the city all my life. So if there are times when an escape from the city life is possible, I instantly grab the opportunity without question. I welcome that change of environment with open arms. Yet for all those times I have travelled, I take shame to admit that I haven’t tried riding in an airplane before.

That is, until today... Read More

By One Man’s Error and One Man’s Triumph

The sound of the trumpets and shouts broke the silence of the horizon. Suddenly, another sound louder than the trumpets shook the whole land. It was the sound of crashing. The famed walls of Jericho went crashing down. Once deemed impenetrable by it’s surrounding cities, the city went down after a curious band of men and women marched outside the city walls.

Thus, ended the existence of the city of Jericho by the hand of God through the people of Israel. <Read More>

Finding Joy part 3

The Real Secret of Happiness.

All our lives we thought that life should be fun. Although it is true that we serve a God who wants us to be happy, fun was never written on the Bible in the context of something that God wants us to have in life. In fact, Pastor David Assherick says that the word fun never occurred in the Bible, but the word joy occurs more than 200 times. This tells a lot about the difference between fun and joy. Read more.

Finding Joy part 2

On reasons to be joyful in Christ.

True happiness could not be found in money, possessions or power. Yet in order to find real joy in one’s life, we need to know why do we need joy. Why do we have to be really happy?

Every Monday evening, our group dug deep into the study of finding Christ. A certain book called “The Steps to Christ” by E.G. White has become our guide throughout our quest with discussion material provided by... Read more.

Finding Joy part 1

Misconceptions on things that make us happy and things that bring joy.

What makes you happy? Is it wealth? Is it power? Is it possessions? In this God forgotten world, we have gone through depths to find one thing few people could ever find. Some think it’s money, or power or possessions. But more often than not, we could not find joy.

I am not referring to any individual. Read more.

Zeroes

Shaq was one of the best centers of the NBA. He was a great player. Yet now he finds himself seeking a team to play with. It seems that no one wants him. Clearly life doesn't always offer you diamonds and gold, sometimes you have to accept the bricks and mud. 

Same goes for most of the blog sites, social networking seemed to have taken the upper hand. I once had a lot of visitors to my site and multiply was once buzzing with people. Now, it's already busy if you get two or three people posting a week on their multiply accounts.

We all get zero moments. One time we see ourselves at the top of our game only to find out that we're at the lowest the next day. Think about it, Bible heroes, rich moguls, famous celebrities, they've all gone from the brightest to the darkest.

One amazing thing about zeroes is that the more zero you add after a number, it's value increases. The same way with life, the more zeroes you get after a feeling of high, the greater the experience you get. In some ancient cultures, a zero is called zefiro which means "west wind" or, simply,  "wind." We all know what winds do to boats, it gives it power and direction. Same goes with zeroes. When we reach the lowest and darkest moments in our lives, take the easiest and most practical direction: straight up! 

Recently, the  Praise Team was selected to lead the singing to a video recorded crusade. It would happen in a two weeks - ten nights event. We practiced for weeks on end even sacrificing our personal time. Yet as the event rolled on, morale became low somewhere along the way. Things like the schedule, miscommunication and lack of appreciation seemed to have taken its toll on the group. Most of us, including me, became discouraged and opted out of the event and give it to another group. Yet I realized that it would be a big embarrassment to God if we left Him hanging. It's not about taking the spotlight or the center stage, it's about doing what God has sent you to do and doing it with joy.

As people get all the ups and downs, God never fails. Throughout the Bible, the rise and fall of the people always reveals a high God behind it. It's not about the rising and falling but about the high God who cares and shows that all would go well when you abide in Him.

Would you abide in him?