Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

—————

Thanks to my best bud, Ramil, for the heads up!

We are not super humans.

This is one of the things one would realize while serving God for a long time within a ministry. We get tired and frustrated and eventually start to hate one another. This happens even among leaders.

I am blessed to have my cousins in the ministry with me. I’ve always been proud of them. But then came this rift between me and one of my closest. I guess we both hid bitterness and frustrations–maybe for different reasons. We were both stressed out and thought bad things about each other… and other people.

Last night, forgiveness came. I made up with a cousin and we texted the whole night and agreed we are both so AMPAW (synonym of WEAK and HELPLESS) and realized we only really need to be strong in the Lord. We both know God is in control of circumstances.

When I sent him the first text, I told him I have nothing to be proud of in front of God but I have a responsibility as a part of this ministry to let him know what I will have to go through. I was expecting a cold reply. But I wanted to let him know that I never ever lost respect for him just as he may have thought. And indeed I got the cold reply. But minutes later, he sends the same message, but added a few more lines of text about his realizations. And there came forgiveness fresh from the oven.

I have a lot of questions going on right now. Things like “when will this turbulence inside me end?” and “who among all these people surrounding me are my true friends?” But there are those people you know are there for you and will always be in your list of the TRUEST. They are those with whom you may have a rift or a gap with from time to time but you know will never leave that list.

We go through different circumstances in life. We don’t know what really goes inside each and every other person we encounter. I am going through a difficult one right now.

We are mere humans. We don’t have super powers that let us be invisible when our enemies come or fly to where no one can reach us when we want to isolate ourselves or turn into sand when we wish to hide.

We get nervous, angry, stressed, frustrated, cold, bitter, and every feeling else that every other human feels. The Bible itself tells us we are not to be exempted from all these things that have to do with living in this world.

The thing that God revealed to me is that when we feel these things, we don’t have to suppress them inside of us to keep our beautiful Christianly package. We were designed to express and in expression, comes the control that comes from the Spirit. We will explode if we keep these feelings to ourselves and eventually find it hard to seek control.

My cousin gave me this verse last night: 1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

It is difficult being human. Much more if you’re a Christian human. But the thing that we must always bear in mind is that we are mere humans and God is God. He has everything beyond the limits of our weak human capacity.

Forgiveness came. Hopefully, my own peace of mind is next.

“The best part of volunteering for Operation Blessing was knowing that through your life, God is answering other people’s prayer”

This has been my testimony after almost 9 hours of volunteering at the Operation Blessing.

In line with inspiring the youth to live for Christ and to offer the prime years of their lives in service to GOD and COUNTRY(KKB mission), i made this blog to share my experience.

Travel and Registration.

Time check: 7:58 Am. Ang habaaaa ng pila sa La Salle for volunteers kanina, wala na kasi pasok until Saturday and maybe wala na sila magawa sa bahay. Thank God kasi even 12 midnight na ako nakagready ng gamit at nakapagprepare spiritually, nagising pa rin ako knina ng 7 am with out headache. Well after buying rice and cans of sardines, Robert, Robin, Daniel and I rode a taxi from Starbucks Lorenzo to Operation Blessings head quarters at Makati. It costed us 105 pesos (i mean 5 pesos for my pocket.)

Pagpasok namin sa Bldg 8, La Fuerza Compound ay nagregister na kami sa Information desk ng forms and suddenly someone pulled my bag and heard a voice saying “Uy! akala ko kung sinong may suot ng “I stand-I win-I conquer baller.” kayo pala yan!”. That was Ate Aai, KKB from Philippine Christian University with a friend sitting sa donations booth. In charge sila sa logistics ng mga nagdodonate. I handed them my donations and let me fill out some forms (PCU) Hindi pa rin namin alam kung sa Cleaning, feeding, relief operation, medical mission. repacking o kung saang department kami so we finished the forms while leaving them blank.

Disbanded. Super Robin to the rescue.

While waiting for instructions and breakfast claim stubs in hand, may lumapit sa room na pinaghihintayan namin asking “Sino po isa ang pwedeng sumama sa V-mapa for feeding program?” Napatingin ako kay Robert and Daniel. Gusto gusto ko magabot ng Relief goods sa communities katulad sa commercial ng Red Cross kaso di namin alam kung pwede na kaming ideploy and if ever magkakahiwalay daw kami? Awww. So biglang nagtanong si Robert at nagtanong kung hanggang oras daw ba yon. “Diba po kapag volunteer anytime and anywhere dapat ready?” paliwanag ni ate na naka OB red uniform. So para matigil ang tinginan isang superhero ang tumayo, lumakas ang hangin at ito ay nagtaas ng kamay. Si Robin Ribon! nagvolunteer, nag-out sa volunteers form at in a snap ay agad naglaho sa aming kalagitnaan. Isang Robert naman ang pumalit, friend ni Robin also from DLSU. Buo pa rin ang F4

We are one body.

Ang katawan hindi naman puro mata, puro tenga o puro ilong. Di ba may balance at different tasks? Yan ang natutunan namin kay Kuya ____ Bossing (Nakalimutan ko name nya), na kahit gusto mo na don sa field magvolunteer just live everybody. Ano ang ipamimigay nila kung wala namang nagrerepack diba? We should work like a body with different organs. Work simultaneously. Ewan ko kung pampalubag-loob lang yon sa mga gagawin namin pero it really made me think. Yes, maybe we just have to think less of our self satisfaction and just consider the need of our brethren. So after briefing, go na kaming F4 for inventory of clothes with Ate Aai and Ate Tinay.

Multi-tasking o department hopping?.

Yup. Sa inventory deparment kami at Number 11 na ang tag ng plastics. Ibig sabihin, pang 11th boxes na yon ng donors na kailangang ienventory. After non, wala na namang masyadong dumarating kaya hinila ko si Robert papunta sa labas ng room. Madaming nakapark na kotse at napapasok kami sa gilid ng building. “Now this is what i call relief operation challenge” nasabi ko sa sarili ko after seeing those volunteers na nagloload ng sacks sa track, nagtitimba ng bigas sa plastics, nagtatabo ng monggo at nag sisilid ng mga dilis at marami pang iba sa katabing ware house. Sayang di ko pa itinakas ang DSLR ni kuya pat. Sabi kasi nya kanina bago ako umalis ay gagamitin daw niya kaya di ko na pinilit. Agad naman kaming dumiretso sa mga Rice mountain slash pool (sa bigas na pinagsama sama sa ibabaw ng tolda) at nalaman namin na hanggang sa ilalim ng tape ng timba lang pala dapat punuiin ng timba bago itali. Sagot pa ng isang Scholar-volunteer, “Bali apat na kilo isang plastic”. Napunta kami ngayon sa repacking department at hindi na namin naalala na sa Inventory nga pala kami. Tapos ay sinubukan din namin magrepack ng dilis na ang kati pala at ang lansa pala sa kamay. Nung kami naman ang nagdagdag ng mga mantika sa plasitc para makumpleto na, nalaman ko na sobra dami pala ng mga nilagay namin na dilis. Good for 3 families na pala yon, anyway nandon na naman yon. Nagpabilisan kami ng limang higschool girl volunteers at syempre ako ang nanalo sa kanila na maglagay ng 8 plastics sa isang sako. Ang bigat na pala agad non, kinarga kasi namin sa Truck. Nalaman ko rin na takas pala ang mga batang yon. Hindi sa Preso kungdi sa kusina, ayaw daw kasi nila magluto at maghugas ng pinggan kaya doon sila tumakbo. Naalala ko sina Kuya Zy ng KKB PUP ang nagserve samin ng Lunch, dun sila napunta sa Food department, We are one body talaga buti wala kaming permanent department.

Because we care.

Yan ang tagline ng Operation blessing sa logo nila. Nakasalubong ko ang isang Pastora at sumisigaw sa kausap sa telepono tungkol sa napalitang destinasyon ng pagdadalhan ng relief goods. Napakarami nga naman ngayon ng advocacies and Non Government Organizations na tumutulong lalo na sa ganitong mga kalamidad. Dapat lamang na magkaroon ng koordinasyon para mabigyan ng prioridad ang mga mas nangangailangan ng agarang tulong. Isa sa mga kagandahan sa pagvolunteer sa isang Christian organization na tumutulong sa mga mahihirap through feeding programs, literacy, medical missions, cleaning projects, counseling at ang trademark nila na evangelism o gospel sharing. Maging ang medical handbooks for medical volunteers nila ay may spiritual application sa buhay ng tao. Ngunit isang pagsubok pa rin ang mag counsel sa isang taong putikan na umiiyak, wala nang tirahan at namatayan ng kamaganak. Dahil na rin wala ka sa kalagayan nilang lugmok sa kalungkutan. Pero that should not be a reason para hindi mo sila sharean ng Gospel, sabihin sa kanila that God is good at all times, that He has a plan for them and that it is He who can bring them back the love, joy, peace and gladness inspite of the floods of tribulations. Wherever you are, Share the word!

Packages: Pangkabuhayan Showcase, Living room showcase, etc.

Syempre hindi ganon kabongga ang mga pinamimigay namin. Basic needs kasi yung kailangan talaga nila as of now. Kaso mas gusto kong magrepack ng mga goods sa plastic kesa isort ang mga damit by SIze, style, color, person to use and donor. Katulad lang yon ng ginagawa namin sa family business namin na Balut kaya nga nangapitbahay kami ng Deparment. Eto ang laman ng isang Operation Blessing plastic:

4 kilos of rice

(10) sachets of instant coffee.

Cooking oil.

A pack of Dilis.

Tasty bread

Bawat laman niyan ay may sarili ding testimony. I met an alumnus of CSB (ProdMan) and

she was sharing their experience nung binili nila yung sacks ng munggo and dilis. It was by God’s grace na nakabili sila at the last minute, nagdonate ng dalawang sako at nasharan ng gospel yung owner. nakakatuwa naman.

Monggo fans club!

Oo! may fans club kami! ang tagal ng ng picture namin iupload sa facebook ni Mr Journalist from Ust na friend ni Benildean school teacher na kasama naming nagrepack ng 150 kilos na green monggos. Bumili ako sa NFA warehouse ng tinapay at tinanong ko si ate kung ano palaman. “Monggo na naman?” tawa kami ng tawa ni Robert habang nagtatanong sya kung may mineral water daw ba.By the way, open kami for members, sali kayo ah!

Need for Rice: Taguig Drift

Pagewang gewang sa likod ng multicab service ng OB, mga taong humabol ang itim ng mata at kung minsan ay binabasa pa ang nakasulat na “Operation-Blessing” sa gilid ng sasakyan. Yan ang “Need for Rice: Taguig Drift” road trip namin ni Robert. Nagtanong si Manong ng dalawang sasama sa cab para pumickup ni bigas sa Taguig kasi madedelay ang repacking kapag walang dumating na bigas. Tumayo naman kami at ngayon pagbalik namin sa Inventory Department ay tila inis sa pagkawala namin na itinuro ni Bossing ang mga dapat naming bilangin. Naku, dapat by 20 minutes magpakita na kami kay Casper the friendly driver ng multi cab. Kaya nagNitro na kami ni Robert para umabot sa oras. Noodles with hard-boiled egg merienda muna. Hindi pa tapos bilangin ang mga damit at tinawag na kami ni Kuya Casper, Napalingon si Bossing (Naku lagot kami ni Robert) at kinausap ang Information desk na wag muna kumuha ng volunteers mula sa inventory kasi wala pang papalit. Nagtago kami ni Robert sa hiya at sumalta sa multi cab. Hindi halata na ngayon lang nadala ni Casper ang multi cab. Ang bilis bilis kasi niya magpatakbo, akala mo hinahabol ng panibagong bagyo. Ilang beses din kaming nagpaikot ikot sa Taguig at atlast natagpuan din ang tamang warehouse ng NFA at nagkarga na 20ng kaban ng bigas. 200 sacks pa raw ang kukunin. Matapos namin ibaba ang mga bigas at ilatag ay ayaw na namin sumakay ni Robert sa multi cab. Ang hirap pala sa pag-pick up ng bigas. X_X

Tokwa’t baboy.

Busog na naman ako sa 98 pesos worth na dinner sa Sinangag express. Ang sarap ng sundae nila na 10 pesos, mura pa. Ako nagbayad ng Chosilog, extra rice at tokwat baboy ko at dinagdagan lang ni Robin 100 ko para sa icecream. Mas mapaparami sana ang kain namin kung hindi na kami nagbus from makati to Buendia. Medyo mahaba na rin ang nalakad namin nina Robin Ribon na nakasama na namin matapos ang feeding programs, counseling at distribution sa V-mapa. Extreme experience sana yon mula Walter Mart Makati papunta sa Sinangan Express Vito Cruz.” Opo mama, pauwi na po ako nagdinner lang kami saglit” i instantly answered my mom’s call just i responded to Robin’s invitation kahapon sa Facebook link post nya sa volunteering sa OB.

Right now siguro naghahakot pa sina Bossing sa warehouse ng rice, nakauwi na ang classmate ni Robin from distribution sa Marikina at may mga volunteers na nagrerepack ng bugas at delata. Madami pang Pilipino ang nanalangin at naghihintay sayo. Marami pa rin ang nakakabasa nito at hindi pa rin nagdedecide na pumunta sa relief operations para tumulong o magvolunteer.

Ang Bagyong Ondoy ay talagang malaking dagok sa sambayanang Pilipino. Madami sa hindi mo inaakala ang gumugulat sayo, kagaya nang pagcancel ng Jesus is Lord Church ng 31st Anniversary Celebration sa Luneta Grandstand na ilang buwan nang pinaghahandaan. Nangyari na ang mga naibalita sa Tv, kahit kamutin mo pa ng kamutin ang mata mo at kumurap ng napakatagal ay hindi na natin ito maitatanggi ang delubyo na dumating

Ang huling tanong na lamang kay Juan Dela Cruz ay tatango ka ba para harapin at ipagpatuloy ang hamon ng buhay?

That so far has been my “Operation Blessing experience” and my answer to the call for volunteers. Yes you can also make your own blog and volunteer. Go out there and put those words into actions!

I’ll add some pics soon

I am Niko, turning 18 this june 2010. I cannot register nor vote this coming election,
but if you would ask who i will campaign or vote? I would surely say “Brother Eddie Villanueva”.

Yes, that is one month after the election and yes that is  Brother Eddie. Why?
not because i am a JILian(i thank God i  met Jesus through JIL) or that  i am a active on our youth ministry(KKB),
but because i’ve been watching the news lately, reading the headlines and checking the National statistics.

I also asked why him and i ended up knowing that it is a pre-requisite for my dream: “GENUINE change for my country”.
I’m so fagged and tired of hearing the plead of our beloved nation.
I don’t want to open my eyes  every single day and  see people with starving stomachs, useless diplomas, a face of hopelessness, and a life with no God inside it.

I would “like” your  post on facebook if you’ll say start saying that I don’t deserve to credibly type this words.
But ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
THE FUTURE OF MY COUNTRY DOES NOT DEPEND ON BROTHER EDDIE.
BUT ON ME WRITING THIS BLOG, YOU READING THIS RIGHT NOW AND “WE THE SOVEREIGN FILIPINO PEOPLE” DOING SOMETHING (NO MATTER WHAT SIZE IT IS )FOR A THE CAUSE OF GOD AND FOR THIS NATION.

How i wish that after the election, the time i open my Yahoo messenger account, a window will pop up and i will see some good news. A country with 0 Corruption. I  want to see a brand new Philippines, with positive Filipinos.

Yes i would be there wearing sunshine yellow shirt,
i would yield a “diyos at bayan” sign (peace),
i would be on my knees without eating for this country,
i would tell my friends why Brother Eddie is,
how true his Courage, Character and Competence is
and i will rise up and CHANGE my nation.

WILL YOU ALSO BE THE CHANGE?

just received this story via text from a friend, i think its worth sharing….

An airplane on its return flight suddenly encountered a turbulence..oxygen bags started to be dispensed so all d passengers started to pnic except for one little boy who was playing with PSP…

They asked him why he was not afraid to die..

He answered..

“my dad is the pilot”

Thats trust.

if God is the pilot of your life, theres no need to worry even if everything goes wrong..

i say amen to that…

Whos your pilot anyway?

Brother Eddie C. Villanueva is one of the nation’s leading church leaders who has touched the lives of many Filipinos here and abroad as Spiritual Director and President of Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church and Chairman of the nation-wide Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM).

Beyond spiritual commitments

But Bro. Eddie is beyond his spiritual preoccupations.

Apart from being a deeply spiritual man with strong moral convictions and high ethical principles, he is most of all a Filipino who loves his country and his people and a man who is committed to leading the transformation of the Philippines into a prosperous and respectable nation through the Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement which he also heads.

Bro. Eddie believes that pursuing nation transformation is a logical extension of his spiritual crusades. He is Chancellor of Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation (JILCF), Inc. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of International Bible Society-Philippines. Apart from these, he is the Chairman of the International Christian Solidarity on Religious Freedom, a global coalition of Christian churches fighting for religious equality and freedom for all nations of the world. He is also Vice-Chairman of the Executive Council of Christ for Asia (formerly Charismatic Fellowship of Asia, CFA) based in Bangkok, Thailand.

It is clear that Bro. Eddie, while pursuing his spiritual mandate has succeeded in shifting his focus to the affairs of the nation particularly on moral and ethical aspects. He has a national view and perspective.

Multimedia practitioner

Recognizing the value of media to reach out and spread the Word and help transform the nation, Bro. Eddie serves as the President and Chairman of ZOE Broadcasting Network, the franchise holder and licensee to operate VHF Channel 11 and UHF Channel 33. He also hosts the TV show, “Jesus the Healer”, aired over ZOE TV 11/ GMA 7, and “Diyos at Bayan”, also over ZOE TV 11/ GMA 7. He likewise hosts a radio program, “Tinig sa Itaas”, over DZJV 1458 based in Calamba, Laguna.

Bro. Eddie also leverages on the power of the print media. He writes a column for Abante and Abante-Tonite tabloids and for monthly publications in Hong Kong and Taiwan. He is the author of two books, “Find It! Straight From The Word” and “Surest Covenant”, and contributed articles to two books, “Legacy”, published by Church Strengthening Ministries and “This Is My Story”, published by Cityland Foundation, Inc.

Academic achiever

Bro. Eddie’s national involvement extends also to the academe. He is the longest-sitting member of the Board of Regents of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). Previous to this appointment, he was a faculty member of the Department of Economics and Finance of the Philippine College of Commerce (now PUP) from 1969 to 1972. Therefore he knows the intricacies of the Philippine economy. He also knows the dynamicss of business and trade beyond his academic exposure. He himself also engaged in business. He was General Manager of Agape Trading Company in 1976-1977. He was also Export Manager of Maran Export Industries in 1973-1975.

In recognition of his achievements, Bro. Eddie has been the recipient of various international and local honors and citations. He holds a Doctorate Degree in Divinity from Promise Christian University in Los Angeles, California (2008).

He has also received various honorary degrees:

Doctor of Education Management from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (2003)
Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities from Bulacan State University (2003);
Doctor of Divinity from Christian International (CI) based in Sta. Rosa Beach, Florida (1997);
Doctor of Divinity from Vision Christian College in Romana, California (1995);
Doctor of Divinity from Thailand Bible Seminary (1994).

Bro. Eddie was voted worldwide as “Pastor of the Year” in 1988 by Dr. George Otis’ High Adventure Ministries. He was Ordained Minister of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (1979) by Dr. Michael Mckinney of the Victory in Christ Church and International Ministries based in California.

Recipient of various citations

Aside from these, he was also given the “EDSA People Power Freedom Award” for ZOE TV 11 as the only TV Station consistent in standing for Truth, Justice, and Righteousness during People Power 2 (2001) and the “Gintong Ama” (Golden Father) Award from the Golden Mother and Father Foundation (1996).

Bro. Eddie has also completed various special studies: Integrated Bible Course, Harvestime International Institute (1987-1988); Morris Cerullo School of Evangelism, Philippine International Convention Center (1984); Special Studies, Rhema Correspondence Bible Training Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, (1983); Basic and Advanced Bible Courses under Dr. E.W. Kenyon (1979-1980); Complete Bible Course, Daoud Correspondence School (1978); 14th Managers’ Course, University of the Philippines-ISSI (1977); Dr. Billy Graham School of Evangelism, Philippine International Convention Center (1977); Regular and Advanced Speech Courses, Speech Training Center (1970).

Humble but illustrious beginning

What was the basic educational background of Bro. Eddie? Bro. Eddie completed tertiary education at the Philippine College of Commerce (PCC), now PUP, where he was a student leader and consistent academic scholar. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Economics and minor in Finance, in 1969. He was adjudged PCC’s “Best Debater of the Year” (SY 1967-1968).

Bro. Eddie was born on October 6, 1946 in Bocaue, Bulacan to parents Joaquin T. Villanueva and Maria Cruz Villanueva, both now deceased. The elder Villanueva was a former Olympic sprinter who represented the Philippines in the Far Eastern Games for four consecutive years in the 1920s.

He was immersed in both student and labor movements in the 1970’s. He joined the progressive segments of society which opposed military dictatorship. He fought local landgrabbers in Bulacan. He was jailed for his political beliefs and participation in various mass actions.

Bro. Eddie is married to Adoracion Jose Villanueva, who holds a Doctorate in Theology from Promise Christian University in Los Angeles, California, USA. She is currently Executive Director of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide and President/Director of Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation, Inc.

The Villanuevas have four children, all achievers in their own right.

Eduardo “Jon-Jon” J. Villanueva Jr., 37, the incumbent Mayor of Bocaue, Bulacan, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Governance from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, 34, a third-term Member, House of Representatives, Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party-list, graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business Management from Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA and holds a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Economics from the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

Eleanor “Joni” Villanueva-Tugna, 32, is currently Vice President for Programming of ZOE TV-11 and Director for Administration of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide, holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines in Diliman.

Edelisha “Jovi” J. Villanueva, 26, is a Youth Advocate and Educator and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, Major in Social Science, from the Philippine Normal University (PNU).

Lately i’ve been lacking sleep. It’s like each time I wake up in the morning, I’d find myself blurting out “That was it?” I’d usually have to drag myself out of bed because my back just seems to want to stick to it the whole day.

My parents have just been really sweet. Mom prepares my lunch to take to the office each day except Fridays. And there are mornings when I’d hear them just outside my room asking out loud if they should be waking me up or not yet. They just completely understand how tired I am.

And sure enough, I am tired. Not to mention I seem to get easily depressed by some things. But the one thing that keeps me going is how I know God has something beautiful in store for me and the people I care about… And even my dogs… each day. The strength he provides is extraordinary. His grace is so immense.

Though it is sometimes hard to get up coz my body just makes it so, my heart and soul is always grateful for another new day to experience God’s goodness.

And I can sleep with peace… Knowing God watches over me and is wrapping up another surprise when I wake up.

Posted by Wordmobi

Mobile Setting:

Settings  >  Connectivity  >  Packet data conn.  >  When needed

Settings  >  Connectivity  >  Packet data settings.  > Active Access Point  >  wapnorth.cellone.in

Settings  >  Connectivity  >  Packet data settings.  > Edit Access Point  >  wapnorth.cellone.in

—–

Send

GPRS

To 53733 to activate bsnl gprs facility

BSNL will send service / sim message commonly called configuration settings as per your mobile handset automatically

Like …

*bsnlmms, *bsnlportal, *bsnlgprs, *bsnlwap, *bsnlportal, …

Or

By this following web address :

—–

Settings  >  Configuration  >  Default Config Sett.  > bsnlwap (select from list and list will be sent by bsnl)

Settings  >  Configuration  >  Preferred Access Pt.  >  BSNL Internet

Computer Settings:

1. Pray

2. Learn to praise God wherever you are and whatever the circumstance.

3. Go to bed on time and get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say “No,” to projects/activities that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and un-clutter your life.

7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.

12. Live within your budget.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14. K. M. S. (Keep Mouth Shut.) This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough exercise.

18. Eat right.

19. Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a podcast while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write thoughts and inspirations down.

22. Everyday, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until its time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good “Thank you Jesus!”

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego.

33. Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before or that you always forget to thank God about.

——
Original Post

I have always wondered what Bukit Kutu was like after having read that it was an abandoned British hill station. Some call it Gunung Kutu which is disputed whether it is really a ‘gunung’ or mountain especially when Pine Tree Hill at the neighbouring Fraser’s Hill stands at 4,777 feet while Bukit Kutu was reported to be about 3,500 feet. As I read more, I found that it was formerly called Gunung Sekutu by the indigenous people, the Temuan who lived in the area. When the British took over, it was renamed Treacher’s Hill and a sanatorium was built there. Fraser’s Hill continued to thrive but somehow Treacher’s Hill faded into oblivion. This hill station was abandoned, the bungalows went into disrepair and finally the roads were overtaken by the jungle. Treacher’s Hill disappeared from the maps and was renamed Bukit Kutu.

Personal accounts from trekkers had given it a bad reputation for leeches and it was notorious as a trek where one would easily get lost. Trekking time was reported to be between three to four hours while the trek was supposed to be eight km long. I was intrigued with Bukit Kutu and jumped at the opportunity to climb Bukit Kutu when Liau invited us to join him for a trek there. Mei was very reluctant because of the notoriety of the leeches but somehow I managed to strong arm her to go.

June 6 – We woke up at 5.55 am for a 6.30 am rendezvous with Gary before proceeding to the group meeting point in Melawati at 7.00 am. Received a text message from Elise that she needed a lift. That’s blew my timing apart. Gary was early, so we picked him up at 6.25 am and proceeded to Elise’s place. We picked her up at 6.40 am and reckoned that 20 minutes was not enough to reach Melawati from Old Klang Road. Called Liau to inform him that we will proceed straight to Kuala Kubu Baru.

The drive to KKB was beautiful and the sunrise which we witness along the way was truly magnificent. We arrived in KKB at 7.45 am and had a quick breakfast when we were surpised by Diane. She was on her way to a white water rafting trip when she saw us and stopped her car just to say hello. We joined Mr. Liau’ group at 8.05 am in a mamak shop where they were having their breakfast.

At 8.30 am, we proceeded towards Fraser’s Hill from KKB. Shortly after passing the water dam, about 7.7 km from KKB town, we took a right turn into Kg Pertak. A quaint little village with lovely single storey detached houses, Kg Pertak is a relocation site for the Temuan community. From Kg Pertak, we ventured straight into a dirt road and continued for about 1 km before the road proved to be inaccessible by normal vehicles.

We had to park our cars at the side of road. From where we parked, we could hear the sound of rushing river waters and this is the start of the Kutu trail (Elevation 827 feet / Coordinates N 03˚34.487’ E 101˚44.201).

It was time to warm up. Lum start with his pumping exercises, Commedian did his kung fu kicks while Joey did her extreme yoga stretches. I was going to conserve my energy for the trek. After 10 minutes or so, we headed out for the Kutu Summit at around 9.00 am.

There were 13 of us. Only 4 of us have reached the summit of Bukit Kutu previously while the rest of us were all first timers to the hill.

The first part of the trek was easy with two metals bridges to cross. The second bridge had partially collapsed and we had to balance on the edge of the bridge.

About 1.5 km from the starting point, we came across our first river crossing. The water is about 2 feet deep. This river crossing could be a hazard on the return trip if it rains as the water level would definitely have gone up.

We did not let up. We continue trekking and encountered another 2 river crossings. These were minor streams and could easily be crossed without getting our feet wet. After crossing the 3rd river, we were in the thick of pacat (leech) country. The treks were a bit muddy but were very manageable given that we have been having dry spells during the past two months. We quickly passed the pacat gauntlet without suffering any leech assaults except for one or two minor bites.

We then started climbing. It was up hill all the way. After more than 30 minutes of continuous up hill, I swore it was like Nuang. When the going seemed to be endless, we reached the Giant Boulder area. It was such a relief. We covered only another 3 km from the 1st river crossing but it felt endless.

We rested a good 20 minutes here at the Giant Boulder. We passed time by taking lots of pictures.

Finally, we were ready for the final assault. It is only less than 2 km more to the summit from the Giant Boulder. Knowing that we have covered more than half of the distance helped us pyschologically in our final push. It was a steady hike upwards towards our goal.

The first to reach the summit clocked at about 11.45 am or a total of 2 hours 45 minutes. I only managed to reach at 12.15 pm clocking in at 3 hours 15 minutes. It was great feeling knowing that I managed to climb Buku Kutu on my first attempt where others have failed. The good weather and excellent ground conditions were instrumental in our above average times. Heard that the record for summitting Bukit Kutu was one hour forty minutes.

According to my GPS the summit of Bukit Kutu stands at 3,576 feet (Coordinates N 03˚34.487’ E 101˚44.201).

Not bad for a day’s work. Trekking up 6.3 km with a total elevation of 2,749 feet in 3 hours 15 minutes. I stand at the summit pretty pleased with the trek.

The going down was relatively swift. We started at 1.40 pm and we reached the river by 3.30 pm in under 2 hours.

It was time for a splash to cool down. The waters felt heavenly.

We left the river at 4.30 pm for a great dinner at Ulu Yam Lama with great memories.

by Rev. Chuck Swindoll

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say, or do.

It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.

We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.

I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.

Last Sunday, we trained a bunch of youngsters who wanted to join the Worship Arts Ministry. We had a number of excited young people who wanted to learn how to play the guitar and drums, dance, and sing.

I’ve been part of the ministry since I was very young. At one time, I was even the youngest in the team. Eventually, more people got involved and the party people grew in number. It has become so much more fun!

On the second week of May, our church was finally able to put up a satellite service in one of the hardest-to-reach barrios in our town. A family volunteered to turn their home terrace into the temporary church and there have been about close-to-a-hundred attendees since we started. There are also new equipment that have been raised for the glory of God. One of our friends donated his drum set too.

Everyone is excited about our new outreach—even if there’s so much work to do and lots of sacrifices to make. The small sacrifices include having to get drenched in the rain sometimes, taking some of the instruments back & forth, or back riding on the motorcycle sitting sideways because you’re wearing a skirt and having to bear that not-very-comfy position for the whole 10-Km ride (because you forgot your pants in the bag you left with mom). And then, there are the bigger sacrifices—really big ones.

When we came face-to-face with the youth—with all the squirming anticipation in their eyes—we also had to come to our own realizations about our personal service to God.

HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE WE WERE THAT EXCITED ABOUT BEING IN THE MINISTRY WE WERE CALLED FOR?

I go to practice every Saturday, prepare lineups when I’m assigned to lead worship, jam with the musicians until we perfect the songs and shifts, go out bonding right after and happily go home to prepare for the next day’s Worship Service.

We are excited to commune with God, yes, but most probably not as we were when we first started. Whether we admit it or not, there are many things about what we do every weekend that have become routines for most of us.

Being in the ministry for this long–from being the youngest to now standing as one of their “ate’s”—has surely toughened me up. I have become fierce enough to talk about mistakes and other things to my younger (and even older) friends. Being a servant of God certainly brings out the toughie in you.

When it was my turn to talk, I shared with the youth some of the things we need to survive the “ministry challenge”. I told them it’s as simple as keeping these 3 things HIGH: IQ (Intelligence quotient), EQ (Emotional Quotient), WQ (Worship Quotient)

A high IQ means a high level of skills. We have to keep trying to get better as time progresses. This is trying to be excellent in the craft you have chosen or enhancing the talent God has given you.

A high EQ means being tough… no matter how discouraging the situations are or what people say in front of or behind you. It also means being open to corrections… no matter HOW the corrections were delivered to you (’cause it’s not always going to be in the nicest way).

A high WQ means remembering to look up–that we are not playing these instruments or singing or dancing just for the sake of doing these things or to become very popular with our peers. We are doing these to WORSHIP THE KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS.

Facing these new “ministers” allowed me to look back to how I was when I was in the same boat as they are now. I want to be just as charged up as they are. We had a great time with them. We laughed together, joked around, and shared what we know.

My team mates and I love to have fun and enjoy our moments together but we have been through so much and known one another so well throughout these years. This is how this new team will probably be in the years to come.

I pray that they keep it up no matter what happens, now knowing that serving God is the greatest calling ever… and the most fun too! It’s not in the guitar or drums or voice or the moves—It’s always what’s in the heart. It’s always about having a heart that is always enthusiastic to worship God.

Just like them, we “oldies” (and I don’t mean in “age”) still have lots to learn ourselves in our Christian walk—things that have to do with how to get along well with our brothers and sisters—but it always helps to go back to the basics and remember that everything begins with the love of God.

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Minsan isang araw ng Linggo, nagpunta ako sa Mercury Drug kasama ang isang kaibigan. Malakas ang ulan at kinailangan kong magsuot ng kapote. Nakasakay kami sa motorsiklo.

Pagdating sa drugstore, naka-hakbang na ako sa loob na suot ang kapote nang biglang hiniyawan ako ng guwardiya, “HOY! Ano ba yan? Nababasa ang sahig o!”

Nagulat ako at siyempre napahiya ng konti. Okay, I mean marami. Maraming pagkapahiya.

Akala kasi namin ng kaibigan ko, pwede nang hindi namin hubarin ang kapote dahil sandali lang naman kami doon sa loob. Isa pa, ineexpect namin na handa sila sa mga papasok na mga taong galing sa ulan. Maghapon nang umuulan noon.

Hindi kasi ordinaryong kapote ang suot ko. Mahirap alisin dahil parang jeans at shirt ang style nya at todo-butones. Malaki pa sya sa akin. Pangsagupa talaga sa ulan. Ubos-oras ang pagtatanggal. Baka nga mas matagal pa akong naghubad nang kapote kaysa bumili ng mga dapat bilhin. Pero dahil napagalitan ako, syempre lumabas nalang ako ulit.

Nang tanggalin ko ang kapote, sabi ng kaibigan ko, “Hindi ka kasi mukhang kagalang-galang dyan, ate. Nasigawan ka tuloy.”

“Ah ganun ba?” ang sagot ko. Natawa lang ako. Akala siguro ni Manong Guard lalaki ako. Nakatago kasi ang buhok ko at may nakasukbit na helmet sa siko. Para akong construction worker. At para akong basang sisiw na construction worker. Very unglamorous. Tsk tsk tsk. Wag lang mabasa nang ulan.

Oo nga ano? Napaisip tuloy ako. Kapag naka-office attire ako, kahit saang establishment ako pumunta, aba napakagagalang ng mga guwardiya! Hindi nila ako hino-HOY!

Hmmm. Nasa damit ba talaga ‘yon?

Pagpasok ko ulit sa loob, hindi yata ako nakilala ng guwardiya dahil naka-smile na sya. Mukhang girl na kasi ako. Di ko sya pinansin dahil medyo masama pa ang loob ko sa pagkakasigaw nya sa akin. Hmpf, napahiya talaga ako!

WOW!

Paglabas namin sa Mercury, maraming mga batang lansangan na nakasilong. Sa lugar kung saan kami nag-park ng motorsiklo, may isang lumang payphone booth na mayro’ng teleponong sira.

Naaalala ko tuloy noong nasa elementary palang ako at bagong lipat kami sa Bulacan, madalas kami ni Mama sa phone booth na iyon. Tumatawag kami kay Papa sa office nya at kina Mama Fina at Father sa Loyola… hmmm.

Naputol ang pagre-reminisce ko dahil biglang sumigaw yung isang batang lansangan.

“WOW!”, sabi niya. Seven years old siguro sya.

Nakita ko syang nakatayo sa harap ng phone booth at nakatingin sa teleponong sira. Tinawag nya ang isa pang batang ka-edad din nya halos. Sabi niya, “Tignan mo o, may telepono pa tayo dito!”, sabay hagikhik. Doon kasi sila magpapalipas ng gabi sa gilid ng phone booth.

Lumapit naman ang isa at sabay silang namangha sa sirang telepono.

Kanina lang magkaaway ang dalawang batang iyon. Pinag-awayan nila ang piso. Matinding away. Parang wala nang bukas. Pero nang oras na iyon, tuwang-tuwa silang nilapitan ang telepono at naglaro. Parang walang nangyari. Tulad ng title ng paborito kong awit, “Like It Never Happened”.

Para sa kanila, playground lang ang buong paligid…kahit wala silang matinong damit na maisuot at kahit nag-aagawan sila sa barya. Hindi pa kasi nila naiintindihan na komplikado ang buhay… lalo na ang buhay nila.

MASAYA

Napakasarap maging bata. Sabi nga ng pinsan kong junior pastor noong huling beses siyang magturo sa pulpito, sa mga bata daw ay hindi mahalaga kung sino ang tama at mali.

Mas mahalaga sa mga bata ang maging masaya at payapa habang naglalaro. Kaya nga daw kapag nag-away sila, maya-maya lang ay magkakabati na rin.

Hindi na nila binabalikan pa kung sino ang nagkamali at kung ano ang nagawang mali ng isa laban sa kapwa niya bata. Kaya din siguro sinabi ni Jesus na “the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 9:14). Nakakamangha sila.

PAGPAPATAWAD

Ang buhay ay tungkol sa pagpapatawad.

Hindi naman siguro maganda kung lahat ng tao mananatiling bata. Pangit din kung isip-bata. Pero kung lahat siguro magagawang maging mapagpatawad tulad nila, yehey! Napakasaya!

Hindi nalang kasi barya-barya ang pwedeng pag-awayan at pagkasakitan ng mga tao. Mas matinding away. Higit pa minsan sa basagan ng mukha. Ang matindi don, yung durugan ng puso…at lamang-loob.

Madalas, tayong mga nakakatanda, hindi na nating naa-appreciate ang mga masasayang bagay na nasa paligid natin, tulad nalang halimbawa ng isang sirang telepono na pwedeng maging dahilan ng lubus-lubos na kasiyahan.

Dahil mas mahalagang ipaalam natin sa ating kapwa na tayo ang mas tama at mali ang ginawa nila sa nakaraan, natatabunan na kahit ang mga mabubuting bagay na ginagawa na nila para sa atin sa kasalukuyan.

Kailan kaya mas magiging mahalaga para sa atin ang maging masaya at payapa kaysa sa pagiging laging tama?

Madalas, kaya naman nating maging masaya at payapa pero sa isang iglap, gumagawa tayo ng ikasisira ng ating kapayapaan at kasiyahan… dahil lang gusto nating iparating na TAYO ANG TAMA at MALI SILA!

Mahirap magpatawad.

Pangarap kong maging mapagpatawad. Ang sabi sa Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Mahirap talaga pero sinusubukan ko naman. Iniisip ko nalang na LAHAT TAYO NAGKAKAMALI. Maliit man o grabeng pagkakamali iyon, palaging may space para sa pagbabago… at pagpapatawad.

PLAYGROUND

Madalas napapabalik-tanaw ako kung gaano ka-simple ang buhay noong mas bata pa ako. Marami akong hindi naiintindihan pero okay lang naman. Nakaka-excite ang pagdiscover sa mga bagay-bagay.

Pag nasugatan, iyak, Betadine at Band-Aid lang ang katapat. Pag inapi, si Kuya o Ate lang ang katapat. Pag walang pera, si Nanay o Tatay lang ang katapat. Pag nagkamali, eraser lang sa dulo ng Mongol ang katapat. Tapos, pwede na ulit tumawa.

Marami akong pagkakamali sa buhay ko at pwedeng hindi lahat yun ay mabubura ng eraser sa dulo ng Mongol.

Kapag nauubusan na ako ng panggastos, hindi naman ako basta-basta nalang makakahingi sa mga magulang ko. Nakakahiya na kasi.

Pag inapi ako, kailangan ko nang bumangon at ipagtanggol ang sarili ko. Pag nasugatan, andyan ang Betadine at Band-Aid pero pag mas malalim, pwede pa rin namang umiyak. Pero pag mas malalim pa dun, madalas mas marami pang iyak ang kailangan. Tapos, pwede na ulit tumawa.

Nung isang gabi ay naisip ko lahat ng mga kapalpakan ko sa buhay. Naitanong ko sa sarili ko kung ano kayang nangyari kung sakali mang ibang choices at daan ang tinahak ko. Aminado akong marami akong pagkakamaling nagawa.

Nang oras na iyon, nag-wish ako na sana may blackboard sa harapan ko at doon ko isusulat lahat ng mga iyon tapos buburahin ko nalang para malinis na ulit. Nakaka-guilty kasi. Nakakalungkot din.

Kahit gaano ko pa subukang magpakabait at bumawi, hindi naman lahat ng kalaro ko sa playground na ito, pare-pareho. Marami sa kanila ang nasaktan ko ng sobra. Marahil ang iba sa kanila, sadyang hindi na makakalimot… o baka matagalan pa. Ang mas mahalaga, napagsisihan ko na.

Sabi nga nila, unahin mo muna din daw na patawarin ang sarili mo. Susubukan kong palaging hindi na iisipin kung sino man sa amin ang tama at mali. Ang mahalaga, maging mapayapa at masaya.

Napatawad ko na si Manong Guard.

Ang buhay ay tungkol sa pagpapatawad.

Mabuti nalang at ang Diyos, mapagpatawad.

Isaiah 1:18

PAG-IISIP

“Bulag ka ba?”, biro ng kaibigan ko sa akin, sabay tawa nang malakas.

May itinuturo kasi siya na hindi agad na-process ng utak ko. Nakita ko naman pero sa hindi ko malamang dahilan, parang hindi ko naintindihan ang sinasabi niya nung oras na iyon.

Hindi ako bulag noh!

Sa isip ko lang sinabi ‘yon. Wala kasi ako sa mood na mangulit no’n. Parang kulang ako sa tulog. Pero di ko malaman kung bakit sa dinami-daming beses na akong biniro ng kaibigan ko nang gano’n, noon lang ako napag-isip nang mas malalim.

20/20 ang vision ko. Kahit sinasabi ng mga gumagawa ng eyeglasses na kailangan ko daw magsuot no’n dahil may astigmatism ako, parang ayokong maniwala. Sabi kasi ng kapitbahay kong ophthalmologist na huling tumingin sa mata ko, “Malinaw pa yan sa eroplano, iha!” Di ko naintindihan pero siguro ang ibig niyang sabihin, kahit napakalayo ng eroplano, pwede kong makita. Hula ko lang iyon at kahit hindi ko talaga alam ang ibig niyang sabihin, nagtitiwala ako sa kanya..

PAGBABA

Sa pag-iisip ko, naalala ko tuloy yung lalaking bulag na nakasabay namin minsan ng kaibigan ko noong unang lingo ng Disyembre sa MRT Station sa Buendia. Hindi ko sya makakalimutan. Noon ko pa gustong sumulat nang tungkol sa kanya pero ngayon ko lang natupad. Nasa harapan namin siya noong bumababa kami sa hagdanan. Magkahawak pa kami ng kamay habang mabilis na naglalakad. Male-late na kasi kami sa pupuntahan namin. Pero yung lalaki, mag-isa, mabagal, at may tungkod siyang hawak.

Habang bumababa, napansin naming mabagal sya at may sukat ang bawat hakbang nya. Noon ko na-realize na bulag pala sya. Nasilip kong wala syang suot na shades. Bare ang mga mata nya. Namangha ako sa kanya nang sobra.

Hindi man lang siya humawak sa railings. Sabagay, hindi naman niya siguro alam na may railings doon. Malamang may nagsabi lang sa kanya na pababa na sya. Pero walang tumutulong sa kanya. Mataas ang hagdanang iyon pero parang hindi niya kailangan ng tulong ng iba. Napaka-independent nya. Kinakapa lang niya gamit ang tungkod na hawak niya ang bawat hakbang. Kami naman, tahimik na sumusunod.

Parang sa sobrang pagkamangha namin, di namin malaman kung tutulungan namin siya. Sa oras na iyon, alam naming habang bumababa siya sa hagdanan ay mas makabubuting hindi na namin siya pakialaman. Alam niya ang ginagawa niya. Consistent ang bawat hakbang nya. Baka magulat lang sya bigla. Baka mahulog lang kami pare-pareho pag sinubukan pa naming siyang akayin. Pwede na sana kaming mauna pero pinili naming sundan sya.

PAGTAWID

Nakababa nang matagumpay si Kuya. Pero hindi doon nagtapos ang delikado niyang lakad. Kailangan pa kasing tumawid bago makarating sa sakayan ng jeep. At napansin naming doon siya nahirapan. Wala kasi yung pulis–pulisan doon nang oras na iyon.

May napakabilis na kotseng parating pero tuloy-tuloy siya sa paglalakad. Nagkatinginan kami ng kasama ko at mabilis siyang kumilos. Bigla niyang inakay si Kuya sa kaliwang braso. “Tulungan ko na po kayo.”, sabi ng kaibigan ko. Parang batang sumunod lang si Kuya. Hindi siya kumibo. Hindi siya nagpumiglas.

Napansin kong medyo nahirapan siyang maglakad dahil hindi niya malaman kung paano na niya ipangkakapa ang tungkod niya. Sa oras na iyon, parang bigla syang nalito. Hindi ko alam kung dahil hindi niya alam kung saan siya dadalhin ng nakahawak sa braso niya o dahil hindi lang talaga sya sanay nang inaalalayang tulad no’n.

Naging proud ako sa kasama ko. Habang naglalakad sila, nakatingin lang ako. Nagpahuli na kasi ako. Tuwang-tuwa ang kalooban ko nang oras na iyon.

Nang makarating na kami sa sakayan ng jeep, dahan-dahang binitiwan na siya ng kasama ko. Sabi niya, “Dito po ang sakayan. Ingat po kayo. God bless you po.” At sa nanginginig niyang boses, sabi ni Kuya, “Salamat.”

Hindi na kami kasya sa jeep na nasakyan nya kaya hindi namin nalaman kung saan sya papunta.

PAGTATANONG

Nang makasakay na rin kami, obvious ang pagka-ovewhelm namin ng kaibigan ko sa nangyari. Napakaraming tanong sa isip ko. Ang isa sa mga malakas kong nasabi:

“Hindi ba nasagasaan yung bulag na singer na si Willie Garte, yung kumanta ng Bawal na Gamot?”

Naalala ko lang. Na-hit-and-run yun. Hindi ko na maalala ang isinagot ng kasama ko pero parang pareho pa din kaming tulala. Tulala pero masaya pareho.

Saan kaya pupunta si Kuya?

Naisip ko rin, pa’no kaya ang buhay ng mga tulad nila? Napaka-vulnerable. Pa’no kung wala palang mabuting intension yung humila sa kanya?

Ang tapang ng mga tulad ni Kuya. Napakalakas ng pananampalataya nya.

Naalala ko din tuloy yung mga bulag na masahista sa Philcoa nung college ako.

Naisip ko rin ang tita kong hindi na halos makakita dahil sa Diabetes.

Naisip ko, ano kaya ang pakiramdam nang walang paningin? Ang ganda at napaka-makulay pa naman ng paligid.

Yun ang moment kung kailan nagpasalamat ako sa Diyos sa paningin ko at sa pagkakataon at pribilehiyo na makita ang lahat ng nilikha Nya.

PAG-IISIP

“Bulag ka ba?”, biro ng kaibigan ko.

Ang totoong dapat maging sagot ko, OO.

Madalas, bulag ako sa mga dapat kong nakikita…

Hindi ko naappreciate ang mga tao at bagay na dapat kong ipagpasalamat. Hindi ko napapahalagahan ang mga maliliit na bagay na ibinigay ni Lord sa akin o maging ang mga simpleng bagay na ginagawa ng mga taong nagmamahal sa akin. Laging mali nila ang nakikita ko. Laging yung mga hindi masyadong magandang ginawa nila sa akin ang binabalikan ko.

Bulag ako sa mga mabubuting pagbabagong nagaganap sa kasalukuyan. Laging nakalipas ang tinitignan ko. Laging sarili ko ang iniisip ko.

Bulag ako sa masasayang bagay na nangyayari na ngayon, dahil naghahanap pa ako ng mas masaya pa kaysa dito.

Lagi ko nalang inililibot ang mga mata ko kahahanap ng mas malaking mga bagay na dapat kong ipagpasalamat gayong nasa harap ko na ang mga bagay na dapat kong ikatuwa.

Laging negatibo ang pananaw ko sa mga ginagawa ng kapwa ko at hindi ko nakikita ang mga positibo–kahit pa mas marami ang mga ‘yon– dahil isinasara ko na ang paningin at pag-iisip ko.

Bulag ako sa pangangailangan ng kapwa ko. Lagi kong hinahanap ang makakapagpasaya sa akin pero madalas, hindi ko naiisip na kailangan ko din pasayahin ang mga taong nagpapasaya sa akin.

Bulag ako sa katotohanan na napakapalad ko sa mga bagay na mayroon ako sa kasalukuyan. Napakarami ko pang sinasabi pero madalas, simpleng “salamat” lang naman ang dapat kong sabihin.

Madalas nagbubulag-bulagan din ako sa maraming bagay…

Minsan, gusto ko lang makita ang gusto kong makita. Pinipili ko lang ang dapat kong pahalagahan.

Apathetic din ako minsan sa mga isyu sa paligid na dapat kong binubusisi at inaaksyunan bilang responsableng Pilipino. Takot din siguro ako sa maraming bagay na nakikita ko at naririnig. Di tulad ni Kuya na kahit hindi niya nakikita ang dinadaanan nya at alam nyang tiyak na may panganib, tuloy pa din siya.

Marami akong natutunan kay Kuya.

Si Kuya, walang paningin pero may focus. Bawat hakbang nya may sukat. Naisip ko, kung sumobra siguro siya ng one inch lang habang bumababa sya sa hagdanan, maaring nahulog sya. Pero hindi nangyari yun.

Sana ako rin may focus.

Mayroon lang sigurong isang aspeto sa bawat buhay ng tao kung saan KAILANGAN nating maging bulag. Naalala ko ung awit ni Freddie Aguilar na ni-revive ni Yeng Constantino–Bulag, Pipi, at Bingi:

Madilim ang iyong paligid
Hatinggabing walang hanggan
Anyo at kulay ng mundo sayo’y
Pinagkaitan
Huwag mabahala kaibigan
Isinilang ka mang ganyan
Isang bulag sa kamunduhan
Ligtas ka sa kasalanan.

Naisip ko, napakabuti talaga ng Diyos!

PAG-IISIP

“Bulag ka ba?”, biro ng kaibigan ko sa akin, sabay tawa nang malakas.

May itinuturo kasi siya na hindi agad na-process ng utak ko. Nakita ko naman pero sa hindi ko malamang dahilan, parang hindi ko naintindihan ang sinasabi niya nung oras na iyon.

Hindi ako bulag noh!

Sa isip ko lang sinabi ‘yon. Wala kasi ako sa mood na mangulit no’n. Parang kulang ako sa tulog. Pero di ko malaman kung bakit sa dinami-daming beses na akong biniro ng kaibigan ko nang gano’n, noon lang ako napag-isip nang mas malalim.

20/20 ang vision ko. Kahit sinasabi ng mga gumagawa ng eyeglasses na kailangan ko daw magsuot no’n dahil may astigmatism ako, parang ayokong maniwala. Sabi kasi ng kapitbahay kong ophthalmologist na huling tumingin sa mata ko, “Malinaw pa yan sa eroplano, iha!” Di ko naintindihan pero siguro ang ibig niyang sabihin, kahit napakalayo ng eroplano, pwede kong makita. Hula ko lang iyon at kahit hindi ko talaga alam ang ibig niyang sabihin, nagtitiwala ako sa kanya..

PAGBABA

Sa pag-iisip ko, naalala ko tuloy yung lalaking bulag na nakasabay namin minsan ng kaibigan ko noong unang lingo ng Disyembre sa MRT Station sa Buendia. Hindi ko sya makakalimutan. Noon ko pa gustong sumulat nang tungkol sa kanya pero ngayon ko lang natupad. Nasa harapan namin siya noong bumababa kami sa hagdanan. Magkahawak pa kami ng kamay habang mabilis na naglalakad. Male-late na kasi kami sa pupuntahan namin. Pero yung lalaki, mag-isa, mabagal, at may tungkod siyang hawak.

Habang bumababa, napansin naming mabagal sya at may sukat ang bawat hakbang nya. Noon ko na-realize na bulag pala sya. Nasilip kong wala syang suot na shades. Bare ang mga mata nya. Namangha ako sa kanya nang sobra.

Hindi man lang siya humawak sa railings. Sabagay, hindi naman niya siguro alam na may railings doon. Malamang may nagsabi lang sa kanya na pababa na sya. Pero walang tumutulong sa kanya. Mataas ang hagdanang iyon pero parang hindi niya kailangan ng tulong ng iba. Napaka-independent nya. Kinakapa lang niya gamit ang tungkod na hawak niya ang bawat hakbang. Kami naman, tahimik na sumusunod.

Parang sa sobrang pagkamangha namin, di namin malaman kung tutulungan namin siya. Sa oras na iyon, alam naming habang bumababa siya sa hagdanan ay mas makabubuting hindi na namin siya pakialaman. Alam niya ang ginagawa niya. Consistent ang bawat hakbang nya. Baka magulat lang sya bigla. Baka mahulog lang kami pare-pareho pag sinubukan pa naming siyang akayin. Pwede na sana kaming mauna pero pinili naming sundan sya.

PAGTAWID

Nakababa nang matagumpay si Kuya. Pero hindi doon nagtapos ang delikado niyang lakad. Kailangan pa kasing tumawid bago makarating sa sakayan ng jeep. At napansin naming doon siya nahirapan. Wala kasi yung pulis–pulisan doon nang oras na iyon.

May napakabilis na kotseng parating pero tuloy-tuloy siya sa paglalakad. Nagkatinginan kami ng kasama ko at mabilis siyang kumilos. Bigla niyang inakay si Kuya sa kaliwang braso. “Tulungan ko na po kayo.”, sabi ng kaibigan ko. Parang batang sumunod lang si Kuya. Hindi siya kumibo. Hindi siya nagpumiglas.

Napansin kong medyo nahirapan siyang maglakad dahil hindi niya malaman kung paano na niya ipangkakapa ang tungkod niya. Sa oras na iyon, parang bigla syang nalito. Hindi ko alam kung dahil hindi niya alam kung saan siya dadalhin ng nakahawak sa braso niya o dahil hindi lang talaga sya sanay nang inaalalayang tulad no’n.

Naging proud ako sa kasama ko. Habang naglalakad sila, nakatingin lang ako. Nagpahuli na kasi ako. Tuwang-tuwa ang kalooban ko nang oras na iyon.

Nang makarating na kami sa sakayan ng jeep, dahan-dahang binitiwan na siya ng kasama ko. Sabi niya, “Dito po ang sakayan. Ingat po kayo. God bless you po.” At sa nanginginig niyang boses, sabi ni Kuya, “Salamat.”

Hindi na kami kasya sa jeep na nasakyan nya kaya hindi namin nalaman kung saan sya papunta.

PAGTATANONG

Nang makasakay na rin kami, obvious ang pagka-ovewhelm namin ng kaibigan ko sa nangyari. Napakaraming tanong sa isip ko. Ang isa sa mga malakas kong nasabi:

“Hindi ba nasagasaan yung bulag na singer na si Willie Garte, yung kumanta ng Bawal na Gamot?”

Naalala ko lang. Na-hit-and-run yun. Hindi ko na maalala ang isinagot ng kasama ko pero parang pareho pa din kaming tulala. Tulala pero masaya pareho.

Saan kaya pupunta si Kuya?

Naisip ko rin, pa’no kaya ang buhay ng mga tulad nila? Napaka-vulnerable. Pa’no kung wala palang mabuting intension yung humila sa kanya?

Ang tapang ng mga tulad ni Kuya. Napakalakas ng pananampalataya nya.

Naalala ko din tuloy yung mga bulag na masahista sa Philcoa nung college ako.

Naisip ko rin ang tita kong hindi na halos makakita dahil sa Diabetes.

Naisip ko, ano kaya ang pakiramdam nang walang paningin? Ang ganda at napaka-makulay pa naman ng paligid.

Yun ang moment kung kailan nagpasalamat ako sa Diyos sa paningin ko at sa pagkakataon at pribilehiyo na makita ang lahat ng nilikha Nya.

PAG-IISIP

“Bulag ka ba?”, biro ng kaibigan ko.

Ang totoong dapat maging sagot ko, OO.

Madalas, bulag ako sa mga dapat kong nakikita…

Hindi ko naappreciate ang mga tao at bagay na dapat kong ipagpasalamat. Hindi ko napapahalagahan ang mga maliliit na bagay na ibinigay ni Lord sa akin o maging ang mga simpleng bagay na ginagawa ng mga taong nagmamahal sa akin. Laging mali nila ang nakikita ko. Laging yung mga hindi masyadong magandang ginawa nila sa akin ang binabalikan ko.

Bulag ako sa mga mabubuting pagbabagong nagaganap sa kasalukuyan. Laging nakalipas ang tinitignan ko. Laging sarili ko ang iniisip ko.

Bulag ako sa masasayang bagay na nangyayari na ngayon, dahil naghahanap pa ako ng mas masaya pa kaysa dito.

Lagi ko nalang inililibot ang mga mata ko kahahanap ng mas malaking mga bagay na dapat kong ipagpasalamat gayong nasa harap ko na ang mga bagay na dapat kong ikatuwa.

Laging negatibo ang pananaw ko sa mga ginagawa ng kapwa ko at hindi ko nakikita ang mga positibo–kahit pa mas marami ang mga ‘yon– dahil isinasara ko na ang paningin at pag-iisip ko.

Bulag ako sa pangangailangan ng kapwa ko. Lagi kong hinahanap ang makakapagpasaya sa akin pero madalas, hindi ko naiisip na kailangan ko din pasayahin ang mga taong nagpapasaya sa akin.

Bulag ako sa katotohanan na napakapalad ko sa mga bagay na mayroon ako sa kasalukuyan. Napakarami ko pang sinasabi pero madalas, simpleng “salamat” lang naman ang dapat kong sabihin.

Madalas nagbubulag-bulagan din ako sa maraming bagay…

Minsan, gusto ko lang makita ang gusto kong makita. Pinipili ko lang ang dapat kong pahalagahan.

Apathetic din ako minsan sa mga isyu sa paligid na dapat kong binubusisi at inaaksyunan bilang responsableng Pilipino. Takot din siguro ako sa maraming bagay na nakikita ko at naririnig. Di tulad ni Kuya na kahit hindi niya nakikita ang dinadaanan nya at alam nyang tiyak na may panganib, tuloy pa din siya.

Marami akong natutunan kay Kuya.

Si Kuya, walang paningin pero may focus. Bawat hakbang nya may sukat. Naisip ko, kung sumobra siguro siya ng one inch lang habang bumababa sya sa hagdanan, maaring nahulog sya. Pero hindi nangyari yun.

Sana ako rin may focus.

Mayroon lang sigurong isang aspeto sa bawat buhay ng tao kung saan KAILANGAN nating maging bulag. Naalala ko ung awit ni Freddie Aguilar na ni-revive ni Yeng Constantino–Bulag, Pipi, at Bingi:

Madilim ang iyong paligid
Hatinggabing walang hanggan
Anyo at kulay ng mundo sayo’y
Pinagkaitan
Huwag mabahala kaibigan
Isinilang ka mang ganyan
Isang bulag sa kamunduhan
Ligtas ka sa kasalanan.

Naisip ko, napakabuti talaga ng Diyos!

Family road trip 3 cars, a lot of dudes, one waterfall. epic journey.

cant post much, memory card corrupted more photos over at faye’s

Ate Edith’s new song has truly inspired me and I told her about it.

I told her that at a bleak point in my life, where I have so many unanswered questions inside my head and I have felt pain that has been extreme, its like every song that I sing for God finds it hard to really break into my heart and make me “truly worship”. I just know that the kind of worship I have been offering has not been pleasing Him lately.

This song has spoken to me in ways I cannot understand. It ploughed my heart when the pain hardened it so much. I feel very blessed. Truly, God is our completeness. It is when we are emptied that we realize we are full for it is only then that God can fill us as much as He likes.

I will always cherish the encouragement that Ate Edith gave me at this “downtime” in my life. Here’s what she said:

” Abandon Myself is a very personal song to me. Honestly, I dont consider myself as a songwriter but only when inspiration comes. In this case, yes, I was inspired and the song just came out spontaneously during my devotion while in Sydney, Australia.

Testimonies such as yours are already the fulfillment of the purpose of that song. I thank and praise God for allowing me to be His instrument.

I pray you find courage and strength as you continue this journey. Truly there is no such thing as an easy road, but it is up to us on how to appreciate how God carries us through every step of the way.”

Abandon Myself

You are the one I adore
The one to whom I pour My love, my love
You are the one I worship
The one to whom I give My life, my life

You’re the reason I take my next breath
You’re the reason I take my next step

Refrain:
I follow you on the lead
And release my faith to believe
Embrace your purpose in me
I surrender my heart and my soul
And obey you, my king above all
Abandon myself to serve your call