Peace

My sister and I were rummaging through some untouched things in the other room this afternoon. I took the time to go through some of the ones I think are still worth keeping. There's this issue of The Greenery from when I was still in grade school and found one of my write-ups.

How could we build peace with God? As we all know, God is our Creator. He is also our Almighty, Merciful, and Forgiving Father. Many people turn away from God. Just imagine our life if everyone's like them, rejecting thEir own Creator. Do you think peace and harmony will be a part of our lives? I don't think so. So, how can we avoid this act? Peace in our minds and hearts is making peace with God. There are many wats for us to be able to thank God.

It would also be great if we will start thanking Him right now. First, we could visit Him in the church and give Him some of our time during masses on Sundays. What about on weekdays? We could just pray to God and thank Him for all the blessing He gave us. Tell Him our problems and He will find a way to solve it.

Second is, God created the earth and all the things that live in it. So what about giving some respect. For nature, we can do our part by taking care of it. People are also part of God's creations so be friendly with them. If you know more ways on building peace with God, it would be great if you could also do it so God will be happy. If we will start building peace with God, we will have unity, kindness, freedom, safety, orderliness, and lots more. Wouldn't life be better that way? So let's start building peace with God NOW!!!

-from the 12-year old Gelo

Faith and Non-Fiction

Before reading: There are some insights from the movie Stranger Than Fiction which might be spoilers for those who wish to watch the movie first.

I really am thankful for my film classes this semester, and even more grateful that I am learning to appreciate my education better. I slowly get the sense of what's in store for me in this field, and I'm having a blast with all the things I've been learning, topped up with Economics, Philosophy, and Communication Research. Though these can be a bit technical, I find myself being able to apply the concepts in life.

One film that got me thinking recently is Zach Helm's Stranger Than Fiction. We watched this in Writing for Film as another practice of grasping the elements of a good visual story.

In this film, Harold Crick finds himself hearing someone narrating the things he's doing--a woman with a British accent. At some point, the narrator even mentions how he feels. Harold even figures out that this is really something out-of-the-ordinary because as the narrator says, "Little did he know..." the narrator has a third-person omniscient point-of-view. Someone's writing down the story of his life. All was well until he heard the narrator talk about his imminent death.

One of the things I've been musing on the past few days is how to stop and listen every so often. In a world where things are constant, I usually find myself too indulged with worldly things. There are even instances in my life where I find the things I do as routine, boring, and meaningless. I do some things for the sole purpose of getting by. Thankfully, through the help of Helm, Karl Marx, and a Jesuit I met the other night, I slowly gained a new perspective.

Going back to Harold Crick's story, while watching the film, a thought formed: What if we suddenly hear someone narrating the story of our life? I'd probably find myself creeped out and seek help, like Harold did. But what made this film icon worth remembering for me is how he was willing to give his life for the sake of it's poetry. When he was able to find the narrator just before his death was typewritten, he was relieved. When he read the manuscript of his life, he realized that the ending written down for him is worth it. He is willing to give his life for the beauty of the story.

from http://fergie1234.blogspot.com/2010/11/double-indemnity-la-confidential.html

Harold's dedication made me think about my own life. His story made me look at my story, and it amazed me how relevant his story is. If I was able to hear the narrator of my story, would I comply to what he says? If I was able to read the story of my life, would I willingly give up mine, too?

The truth of the matter is, Harold's story is fictional. Mine's non-fiction. Yet, I find myself hearing this voice inside of me. I may not be able to read my story like Harold did, but I have these memories, these images of how my life has been. But what struck me the most is how Harold was able give up his life.

Then I remember who my Narrator is. If I could hear my Narrator as often as Harold did, would I be scared? If He laid out how my story would play out, would I be brave enough to learn about it? Moreover, would I be willing to step out in faith and follow despite how heart-wrenching, how painful, how hard it may be?

It takes a relationship with Him to recognize His voice. It takes discipline to listen. It takes courage to look back at our lives. But most importantly, it takes faith to willingly follow His plans. Through faith, we aim to completely surrender to His will. In faith, we "[realize] what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1 NASB) We are assured that with this Narrator, through this Author of our lives, we are in good hands. It is in surrendering to His will that we will soon see beauty; the poetry of our lives.

Another thing that keeps me reassured is how I find the stories of other people quite similar to mine. I find them relevant and quite frankly realize that it's because we have only one Author, one Creator, one God. The poetry in it is how He writes all our stories, and how these intertwine--how our lives affect the lives of others, how we are where we are right now, how we find meaning in our lives. A whole world of life stories, purposely interwoven by this awesome Author. It is through Him that all these are wonderfully possible.

The big question is, how willing are we to step out in faith and trust in His plans? In a world where things are constant, are we willing to hold on to this unchanging God speaking in our hearts? Given that we are not as lucky as Harold Crick in being able to read a fictional book about his life, and given this non-fictional life we are living and this voice deep in our hearts narrating our stories, how willing are we to give our lives? How much of your life are you willing to surrender to Him?

from http://journeys-smileony.blogspot.com/2011/05/surrendering-to-god.html

How strong is your faith?

Half Moon

An ode to finding God in our lives.


Half Moon

Half the moon lingers

while the other tries

Half the moon knows

while the other lies

Half the moon shines

while the other hides

Half the moon gazes

while the other sighs

Half the moon loses sight

while the other gives light

Half the moon withers

while the other remains bright

Half the moon trembles

while the other delights

Half the moon is idle

while the other is in search

For that other half

that seems too lost in the night

But as days pass by

the moon realizes

that it's not a mere half

that through the Sun

it can soon transform 

and never fear for the other half.

I Choose To Live

Life is comprised of many choices that we face each and every day. 

Has there ever been a time when you thought about taking your own life, for whatever reason?  Had it come to a point when you wanted to end everything because you couldn’t handle everything that’s happening to you and around you?  Well, if you’re reading this and can relate to it, I’m glad you didn’t.  I’m glad I didn’t.

Life is a gift in itself, and it is given to us for us to take care of.  Our minds are clouded by the world around us, but as it says in Romans, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2 NIV) Many people don’t understand that our lives are basically a gift from God, and they let the worldly things take over them.

I admit, back then, I was guilty of this; that is, until I found new life in Christ.  And boy, it was so amazing.  “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4,5) It is in this new life that we become children of God.

It’s this new life in Christ that’s sustaining me right now, and I honestly couldn’t ask for more.  God just does wonders, and I’m just amazed each and every day with what He does in my life.  He’s changed me in ways I never imagined possible back then. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26 NIV)

But, it doesn’t end there.  Life, as I’ve mentioned earlier, consists of choices.  Most of the time, it’s in the simple everyday decisions we make that we focus more on ourselves than what God is planning for us.   We’d choose to remain angry with someone who did us wrong.  We’d choose to satisfy our mundane cravings, even though we have full knowledge that this is against the teachings of the Bible, against His Word.  It starts with these simple things; the simple everyday choices we make.  And it shows in how we live our lives.

It’s hard, I know.  Even I have struggles I face everyday.  So, what helps?  Choosing to be in Christ, each and every waking moment of our lives.  What can go wrong, then?  Every moment of our lives is a test of faith, a testimony as to whether we truly are in Christ.

When things seem to go wrong, talk to God.  “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12 NIV) Tell him of your worries, but I’m sure, He’ll reassure you, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

We are where we are right now because of the choices we made.  More importantly, it is God’s will for us to be where we stand.  Take a look at your journey with Christ and take notice of all the marvelous things He’s done.  What better way is there to repay Him of the love He gives, than become a good child of God?  It’s our choice to live out to our names as Christians, as children of God.  It’s the challenge for all Christians.

"To call yourself a child of God is one thing. To be called a child of God by those who watch your life isanother thing altogether." (Max Lucado)

It’s never too early to be a good example.  It only shows how God gives us the strength and wisdom to be light to others; light that emanates, reaches out and touches the lives of others, especially those who are lost in the midst of darkness in this world.  If you feel that life’s bringing you down, remember that God has a plan for you.  The challenge is how you’ll respond to everything that’s happening in your life, the choices you make—will these be according to God’s plan, or will you let the worldly things take over?

It all starts with the decision to live a life in Christ—every aspect, every moment—and just let Him work His wonders in you. I’m sure you’ve experienced this at least once in your life, and wouldn’t you say it’s worth it?  Wouldn’t you want that feeling you get when you glorify His name for the rest of you life?  Wouldn’t you want to experience eternal life with God? I know I would.  It’s something I wouldn’t give up for the world.  How about you? :)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NIV)




This was written for my friend, Fiona's blog. The link can be found here. :)

There's Always A Reason To Smile

Has there ever been a day in your life that you were so down and that everything seemed to go against you? When you woke up and the first thing you heard was terrible news. When you went out, it suddenly starts raining and you realize you forgot to bring your umbrella. When all the things you need to do suddenly pile up, and you don't know where to start and where in the world you'd be able to find time and strength to finish everything.

Everything's just not going the way you wanted it to.  You feel the energy being drawn from you as every painstaking minute passes by.  You feel that the day can't get any worse than it is, but suddenly it does get worse.

Ever had one of those days? I know I have.

But at that time that you were caught up in your misery, were you able to notice the person who offered to keep you company?  Did you acknowledge the warmest smile your friend greeted you with despite the long face he saw upon seeing you? Were you too preoccupied that when someone was trying to talk to you, you suddenly have a fit of anger?

During the times that we are utterly stressed out, we close our hearts to God.  We rely on our own strength to accomplish everything.  We focus on everything that needs to be done, but seemingly forget to give the time and attention He deserves.  We worry too much that it isn't becoming healthy for us and the people around us.

We keep that sadness marked on our faces for the rest of the day, tuning out God's knocking on our hearts, manifested by the people around who try to cheer us up.

And most of all, we forget to find rest in God, in spite of all the challenges we are facing.

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him." (Psalm 62:1 NIV)


We forget that what we do should be for God's glory because we are caught up with pleasing ourselves and the people around us.  But the bigger question that we need to answer is: Are we pleasing God?

He is willing to listen.  He is willing to help.  So why worry in spite of everything that's happening in our lives when He is always there?

"Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." (Psalm 55:22 NIV)



We just fail to notice how He reveals Himself to us sometimes.  These are the times when we are too caught up with worldly things.  But remember, there's always a reason to smile, everyday.  Why?  Because He is always with us.  Because He loves us.

It's a choice of letting God work in our lives each and every day.

So, are you opening the door to your heart for Him?

from http://www.vocation-network.org/articles/show/9

Love Songs on Valentine's

Pretty much like how endings leave a bittersweet feeling that leaves you inspired, music flows through the ears and into one's soul. The ears are like eyes visualizing how the notes and all its components coalesce to provide a sense of surreality. It's when we catch and feel the glimpse of fantasy we long to achieve, and the feeling just flows naturally, leaving a sense of longing.

from http://afactualworld.wordpress.com/category/music/

A few years ago, this was my definition of Music, until recently, I found myself noticing a few changes in my way of thinking.

Music has always been close to my heart. Besides writing, singing has also been something I've loved ever since I was a kid. Although at times, I'm still a bit shy about letting people hear me sing, the years of experience has taught me a lot, and I can say that I don't think there's ever been a moment I've regretted singing the songs I've sung.

Just like writing, singing is also one way of expressing myself. Having been a member of a choir ever since I was a kid has taught me lots of things that are useful in life, but probably the most important one I keep in heart would be the passion it takes to deliver a song well.

A few nights ago, I had the opportunity to watch the Philippine Madrigal Singers in their concert called "All For Love" in CCP along with some of my friends in our choir (pictures to follow). I love how their voices melded and resonated so perfectly that after hearing them, I felt my passion for music grow stronger. They serenaded us with different kinds of love songs, and my favorite would have to their their rendition of Gary Valenciano's How Did You Know. As some of you know, I'm also a big fan of Gary Valenciano. Sir Marvin Gayatgay just sang this beautifully, and my heart just melted upon hearing them sing this.

So what's the big deal about love songs this Valentine's? For me, I just realized how relevant love songs have been in my life recently, especially this one. Why? The lyrics just reminded me of someone.


How Did You Know I needed someone like You in my life?
That there was an empty space in my heart.
You came at the right time in my life.
I'll never forget how You brought the sun to shine in my life
And took all the worries and fears that I had.
I guess what I'm really trying to say
It's not everyday that someone like You comes my way
No words can express how much I love You.


One big change I noticed in my way of thinking is who I had in mind while I heard them sing this. Most people dedicate this kind of song to a person they're courting, a partner, or maybe a relative close to their heart. I admit doing this in the past, but what shocked me was how I only realized recently how some love songs describe God beautifully; this being one of them. I am reminded of this verse:

We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19 NIV)

People give special importance to Valentine's Day as the Day of the Hearts and a day of just sheer love, but given a different perspective, I can see how this can be applied not only every Feb. 14 of the year, but in every day of our lives. It's our decision to love people in this world, and what stands between dedicating one day of the year and every day of our lives to loving out of the overflow of our hearts is love for Jesus.

This can be seen in the simplest of acts such as what we do and the words we speak. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34 ESV).


So, this Valentine's Day, with the stir of all the love songs around, I challenge you to listen for the love song you dedicate to God and start singing it with all your heart every day of your life. Express your heart in song and live it out with the passion that's needed to deliver a song well, and focus on Him who enables you to love so that you'll never ever get tired of singing.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. (Psalm 95:2 NIV)

In Memory of Lolo

Today's my Lolo's 40 days, and watching the video mom brought home from his funeral made me miss my Lolo more.  Here's what I posted in his online tribute during his wake.


I never really got to know Lolo very much because he was living in L.A. when I was young, and he had Dementia during the latter part.



Nevertheless, there is still one distinct memory I remember from my very first trip to California. I was 6 at that time, but what Lolo did stuck to me. He made my stay in L.A. very memorable because I remember he toured me there, he bought me lots of seedless grapes, and showed me the 99-cents store. He showed me how he played billiards with his neighbors, and proudly introduced me to some of them. These were some of the highlights of my brief stay with him, Lola, and Mom.


Also, every time I think of him, the first image my mind comes up with is his chuckle that comes with his cheerful nature and his jokes. 

He made my brief stay there very warm and happy, just like how a little kid wants it to be.


Thanks for making this grandson happy, Lolo! I'll surely miss you. :)

Act Like A Man

A Man’s Love Story

He writes the pages of the storybook of our lives, and just like how mundane writers do it, every part, every segment, every word has a purpose, a meaning, and a connection to the bigger picture of our lives.

from Tumblr

            Everyone has his or her own belief about a perfect love story.  It’s a very personal opinion because we have different experiences and we differ in what makes our heart melt—the kurot-sa-puso effect.

            I’ve loved writing ever since I was a kid, and growing up, I learned to look at how different authors have their own writing style.  My favorite would have to be Nicholas Sparks and his romance novels.  Call it cheesy, but for me, his novels are one of my heart-tuggers.  But I must admit, his works are fictional.  It feels great to imagine myself as one of the characters in his novels, deeply in love and stuck in the moment. His works have honestly influenced how I view love, relationships, and the like for the longest time, until I realized, through the help of Kuya Joey, one of my mentors, that there’s a glitch in what I’ve been holding on to for so long.

Our modernized world

            We are influenced by the world around us—media, friends, family, school and the like—and every time we learn something new, there’s a chance that this new knowledge will influence and have an impact on us.  So what’s wrong with that?  We put our faith on things that are changing.  This is one of the reasons why things that work for other people may not exactly work for smoothly for us.  The ways of a friend in dealing with studies may not work great if we try it out ourselves.

            So what can we do?  We can base our beliefs on something concrete and constant.  The Bible doesn’t teach us methods or step-by-step instructions on what to do.  It teaches us principles from which we can base what we should think and do.

            I’ve discovered four steps in getting the love stories of our lives in sync with God’s plan.

First is to open our hearts to God’s plan.  If his will is pleasing and perfect, then what’s there to worry about?  It’s our faith in Him that our love stories will begin to make sense.  We need to trust in His plan for us and open our hearts to the many possibilities.  It may not turn out the way we want it to, but just let God do His wonders.

Second is to learn the principles through reading the Bible.  Let’s take it from a source that’s permanent and has been tried and tested for lifetimes.  Here are some verses we can reflect on: God-Breathed (2 Timothy 3:16,17) Please the Lord (1 Corinthians 7), View Things in God’s Perspective (Ephesians 5), The Unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14) and Being Filled With the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23).

Third is to pray for God to remain the center of our lives in spite of waiting and searching for God’s revelation of His plan for us.  Pray for the strength to do His will and never get tired of pleasing Him.

Fourth is to pursue.  Men must do their part, too, but do so in line with the three previous insights.  Some other principles to reflect on before pursuing a girl: Timing (Song of Songs 3:5), Do Not Defraud (Mark 10:19), and Present Yourself and Your Intentions.

Jan and Tricia

Of course if our pursuit works out, we mustn’t forget to keep God in the center of our relationship.

When things seem to go wrong, ask yourself where your heart is.  Is it still centered on God?  We need to remember that even though things may get complicated, that relationships may become hard to deal with, God will make a way.  Just focus on Him.  He is the author of our lives, our love stories.  Let’s remember to spread the love, savor the moments, and do our parts—fall in love with Him more and more each day.  Just let God mold our hearts amidst the stones surrounding us, and help Him in molding the hearts of others.

Love and Nature

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. (Hebrews 4:7 NIV)

Submitted the first draft to Ptr. Dennis Sy for his contest in his website.
Also inspired by one of his posts found here.