"Celebrating in Learning."

     Well, time flies so fast. This applies to whom they've indulged themselves to do many things. Tracking back after a year that had passed, I've maximized myself on what are the other things that I can probably possible to do, letting my frustrations to be vanished for a while as I do the basics of getting it done, and reverting to some life lessons which had given me insights in the past but contemplating it on a whole new different perspective than how I understood it back then.

      

     Life, as I pondered it has made me realized that it will never falter to educate us. Our God, on the other hand, in His orchestration makes things worked out for our benefit so that we may fully grasp and totally experience the truth of His word and the reality of His existence. 

     And that can only happen through experience. As we enter certain situations in life, this gives us the opportunity, whatever approach it may come to us, to grow, understand, and to open the eyes of our ignorance. Going it on a more profound level, it gives us the chance and the ability to confirm, conform and apply the things we knew in our lives.

    I thank God for His incomparable faithfulness in my life as He has let me passed through those things that I've gone through. Those moments where I became happy and sad, disappointed and satisfied, bittersweet moments where I had to face the consequences of my failures and mistakes and the blessings that I've received as I follow and served Him faithfully, enjoyed life in its fullest in my former years and became contented in life as I and my family understand the reality of how hard it is to live with insufficiencies, the times of suffering and refreshing. Placed me also to the people who really cared about me and to those who just want to utilize me which made my integrity and character put into practice towards them.

    Discussing the details comprehensively might make you tedious but what my point is let God be glorified by those moments treasuring it as a precious jewel in my life. Besides, I don't want it to be dramatic. Ahe. :)

     Anyways. Going back.

    These things became the catalyst. The people that God has also connected to me have contributed to the strengthening of my views in life. Giving my credits first to my parents, and to all the people who knew me that loved, rebuked, disciplined, corrected, helped, supported, trusted, believed and inspired me in one ways or another. This paragraph will probably not end if I'll name you one by one.

    Those reasons that I've stated earlier has enabled me to discover certain truths that became firmly established, as I confirm it through the Word of God, conform it to my mind, and apply it in my life. It gained me such wisdom that's God-guided. And those experiences really harnessed me like a gold that passes on a furnace, purifying its imperfections that it may exhibit its full radiance and have its own preferred value. And God has impressed me that I am more worth than gold. And my life can bring more impact figuratively than a gold bar can do materially as I give my life to others.

  And so I learned that as I grow in life, I should never forget what God, through those experiences, have taught me. For it will guide me in what direction I should have to take in my life and walk upon the destined purpose that He has prepared for me. Those lessons I've learned cannot be exchanged for anything.

    Relating it in our daily lives, we should never forget the pains and the sufferings that you and I have endured in life. Never forget that crucial moment it came to your senses that you should ponder a particular thing you've learned seriously as if it slapped your face to awaken yourself. Those small yet important moments of enlightenment that propelled you to widen your views in life. For this will not only remind you, it will urge you acting as a driving force to do what's necessary, right and just. Considering it also when you think you have to quit and give up, and as you attain to live without regrets.                                                                                                                                                                  

      Above all our pursuits in life, we must take it on ourselves that it must significantly lived to glorify God. And it's not complicated as it seems. Such reason brought me to share what I learned in my nineteen years of existence. Live simply. Honor God and His word. Acquire wisdom. Be open to correction. Apply what's best. Do it best. Remain humble. Give all the glory to God. Give much. Push your limits. Do great exploits, Serve others exceptionally well. Invest in relationships. Don't stop planting. Balance everything. Enjoy life with God. 

     I assure you, no circumstances, trials, nor the enemy, can steal the things God has sealed for us and even the things we learned. Just apply it always.

    And in my case, being a fifth-of-a-century-old person now, I'll take those things seriously than how I took it before.

    Dates are observed. Years are remembered. Yet these are worth more celebrating when we know that what we have learned in life gives us rewarding benefits. And we know that we are getting nearer and nearer in the place where God wants us to be as we grow in years.

  This is what God has imparted in me as I've celebrated my birthday simply. I told myself, "birthday ko na pala, di ko na namalayan." Ahe. 

     As God adds years in my life, I know he will add extravagant life in this another year that God has given to me. :D

-----------------

Nahuli man din ay maisususlat pa din.

I will expect and demand on what God has promised in my life.

Panibagong taon ulit, Lord. Samahan mo ko ulit.

Salamat Kuya Rean, at kela Mamang Kox at Madam Pearl.
Your financial seed helped me a lot, and made my birthday to be remembered even though I myself didn't took my day too special.

To God be the glory. :DD

Jesus Is _______.

    Hmmm. It makes me wander what word can suit best about that blank sentence. You can add any single word or phrase that best describes who He is to you. Besides, there's no such word as a wrong answer when you fill it. 

   But at this point, let me share to you the things that I've contemplated as I look out for the word that will really describe who He is to me.

    My co-volunteer worker named Viva Lijauco is a part of the production team in our church at Alabang New Life Christian Center. There was this time when he and I planned to write on a graffiti wall on our youth conference last 2012. To represent the production team, he gave me a sentence that will describe the things that the team does and I wrote it big on the wall. It says, "We make all things happen."

    As we serve and in the line of ministry we are serving, truly, we are expected to do the expected. All members of the team knows that. The needs must be met, the team should have a sufficient supply of personnel every service, and the demands must be answered.

    Thus, as we serve, we transpire something. All that must be expected in our minds to happen must come to pass. And it happens. And it is a great relief for our pastors and in our leaders, aside from the ushers.

    Pondering these things in my mind brought me to my understanding what serving is. Aside from my background in life that can be related in the line of serving, it affirms me the right perspective and the right reason why do I serve.

    Serving requires something. It requires time, effort, and energy. And it has only one goal to achieve. It is to transpire something. And servants play a crucial role to make it happen. Small or big. And when it happens, even though sometimes unnoticed, gives a good result and creates an impact that resounds to eternity.

      A best example of that is Jesus.

    When the Father in heaven had planned to regain His people and remove the distance that was created because of sin, Jesus, agreeing with God, willingly respond to do what the Father wants. He served what the Father needs.

    When He landed here, became matured, and reached His appointed time to minister to others, He became an answer to the needy. And take note, He answered every need. Jesus served them. And what the Father wants to happen to redeem us back to Him, Jesus transpired it on the cross.

     If Jesus had made it transpired the greatest, the grandest (and the most-very-extra-super-duper-ever) thing that the Creator wants to happen in redeeming the humanity into its eternal damnation, being recorded in the history of the universe, how can't He in all His fullness, make our desires, dreams, plans, ambitions, that we want to happen in our lives, through His consuming, unending, unfailing, and unflinching love for us, will make it come to pass?

    Wait. The whistle has blown at this moment. Let us be guided correctly. We as persons should make our lives be directed by His Spirit and make ourselves be dependent on Him always. There must be a unified desire between you and Jesus making Him the Lord and savior of your life. The manifestations of our desires in life are not like noodles that you can cook in three minutes and eat it instantly. What I mean is that,  as He makes it come to pass, you know that you have the same direction as His, knowing that it is His will, it is His want, and His way. Assured that you'll not be also digressed.

    Jesus is the exact representation of being a servant. A strong evidence of that is found in Mark 10:45. And I want to focus more at the end part of serving. After an individual accomplishes the duty of being a servant because the ones who commanded to do such thing believes in the capacity and the capability of the one who serves, no doubt, he or she can make it happen.

    This life has made me so very disappointed since I've realized how grave it is to live in this reality. Dreams were popped up, plans were set aside, desires that were vanished due to certain circumstances and reasons that I've seriously considered. But as I believe and soak myself in the finished work, capacity, capability, and the fullness of what Jesus can do to me, things are returning back to its place again. As I put my trust in Him, I'm confident that He will make things in my life that I want to happen in my life, come into transpiration. 'Coz if I'll gonna look on my strength, I cannot make it on my own.

    Which leads me to name this to Him.

    Jesus Is My Transpirer.

    He will be the transpirer of all my hopes, dreams, plans and prayers in my life. Not only that He will be the transpirer. He will be the reason why all of it will be transpired. For He makes all things come to pass. Just as how our leaders in our church counts and believes on us as being transpirers, as I put it, I count on Jesus that makes all things come to pass.

     Take note again. Jesus is God and man that chose to serve and meet all the needs of everyone who calls upon Him. He is supposed to stay at His throne forever yet He decides to be a servant of all. Not only that. A transpirer of all. It's only because He loves us. Period. I don't know if a human mind can take that. But that's how it is. What a humble and loving Jesus we have.

     That's why He deserves our focus, praise, and thanks.

    And it applies to everyone of us who hopes in Him to make our dreams and desires that we want to happen which lies in each of us.

     The bell now rings. Sharing to you my thoughts, like at every boxing event after twelve rounds, ends at this point. My idea has now conveyed. The boxing is finished. :)

    How about you? You can fill it. And describe who He is to you. Let me borrow a question that Judah Smith posted at the back cover of his book as I end.

    Jesus Is _______.

    How would you finish that sentence?

--------------------

As you fill that out, let it be alive in you.

And to those who want to know more about this thing, please visit the website

http:www.jesusis-ph.org/ and fill the blank there.

To God be the glory. : )

    

"Testimony Of Safety."

     It was 3:30 in the morning yesterday when my dad and I left our house to ply the utility vehicle (the yellow multicab) that I took home from the owner's house last Thursday night.  My father and I usually pray just after we wake up and before we leave our house. That morning, I felt so tedious, want to sleep more, but there's this urge that lifts me up to come along with my father at his driving.

   After all the bathing and brushing of teeth, I stepped inside the cab and my father drove all the way to Daang Hari.

    As he was driving, there was an urge again inside of me to pray for more, for I felt such unease that I can't explain, as if I am wandering, and sensed that there's something that will happen. Then, I speak shortly in toungues. I know the Holy Spirit is leading me at that time so I followed it.

   Then at 4am, we stopped in the corner at the intersection of Daang Hari in Molino, and we waited for passengers to ride at the multicab. It was our first trip. While waiting, I stepped down, and walked a short distance from the vehicle, and continued in speaking toungues softly, and after that, I've said my prayers, asked for His divine protection, and His blessing as we ply throughout the day.

    As I've finished praying, I felt such lightness in my feeling and became confident in our trip.

     After 15 minutes, we left, the cab was close to full but haven't occupied all the available seats yet for we are having up and down passengers which gives good profit for our trip.

    As we traverse the road, running at 50 km/hr, we heard a short, screeching noise, when the wheels move along at every uneven section of the road and an unusual vibration that resonated underneath the cab. I was sitting at the front, beside my dad, for I was collecting the fares then. And we saw two passengers at Seaside, I gave the front seat to them, and decided to hang at the step board so that I could find where the noise came from.

     Then we moved again.

    Now, we are running in a full seating capacity, carrying 18 persons including my dad, two passengers at the front, 14 passengers at the back, and I, hanging.

     I first jumped at the step board, and I supposed it was just a cracked weld on it, so I said to my dad that there's no problem.

     Then, I looked down at the left side of the cab, and it was like my eyes were directed straight on the rear side of the wheels.

    To my surprise, because of what I've found out, I shouted, "Pa, tabi mo muna, tabi mo muna, may titingnan ako saglit!". Then, my father stepped the brakes to stop the fast-paced multicab, and parked at the front of Ilang-Ilang gate at T.S.Cruz Subdivision and stepped down. I was greatly startled, our wheels have been disaligned to the point that it will hit the gutter of the running board of the body. I checked the chassis part of the cab. Then, I told him, "Pa, tumabingi yung gulong natin, naputol yung madre ng molye (leaf spring) sa likod, buti di tumama sa tangke." Then he replied, "O, san naputol?". I replied back, "Sa gitna. Pabababain ba natin yung mga pasahero?". "Hindi na, Paul. Dahan-dahan na lang natin itakbo, wala silang masasakyan dito. Kaya pa iyan", he confidently replied back.

      So my dad continued to drive the cab in a slow paced run so that we may still convey the passengers for there were no utility vehicles that were plying at that early time and jeopardize their safety in the place.

      So we've made to convey all of them at their respective destination up to the last passenger.

     Then, we arrived at Alabang City Terminal. I removed the wheels, and it was confirmed, the leaf spring was cut into two. I also realized that, if the wheels have hitted the gutter of the running board which has a sharp edge finish in its corner, it have been exploded and made a severe accident that morning.

      My father and I thanked God after that moment.

         

     I can really say that it was God. Its His divine protection that protected us. Its His angels that he had sent to hold the parts of the wheels and made it still intact. We're not fully aware of the accident that is a hundred percent for sure that can happen but it was avoided through such prayer and intercession. 

    While we're driving home, we decided not to pick-up passengers and I texted to my dad's operator to let him know what happened to his vehicle that he has also used the whole day plying before I took it last Thursday night.

   Then I said to my dad, "Pa, kaya pala ganun ang pakiramdam ko kanina, tinatamad ako pero parang may nag-uudyok sa aking mag-pray kanina." Then He said, "Holy Spirit iyon, 'nak. Tinatamad din kaya ako bumangon, pero nag-pe-pray din ako habang nag-da-drive kanina."

     That situation proved me again about how the Holy Spirit works. As I pray, I continually ask this to the Holy Spirit that he may guide me into all truth and wisdom and reveal the things to come. And He didn't fail.

      I really, really thanked God for His protection. I was imagining if things weren't work that way, probably, things have happened much worse than I thought.

      It was His power that made us protected and secured. Not only for us but for the passengers that were riding inside the multicab as well.

               

    For the operator, it was a natural occurrence for the parts of the vehicle to be ruptured. For the passengers, it was a usual thing for them. For my dad, it was a passed opportunity to earn a good profit (kita) that day. Well, the multicab was fetched yesterday, and as you read this, it is now running in good condition and plying now at its designated route.

      Let God be glorified! We were in the verge of life and death situation but he chose to make all of us be protected in His hands. For them, they look it as nothing. But for me, it was a miracle. : D

                 

"Ala-ala ng Aking Mga Kinita."

        Sa tuwing nakikita kami ni tatay na may hawak kaming pera na kinita namin sa mga side-line na pinapasok naming magkakapatid, magkukwento ang tatay tungkol sa mga karanasan niya nung binata pa siya nang kasing-edaran niya kami at ibinabahagi niya sa amin kung paano siya kumita ng salapi upang masustena niya ang kanyang sarili nung mga panahong siya'y nag-aaral pa.

     At naikonsidera ko, tanging alaala na lamang ng kanyang isipan ang nagsilbing tagapagtala ng kanyang mga karanasan. Naisip kong isulat naman ang sa akin, dahil mapagpakumbaba kong masasabing nagkaroon din ako ng mga karanasang di malilimutan katulad ng kay tatay na habangbuhay nang nakaukit sa aking kasaysayan.

   Narito ang mga gawaing pinasukan ko habang ako'y estudyante pa lang at tuwing baksayon, (miski kahit may pasok din) na pinaglalaanan ko ng panahon upang kumita ng kaunting salapi sa panahon ko. At mga napag-ninilay-nilayan ko kapag ginagawa ko iyon.

Pintor
     Tuwing bakasyon ay parati akong kinokontak ng highschool teacher ko na pinturahan yung klasrum na pinagkaklasehan niya. Usapan na namin iyon kapag katapusan ng klase. Panata ko na din upang maalala ko ang eskwelahan ko na naging bahagi na rin ng aking magagandang alaala nung hayskul pa ako. Nakakatipid din kasi si sir kapag ako tumitira ng pagpipinta. Nalulungkot lang nga ako kasi parati akong pinapahirapan ng mga batang huling nagklase doon dahil tadtad ng bandalismo na pentel pen at bolpen ang ginamit na kay hirap burahin kung di mo pagtatyagaang burahin ng thinner o gaas sa pader. Salamat sa pintura at thinner. Kung paano nadumihan ng mga sulat nila ang pader ng room nila ng isang school year ay mawawala sa anim na oras ng pagpipinta. Sapat na ang tres-syentos na binibigay ni sir pagkatapos ko mapinturahan ang loob at labas ng apat na sulok ng silid na iyon


Encoder
     Sa bawat grading period sa highschool ay tinatawagan ako ni highschool teacher ko na mag-encode ng grades dahil sa di na niya kaya na gawin mag-isa. Isipin mo, anim hanggang pitong seksyon ang hawak mo na may animnapung estudyante kada isang seksyon tapos iisa-isahin mo iyong aayusin. Naintindihan ko sa puntong iyon ang hirap ng bawat gurong nagtuturo sa public schools tapos ang liit ng sweldo nila, dami nang pinapagawa. Masasabi kong isa sila sa mga napapanahong bayani sa bayan natin na di minsan nabibigyang pansin. Mga tatlong araw namin ginagawa iyon. Nang maipasa ng K-12 curriculum, lalo pa kaming nahirapan. Mga isang linggo naming tinarabaho  iyon. Bigyan lang ako ng isang-daan ng titser ko, maligaya na ako, panggamit kong pamasahe sa skul kinabukasan.


Mekaniko
       Actually, sa pinapasadahang sasakyan lang ako ni tatay nag-memekaniko. Mahal kasi pag sa labas pinagawa. Sa walong taon na pamamasada kasama ni tatay ay natutunan ko sa kanya kung paano mag-ayos ng multicab at malaking bentahe iyon dahil di na namin kailnangang magpagawa sa labas at singilin kami ng mahal. Nahinuha kong kapag meron kang karunungan ay makakatulong sa iyo ng malaki. Dahil may alam kami ni tatay sa pag-aayos ng sasakyan, malaki ang natitipid ng may-ari. Ayos na siento-singkwenta kapag madali hanggang dalawang daan kapag medyo mabigat ang gagawin.


Kolektor ng Pamasahe
    Sa terminal ng mga multicab sa ruta namin, minsan ay pinapagsingil ako ng mga tropa. Tapos kada multicab ay bigyan nila ako ng lima o sa iba, sampung piso bilang tip sa pagsingil. Minsanan ko lang iyon ginagawa pag walang taga-singil sa amin. Umaabot din ng siyento-singkwenta pag naipon na sisimulan ko ng alas-singko nang hapon hanggang gumabi.
     Napatunayan ko sa sarili ko ang katagang ito habang ginagawa ko ito, kapag ang maliit, kapag naipon ay lumalaki din pala.
     Kapag biyahe naman ni tatay o kung yung may-ari yung bibiyahe, sinasamahan ko silang pumasada, at ako naman ang nangongolekta. Medyo katawan mo lang ang isususog mo dahil para kumita ay kailangang tanggapin mo ang usok at alikabok sa daan. At kapag nakauwi na kami, magpupunas ako ng bimpo at makikita ang matinding usok na kumakapit sa akin kapag hinagod na nito ang mukha't kamay ko bago matulog. Sa buong maghapon, ay bibigyan nila ako ng isang daan, para may panggastos din ako kahit papaano.


Runner
       Ito naman ay kapag may gustong ipaasikaso sa akin yung mga kaibigan ko at ipabibilin sa akin na ipagawa para maayos ang isang bagay o kung may gusto silang ipabayad na mga bills and payments. Binibigyan ako ng mga nagpapalakad sa akin ng mula isa hanggang dalawang daang piso.


Sticker Stamper
     Aksidente ko lang natutunan ang gawaing ito. Sinalo ko ito nang hindi na nagkakabit ng sticker ang dapat gagawa nun na kontak ng operator ni tatay sa pamamasada. Yun iyong "May Reklamo Ka? Itawag sa LTFRB.." na ikinabit ko sa gilid ng mga multicab alinsunod sa memorandum na ipinalabas ng LTFRB na kailangang kabitan ang mga pampasadang sasakyan sa buong bansa. Sa kooperatiba lang namin ako nagkabit. Medyo kumita din naman ako ng maganda na siyang nakatulong sa akin at nakapagbigay din ng pambaon sa mga kapatid ko.


Helper
    Minsan, kapag kailangan ng manpower, or reinforcements para mapabilis ang trabaho, kinokontak ako ng mga nakakakilala sa akin. Depende sa kung ano ginagawa nila. Gagawin ko naman ng may husay kahit maliit lang ang trabaho. Isa riyan ay yung aming pastor sa Sta. Rosa, o kaya yung kakilala ni tatay sa bahay, o kaya yung co-teacher ng highschool teacher ko, na gustong magpatulong.
    Tapos binibigyan nila ako ng kahit pampamasahe na siyang ipinagpapasalamat ko sa kanila.


     Napaunawa sa akin ng mga karanasang ito ang tunay na realidad ng paghahanap-buhay. Kung paano mo kikitain ang kulay ubeng papel sa buong maghapon at kay daling dumaan sa kamay kapag ginastos. Ngunit sa kabila noon ay nailalagak ko ang aking mga oras sa mga kapaki-pakinabang na mga bagay, na nakalinya sa bagay na sinanay ko nang gawin, ang makapaglingkod.
     Ang perang kinita ko sa mga gawaing ito ay nagamit ko na. Bagkus, wala na. Pero ang mga karanasan ko rito ay mananatili habang-buhay sa aking isipan at pagkaunawa sa ilang mga bagay-bagay.
    At sa pagtanda ko, marahil mabalikan ko ang sulating ito at maipabasa ko sa magiging anak ko kung ano ang pinagdaanan ng kanilang ama katulad ng ginagawa sa amin ni tatay. Marahil magiging dahilan ito upang mamulat sila at maging responsable sa kanilang mga ginagawa na siya ring ipinaunawa sa amin ni tatay sa panahong ito.
    Dahil sadyang napakabilis dumaan ng panahon. Kahit papaano ay masasabi kong naitala ko ang mga pangyayaring ito na magiging parte na lamang ng aking alaala. : D

         

 

"ThE DeTeRmiNaNt."

       It gives me a smile on my lips. As I reviewed all the things that

happened last year, I realized that all of them will not be transpired

if not by the grace and mercies of our God. In spite of the gigantic

waves and strong winds that surged me and my family in the wide

sea of this life, God makes such storms to be calmed whenever

we come to Him always. And what was carved in my heart while

i'm in that experience is the thing that I will still continue this year.

                        That I will not compromise. I was molded in an environment that
                produces heartaches, hurts and pains. And through these things, I've

                pondered right ways how to deal and react with it when certain things 
                in life doesn't go my wanted way.

         This life is so full of many choices. And every decision has an

exchange of result. The choices that we make determines our destiny. 
In that line, we must meticulously and carefully know the wisdom we
need to learn, right principles that we should hold tightly on, beliefs that
we should firmly believe in, standards that we should first and must

to be considered, and views in life that we must live on. That we may

know where we will stand. On the right ground that makes us stable,

secured and assured. It will be the determinant if this year will be good

or not for you.

                                  The success or failure of an individual depends on their
                       perspective. This year, we should set it again, our perspective,
                       in the mind and the will of Christ. We should set it, firmly, on our
                       selves that the standards we've raised in our self can, and never
                       be compromised. That it will never change no matter what.

       This world never compromises at its own principles.

And we as believers have ours too. Does it mean that we

should set aside the principles we have in order for us to

make ourselves at ease? Certainly not. We have a natural

tendency to think that it's too hard to resist the flow of the

current. In others, they may say that its very hard to maintain

the standard they've set in them. But it is worth the effort 

when you remained still to His principles. Admittedly, it is

easier said than done. But it really counts.

                        And also, despite of the circumstances that you see and you're
                   going through is you still remain to be strong and faithful in holding
                  His promises, still doing the necessary, still standing on what's right
                  even though its unpopular, and still confronting and resisting
                  perverseness and sin.

         We must remain and have to be faithful because He

who has promised is also indeed, faithful.

                                   It's good to start the year proclaiming His promises and
                         declaring positive things in our lives but it is much better that
                         whatever we claim in our lives through the utterance of our lips
                         is also conformed in our actions.

        Probably you're now getting my point. Such thing

speaks to me as well. We should not compromise, as

much as possible. For it will be a molder of our habits,

attitudes, and values.

                                 If you think that you have to compromise a single principle

                    you've set upon yourself so that you'll be at ease, think again. And
                    if you plan to compromise the will of God to be manifested in your
                    life, oh please, don't do so.

        Those who walk earnestly, consistently, and faithfully

under God's direction will receive His full favor and blessing.

And this is a simple principle that I want to continue this year.

And I hope that it may apply to you as well.

                                  While I was operating our light board on our youth service

                     last Sunday morning, in the middle of praise and worship, a good 
                     friend of mine went to my place and told me about something. He
                     said:

                                "I remembered you and there's a stirring in my heart from 
                   God to just say it unto you."

                            "What is it? What's His word that He wants me to hear? I will
                     listen", I replied. 

                            "This is the word for you... 'TRUST.' "

                         

                                   Probably, he's right.

      It takes trusting in God not to compromise. Remember that

applying such insight will determine the fruit of the things that you

will do this year. Stay faithful. Stay trusting. For our God will never

compromise in fulfilling your plans and desires as long as you do

not compromise.

      Oh, by the way, compromising is not a part of His business.

           

              

              

"Takdang Aralin sa Filipino 327."

        Kung hindi dahil sa takdang aralin namin itong talambuhay na ito, hindi ko ito gagawin. Kasi pag naipasa ko na ito kay Gng. Espineli, wala na akong kopya. At ang panuntunan ay dapat nakasalaysay sa ikatlong persona. Ibig sabihin, bawal ang salitang "ako."

     Isinilang siya ikalabimpito ng Setyembre 1993. Bingyan ng tatlong pangalan. Ikalawa sa magkakapatid. Dahil ang mga magulang niya ay may banal na pagkatakot sa Diyos, iyon ang ginawa nilang saligan upang mapalaki siya at ng kanyang mga kapatid ng tama.

       Ninais ng kaaway na kitlin ang kanyang buhay nang siya'y isang taong gulang pa lamang nang siya'y dumanas ng matinding kumbulsiyon na nagpatigil sa kanyang huminga ng may limang minuto. Sa gitna ng mga pangyayari, lumuhod ang kanyang ama sa altar na kinalalapagan ng kanilang Bibliya at nanalangin na kung Siya nga ay totoo ay bubuhayin niyang muli ang batang ito na Kanyang ipinagkaloob. Matapos manalangin ang kanyang ama, biglang huminga ng malalim ang batang iyon at namula muli ang kulay bayolet na katawan ng bata. Napagtibay nito ang katotohanang may Diyos na buhay. Naging maayos ang kanilang pamumuhay. Ang kanilang pamilya ay maalwan. Kinamulatan niya ang  masaganang buhay. Lahat ng kanyang pangangailangan ay natutustusan.

      Dalawang taong gulang nang siya'y magsimulang magbasa. Kinakitaan siya ng husay at katalinhuan sa kanyang pag-aaral. Tumanggap siya ng mga parangal dahil sa kahusayang ipinamamalas niya sa klase. Kapag tatanungin siya sa gusto niya maging sa hinaharap, nais niyang maging inhinyerong industriyal pagkat siya'y mahilig magtipid at nais niya na walang nasasayang. Siya'y may talentong kumanta, at natuto ding tumugtog ng mga karaniwang instrumento na ginagamit sa simbahan pagkat duon siya lumaki. Tanaw ang magandang kinabukasang naghihintay sa batang ito. Puno ng pag-asa at may simpleng pangarap.

     Subalit walang permanente sa mundong ito. Unti-unting nagbago ang takbo ng mga pangyayari. Nagdesisyon ang kanyang ama na lisanin ang kanyang trabaho, ang kanyang ina nama'y tinanggal sa trabaho.  Nagpundar ng iba't ibang negosyo ang kanyang ama ngunit lahat ng ito ay nauwi din sa wala. Bumaba ang pamantayan ng kanilang pamumuhay. Ang tanging natira na lamang ay ang kanilang pananampalataya dahil yun na lamang ang tangi nilang mapanghahawakan.

        Sa murang edad ay namulat siya sa realidad at katotohanan ng buhay. Na ang mga bagay na hindi pa dapat niyang intindihin ay kanya nang iniintindi dahil ito'y nararapat at kinakailangan. Na nagbunsod sa kanya na linangin ang sarili sa mga bagay na kapaki-pakinabang. Lalo pang lumawak ang kanyang perspektibo nang maging drayber ang kanyang ama. Sinasamahan niya ito sa pamamasada pagkatapos ng eskwela. Ang kanyang ama ay isa sa mga taong nagbukas ng mga ruta ng isang malawak na kooperatiba sa bahagi ng Bacoor, Cavite. Apat na ruta sa Cavite at isa sa Alabang. Sa loob ng walong taong pamamasada ng multicab ay nakilala siya bilang anak ng pastor at nililibre parati kapag siya ay sasakay.

        Sa kanyang paglaki, siya'y mahilig mag-obserba. At dahil sa gawaing iyon ay marami siyang nabatid. Pagtuntong niya ng sekondarya ay kinakitaan siya ng kakayanan sa pagsulat, pagbigkas, at pagsasalaysay. Kaya inisip niya na ang kukunin niyang kurso ay journalism o mass communication. Ngunit batid niya ang kakapusan ng kanilang pananalapi kaya pinalipad niya na lang sa hangin ang naisin niyang ito.

        Nang mga panahong may talyer pa ang kanyang ama, tumutulong siya sa mga mekanikong nag-aayos ng mga makina, pati magpintura ay pinagmamasdan niya. Sa pamamasada nama'y siya'y naging konduktor at kalauna'y natuto na ring magmaneho. Doon niya natutunan kung paano makisalamuha, masaktan, magtiwala, tumulong at higit sa lahat ay magsilbi. Nang magkasakit ang kanyang ina, siya ang pumalit sa pag-aasikaso sa kanyang mga kapatid. Ang mga panahong iyon ay naging krusyal na pagkakataon pagkat ito ang naghubog sa kanya na maging responsable sa murang edad.

      Dahil hindi nagmaliw ang kanyang mga magulang sa pagpapaunawa sa kanya na ikintal sa kanyang diwa na ang Salita ng Diyos ang dapat niyang maging batayan ng kanyang pamumuhay, sinaliksik Niya ito, at kanyang natagpuan na ang Diyos nga ay totoo at tapat.

      Madami siyang pangarap. Ngunit napagtanto niya ang plano ng Diyos ay higit na mas maganda kesa sa mga pinaplano niya. Isinantabi niya ang kanyang sarili upang makapagsilbi sa iba.

        Mas madali para sa kanya na piliing huwag isipin ang iba. Kaya niyang makipagsabayan sa talino at lakas kung ito ang pagbabatayan. Disin sana'y wala siya sa puwestong kinasasadlakan niya ngayon. Ngunit sa kabila ng kanyang katalinuhan, kakayanan at kalawakan ng pag-iisip ay pinili niyang magpakaaba. Dahil alam niyang itataas siya ng Diyos. At sa kabila ng kanyang mga pagkukulang ay ang Diyos ang siyang magkukumpleto sa kanya.

     Nang pumasok sa kolehiyo, kumuha siya ng kursong mekaniko ng eroplano. At pinag-iigihan niya ang kanyang pag-aaral. Sa mga bagay na kanyang ginagawa, nais niya lamang na siya'y maging bahagi ng solusyon kapag may problema. At kapag nagkaroon ng magandang resulta, tanging ang Diyos lamang ang mapupurihan.

     Tuwing sabado at linggo ay ginugugol niya ang mga oras sa mga gawain sa simbahan. Maligaya na siya kapag may stik-o na nakalatag sa meryendahan.

      Sa ngayon, simple lang ang gusto niyang gawin sa buhay at sa mga darating na mga panahon. Ang may magawang matino sa isang araw at ayaw niyang palilipasin ito ng walang nagagawa.

        Napagtanto niyang ang buhay na ito na ipinagkaloob sa kanyang Diyos ay may matinding dahilan. Hindi na niya ninanais na magpakatagumpay ng husto sa iba't ibang larangan. Maligaya na siya na ang buhay niya ay nabubuhay ng may kabuluhan at kahulugan.

         Bilang pagtatapos, simple lamang ang kanyang hiling sa buhay na ito, na matutong bilangin ang mga araw na dumaraan, upang magkaroon siya ng pusong tigib ng karunungan*, at maging Handog sa Diyos*. Wala na siyang mahihiling pa.

*Awit 90:12

*Roma 12:1

                                      Isinalaysay ni Aaron Paul P. Teodosio                                                     
                                      BSAMT 3rd yr-Sec 3.

          

"Prosperity Redefined"

      If i'll look in the things that I don't have, I would have been stopped
at the things that I'm presently doing right now a long time ago. Lack has
an old way of facing us. Appearing as a mountain that we cannot surpass
it, like a room with bars that makes us incarcerated, putting us in a box 
that we may not broaden our minds, stifles our dreams and ambitions,
cripples our walk, and whatever thing that it can result into people's lives.

     Indeed, in this mundane and greedy world we are living in, most of the
people want to be sufficient at all things. By their own pursuit, energy and
effort, they are trying so hard to gather, accumulate, things that they may
not experience the term "lack".
            
     If you will try to define to other people such term, they will give you
answers and you will realize that what you've understood in yourself in that
term is different from them. What's more interesting is that others, in an
unnoticed way tries to cling in such lack that they have.

     What I've observed as this life goes on, like mist and dew that waters
the grass dries as the sun goes up, when beautiful petals of flowers is
blown away when the wind strikes, when youth has vanished its vitality
and strength because of the years that they've toiled and the things
they've acquired, as ants are continually collecting for food, I've learned
that lack will remain in this world. Sufficiency will not remain sufficient. And
that will be a cause for others to be envy at others, will desire for more, to 
look and aspire in the things that they don't have. 
           
     But we as believers in Christ don't have that kind of intellect. The world
wants us to be envied to them where in fact, they should envy us. Personally,
this life wants me to accept and is trying to affront me that I'm living in lack
and that should be the norm. I've paused for a while. My mind infused me
a question out of the blue. "Why do you still continue? Do you see your
situation?" I confronted it. I replied, "I will not base my decisions based on
necessity, opportunity or circumstance, my decision is firm. I will hold on to
what God's word says about me and who He is to me. I will not fix my eyes
on the things that I do not have but I will be grateful to the things I do have."

     And gleaning from that, prosperity caught a new meaning on me. It
doesn't mean that you must be stable and secure in all things, plenty in all
financial resources, (which is a measurement for most of the people), being
in advance or gain in anything good or desirable, the attainment of an object
you desire but it is the ability of yours to make all needs met where talent,
capacity and effort is given, thus sufficiency supplied, prosperity applied.

     Obviously, that ability will come from Christ through his grace. And our
God loves to make us blessed in all things. Not only in finances, but also in
wisdom, in strength, in abilities, in health, in relationships, in ALL things.
God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for
anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done.*

     We are prosperous in Christ! He made himself poor that we may become
rich. It doesn't only apply in pecuniary terms. It also applies in all facets of
our lives. So that we may be free in every aspect and bondage of lack that
we have. Just receive it!

     If you want to see yourself prosperous, just look at the things that you
have that money cannot buy.** Look at the things that you have, and you'll
see that you are truly indeed . For I'm doing the same thing as God makes
His love and mercies being renewed for us every morning.

     The measurement of being prosperous doesn't depend on the tool that
we spend but what we are doing on the tool that we have and meets the
need that must be met. 

      Knowing in myself that I'm prosperous, the more I should humble myself.
And the more I should meet every need. That would be my sweet and pleasing
offering to my God who has given me all things.
      A response to what prosperity He has given to me to have a purpose. : D




*2 Cornthians 9:8 The Message Bible.
**revised from a quote from Tabitha Inc., "If you want to feel rich, just
look at the things that you have that money can't buy."