Open top menu
Monday, August 27, 2007
life without limbs



I was touched by this story... about a man without limbs...

I mean if there are people out there who have all the reasons to be really upset about life, he will be one of them. And yet we see this person inspiring generations. At the age of 24, he touched more lives than I touched.

Whenever I look at this story, I will remember that there is nothing impossible with the Lord. And whatever happens to us we can be sure that if we come to Him, He can turn our situation around.
I am very much blessed to have read Nick Vujicic's story.
For more info please visit: http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/index.php

Read more
Friday, August 24, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
McDonalds coupons











This coupon will always remind me when Mc Donalds (my favorite fastfood) sort of tricked me.
OK let me tell you a short story (it may bore you but nevertheless I will write it) :

Last night around 8pm, I dropped by McDonalds Fuente to buy myself a meal. I reach for my wallet in my bag and saw this coupon telling me that I will get P10 off from my meal. "Hmmm... sounds like a great deal.",I thought. So approach the counter handing in this coupon.
The crew told me that I only pay P60. "Hmm.. not bad", I thought. She then asked me if I needed a drink. I ordered a drink and then the total amounted to P79. OK.. I scanned through the display and saw that meal A only cost P70. So now, I feel like I'm being punished for having the stupid coupon. Instead of paying less I get to pay more. "That's not fair. That's ilad.", I thought aloud. The manager reasoned to me as to why I HAVE TO PAY MORE. She said it was based on single orders .I PAY LESS P10 compared to having single orders. So now, I'm asking what's the use of coupons then? I told the manager, irregardless of the fact that her reasoning is right (technically), I still think that it should not be the case. The fact that I was given a discount coupon that does not give a discount is a betrayal of trust. Ergo, don't trust the coupon. It was stupid to have it. It just doesn't make sense.

P.S.
This is not a rant against McDonalds. Nor is it a complain because McDonalds gave me the opportunity to pay P9 more than I expected. I love eating Mcdonalds but the coupon was just terrible technique. It doesn't give customer advantage it just created a false sense of advantage.

I was fooled.
Read more

Sorry M**v** hehehehehe.....
Read more
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
no image
I just remembered something exciting so I decided to give you a glimpse of it. Last Friday, my business partner told me about being involved in a Christian Radio Station in Cebu. I was excited to hear it but I did not showed by zest because the details are still blurry. She asked me if I'm interested and I said yes. Now, I'm thinking about it, I begun to feel more excited about the project. I've dreamed of a Christian Radio Station (when I was still in college) that can cater and bless a wide range of audience. By wide range, I mean the yuppies, the rockers, the punks, the oldies, the desperate, the hopeful, the rich, the famous, the broken, the whole, the sentimental, the excited, the poor, and many more. And it appears to me that that's what the project is. I'm just excited to know more about the project. I still don't know how will I be able to contribute to this and how will God use me on this project. So stay tuned as I will hear more about it in the days to come. :-)
Read more
Sunday, August 19, 2007
no image

cal·lous [kal-uhs] –adjective
1.made hard; hardened.
2.insensitive; indifferent; unsympathetic: They have a callous attitude toward the sufferings of others.
3.having a callus; indurated, as parts of the skin exposed to friction.
–verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
4.to make or become hard or callous.

Pastor Noel spoke today about having a callous heart. He said that if we have a callous heart we can no longer hear the voice of God; we can no longer feel the love of God; and are no longer sensitive of his presence. As a result, we live our lives as there is no God who cares for us and coming to church now becomes a routine. He said a lot of things that made me ask a quick derivative question - Am I callous? And I guess I am callous in a way, I don't always hear from God. Many times, I don't take time to seek His face. Many times in the morning I say my quick prayers but I know in my heart I could have stayed put and listen to God. Little prayers are not going to be enough because God deserve more than our "little time" and little words". In the office I know I could have started my day talking to the Lord more. As a result of my "little prayers" I only recognize "little favor" from God. And my experience of the Lord is "little".

Little things
I remember what one basketball commentator said about basketball, he said, it's the "little things" in the game that a team does or does not do that makes the difference whether the team wins or loses. "Little things" like making the free throw, little defense, little box-out, little rebound, little patience, and little this and that. And it is the same with us as Christians, it's the "little things" that we do in our walk with God that makes the difference in our lives. "Little things " like little excuse why we can't pray or go to church in a Sunday; little business why we cannot take time to meditate on His Word; little wrong decisions who we go with; little laziness to get up in the morning to follow our committed time with the Lord; little wrong habits that hinders us to serve God in the Spirit; little negotiations with God as to why we make compromises instead of standing still in obedience; little this and that. This "little things" I think we add up to callousness. Life, after all, accumulates. And these little things here accumulates to disaster in our walk with God. So what do we do with these "little things"? The answer? - Make "little changes". Little change in habit, little change in routine make a difference in our lives.

Starting the day with thanksgiving
Imagine, in the morning, you decide to start our day with thanksgiving and just use the morning to thank God that you are still able to open your eyes and speak words that can build or destroy life. Imagine that in morning you just come to God and thank Him that you can still read and lift your hands in praise; thank Him for the blessings and the provisions that you already have and the things that are coming; thank Him for the bed that you slept in;thank Him for the air the you breathe; thank Him that you can still hear the sound of cars and jeepneys passing by or the sound your mother's call asking you to get up and start your day; thank Him for the water that you are about to use for taking a bathe; thank Him for the smell of your room..whatever that smell is. :-) thank Him for you still have the sane mind to think about Him and to worship Him; thank Him for the time He made that you can use; thank Him for day that He has made so we can start again and all the mistakes in the past is now trapped in what we call yesterdays; thank Him for giving you a heart that can love and be loved; thank Him for the people you can call family; thank Him for the place you all home; thank Him for the job you can report to; thank Him for hearing your thanksgiving; thank Him for giving His Son, Jesus because without Him your prayers will not be heard. There are many more things to thank God for. While I'm writing this blog, I am beginning to be grateful for what the Lord did. Do you think that if we start with thanksgiving, it will not make a difference in our day? It surely will. :-) ---
Read more
Thursday, August 16, 2007
no image
Last night during the our corporate worship to The LORD, I feel that He impressed something in my heart. I did not listen to the STILL SMALL soundless VOICE, when went home I just went on and played NBA live instead of seeking God in His word.

After reading this mail I feel that somehow He is confirming what He instilled in my heart last night.

Here is the mail:

Know the Truth

Today's Scripture

“Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you” (John 8:32, MSG).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Have you experienced the Truth today? In the natural, we don’t normally think of truth as something we experience, but Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Truth is the very essence of who God is. It’s empowering. It will make you free! Truth comes from the Word of God. When you accept and believe God’s Word, something liberating happens on the inside of you. The lies of the enemy are broken in your life. You begin to experience freedom you never thought was possible! And there’s a difference between Truth and facts. The facts are what you see and the Truth is what God sees. If you are feeling burdened and heavy about something today, ask God to show you His Truth about that situation. Study His Word until you find His promise for that area of your life. Meditate on His promises and declare His Truth in your life. As you declare God’s Truth you will experience the freedom He promised and live in victory all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You for Your Truth which sets me free. Open my understanding to Your Word today so I may experience your liberty in every area of my life. I bless Your holy Name and love You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Read more
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
no image

Declare your uniqueness

[Toastmaster's Club Basic Speech 1]

Before Paris Hilton got arrested for DUI, before Britney Spears became a mom, before Brad and Angelina got together, before Kobe Bryant became a star, there was Patrick Garcia.

I basically spend my high school life in what I call the "Patrick Garcia Era". And if you were around that time, you would probably understand why I call it as such. Patrick Garcia, that time, was just a phenomenon. I mean, every body loves Patrick Garcia; his hair, his smile, his braced teeth, his skin, his acting, his everything. I could still remember the famous commercial that jump-started his showbiz career it goes like this “Carlo sat beside me today, he was sooo cute...” These are the words of that girl in the commercial and these are probably the same cry of most of my girl classmates and schoolmates at that time. Every high school and college lady I know loves to be with Patrick Garcia. Some probably would even go as far as taking their clothes off for him. Some are simply crazy about him.

Every guy I know in my school wants to be him. Who would not? To be Patrick is to be chased and desired by ladies. Not bad huh? The idea of being adored is like a dream of a lifetime.

At one point, I would say I was willing to trade all I have to be like Patrick Garcia. And I tried. I tried, like other boys in my town, to change my looks. I started with my hair. You see, Patrick Garcia was famous for his straight one-length hair so I started by combing my hair so that it will styled in the same manner. I still remembered spending hours and hours in front of the mirror or in the bathroom pouring shampoo and conditioner so that I can have a hair like Patrick's. I failed. I have a wavy-curly hair. And somehow my curly hair is stronger than any shampoo or conditioner can handle. I got it from my father. My hair just won't conform to the Patrick Garcia hairstyle. But I still pushed through with it. I still styled as closed as Patrick-like as I could. Imagine a wavy hair formed like TM Lloyd’s hair (Install Team TL); It was a disaster. Later on I got frustrated with my looks. I feel so ugly. I started not to like myself. Who would not? I mean, if we start our comparison with the hair I already failed miserably. I even asked my mother why in the world I inherited my father's curly hair and not her very beautiful straight hair. My mother responded like any loving mother would say to her son, “you look handsome to me”. I still hated my hair no matter what my mother would say. I became insecure. I had trouble expressing my feelings to anybody I like- I was "torpe". At that time, it seems like being rejected was inevitable. It was just an emotional mess.

Until I got admitted to a hospital and later on was diagnosed with pneumonia, which I got from the camping trip that I attended to. There my life took an unprecedented turn. I thought I was going to die because my back hurts; I was coughing blood and I have a hard time breathing. I prayed to God and realized that I was too young to die. Death really put the things in my life into right perspective. It gave me a great view of time and it showed me what the important things in life. If only I had the time to show my mother how much I love and appreciate her. If only I have been a good brother to my sisters. If only I can hug my mom as much as I can and as tight as I can. If you only I told Mylene, the girl of my dreams, how much I love her before I came to the hospital. If only I was braver. These are just some of the thoughts that seized me while I was lying in a hospital bed. I realized I have not really enjoyed my life. I was busy becoming somebody else. I was busy wanting to be Patrick Garcia. "What a waste.” I thought. I have not lived my life wisely and I regretted every single thing about it. Somehow I wanted to survive and make up for the lost time. I told the Lord that I want to live but if He wants me to die it's alright but I regretted living the way I lived. I prepared myself to die in regret. But the day after, the doctor told me that I'll be alright. And so I went home but I was no longer the same guy who went into that hospital. I was determined to be alive. I was determined to live my life better. I decided to show my love to my mother and sisters. I decided to face my fears; the moment I came back to school, without fear I declared my love to a girl I secretly love for 3 years. Though she was probably shocked seeing me so alive and so passionate about life we never got together but I didn’t regretted expressing my feelings to her. I no longer fear rejection. To me entertaining fear is a waste of time. I focused on living and I started to love myself. I realized that God created me to be Joseph and not to be Patrick. Yes, I may not have a straight hair but I am, as the Bible says, fearfully and wonderfully made by God. I am a unique creature and proud of it. And you know what, the moment I became myself and discovered how God wants me to live, the people around me begun to recognize the life in me; they begun to appreciate the living and unique me compared to the ugly conforming trying hard-Patrick-copy-cat.

I am a unique creature and so are you. We are created by God to be unique and to walk in that uniqueness. As the Bible say, do not conform to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. And if you listen to what God is saying to you right now He will probably tell you the same thing, “Be as I created you to be. Walk in your won anointing and calling.”
Read more
Saturday, August 11, 2007
no image

Last Wednesday, it was my first time to share in front of the Cutting Edge Fellowship. I was tasked to share by Pastora Mitch because she is out attending our worship leader's wedding. So there I was in front of the fellowship with around 30 people. It was exciting and I was a bit nervous because Pastor Noel was there. I don't know if you can relate to how I feel but if your are asked to speak in front of your mentor I assure you it's going to be a different experience.
I realized that I was not there to eat some time to the fellowship or to speak cliches to them that is not my purpose or style. I was there to encourage them and to remind them about God's goodness and His plan for our lives. I was there to basically teach them something about God. I personally want to tell them something that they could bring home with them. So I told a story I read from Joel Osteen's book. I tried to incorporate it in the message and I don't know if they got it. My friend Mervin said, "It's not bad for the first time." Hmmmmm... I don't know if that's good or what. I initially had a plan on how to do it but I deviated from the plan and I believe it got me in trouble. But all in all I believe they got something. They recognized the value of the message and that is more than enough for me.
Read more
Friday, August 10, 2007
no image

Before Paris Hilton got arrested for DUI, before Britney Spears became a mom, before Brad and Angelina got together, before Kobe and Shaq broke up, there was Patrick Garcia.

I grew up in what I call the "Patrick Garcia Generation". And if you were around that time, you would understand why I call it as such. I mean, every body loves Patrick Garcia. I could still remember the wonderful words they used to describe Patrick. He was just a phenomenon. Every high school and college lady I know loves to be with Patrick Garcia. Some probably would even go as far as taking their clothes off for him. Some are simply crazy about him.

Every boy in my small town wants to be him. Who would not? Imagine being chased by ladies. Imagine being so adored. That's what I think what it would be like to be. At one point, I would say I was willing to trade all I have to be like Patrick Garcia. And I tried. I tried, like other boys in my town, to change my looks. I started with my hair. You see, Patrick Garcia was famous for his straight one-length hair so I started by combing my hair so that it will be one-length. I still remembered spending hours and hours in front of the mirror or in the bathroom pouring shampoo and conditioner so that I can have a hair like Patrick's. I failed. I have a wavy-curly hair. I got it from my father. My hair just won't conform to the Patrick Garcia hairstyle. But I still pushed through. I still formed it to make it one-length. Imagine a wavy hair formed like TM Loyd's hair (Install Team TL). It was a disaster. Nevertheless I still tried. But later on I got frustrated with my looks. I feel so ugly. I started not to like myself. I even asked my mother why in the world I inherited my father's curly hair and not her very beautiful straight hair. I hated my hair. I became insecure. I had trouble expressing my feelings to anybody I like- I was "torpe". At that time, it seems like being rejected is inevitable. It was just an emotional mess.

Until my life made an unprecedented turn I got admitted to a hospital and later on was diagnosed with pneumonia. It turned out that I got it from the camping trip that I attended. I thought I was going to die because my back hurts; I was coughing blood and I have a hard time breathing. I prayed to God and realized that I was too young to die. Death put the things in my life into right perspective. I realized that I have not showed my mother how much I love and appreciate her. I realized that I have not been a good brother to my sisters. I realized I have not hug my mom enough. I realized I have not really enjoyed my life. I was busy becoming somebody else. I was busy wanting to be Patrick Garcia. "What a waste.", I thought. I have not lived my life wisely and I regretted every single thing about it. Somehow I wanted to survive and make up for the lost time. I told the Lord that I want to live but if He wants me to die it's alright but I regretted living the way I lived. I prepared myself to die in regret. But the day after, the doctor told me that I'll be alright. And so I went home but I was no longer the same guy who went into that hospital. I was determined to be alive. I was determined to live my life better. I decided to show my love to my mother and sisters. I decided to face my fears; The moment I came back to school, without fear I declared my love to my crush for 3 years. Though she was probably shocked seeing me so alive and so passionate about life we never got together but I never regretted expressing my feelings. I no longer fear rejection. To me entertaining fear is a waste of time. I focused on living and I started to love myself. I realized that God created me to be Joseph Librero and not to be Patrick. Yes, I may not have a straight hair but I am, as the Bible says, fearfully and wonderfully made by God. I am unique and proud of it. You know what, the people around begun to appreciate me. As Howard Thurman said, Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive.
And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Today, my challenge for you is to come alive.
Read more
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
no image
I know I posted this quote somewhere but now I'm just reminded:

Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive.
And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

-Howard Thurman
Read more
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Don Moen


Don Moen came in Waterfront Hotel around 1pm July 26, 2007.
Read more

Don Moen signing Mommy Rock's CD.
Read more

Ate Lucy and Don Moen
Read more

Don Moen, Mommy RocK (right), and Ate Joy (left).
Read more

Don and me. Mommy Rock introduced me to him saying,"This is Joseph. He has been dreaming of meeting you." Don said, "Oh really, we finally meet." (with a wide grin in his face)
Read more

Don Moen entering Waterfront Hotel.
Read more

Me an Don Moen (and my Thank you Lord CD).
I'm so blessed to have met the man whom God used to touch my life. Don's songs ministered to me more than one time.
Read more
Autographed CD of Don Moen


Autographed CD of Don Moen. He was so tired when he signed this but he still took time to sign. I appreciate the whole experience. God bless you Don!
Read more

a new friend i met in waterfront .. tita i-forgot -our-name but I'm so happy to met you. You will get your CD's.
Read more
Monday, July 09, 2007
no image
  • 7:09 PM
  • 1
I noticed somebody from http://www.ngkhai.net/cebu/ post some of my post.
Whoever you are, thank you! It's an honor to be reposted.:-D

Thanks again yoh!.
For those interested in the Don Moen concert:

You can mail me in jo2_librero@yahoo.com if you are interested. I can give you discounts (negotiable). I am part of the biggest ticketing team in Cebu for this concert - Misthapodosia (Greek for Great Reward).
Read more
Friday, July 06, 2007
no image

Calling God, Father

When I pray I always address God as LORD. I consider myself a slave of the GOD so I call him Master. But I don't know, probably the Holy Spirit keeps on reminding me this Scripture:
Galatians 4:6
6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."

And from this Scripture I realize I should call God, Father. I never had a father. My biological father died when I was still 4 years old. I never had a father image, my mom never remarried and I don't have a brother. So it's a bit odd for me to call anybody, father. So you could just imagine calling God, Daddy. Abba, by the way, is like Daddy in the time when God became Immanuel (God with us).

Having a nephew who calls you daddy makes the whole concept a bit easier for me to grasp.When my nephew calls me, "Daddy, daddy!!", my ears seems like it would grow bigger. Being called a dad somehow made me feel close to my nephew and somehow the call connected me and him. So I guess that's how it is, with God, He wants us to call Him Daddy and not just LORD/Master. Yes, we are slave to the LORD because He was bought us with His own life. Yes, He is our God because He created us. But most of all, through Jesus Christ, we are NOW His children. We are NOW called by the same last name as God's last name - Christ. So I am NOW Josiah Christ. Kidding! :-) I don't know what is God's last name but the Bible says we are NOW called by His name. And that call somehow will make an emotional and spiritual connection between us and God. I don't know any father who would want his kids to call him, master. How much more God. He can't allow His kids not to call Him, Dad. It is part of our birthright as His kids to have the honor to call, God (the creator of the universe) - Daddy. :-)
Read more
no image
It's Friday!!! Yehey!!! for those who don't have work tomorrow. Cheers for those taking a time off from work and just be with friends and families. Not for me. Basing on my schedule, I will have a long Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It's not that I'm complaining, it's just that looking at things, my life has changed. I'm excited and scarred at the same time. I'm excited for the Lord's move and at the same time, chilled with the possibility of failure. "You should trust God and not fear.", you might say. I agree with you but somehow a part of me is still looking at me. :-) A part of me is still looking for me to finish the job.The responsibility that I have right now is bigger than me. And I know, I can't do it. But I have the Lord and with God, IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING.

Yesterday, I just experienced the Lord's move. Days prior to that, I was worried and I had a hard time sleeping because of this project and I prayed to the LORD because I was told that nothing is impossible with Him. I asked the Lord for mercy and that He would move in my behalf. I prayed with all my heart. The next morning, it was a Wednesday, I opened the Bible and read in the book of Psalm.
Psalm 34
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.

I felt like the Lord is telling me something. I was afraid and the LORD wants to free me from all my fears. So told the LORD, "LORD, ganahan jud ka nga musalig ku nimo no?" I began to trust the LORD. I forgot what I can do and MAGNIFY what GOD can do. I don't know, but faith begun to grow in me the REALITY of GOD overcame my fears and faith begun to grew. I went to the office and did my usual moments later the phone ringed my friend was in the other line and she asked me about the project and I told her the information she needed. The things that took place after that was amazing. God answered my prayers to the point that I leaped for joy and thank God. That experienced just swiped me away.

The whole project was not done yet. My eyebrows will still meet trying to think of ways to meet the quota. My hands are still clasps close to my chest. My lips will still move to say little prayers. My knees will still bend. My head will still be vowed. One thing changed, I experienced the move of God and I can look back at this occasion and remember how the Lord free me from my fears.
Read more
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Tehillah C.E. Entry




"So how did you become a leader?" I asked our group in one of our Cutting Edge table discussions. "Well, I was promoted in our company and now I am leading my group.", answered one person. "In my case, there is just a need for somebody to step up and lead, and nobody else stepped up so I stepped up and now, I am leading”, answered another. Hearing these words, made me remember a lot of people I know who were in the same position as what this person went through. I think most leaders became leaders this way- they just answered a need of a group and got their hands dirty and took up the challenge.

I remember the story of Solomon when he became the king of Israel. Like most leaders I know he became a leader by being appointed as one and not as a personal choice. His father, King David, appointed him to be the next king of Israel. I don't know exactly what Solomon taught at that moment but if I am appointed to lead the Philippines right now, I would probably say the same thing as Solomon,"...I am like a child who does not know his way around...”. In leading a small team, there are already many variables that could account to the leader's failures and successes; leading a nation is total a different story - a different game. But Solomon has to step up and take up the challenge. And I think this is the turning point of every would-be leader it is when the person realizes that he is now a leader. And he has to do what he should do -- lead. I call this point, "taking hold of the ball". Like in crunch time in a basketball game, the team captain would always ask for the play to go through him. He doesn't want to put the responsibility of winning or losing in the hands of other people. He wants to take charge of the responsibility and not pass the responsibility to someone else. He either shoots the ball himself or set up an open teammate to shoot for the win. Either way, he made the play and regardless of what the outcome is, he is responsible. As I've said, it is in this point, when a person stops from being a man that he is and take the mantle of leadership -- take hold of the ball.

Many times, it's hard to take responsibility. It's easier to just pass it rather than play it. The pressure is sometimes too much to handle. It's easy not to take the ball and just pass it to another person so we won't be blamed for the outcome. It’s easier to point a finger to other people and blame them for our failures. But what will really make things happen is when we take charge of the ball. What ever we are leading right now, whether a small prayer group, a ministry, a big organization or a church or a corporation or even ourselves, we will not be able to make things happen until and unless we take in to ourselves the reality that we are responsible and whatever the outcome is, we need to realize that we don’t have anybody else to blame but ourselves.

I believe that’s why Solomon came to God because it dawned on him that as a king, he is responsible. And with this realization comes another realization that for such a great responsibility -- he cannot do it alone. In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon prayed to God, “…who by himself is able to govern this great nation of yours?” Indeed we cannot do it alone even in leading our very lives, we need God. And like Solomon, let us pray for “understanding heart to govern the people and know the difference between right and wrong…” More often than not, we really don’t know what to do and we need God’s wisdom to govern first ourselves, then the people.

Read more
Friday, June 29, 2007
no image

Here's a song I've created 3 days ago...
It was just for fun of what happened...
I'm no composer.. this sounds like a parodied bisrock..
I can't sing it but this is the lyrics..

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

I'm Missing J****r

I'm missing you...
Your call cannot be completed as dialled.
Oh... I'm... missing you..


Dear J***er, I'm missing you.
You called me using the SUNshine network..
And I'm ...missing you..

Dear J***er,
Now you are not calling me for awhile..
Now... I'm ....missing you..

Dear J***er,
You gave me a SUNshine SIM...
Kuripot you, SIM ra gihatag..
Oh I'm.... missing you...

Your technique works..
Now I'm missing you..
Dear Ja***r....
Read more
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Don Moen in Cebu

  • 12:45 PM
  • 1

Don Moen will come to Cebu to celebrate the goodness of the Lord.

I can't describe the excitement that I felt when I heard this news. I am so much blessed with the ministry of this man. I grew up listening to his music and somehow, his songs help me create a picture of who God is. The song, "God will make a way" taught me me that no matter how big or difficult our situation is, we can be sure that nothing is impossible for the Lord. He will make a way even when it seems that there is no way. The Bible says, that God can make rivers in the dessert. The song, "Give thanks", taught me to thank God in good times as well as in bad times. The lines, "let the weak say, I am strong" still rings to my heart even today. The song, "I just want to be where you are", taught me to hunger for more of God, beyond what religion says and beyond, tradition. I remember praying to our Lord Jesus, "Lord, I want to be where you are. I don't want to go anywhere else." Even in my times of unbelief, God used his songs to reach out to me; To minister to me. That is why with all my heart, I would love everybody to go to this concert. I know the ticket prices is a bit of a stretch but I know in my heart that we will be blessed in this concert - and that is priceless. Don didn't came here to be paid. He can choose not to come here and be wealthy in U.S. If you look at his schedule it is full for the whole year. He came here to minister through songs.
Read more
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Don on Authenticity


Don Moen on authenticity. Sometimes we like other people's style and personality and we tend to copy them.. knowingly and unknowingly. It's true that we really need to walk on our own anointing. We need to move the way God designed us to move. We need to talk the way God designed us to talk. As I read these words, I evaluated my actions and somehow see that some of them are not really what God designed me to do. What about you? Are you functioning in your function or in your dysfunction? God bless you..:)
Read more
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
no image

I have thought of writing about this topic and I kept on forgetting or losing my drive to write. Somehow Pastor C's sermon last Sunday fueled me to write about it again - Winning Not Whining.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Winning Not Whining

For the past 24 years of my life, I have not meet a single person who does not want to win. Every person I've met has the desire to win either in a basketball game, or an argument, or a wrestling match, or win a friend, or a deal, or win a trust and many more . Even those who has low self-esteem have desires in their hearts to somehow win in life. Nobody celebrates their own defeat but everyone celebrates their own victory. I have not meet anybody who would come and tell me, "Jo, I'll treat you pizza because I just lost my job." Or someone who gives his/her friends a treat because he/she just went bankrupt. Part of our design is to overcome. Part of us is designed by God win. I believe another word for winning is overcoming.
(to be cont)
Read more
Friday, June 08, 2007
no image

I just remembered this Scripture from way back. It's about when God met Elijah. If I am not mistaken Elijah was depressed at this time and God meet him. The great thing about this is that God meet him in a gentle whisper and not in some awesome wind or fire or earthquake. This scripture makes me remember the time when I want to meet God in a Grand-Entrance-kind-of-way and I begun wonder why God didn't appear. I begun asking, "Did God heard me?" All along God is whispering and calling me in quite awhile. Many times we miss the whisper of the Holy Spirit because we want God to come as we want Him to come and not as He want it done. So our prayer should be,"Lord, come just as you are." So when the Lord comes in a gentle voice we can hear him say, "What are you doing here, Josiah?" It's going to be wonderful. :)

1 Kings 19:11-13 (New International Version)

The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Read more
no image

Today, we are surrounded with different voices: radio voices, T.V. voices, good news voices, bad news voices, voices of our neighbor, voices of our family, voices of our problems, voices of hi's and ho's, voices of our friends, voices of officemates, voices of sin, voices of temptation, voices of praise, voices of self and so on. And with these voices it's sometimes hard to meditate. It's hard to hear the voice that we should hear every single time - the voice of God.

I am not trying to be religious, I believe that mentioning or talking about God is not religion. I believe that God is basic to human existence. I believe God is not an extra day of our seven-day week. I believe that God is important to our daily existence. A well known scripture said, "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?" I believe a good question about this Scripture is, how can you lose your own soul? Jesus said, " For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." So we lose our soul if we try to save it. When we think only of ourselves - that's where we lose our soul. When we keep thinking of ME, ME, and ME... we lose our soul. To find our soul we need to lose it for the sake of the Lord. A good question to this is "HOW can I lose it for the LORD?" I am not an expert in the Bible but something tells me it involves SURRENDER. Because when we save our lives, we want to control our lives. And when we lose our lives, we lose control. So if we follow this reasoning, we can deduce that we need to surrender our lives to the Lord so that we will not lose it. Everyday we need to surrender our lives - our time, our resources, our will, our family, our love ones, our pride, our ego, our ears, our body, our desire.... to the Lord.

Part of surrendering is listening to what God wants us to do in our lives on a daily basis. It's a daily decision to surrender. It's a daily decision to ask God, "Lord, what do you want me to do today?". It's a daily decision to tell the Lord, "Lord, I give you my heart. I give you my everything."

So the challenge today is for us to surrender.
Read more

Collage pics of me and Joyce (and my niece-Sugar). These pictures were taken during our family day in LXK.
Read more
Monday, June 04, 2007
no image

One person sees something as a calamity and another person comes and see that very same thing as an opportunity.
The difference between the two person:
1. Choice
2. Readiness to see something as it is.

Choice
We can understand choice. We can choice to see anything as how we want to see it.

Readiness
One person sees something such as a market crash as an opportunity plainly because that person is ready to see it as such. Our previous experience helps us to see things differently. When I was still in college I was presented with an opportunity to start exploring the business world. When I saw the money requirement - P800, I got cold feet (I can only afford P200 :D) and started rejecting the idea of pursuing the opportunity. If I have pursued that opportunity I would have grown in the knowledge of handling personal finance. Another experience that I can remember was, when I was in college I was asked to go to the camp but the registration fee is P3, 600. Again, I can only afford way less than the amount so I just drop the idea of going. Now, I see many young people in the church selling/making money just to go to the camps. I realized I was not ready so I made a poor choice in not stretching and taking up the challenge. Have I choose to see it as an opportunity then I would have grown mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. And I would say that these young people who financed their way to the camps are in better position than I was because they stepped up.
Read more
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Ogtong Cave



One of my very few pictures in Ogtong Cave (and the whole camp). I was the cameraman for the whole event so I don't have much pictures.:)
Read more
Picture Pile



Same set of photos using picture pile..... courtesy of Piccasa 2.
Read more
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Before and After



My friend, Gay, showed me the picture in the left. That was taken during my first few months (around August of 2004) in LXK (Cebu). The other one was taken December 23, 2006.

The difference is a bit dramatic. :) So.. Praise God... He has been good and had blessed me of a sexier body almost 3 years ago. :)

I have to admit... I just realized I looked like a stick in my picture in the left. :)
Read more
Fav Camp Pics




The pictures above are my fave... my friend Lot Mojal took these during Cruisers group early devotion. I like the color combination and the emotion they convey to the people who looks at it.



Read more
Top Performance CAMP



That's me in blue sleeveless with my camp buddies. The camp was just amazing, it helped me re-align my goal. I began to look at my goal in a different way. I also began to see God bigger than before. I began to see God's plan for my life in a different light. I can say I have matured in a way that I became patient on things.

Two things I really appreciate in the camp: (aside from the sessions and food)
1. Coffee with C.E guys and Pastor Noel. - I learned a lot. The conversation turned out to be full packed of practical insights gained by my fellow C.E. buddies. We sort of integrate what we caught in the camp and reflected it on how we applied those principles in the camp. One person shared about the "sachet" and how it reflects to our lives. I now look at sachets differently. :D Pastor Noel also shared to us some insights.. I just wished we had more time talking.

2. Banana boat ride. - I was just excited to ride that thing. :D We fell down thrice- twice in the middle of the sea and once when we are about to stop the ride. We purposely turn the boat upside down while it is running. :) And to be there in the middle of the sea (floating) with sea water in your throat and nose is just so exciting. I mean, I don't experience those stuffs everyday. :)
Read more
Monday, May 28, 2007
The CAT who JUMPS to a HOT stove



I've read a story of a cat who jumped to a hot stove, the cat got hurt and since then the cat never jumped to any hot stove again. But you know what, the cat won't jump to any cold stove either. Sa Bisaya pa, "natagam ang iring".

I heard stories like this happen in real life: a person gets disappointed with another person and that person would never take a step near that person. I believe that's where the quote, "ni anino nya any ayaw kunang makita!" came from.

I see this story come alive in my friends lives and before, in my life. I used to get easily disappointed and the normal stimulus to disappointments is to withdraw from whatever it is that causes pain. If we happen to touch a hot stove we quickly (without thinking) take away our hands off the hot stove. In the same way, I "withdraw" myself to pain. Or should I say I withdraw myself to things that I perceived as the one causing pain. Until I realized that doing that hinders me from growing and maturing as a person. Instead of using pain as a tool for growth, I began to make wrong associations to pain. And this caused me to go back from where I started - the rut. I call the whole process of pain and withdrawal (no learning) as the "rut race".

One person telling me, "Jo, I would not love again... it's too painful.. my last boyfriend.. blah blah blah.." And she just had all the reasons why she would never invest her heart to another person.

One author said that in business we need to "practice disappointment". And I believe we should practice "handling disappointment" in life too. One thing I know, we will always be disappointed. One author said it this way,"in one way or another, no matter how well you play the game there are really times that someone will drop the ball and you will lose the game". In a way, the author said, in one way or another no matter how well you do things one person will disappoint you. So when you get disappointed... all I can say is "welcome to life".

Our ability to handle disappointments in life determines in our maturity as a person. If you are like the cat who jumped to a hot stove... make sure you associate the "hotness" to pain rather than the stove to pain.
Read more
Friday, May 25, 2007
no image

I got this article from a man I really admire. I want to make an article like this one but I just want to share this text and hopefully it will challenge us to stretch. I believe in my heart that as follower of the Lord Jesus Christ we need to stretch. Here is the article by Jim Rohn:

THE TWO CHOICES WE FACE
Each of us has two distinct choices to make about what we will do with our
lives. The first choice we can make is to be less than we have the capacity to
be. To earn less. To have less.

To read less and think less. To try less and discipline ourselves less. These
are the choices that lead to an empty life. These are the choices that, once
made, lead to a life of constant apprehension instead of a life of wondrous
anticipation.

And the second choice? To do it all! To become all that we can possibly be.
To read every book that we possibly can. To earn as much as we possibly can.
To give and share as much as we possibly can. To strive and produce and
accomplish as much as we possible can. All of us have the choice. To do or
not to do. To be or not to be. To be all or to be less or to be nothing at all.

Like the tree, it would be a worthy challenge for us all to stretch upward and
outward to the full measure of our capabilities. Why not do all that we can,
every moment that we can, the best that we can, for as long as we can.? Our
ultimate life objective should be to create as much as our talent and ability and
desire will permit. To settle for doing less than we could do is to fail in this
worthiest of undertakings.

Results are the best measurement of human process. Not conversation. Not
explanation. Not justification. Results! And is our results are less than our
potential suggests that they should be, then we must strive to become more
today than we were the day before. The greatest rewards are always reserved
for those who bring great value to themselves and the world around them as a
result of who and what they have become.

Jim Rohn
Read more
Thursday, April 19, 2007
no image

I was worried that I might damage my body of some sort if I keep on taking a bath after exercise/playing basketball/doing any sweat producing activity. I asked our company nurse (twice) and she told me its OK as long as I wait for 30 mins after exercise. I asked my sister and she said it's OK as long as I wait for 10 mins after exercise. I've thought of asking a doctor and figured I just surf and see if somebody have same delima. I google-searched and found Q and A with Tina Juan ( a renowned fitness trainer). She quite famous in the Philippines and is hosting a fitness portion of a morning show in a local channel. So here is her answer:

Is it okay to take a bath after an exercise? If I take a bath, will I not have varicose veins?
Yes, it is all right to take a bath after exercise. I am assuming of course that you will go through a proper cool-down period so you are not taking a bath with your heart beating wildly. Warm or cool water is fine. According to phlebologists (doctors who specialize in veins), there is no connection between taking a bath and varicose veins. The tendency to develop varicose veins is one that you inherit.

Taking a bath after exercise
This particular one seems to be a homegrown myth. I have yet to meet a Westerner concerned about how long they should wait before taking a bath after exercise because of 'pasma'. It could be an Asian belief but the Asian fitness professionals I have spoken to haven't encountered this 'problem' with their clients. How can this belief get in the way of fitness success? Easy. By becoming the reason why some people don't exercise. It goes something like this: "I can't exercise because I have to take a bath right after to make it to the office on time". If you cool down properly after exercise, meaning your heart rate and breathing rate return to normal and you spend about five minutes stretching (in other words, relaxing), there should be no reason why you cannot hop under a shower.


http://www.tinajuanfitness.info/
Read more
Sunday, April 15, 2007
no image
Let me share to you what I learned and re-learned lately...
I hope I can add value to you..
Just read on even if you don't agree with them...

1. The Bible is a partly a collection of biographies that says examples and warnings. Like Samson is a warning, meaning do not follow Samson. Be teachable.
And David is both an example and a warning. We need to follow David's heart and the way he honors God in his life. But not follow him in his adultery. Samuel is an example. Job is an example. What we can also learn from this is that when somebody writes about your life, make sure it is an example and not a warning.

2. Jesus Christ have RADICAL teachings. Some of you probably know this but I just noticed it.:D Imagine he told the people who is used to in following the "eye for an eye law" to give their left cheek when their right cheek is slapped. He teaches us to love our enemies and to pray for them but at the same time he calls the Pharisees and religious leaders of their time - VIPERS. I'm not sure what exactly it meant but noticed the contrast and between the two and it will bring in the meaning of this teachings.

3. Pay Yourself 10%.
Save 10% of your income. Of course give the TITHE since it is holy unto God. 10% will go a long way.

4. Make you develop the skills needed for you to move in life.
Read more
no image
There are about a few things that I would like to say...
Few things like I love you... and I don't know if it will end.
Few things like you smell so nice when I lean my head to your shoulders.
And when I look it to your eyes
You make me feel relaxed.
Holding your small hands feels perfect...
And you look better when you are smiling than when you are frowning..
And your words were never left unheard...
And you make me mad like no other..:D
And you I appreciate the way you tell me that you love me because it makes me hope there is still tomorrow.
Read more
Monday, April 02, 2007
no image
"I told you not to shout. Why are you shouting? I am going to spank you." I said in a calm yet tough voice.
My kid is now 3 years old. I never knew what it's like to be a dad. I don't know if I've been a good example. What I know is that I did great mistakes in helping 2 of my other kids. I've been really hard on them and I want to make it right this time. I don't want to be lenient but I don't want to be too strict either. I want them to grow with the best in the world.

So there I was talking to my 3-year-old and telling him not to shout. "Sit down and lets talk.",I told him. He sat down and then suddenly his eyes got watery and his lips and breathe brought out a slight cry. I kept my composure and asked him, "How old are you?" He raised his right hand and raised three of his fingers and bended the other two. "Three, you are three years old and you are still shouting? No you are big enough and you need to stop shouting. Do you understand?", I asked him. He said no. "OK. You see shouting and demanding from you mom, aunt and granny is not good.". He gave a slight cry again this time his little face is now wet with tears. I told him, "Daddy loves you OK? And he doesn't want you to shout because it's not right. I know you are excited but you don't have to shout." I hugged him and pat his back. His mom then told him to say sorry to me. He just cried and hugged me. I hugged back and told him everything is alright. I asked him to wipe his face and he wiped it with his shirt and asked him if he wants ice cream. He nodded and with a face of relief.

Moments later he was talking to me as if we never had the conversation we had. He is just lovely. I will do it right this time. I will discipline but never forget that I love this kid. :D
Read more
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)