Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Genesis
Happy 1st birthday, confession chat!
A LOT has transpired and changed and re-arranged after that. You kicked off the restless nights, the dreamy days and all the wonderings in between.
I personally have to thank you for shaking me off my retardation. You really had my jaw drop there, and my walls crushed in that same moment. Surely, it took some bleeding and tremendous risk to bring you out. But look at you now! Who would have thought?!
I will always thank the Divine hands that made you happen - in the fullness of time!
Thank you. It was a complete awakening from grave deprivation. I owe you the life I now enjoy, and you just keep opening more windows I never thought existing before!
Indeed, I will always look forward to more birthdays of you.
I've never been the same since.
A LOT has transpired and changed and re-arranged after that. You kicked off the restless nights, the dreamy days and all the wonderings in between.
I personally have to thank you for shaking me off my retardation. You really had my jaw drop there, and my walls crushed in that same moment. Surely, it took some bleeding and tremendous risk to bring you out. But look at you now! Who would have thought?!
I will always thank the Divine hands that made you happen - in the fullness of time!
Thank you. It was a complete awakening from grave deprivation. I owe you the life I now enjoy, and you just keep opening more windows I never thought existing before!
Indeed, I will always look forward to more birthdays of you.
I've never been the same since.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
2012 movie trailers
Ok... so for the longest time now, there have been doomsday movies.
2012 is basically a pre-narration of an event that hasn't taken place. It's based on the idea that the Mayan calendar ends on december 21, 2012, and therefore that is the date the world ends (or some huge world wide cataclysm happens.)
Here is my subjective opinions on the matter, based on what I believe to be objective reasoning.
1. Assuming a non-believer, strictly scientific, based-on-observation point of view. I would observe past history relating to dates concerning end of the world ideas. All of them have failed, and we are the proof of that. However, the scientific method claims to never achieve the 100% truth but close to it. So, it is only fair to say "for that 0.1% possibility of doomsday happening, we can only try to improve on the quality of life for the time we have left, and enjoy what we have, or we can try to prevent the event from happening." Which is probably innevitable since we've no idea, nor observation of what will happen.
2. Another scientific less skeptical point of view would have us do research concerning the possibility of cataclysmic events altering the Earth and bringing us to an extinction. 2012 seems a little too soon for world destruction. I say this because evolution theorist mark evolution of this magnitude as a process of billions of years. It's not a one year to the next type of thing, but rather a slow progression that we will probably outlive.
(By the way, I'd like to see the observation, records, replication of those billions of years events.... Oh, oops, I forgot, we don't live more than 100 years, so we can't witness and observe, nor replicate the events. It's ok, I think it is fair to conclude such events lasting billions of years happend by drawing conclusions on the environment around us during the past 200 years and deduction of possibilities. Yeah, 200 years of observation, record, and analysis will inequivocably give us 99.9% scientific accuracy of what happened during a billion years process. Can someone tell me when the next earthquake will happen? )
3. Jumping on the religious van-waggon. I can only speak from what I've read. Assuming that the vast majority of the world are either Christian or Muslim, and they believe in God, they probably follow what Scriptures say? I'm not 100% on what the Muslims believe in terms of end of the world, but I know for a fact they wouldn't believe anything outside of their belief system. As far as Christians and the Holy Scriptures is concerned, the Bible states that God destroyed the world roughly around 3.5 thousand years ago (give or take 500) with the "Flood" (book of Genesis). And will, in the end of the world, destroy it with fire according to Hebrew & Christian records of Divine revelation, the date of which events are not stated as a specific day but are marked by sequence of events (namely, religious-socio-economic-political-militaristic events happening on earth at that time, plagues and destructions of various kinds, miracles, and then God's coming to deal with humanity according to their works). Again, no specific date for this events. At least not yet.
4. Ok, I'm going the extra mile to bring the rest of those who believe that we're some sort of alien experiment. If this is in fact truth, then there's nothing we can do, and who is to say that aliens don't have shifts in schedule of planned events?
5. For all the animists who believe in the "consciousness of the planet" itself. Then it would be interesting to know how the Mayans got that date.
Finally, in defense of the Mayans. Nobody knows what happened to that civilization, and all we have are archeological artifacts.
But I ask a few simple questions to everyone:
If you have a calendar hanging somewhere inside your house, does that calendar have a final day, or is it infinite?
Does it say the date of when you moved into that house, and does it say when you will stop living in that house?
Did you purchase calendars for the next 100 years until we hit the carpet?
Is it possible that the Mayan calendar ends in that date, because they said, "oh boy, this calendar will last us long enough so we have to make another one for a long time"? :)
These are my ideas. They may sound silly, but seriously, what if the Mayan calendar manufactures ran out of business and that was the last calendar they made. Imagine we had a calendar manufacturing company in our little town and it ran out of business.
Just because the last calendar made ends in a future date, that doesn't mean that's the end of the world. does it?
People just fear the unknowns, but I don't think we should act without reasoning because of fears.
I'll leave it up to you to draw your own conclusions regarding that Mayan calendar's last day.
2012 Everyone, the END OF THE WORLD. lol
2012 is basically a pre-narration of an event that hasn't taken place. It's based on the idea that the Mayan calendar ends on december 21, 2012, and therefore that is the date the world ends (or some huge world wide cataclysm happens.)
Here is my subjective opinions on the matter, based on what I believe to be objective reasoning.
1. Assuming a non-believer, strictly scientific, based-on-observation point of view. I would observe past history relating to dates concerning end of the world ideas. All of them have failed, and we are the proof of that. However, the scientific method claims to never achieve the 100% truth but close to it. So, it is only fair to say "for that 0.1% possibility of doomsday happening, we can only try to improve on the quality of life for the time we have left, and enjoy what we have, or we can try to prevent the event from happening." Which is probably innevitable since we've no idea, nor observation of what will happen.
2. Another scientific less skeptical point of view would have us do research concerning the possibility of cataclysmic events altering the Earth and bringing us to an extinction. 2012 seems a little too soon for world destruction. I say this because evolution theorist mark evolution of this magnitude as a process of billions of years. It's not a one year to the next type of thing, but rather a slow progression that we will probably outlive.
(By the way, I'd like to see the observation, records, replication of those billions of years events.... Oh, oops, I forgot, we don't live more than 100 years, so we can't witness and observe, nor replicate the events. It's ok, I think it is fair to conclude such events lasting billions of years happend by drawing conclusions on the environment around us during the past 200 years and deduction of possibilities. Yeah, 200 years of observation, record, and analysis will inequivocably give us 99.9% scientific accuracy of what happened during a billion years process. Can someone tell me when the next earthquake will happen? )
3. Jumping on the religious van-waggon. I can only speak from what I've read. Assuming that the vast majority of the world are either Christian or Muslim, and they believe in God, they probably follow what Scriptures say? I'm not 100% on what the Muslims believe in terms of end of the world, but I know for a fact they wouldn't believe anything outside of their belief system. As far as Christians and the Holy Scriptures is concerned, the Bible states that God destroyed the world roughly around 3.5 thousand years ago (give or take 500) with the "Flood" (book of Genesis). And will, in the end of the world, destroy it with fire according to Hebrew & Christian records of Divine revelation, the date of which events are not stated as a specific day but are marked by sequence of events (namely, religious-socio-economic-political-militaristic events happening on earth at that time, plagues and destructions of various kinds, miracles, and then God's coming to deal with humanity according to their works). Again, no specific date for this events. At least not yet.
4. Ok, I'm going the extra mile to bring the rest of those who believe that we're some sort of alien experiment. If this is in fact truth, then there's nothing we can do, and who is to say that aliens don't have shifts in schedule of planned events?
5. For all the animists who believe in the "consciousness of the planet" itself. Then it would be interesting to know how the Mayans got that date.
Finally, in defense of the Mayans. Nobody knows what happened to that civilization, and all we have are archeological artifacts.
But I ask a few simple questions to everyone:
If you have a calendar hanging somewhere inside your house, does that calendar have a final day, or is it infinite?
Does it say the date of when you moved into that house, and does it say when you will stop living in that house?
Did you purchase calendars for the next 100 years until we hit the carpet?
Is it possible that the Mayan calendar ends in that date, because they said, "oh boy, this calendar will last us long enough so we have to make another one for a long time"? :)
These are my ideas. They may sound silly, but seriously, what if the Mayan calendar manufactures ran out of business and that was the last calendar they made. Imagine we had a calendar manufacturing company in our little town and it ran out of business.
Just because the last calendar made ends in a future date, that doesn't mean that's the end of the world. does it?
People just fear the unknowns, but I don't think we should act without reasoning because of fears.
I'll leave it up to you to draw your own conclusions regarding that Mayan calendar's last day.
2012 Everyone, the END OF THE WORLD. lol
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Countdown
How did you meet?
I’ve lost count how many times I had to deal with this question. And each moment I did, I always struggled for a quick answer.
“Hmm, he’s a close friend’s brother-in-law.” “Oh, he’s a church mate!”
I created a combination of facts to satisfy their curiosity. And when I got the same wrinkled brows, I shifted to next topic. But why can’t I just shoot it straight?
We have not met.
It was very recently that I went “public” about it and had the face to deal with the ensuing questions – or the taunting stare. I can’t blame them. I used to have the same prejudice. Until him.
He is in fact an Adventist and was introduced – if not pushed – by a roommate/ orgmate/ church mate/ collegemate. Third quarter last year when a stranger popped a “hi” over YM. The name looked foreign, but I fumed upon reading the surname. Rica!!!
For someone who idealized and romanticized about the manner of meeting the very first boyfriend, online encounter is outrageous and downright pathetic. That’s not me. It’s beyond my schema. I would not even date someone merely set up over here.
I ate my words. Still burping by the minute.
“Sorry, I can’t chat for long.” Yet everyday he did not stop dropping by just to greet – and apologize if he’s distracting. One reply led to another, then another, then another.
He carried good conversation. He’s full of ideas, strong opinions and thought-provoking statements. It wouldn’t be bad to have someone to test beliefs or argue with. I liked his brains.
Then he shared how he juggled work with studies. He at times excused himself to pick up his Mom in a late night 2-hour freeway drive. He mindlessly told of his financial struggles migrating from Panama to the US. I liked his character.
From chat, he began sending inspiring verses from the Bible. He shared his morning devotional. He admitted his recurring neglect of Christian duty, and was anxious whether or not his actions pleased God. I liked his faith.
In between all this, he occasionally asked if I have eaten. E-mailed just to check how I am. Stayed online until I left from work. I did my math. It was wee hour on that side of the planet!
Soon, he became part of my routine – a refreshing break after years of workaholism. My self-concept insisted I’m too driven and self-reliant to heed suggestions. Yet I noticed yielding to his advice and informing him of my plans and activities. First guy to crash that wall.
He did the same on many other things. He overhauled my standards. The height – he’s 5’10” –turn-off because it feels awkward (read: unromantic) beside tall guys. The age – he’s 2 years senior – older guys seemed like an uncle. The race – he’s Spanish – were once Spanish colony. The time – he lives 16 hours from the past – altered my body clock. The distance – he’s in the opposite side of the globe – long distance relationship (LDR) is a sadist.
Fast forward. The past nine months with him have been, thus far, my life’s most memorable and revealing. He being JUST a boyfriend will not survive this LDR given our packed schedule and time difference. He, at the same time, came to be the best friend and faith partner I longed to have! A twin from different parents.
I have lived – and silently searched – long enough in the country and have not found a gentleman as him. It’s never easy to explain but who can contend the peace, bliss and love I experience with him.
We have not met. But we will in 63 days.
Some gifts have just been revealed even before delivery.
21 Oct 09
10 pm
Rizza's question triggered this, conversation with tarra brought in several realizations, over salad dinner at KFC, Megamall
I’ve lost count how many times I had to deal with this question. And each moment I did, I always struggled for a quick answer.
“Hmm, he’s a close friend’s brother-in-law.” “Oh, he’s a church mate!”
I created a combination of facts to satisfy their curiosity. And when I got the same wrinkled brows, I shifted to next topic. But why can’t I just shoot it straight?
We have not met.
It was very recently that I went “public” about it and had the face to deal with the ensuing questions – or the taunting stare. I can’t blame them. I used to have the same prejudice. Until him.
He is in fact an Adventist and was introduced – if not pushed – by a roommate/ orgmate/ church mate/ collegemate. Third quarter last year when a stranger popped a “hi” over YM. The name looked foreign, but I fumed upon reading the surname. Rica!!!
For someone who idealized and romanticized about the manner of meeting the very first boyfriend, online encounter is outrageous and downright pathetic. That’s not me. It’s beyond my schema. I would not even date someone merely set up over here.
I ate my words. Still burping by the minute.
“Sorry, I can’t chat for long.” Yet everyday he did not stop dropping by just to greet – and apologize if he’s distracting. One reply led to another, then another, then another.
He carried good conversation. He’s full of ideas, strong opinions and thought-provoking statements. It wouldn’t be bad to have someone to test beliefs or argue with. I liked his brains.
Then he shared how he juggled work with studies. He at times excused himself to pick up his Mom in a late night 2-hour freeway drive. He mindlessly told of his financial struggles migrating from Panama to the US. I liked his character.
From chat, he began sending inspiring verses from the Bible. He shared his morning devotional. He admitted his recurring neglect of Christian duty, and was anxious whether or not his actions pleased God. I liked his faith.
In between all this, he occasionally asked if I have eaten. E-mailed just to check how I am. Stayed online until I left from work. I did my math. It was wee hour on that side of the planet!
Soon, he became part of my routine – a refreshing break after years of workaholism. My self-concept insisted I’m too driven and self-reliant to heed suggestions. Yet I noticed yielding to his advice and informing him of my plans and activities. First guy to crash that wall.
He did the same on many other things. He overhauled my standards. The height – he’s 5’10” –turn-off because it feels awkward (read: unromantic) beside tall guys. The age – he’s 2 years senior – older guys seemed like an uncle. The race – he’s Spanish – were once Spanish colony. The time – he lives 16 hours from the past – altered my body clock. The distance – he’s in the opposite side of the globe – long distance relationship (LDR) is a sadist.
Fast forward. The past nine months with him have been, thus far, my life’s most memorable and revealing. He being JUST a boyfriend will not survive this LDR given our packed schedule and time difference. He, at the same time, came to be the best friend and faith partner I longed to have! A twin from different parents.
I have lived – and silently searched – long enough in the country and have not found a gentleman as him. It’s never easy to explain but who can contend the peace, bliss and love I experience with him.
We have not met. But we will in 63 days.
Some gifts have just been revealed even before delivery.
21 Oct 09
10 pm
Rizza's question triggered this, conversation with tarra brought in several realizations, over salad dinner at KFC, Megamall
Friday, August 7, 2009
Out of the Blue
A tree. The filtering light. The mood. The sepia. The poetry.
Reminiscence.
I miss him always.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Love Notes
Human love is reciprocal.
An AMiCUS sister supplied that last sentence to my long litany of rediscovering my own adventism. How awfully right was her synthesis and how shamefully presumptuous I had been!
Just like others with memorable stories of conversion, I started with unstoppable enthusiasm in the faith. I could not bring my Bible down, I kept a journal of daily miracles, I treated both friends and strangers with the thought that Christ died for them, I counted days until the Sabbath, I was excited for the Midweeks and Vespers, and I jotted down verses pertaining to precious promises. The last one I had to end the soonest I realized I was practically rewriting the whole Bible!
And then it happened.
Even before I immersed myself into baptism, close friends were quick to warn me not to look unto people but only unto God. It came as an empty, baseless counsel. Church people are the kindest I know! Compared to the rest, their characters are much converting! Seven years later, I came to see what they worried about.
The AMiCUS provided me a paradise. I look up to its roster of alumni of burning faith, blessing wisdom and bonded friendship. I enjoyed being their baby, which I had to relinquish for a big-sister figure upon my crossover to real church membership.
I knew sisters and brothers. I assumed leadership positions. I carried with me the fervor and excitement. But then, in time, I saw, heard and felt to my bewilderment. And I can hardly be exempt from their scrutiny and opinions. And it came to a point of exhaustion. Primarily, I felt alone and friendless.
Then, I missed how I was. Relational frictions paled my fire. I banked too much on companionship, which is not entirely faulty. After all, John 13:35 states of our love for each other as a testimony of our discipleship. But I went past the edge as to allowing it come between me and my God!
The only love constant is that of God. I am silenced by His meek abiding. I busied myself tending His flock, poured my attention to His sheep, then unfairly expected them to return the affection. I operated on that linear, narrow-minded and worldly calculation.
I am now in my next crossover – relying not on the limits of human favor and resting fully on the breadth of God’s love. They now appeal to me as beyond cliché.
08/05/2009
while taking a break from hard work ;)
An AMiCUS sister supplied that last sentence to my long litany of rediscovering my own adventism. How awfully right was her synthesis and how shamefully presumptuous I had been!
Just like others with memorable stories of conversion, I started with unstoppable enthusiasm in the faith. I could not bring my Bible down, I kept a journal of daily miracles, I treated both friends and strangers with the thought that Christ died for them, I counted days until the Sabbath, I was excited for the Midweeks and Vespers, and I jotted down verses pertaining to precious promises. The last one I had to end the soonest I realized I was practically rewriting the whole Bible!
And then it happened.
Even before I immersed myself into baptism, close friends were quick to warn me not to look unto people but only unto God. It came as an empty, baseless counsel. Church people are the kindest I know! Compared to the rest, their characters are much converting! Seven years later, I came to see what they worried about.
The AMiCUS provided me a paradise. I look up to its roster of alumni of burning faith, blessing wisdom and bonded friendship. I enjoyed being their baby, which I had to relinquish for a big-sister figure upon my crossover to real church membership.
I knew sisters and brothers. I assumed leadership positions. I carried with me the fervor and excitement. But then, in time, I saw, heard and felt to my bewilderment. And I can hardly be exempt from their scrutiny and opinions. And it came to a point of exhaustion. Primarily, I felt alone and friendless.
Then, I missed how I was. Relational frictions paled my fire. I banked too much on companionship, which is not entirely faulty. After all, John 13:35 states of our love for each other as a testimony of our discipleship. But I went past the edge as to allowing it come between me and my God!
The only love constant is that of God. I am silenced by His meek abiding. I busied myself tending His flock, poured my attention to His sheep, then unfairly expected them to return the affection. I operated on that linear, narrow-minded and worldly calculation.
I am now in my next crossover – relying not on the limits of human favor and resting fully on the breadth of God’s love. They now appeal to me as beyond cliché.
08/05/2009
while taking a break from hard work ;)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Living Assets
Show me what someone is willing to live for,
and I'll tell you their value on earth. Living
for nothing is like money stored in the bank
that will never be used to feed a hungry child.
What's the value of gold if it can't be used?
It's no more than a rock for display.
What's someone's value if the person doesn't
give purpose to their existence?
It's no more than a dust that comes and goes
with the wind.
We each have a value, we each have a purpose.
But it's our responsibility to discover what it is.
Now when I wake up in the morning I ask myself,
what will I be today, gold stored or bread to
feed the hungry? A pointing finger, or a helping hand?
I invite you to come out of your bubble,
and when you wake up, the world will be blessed
with talent that only you possess.
And when you make a difference in one life,
with your words, with your music, with your actions,
then ... you have changed the world.
What are you waiting for?
07/18/2009
The voice of my conscience
and I'll tell you their value on earth. Living
for nothing is like money stored in the bank
that will never be used to feed a hungry child.
What's the value of gold if it can't be used?
It's no more than a rock for display.
What's someone's value if the person doesn't
give purpose to their existence?
It's no more than a dust that comes and goes
with the wind.
We each have a value, we each have a purpose.
But it's our responsibility to discover what it is.
Now when I wake up in the morning I ask myself,
what will I be today, gold stored or bread to
feed the hungry? A pointing finger, or a helping hand?
I invite you to come out of your bubble,
and when you wake up, the world will be blessed
with talent that only you possess.
And when you make a difference in one life,
with your words, with your music, with your actions,
then ... you have changed the world.
What are you waiting for?
07/18/2009
The voice of my conscience
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Blog Birthday
After several rounds of Text Twist and Chuzzle, I finally perched myself on a stool anxious about the words to spill for my debut blog entry.
Apparently, this isn’t my first attempt to create an online coffer of thoughts ranging from fleeting to nagging, from cheery to disturbing, even from self-indulging to change-the-worldish.
I was always hesitant to be read by the worldwide web. Feels like bearing before a multitude of strangers what I would otherwise keep in the secrets of my pillow.
Yes, I have that romanticized notion of even my scribbles. In fact, the front page of my journal bluntly reads: I’m not willing to share.
Maybe it’s peer pressure. Maybe it’s emerging from the jurassic. Maybe it’s the dawning of purpose. Maybe it’s loosening up. Maybe it’s confronting fears. Maybe it’s premature mid-life crisis. But whatever it is, I say enough to mental constipation.
What deserves to be said will be said – unapologetically. What needs to be kept will be kept – unless it creeps in between the lines.
Ending first entry with 183 words, 7 paragraphs and 1 sure reader.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Adversity and Courage
It's easy to be happy when life is easy going,
but adversity is how character and convictions are measured.
If we're beaten, we take rest and heal;
if we fall, we take strength and rise.
As long as we have breath and life, it is our responsibility
to fight and conquer, and to help each other.
Every cell in our body does this every moment of our life.
We shouldn't expect less from our minds.
As Swami Vivekananda said,
"He conquers all who conquers himself".
Those who cultivate courage will remain unshaken,
regardless of how strong the winds of life blows at them.
05/30/2009
2:45 pm
thinking bout Liz
but adversity is how character and convictions are measured.
If we're beaten, we take rest and heal;
if we fall, we take strength and rise.
As long as we have breath and life, it is our responsibility
to fight and conquer, and to help each other.
Every cell in our body does this every moment of our life.
We shouldn't expect less from our minds.
As Swami Vivekananda said,
"He conquers all who conquers himself".
Those who cultivate courage will remain unshaken,
regardless of how strong the winds of life blows at them.
05/30/2009
2:45 pm
thinking bout Liz
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
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