THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE

Hello folks!

This will be my first blog for the year 2009. So much has happened in 2008 and I will write my thoughts about it tomorrow in another blog.

But I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for 2008.

I want to thank those who gave gifts to me for Christmas 2008. It was very sweet to remember me and be part of your gift list for the Christmas season. I want you to know that I appreciate what you have given me: food, items and even financial gifts. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. These gifts are simple ways to show how you appreciate yours truly. It feels good in my soul and spirit to receive these with all humility. Whenever I receive gifts, I am deeply honored because someone took the time to remember me and thought about me. Some gave clothes and clothing accessories such as ties. I will be using them during services and during my business engagements. I hope you catch me wearing them to show my outmost appreciation. Those who gave food, I thank you .They have not just fed my stomach but my soul as well. For all these gifts, I say THANK YOU.

I want to thank those who believe in me in 2008. Yes. There are countless people who didn't give Rodney Garcia much of a chance n 2008. Peopel doubted my abilities and what I can put on the table. But as much as there are doubters, there are supporters. I want to THANK YOU for giving me opportunities, opening new doors of ministry and involvement in the community, for believing that I can do it and for being a friend when I needed it.  To you I say, THANK YOU.

I want to specifically thank some people and groups.

WORD FOR THE WORLD, its pastors and its attendees specifically the 8am Sunday Service congregation, workers, Gener8 group and various supporters - You have constantly opened yourself to me and have seen me grow. You have cheered me on especially during my dark period in 2008. I want to thank you for lending your encouragement and support to me and my family. For 2009, God will bless the works of our hands and he will take us to places we have not dreamed before.


The New.Media Ministry - We have laughed and cried together. We have dreamed and failed together. We have grown apart and have been brought together. Yet, through it all, your support was unwaivering. You are my family. We do not know what the future holds for us. But one thing is for sure, the bond between us will NEVER be broken.



Kidzone Church - Thank you for being an inspiration to me. Every time you hug me, it makes me feel good inside. I pray that I have been able to make your life better, teach you things that make you a better person and help you become closer to God. I miss you all.

I want to thank those who visit my websites, watch my videos, send me comments and support my causes. Every time I type, every time I shoot a video, every time I post a message, I always have you in mind. I always think if what I type, say or record will impact your life. Not that I am as significant as the world leaders or CEOS. But I believe that I can do my part to make your life a bit better. Thank you for letting me talk to your via YouTube. Thank you for watching my videos and listen to my opinions. I will continue to do these things knowing that I am speaking LIFE to you TODAY. To you I say, THANK YOU.

I want to thank the FACEBOOK community and the wonderful people I have met through Facebook. Peopele ranging from simple folk, celebrities, people of influence and even politicians. I thank you that you took the risk of adding me to your account. I thank you that you took the time to talk to an unknown fellow. I thank you that you trusted me to be your friend though we have not met personally. To my Facebook friends, I say THANK YOU.

To my wife, Aida, and my son, Rafael. 2008 has been a time of great trials for our family. Yet, it was an opportunity for us to be closer as a family. Aida - you have been a pillar of strength. Rafa - you are always an inspiration that pushes me to be a better father. Our family has faced tremendous odds. Still, we have passed them and learned from them. I love you both.

Finally, and with all of my heart, I want to THANK GOD for 2008. I want to thank Him for always having me in mind (as with all of us). God taught me many things in 2008. It was a testing of character and integrity. I learned so much and I carry all these lessons to 2009. I know that greater things are in store for me in 2009 and 2008 was my training session. Lord, you know my desires and dreams. Once again, I give them to you. Let your will be done in me. To my Saviour, Lord and Best Friend, Jesus, I say THANK YOU.

WHEN MINISTRY IS FAMILY

I spent the night of December 19 with people who I though I wouldn't spend this year - the WWCF New.Media ministry. Through the years, this ministry has been a breeding ground for creativity and innovation. More importantly, the people of this ministry are family. I have seen them grow. I have felt their pain. I have loved being their spiritual mentor and friend. Being with them made me just be me.

It was a night of games, singing, food, more singing and endless laughter. Media loves to laugh and we are not ashamed of it. It was a night for us to just let our hair down and just have good clean fun.

To be honest, our parties are simple: Put food in the middle of the room, plug in the Ziller Karaoke machine and away we go. Imagine. Five hours of non-stop singing and games. Wow!

Thank you media for making me part of a wonderful night of singing and fun. I'm sure we have more to come soon!

I love you guys!

PERFECT SON?

Is there such thing as a perfect son? A son who does your bidding when you give a comand? A son who won't give you a hard time? A son who would not make you worry or put you into shameful moments?

None. Other than Jesus, there is no such thing as a perfect son simply because we are all flawed human beings.

Sometimes, I wonder how much pressure do we put on our children. Being a pastor has its hiccups. One of them is having so much expectations on your children. Since people think that they are a pastor's kid, then they should be the embodiment of an angel on earth. Not true. Though they may be pastor's kids, do we forget that they are, first and foremost, children? I think we do.

My son, Rafa, is a pastor's kid. He's seven. He's a ball of energy. He's active. He's bright. He's got a great imagination. Somehow, he kinda reminds of me of myself when I was a kid. These past few days, I'm trying to recall how I was as a kid. I think pretty similar with Rafa. My parent's didn't shield me from the realities of life. Still, they gave me my space and let me be what I am - A KID.

Sometimes, we parents put so much pressure on your children and try to make them behave as adults. We forget that they are children. Shamefully, I am guilty of that.

Being a pastor who has an entire church's eyes on your every movement can be frustrating at times. Living in a fishbowl doesn't help my family life. We are under the scrutiny of public opinion. Yet, early in my ministry, I found out that I could never please the people around me. Plus, I made sure to let people know that I am vunerable just like any ordinary human being. Having the title as a pastor doesn't give me a FREE ACCESS PASS from real world problems.

One of the major fears of pastors is their sons and daughters to grow up with the Pastor's Kid syndrome - a condition when children of pastors become rebellious and turn away from the faith. Frankly, that is my fear. It is real. I have seen it happen. And I have prayed to God that I not be in that situation at all. But, sincerely, when I make my child conform to what the public wants, do I contribute in making the syndrome a reality in my family. Yes. I do.

Please listen. It is not an excuse for children's pastors to behave without discipline. I would not want my son to grow up undisciplined. But am I also robbing him of his youth if I conform him to become an adult at age seven? I think I am making a big mistake.

Sometimes, we forget that our children are children. They are childish because they are children. It is our responsibility to slowly usher them towards adulthood.

So I talked to my son tonight. I told him that I get hurt when he disobeys. I told him that character is better than grades or popularity. I let him know that he is a good boy and that he doesn't have to be perfect. Just do his best to be good. I looked into his eyes. Though I saw a boy, I knew the man inside was listening. He felt my heart. He knew I love him no matter what other people say about him. I assured him that his dad and mom will support him to the end. I wanted to make him feel that he is loved. Other than God, there is no one else who knows my son than my wife and I. So we made a deal to help each other, be open to each other and continue to love each other no matter what. We hugged and said "Good night."

Let us not rob our children the youthfulness that they should experience. They have the rest of their lives to be adults.

DANCE IN THE CAR - Episode 1

Here's something the family stumbled upon while in the car. We just let the movie function of our camera work and we taped ourselves dancing in the car. Now, to us, it is not unusual since our family loves to dance and that we do it all the time in the car.

Hope you enjoy it. Who knows? This might be a new phenomenon that can reach the internet world by storm.

Why not do your own DANCE IN THE CAR videos, put it online and let me check it out.

God bless!

NOISY DAY

Hello folks! It's a holiday here in the Philippines. So we're at home trying to enjoy the day. I say trying because the Manila Water company is installing pipes for our water here in our Paranaque.

Unfortunately, their jackhammers are drilling away in front of our house. I can't even have a decent conversation with my family over lunch. My son is practically crying from the noise.

My head is starting to rock from all this ruckus.

What can we do? Nothing but wait till this is over (which would be about 5pm)

ON THE WAY TO FAMILY DAY

Today, me and my wife are part of the advance party for the WWCF family day.

We're hoping that things go well especially the weather. As reported, it is very rainy these past two days. I'm praying that we have some sun tomorrow. I hope the weather doesn't dampen the spirits of the participants.

So that means, I have no internet for the next 24 hours. This would be my last post for now.

Upon my return, I'll be posting some pics online and probably a report on the family day in video.

God bless.

I WAS AT THE NICKELODEON WEEKEND CARNIVAL

It was 3pm as we went to The Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City to attend the NICKELODEON WEEKEND CARNIVAL. They have been promoting the event for weeks at Nickelodeon. It looked exciting. Besides, it's FREE. My sons and I were pumped to go. I mean you don't get to attend a Nickelodeon event. So why not. Besides, it's FREE.

Parking was good. There were designated areas for parking which was highly appreciated. It's good that the organizers thought of the importance of allotting parking spaces for its guests.

We got there and there were some people there already. Not much activity was happening. As we entered the place, we were given some stubs with numbers for the raffle and some goody bags (which contained toys and products from the sponsors). Not bad.

Inside the grounds, tents were set up each with a certain activity. They had different characters representing a related event. Spongebob had a water-themed activity (duh). The kids had to "fish" the star fish with a fish pole strapped on a helmet. The end of the line was a magnet. Those who get the star fish get a little sticker. Of course, not all the star fish were "fishable." Some were made of wood so the magnet couldn't stick. My son and his tita got the star fish and some tokens.

After a few hours, the grounds were filled with people. I saw some familiar faces. Some were from the church I pastor. I saw these kids were just so excited to be there. As for the parents, I applaud them for braving the sun and the humidity. Good job parents. What we do for our kids is truly extraordinary.

As for me, I did enjoy despite the setbacks. If you see my photo here, I got my hair glazed with silver spray. I looked like DANNY PHANTOM for a day. Actually, adults were not allowed to have their hair sprayed. But I somehow got the nod from the in-charge.

I saw Spongebob Squarepants, Patrick Star and Danny Phantom (mascots). I was hoping I could get a picture with them for the website. Unfortunately, it only took about 2 minutes. I was hoping they could go around and say HI to everyone. But I guess they wouldn't want an incident that Spongebob gets squashed by 1000 kids. Now that would be something to talk about.

There were long lines as expected. But it didn't matter to the kids. They were just having a ball.

We were there for about four hours and the people just kept coming in.

All in all, I was great being in an event like this. When you have an event like this in your town, come and give the kid inside you a chance to get out. I didn't have second thoughts getting silver hair even though I am a pastor. I mean, you'd think that you'll be conscious about it, right? I guess it's just me. The kid inside me still lives.

Watch the video report.



Folks! I need to hear from you. Post a comment here. Let's have a conversation.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MY BABY

I want to let everyone know that my wife and I are celebrating our 8th year anniversary today.

Being married is not easy. It involves a lot of time, patience, love and understanding to make something complicated work. Aida and I have gone through so much together. Good times. Tough times. But through it all, we're still together. We don't want to be part of the divorce or annulment statistic. We want to stand out. We want to grow old together and be a better couple.

I married my best friend. And she will forever be my baby.

Happy 8th month anniversary!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH

I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my niece, Sarah Nina. She just turned ONE today.

Today, we will be going to Cavite and celebrate her birthday with a simple family dinner.

Last year, I remember when she was born, we all visited Yang (her mom) in the hospital and we ordered a gigantic pizza from BROOKLYN PIZZA. It was a fun time. How time flies when you have fun.

Now, she's getting bigger and wiser (and cuter too).

I look forward to years ahead with her as his uncle and ninong.

God bless you Sarah.

A BREAK AT TAGAYTAY

Just like what I posted a few days ago, I mentioned that my family and I were going to Tagaytay for some much needed R & R (Rest and Relaxation). I was not disappointed. Not only did I get to relax but also spend time with Aida, Rafa, my parents and my brother. It's very seldom we do such a thing due to conflicts in schedules and other priorities.

It is a welcome break.

We also got to be with old friends whom we spend time with every summer and Christmas. Mind you. These 'old' friends date way back before my brother and I were born. They are really good friends. What's so admirable is that their children and grand children get to join in the fun. Three generations of families. You don't get to see that everyday.

A bonus: Rafa and I got to dance together. I'll post it on the net in a few days.

Just a thought: How about you spend some time with your family this Christmas?

Thanks guys. Advance Merry Christmas. God bless you!

TIME FOR TIMEZONE!!!

My son has worked so hard these past few day for his 3rd Quarterly exams. He's memorized, studied, solved and practiced all he needed to for the big test days. He's a hard worker and a hard worker needs to take a break. I told him that I will bring him to Timezone after his exams. My son needs a break and I am more than willing to give him one.

So we brought him to Timezone at The Fort. Since it was a weekday, no one was there. Great! We had the place for ourselves.

It was also another bonding time for the family. Busy in the office, you know. But now is a good time to just unwind, kill some zombies and shoot some hoops.

Timezone! Awesome!

RAFA LOSES A TOOTH

Part of growing up is losing one tooth. As for Rafa, he lost one today. Actually, he pulled it out by himself. Imagine that. I'm proud of him.

I asked him to smile for the camera and he was proud to show it to me and to you.

Ahh..time flies. I could still remember carrying him for the first time in the hospital. Now, he's seven years old. Man. I love being a dad!

HALLOWEEN DINNER

Aida and I spent some time together tonight. We had a bit of a Halloween dinner at Chilli's Greenbelt. It's my first time to be there.

Food was great. The waiters and waitresses were wearing scary costumes (which I just fit in nicely).

But what is truly weird is that there were not much people. I was expecting more. But I guess since it was going to be a long weekend, people opted to be somewhere else (preferably out of Manila).

BEING A DAD FIRST AND PASTOR SECOND

Hello Folks.

Busy week for me. Rafa's taking his 2nd Quarterly exams.

As you know, I'm the tutor of Rafa when it comes to school work and lessons. I make sure that I help him out in his lessons and homework and teach him things that he may not understand in school.

I'm not trying to sound so hign and mighty here but it is vital that a father teaches his kids for school. Typically, it's the mom. But, as a Dad, your kids can really appreciate you being there for them.

Fathers. We're not just providers of food on the table. We're there for our kids.

My pastorship (if there ever was a term) is second only to me being a father and husband. I've been very vocal about this even on the pulpit. If I cannot take care of my own family, then how do you expect me to take care of a church.

And besides, most pastors kids become rebellious when they grow up because their father-pastor prioritized the church more than them.

I love being a dad.

Until then, God bless.

MY BABY'S LEAVING IN A FEW HOURS

Hello folks.

I know. It's 2am. I'm just counting the hours before my wifey leaves for the states.

I feel sad because it is seldom we grow physically apart. Please do pray for her trip. Traveling mercies.

Also, I'll be preaching at the 8AM service this Sunday. Pray for me too. It's not easy to preach with puffy eyes (hehehe).

Sign out for now guys.

Until then, God bless.

SATURDAY BEDLAM SLAM

It's a Saturday. I had plans to go out.

Not anymore.

Aida and I decided to stay at home and rest. We have a full schedule ahead this week. We'll be practicing hard.and we need all the rest we can get.

I'll be doing the sermonette for KIDZONE CHURCH later tonight.

For now, I'm back to being slammed on the bed.

Oh yeah, let me be the first of the few to greet you a ADVANCE MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Until then, God bless.

MY PASSION AS A DAD

Was at the office at 7AM due to number coding scheme. I think I told you guys about that last week. So Rafa was very early for school and I was yawning all morning. A little cup of chocolate did the trick.

Rafa had to stay with me the whole day since I cannot bring him home. One thing about this set-up is that I get to really focus on his lessons. I'm the personal tutor of my son. I make sure his homework is done and his lessons are studied. Folks. When he grows up (and do they grow up fast), they'll do things on their own. He won't be needing me as much. That's why I try to spend as much time with him as I can.

As a pastor, one would really prioritize the church. But to be honest with you, my number one priority is to be a husband and father. If I cannot become a great husband to my wife and a wonderful father to my son, then how in the world will I be able to become a great pastor. I have been very vocal about this in the pulpit and in front of people. Being a father is my passion. I believe Rafa knows that as he has been telling me about his future plans (Believe me. He does.)

I only have one shot at my son's life. We can never bring back his childhood. While he's having this time, I will do everything in my power to make him ready for the future. I cannot be there for him physically at all times to protect him. That is why we need to prepare our children for the future.

I love my wife. I love my son. I love my God. I love my life.

Until then, God bless.

I'M A TEACHER TOO

Hello folks. My son will be having his quarterly exams tomorrow. And I get to be his personal tutor.

I just enjoy teaching my son. I make sure I do my best to teach him his lessons for school. As I have been told, not all can teach especially children. Some parents don't have the patience to teach their own children. But for me, I just enjoy teaching him. I get the opportunity to instill knowledge in his brain. Not only that but I will be able to know what he's learning and school and even teach him things not taught by his teacher.

One thing about Rafa is that he enjoys going to school. I just hope he doesn't lose that passion for learning. His goal this year is to get a GOLD MEDAL. It's very good that kids have goals. Parents should not shoot down their dreams even if it seems impossible to reach. Nothing is impossible to a person who thinks everything is possible especially for kids.

So bye for now. Have to rest. Class dismissed.

Until then, God bless.

ENCHANTED KINGDOM BIRTHDAY

Talk about a whole day of fun at ENCHANTED KINGDOM.

We were with Rafa at ENCHANTED KINGDOM to celebrate his birthday. We were there as early as 11PM. We rode almost all the rides that we can get our hands on. Last time we were here, Rafa was about three years old and wasn't allowed to most of the BIG KID rides. Now, he get to ride most of them.

He has no fear. Talk about riding the kiddie roller coaster FIVE TIMES. The Jungle Log Jam twice. The Rio Grande Rapids twice. We were just soaking wet with all the water. He's such a good sport.

I'm editing our video exploits in a while. I took video using my n71 phone. Unfortunately, I don't have a big capacity card. So instead of capturing in mp4, I had to settle for a 3gp format. I knew I should have bought the card last Christmas (ARG!!!). I'll be posting the video as soon as it's done.

It was great that there wasn't much people there. Everyone was given the chance to ride all the they could. God gave us a good weather as well. It was sunny and not a drop of rain.

To highlight the trip, we watched the three-minute fireworks display. I'll post the video soon.

I think I'll be talking about our weekend trip this week in my blogs. I'm still thinking about it today.

Let you know. God bless.

NO DAY-OFF FOR DADDY

Monday is suppose to be a day off for a pastor. Not for me.

My son goes to school and I'm his schoolbus. I bring him to school. So instead of sleeping the whole day, I'm at my office (since his school is near there).

Rafa didn't feel good today so I had to put my doctor cap (paging Dr. Harvey) on. When I got home, I immediately gave Rafa medicine and put him to bed. As for me, I had to hang some laundry upstairs. Afterwards, that's the only time I got to sleep.

I cooked dinner tonight. That makes it twice in a week. Actually, I feel pretty good about it. Hopefully, I'll be able to cook more in the future. It's fun.

Had an opportunity to sit and watch a HBO movie tonight: HELLBOY. I chanced upon the beginning of the movie. I've always wanted to see it. Now, I have the chance. Well, it was a good movie. Lots of action and some realizations. It revolved around the power of a person to decide. We all have that power. It's just that we make wrong decisions. Let's try to make better decisions. We're not the only ones affected with the outcome. It's also the people around us.

Internet connection was restored today. We didn't have any yesterday so I wasn't able to post my MAC blog entry. I just had to post it earlier.

I'm excited about TNW. Attendance is getting bigger. Hopefully, we get to the 1000 person mark by the end of February.

Blogging has helped me with my day. It's like a time of release and reflection. Do people get to read my entries. I don't know. Maybe or maybe not. But, personally, it helps me.

Well, that's all for now. Continue to pray to God for guidance. We need him more today. God bless.