As I look back at my 2008, I see many things. Good and the not-so-good.
In 2008, my son graduated from Primary level with high grades and a Third Honorable mention in his graduating class (with a BIG MEDAL to prove it). The year was the year we moved in our new spacious home. I got to visit different churches and got to speak to different places, companies and educational institutions. Blessings were bestowed on my wife in her career and ministry.
But what I remember most about 2008 was that it was a year when God took me, molded me and refined me. I will be honest. It was a really challenging year.Painful. Frustrating. Heart-breaking.
Everything I held dear and everything I worked hard for were taken away. Those I longed and dreamed for were dangled in front of me. Then just like a kid who was dangled with a lollipop in front of him, the 'promises' were swept away. Sadly, these were done by people who were older and supposedly more mature than me. Again, my heart was crushed.
This year revealed who the real people are in my life. It was a year when I was betrayed and was left alone. Yes. I went through betrayal this year. After the smoke cleared, everyone was gone.Yes. I had something to do with it but not as much as the real culprit. I was left alone to shoulder the blame.
2008 was a test of my calling. Should I stay or should I go? Turning your back away is easy. Quitting is a piece of cake. But the calling proved weightier than any ill feelings. I stayed because God spoke to me. I renewed my calling.
Yet through all of these, God made me a better person. He sharpened my character. I saw my flaws and mistakes and made amends with my creator. I humbly accepted my punishment and mended my ways. I learned. I fell and got up. I listened to sound wisdom. God used the circumstances to bring healing and hope. He showed me who were the one who really cared for me.
A few months ago, a brother-in-Christ once told me that the old Rodney is dead and the new Rodney has risen. Have I been "born-again" once again? Perhaps I have.
I write this because I know there are countless others like me who have experienced their own personal hell in the previous year or in the start of the year. Let me encourage you to hold on and keep moving forward. "Cry if you must but don't you quit" as the old poem goes. We are all like athletes in the Olympics called LIFE. We are all training for various competitions. Not necessarily against others but more with ourselves. We are the biggest hindrance that keep us away from success. But if we overcome our egos, our petty complaints and our unwillingness to be shaped by God, we will be VICTORIOUS. I have learned much this previous year. If there is anyone who benefited from all these challenges, it was me. Though I did not see it this way when I was in the trials, I see it now in hindsight.
As in my previous blog, I thank those who helped me this year in any way, shape or form. Every word there is from the heart. THANK YOU.
So what does 2009 have in store for me? I believe there will be more trials. Yet I know he used the previous year to prepare me for this year. Confident? I am. Arrogant? No. Ready? YES I AM.
THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
Showing posts with label inspire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspire. Show all posts
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.
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.
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.
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.
SPEAKLIFE: "TRUST"
Proverbs 3:5 says "Trust in the Lord ..."
Trust. One word. Simple to say. Hard to do.
All of us have problems with trust especially nowadays. These days, you don't know who to trust: Politicians. People of authority. Groups. Religious figures. Even our friends and relatives. Each one tries his best to be trustworthy. Only to make a mistake that breaks it.
This proverb tells us to Trust the Lord. Who is the Lord? He has a name - Jesus Christ. The savior has always been dependable in all circumstances. Because He is perfect, He does not lie. When we trust in God, we are sure that He is dependable and that He will never break the trust between Him and us.
Though I cannot say the same for our part. Because we are flawed, we tend to be inconsistent with our end of the bargain. We end up doing what we promised not to do. Yet, God continues to love us and give us grace to do our part.
Does it mean that we should not trust people? Not at all. There should be people that we can trust. But to put these people above God is something else. Trust God above all.
Let me encourage you to TRUST GOD. He never breaks a promise. He never pulled out of a deal. He never short-changed anyone. He is consistent and trustworthy. All is waiting for is for you to trust Him?
What will you do about it?
Trust. One word. Simple to say. Hard to do.
All of us have problems with trust especially nowadays. These days, you don't know who to trust: Politicians. People of authority. Groups. Religious figures. Even our friends and relatives. Each one tries his best to be trustworthy. Only to make a mistake that breaks it.
This proverb tells us to Trust the Lord. Who is the Lord? He has a name - Jesus Christ. The savior has always been dependable in all circumstances. Because He is perfect, He does not lie. When we trust in God, we are sure that He is dependable and that He will never break the trust between Him and us.
Though I cannot say the same for our part. Because we are flawed, we tend to be inconsistent with our end of the bargain. We end up doing what we promised not to do. Yet, God continues to love us and give us grace to do our part.
Does it mean that we should not trust people? Not at all. There should be people that we can trust. But to put these people above God is something else. Trust God above all.
Let me encourage you to TRUST GOD. He never breaks a promise. He never pulled out of a deal. He never short-changed anyone. He is consistent and trustworthy. All is waiting for is for you to trust Him?
THINK ABOUT IT:
Trust is earned, right? Do you know that God does everything in His power to earn our trust. Yet, who are we to be given such treatment when we are the ones who are suppose to earn His trust. That's just how God loves you and me.
What will you do about it?
TRAILS TEST FRIENDSHIPS
Ever heard of the saying "You find out who your true friends are during your toughest times." I'm sure that's rang in your ear countless times.
I'm here to say that is true.
These past two months have been a battle for me. It's not been a bed of roses. I've gone through some of the most difficult periods of my life. Some of my lowest too. And these times not only became times of proving myself but also of the people around.
Not many knew my situation. But those who knew stretched out their hand and lend their support. Those who knew gave a word of encouragement. Those who found out were quick to give me an e-mail or a text message and say kind words of hope. People comforted me though my view of the future was dark and bleak. Yes. It was testing time. But it God used this time as well to show me who my real friends are.
Real friends are hard to come by. But now I know who are the ones who can be trusted and those who need to be avoided. Yes. Sometimes, there are people that are good enough for a HI and HELLO. But to stick with them would be suicide. You need people who can bring you up and not bring you down.
I thank God for using this time of trials not just for myself but for the people around me. I know God is preparing me for something BIG (as all of us are). And God is also preparing me to discern and know the people around me who genuinely care.
I'm here to say that is true.
These past two months have been a battle for me. It's not been a bed of roses. I've gone through some of the most difficult periods of my life. Some of my lowest too. And these times not only became times of proving myself but also of the people around.
Not many knew my situation. But those who knew stretched out their hand and lend their support. Those who knew gave a word of encouragement. Those who found out were quick to give me an e-mail or a text message and say kind words of hope. People comforted me though my view of the future was dark and bleak. Yes. It was testing time. But it God used this time as well to show me who my real friends are.
Real friends are hard to come by. But now I know who are the ones who can be trusted and those who need to be avoided. Yes. Sometimes, there are people that are good enough for a HI and HELLO. But to stick with them would be suicide. You need people who can bring you up and not bring you down.
I thank God for using this time of trials not just for myself but for the people around me. I know God is preparing me for something BIG (as all of us are). And God is also preparing me to discern and know the people around me who genuinely care.
REJECTION
Rejection is very hard to accept especially if you were not able to explain yourself nor were given a chance to do so. We get rejected everyday. We just don't take notice sometimes because it's not much of a big deal. Just like when they don't let you part in a space or maybe someone didn't accept that brochure you're giving out in public.
But there are moments when rejections are BIG DEALS. These are the events that changes your life completely. When a girl you're courting suddenly tells you the "It's not you. It's me." routine. (Basically, she's telling you that you're not cut out to be with me.) Or how about being denied by the college you're dreamed of going to all your life. How about that job you're always wanted but was told you were not qualified to work in their company? The list goes on and on.
True. We are rejected at times by the people we don't know and the people we do know. The hurt is there. The disappointment is a lingering sensation. Our mind tell us the things we should have and should have not done. Or maybe what we should have said when given the chance. But we have no power to blast to the past.
We have to more forward.
Sometimes, we tell ourselves that we want to give up. I think it's but natural. Our system rejects negativity. We become traumatized. We don't want to try again. We doubt if we can be successful. We think retaking the test is a waste of time.
I don't blame you if you feel this way. I would to. And my heart will be shattered in a million
pieces.
Just like a lion after a grueling battle, we lick our wounds and wait for it to heal. Then, on to the next battle.
Are you wounded in battle?
Are you during a time of healing?
Everyone is given time to heal.
But there are moments when rejections are BIG DEALS. These are the events that changes your life completely. When a girl you're courting suddenly tells you the "It's not you. It's me." routine. (Basically, she's telling you that you're not cut out to be with me.) Or how about being denied by the college you're dreamed of going to all your life. How about that job you're always wanted but was told you were not qualified to work in their company? The list goes on and on.
True. We are rejected at times by the people we don't know and the people we do know. The hurt is there. The disappointment is a lingering sensation. Our mind tell us the things we should have and should have not done. Or maybe what we should have said when given the chance. But we have no power to blast to the past.
We have to more forward.
Sometimes, we tell ourselves that we want to give up. I think it's but natural. Our system rejects negativity. We become traumatized. We don't want to try again. We doubt if we can be successful. We think retaking the test is a waste of time.
I don't blame you if you feel this way. I would to. And my heart will be shattered in a million
pieces.
Just like a lion after a grueling battle, we lick our wounds and wait for it to heal. Then, on to the next battle.
Are you wounded in battle?
Are you during a time of healing?
Everyone is given time to heal.
EVER BEEN MISINTERPRETED?
Hello folks.
Question.
Have you ever been misinterpreted by the people around you?
I'm sure you will say YES.
It happens to the best in all of us. Whether you do good, intend to do good or mean to do good, people will misinterpret it for something else. It is just very unfortunate that your good intentions and deeds are twisted to look like you are doing something wrong or offensive.
Of course, one must search deep inside if he or she is truly on the right side. One must see the facts unbiased and find out if you are doing what is right. Because if you are not, then people have all the right to make you aware of your wrong doings.
But if you are on the right side of the tracks, then you need not worry.
But who really gets to judge if you are doing what is right or wrong? Who really has a say? Everybody will have an opinion about you. When you do good, people will say otherwise. When you have the purest of intentions, people doubt you.
So who really knows what's really inside your heart?
First of all, God. It is only God that can truly see the state of your heart.
Second, the people around you who truly know how you are. These are the people who really spend time with, you know your personality and who listen to your dreams. These are the people who do have the purest intentions for you. These are people who think about your welfare because they love you and would not want anything happen to you. These people are there to back you up and watch your back. If you have people like these around you, then you are blessed.
One can try to please everyone. But it is close to impossible. People are so fickle minded. I've learned to please the ones that count and not waste my time and energy to those who lack merit.
Misinterpretation is a part of life. But what is truly great is what happens afterwards. When the dust settles and the smoke clears, those who misinterpreted you will eat your shoes because they were wrong and you were right.
Until then, God bless.
Question.
Have you ever been misinterpreted by the people around you?
I'm sure you will say YES.
It happens to the best in all of us. Whether you do good, intend to do good or mean to do good, people will misinterpret it for something else. It is just very unfortunate that your good intentions and deeds are twisted to look like you are doing something wrong or offensive.
Of course, one must search deep inside if he or she is truly on the right side. One must see the facts unbiased and find out if you are doing what is right. Because if you are not, then people have all the right to make you aware of your wrong doings.
But if you are on the right side of the tracks, then you need not worry.
But who really gets to judge if you are doing what is right or wrong? Who really has a say? Everybody will have an opinion about you. When you do good, people will say otherwise. When you have the purest of intentions, people doubt you.
So who really knows what's really inside your heart?
First of all, God. It is only God that can truly see the state of your heart.
Second, the people around you who truly know how you are. These are the people who really spend time with, you know your personality and who listen to your dreams. These are the people who do have the purest intentions for you. These are people who think about your welfare because they love you and would not want anything happen to you. These people are there to back you up and watch your back. If you have people like these around you, then you are blessed.
One can try to please everyone. But it is close to impossible. People are so fickle minded. I've learned to please the ones that count and not waste my time and energy to those who lack merit.
Misinterpretation is a part of life. But what is truly great is what happens afterwards. When the dust settles and the smoke clears, those who misinterpreted you will eat your shoes because they were wrong and you were right.
Until then, God bless.
LEARNING FROM CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOOTHPASTE
Rafa, Rhea (our helper) and I went out today to buy our monthly groceries. Today was different because Aida, who was at the helm of every grocery shopping I've done since we got married, wasn't around. So I had to take charge. Before, I was just in-charge of calculating the prices and making sure we're in budget. Today, I'm doing double duty as human calculator and shopper. What was once a one hour shop turned into almost two hours. I miss my wife.
Anyway.
It was time for me to get some toothpaste. Apparently, we were about to run out. So I went to a portion of the Landmark supermarket that had whole circular shelf of toothpaste (specifically Colgate). Usually, guys would just go, take one without really reading the pack and put it in the cart. i wanted to do that. But I just realized that the toothpaste brand had about 5 variants. It had different flavors, colors and sizes.
Then, out of nowhere, I'm stuck.
I was stuck for about 10 minutes trying to decide which kind of toothpaste will I buy. Wow. Never did I ever spend so much time trying to choose toothpaste before. Was it a waste of time? Maybe. Halfway through the 10 minutes, I thought I wasted time. But I was about to make a very important decision.
After all the comparisons, flavors and other obvious things, I made my choice. Walking away from the shelf, I realized that sometimes, we make things complicated. A toothpaste is a toothpaste and it should do what its suppose to do - clean. But do we have to make so much fuss on something so simple.
Sure. It is vital that we have variation in life. But sometimes, we humans just complicate the things that were originally planned as simple. Sometimes, when we get too intelligent or too powerful, we have the tendency to just be complicated.
Sure. It's toothpaste. But it makes you think about the other bigger things that we complicate.
Folks, though I may be young, I've realized that there are just some things that are left to be simple. We make things too technical. We make it too intellectual. We make it too logical. But, really, it just about making it simple. That's all.
Keep it simple.
Have to sleep. I'll be heading ROCKET WORSHIP the whole day. I'll let you know what happens.
Until then, God bless.
Anyway.
It was time for me to get some toothpaste. Apparently, we were about to run out. So I went to a portion of the Landmark supermarket that had whole circular shelf of toothpaste (specifically Colgate). Usually, guys would just go, take one without really reading the pack and put it in the cart. i wanted to do that. But I just realized that the toothpaste brand had about 5 variants. It had different flavors, colors and sizes.
Then, out of nowhere, I'm stuck.
I was stuck for about 10 minutes trying to decide which kind of toothpaste will I buy. Wow. Never did I ever spend so much time trying to choose toothpaste before. Was it a waste of time? Maybe. Halfway through the 10 minutes, I thought I wasted time. But I was about to make a very important decision.
After all the comparisons, flavors and other obvious things, I made my choice. Walking away from the shelf, I realized that sometimes, we make things complicated. A toothpaste is a toothpaste and it should do what its suppose to do - clean. But do we have to make so much fuss on something so simple.
Sure. It is vital that we have variation in life. But sometimes, we humans just complicate the things that were originally planned as simple. Sometimes, when we get too intelligent or too powerful, we have the tendency to just be complicated.
Sure. It's toothpaste. But it makes you think about the other bigger things that we complicate.
Folks, though I may be young, I've realized that there are just some things that are left to be simple. We make things too technical. We make it too intellectual. We make it too logical. But, really, it just about making it simple. That's all.
Keep it simple.
Have to sleep. I'll be heading ROCKET WORSHIP the whole day. I'll let you know what happens.
Until then, God bless.
BROADBAND PRACTICE FOR SEPT.9
BROADBAND, the band of new.media ministry, was asked to lead praise and worship on September 9, 2007 (Sunday) at the 8AM and 10AM services. It is always a privilege to lead worship. Though we may not be seasoned worship leaders, we do believe to give our best in everything we do.That's why we practice..a lot. First time we did this, we practiced for three months. Others might find that too much. But we believe in the power of practice. We don't believe in half baked output. If we are going to do something, we'd better do it right the first time (as my Dad would tell me).
Tonight, we were able to finish the line-up and dabbled on the backup songs we have prepared. Aida told me she's nervous. That's good. Nervous is good because it makes you alert. Not to mention, you rely on the Lord and not too much on your own abilities. I know Aida can deliver. She has the gift to lead people to worship. Now is the season.
Folks. If you want to do things well, make sure you practice with all your heart. Whether its a skill or studying or work, give your best. Do it right the first time. Learn from your mistakes and strive for the top.
I'm so tired. I'm actually typing in my sleep.
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.
PHOTO OF THE DAY#2:"One Way"
This is a traffic sign that I took with my mobile phone near the my son's school.
We see this sign often. It means to go in one direction. If we oppose this, we will get hurt or find ourselves in a terrible head-on collision accident.
Living a Christian life means that we should go ONE WAY - the way of Christ. It may be hard sometimes. But what we are sure of is that we are going to the right direction. Because if we go against God's way, we get hurt or become a victim of a head-on collision.
Let us go ONE WAY with Jesus.
TAKE ONE AND PASS
I have decided to do something I've been wanting to do for some time.
The idea started a few months ago. During one of my brainstorm moments, an idea popped up. Why don't I type an inspiring and encouraging experience or thought at least once a day. Then, I'll be collecting them and, maybe soon, make a small book or something. My desire is to share these little tidbits to people who might need it sometime in their life.
But I had to think of a title. Then I remembered what the teacher would always say before a test in class (high school and college).
"GET ONE AND PASS"
Talk about the Holy Spirit speaking to you. This whole concept of writing encouraging notes has become bigger. It's taking these tidbits and sharing it to others. That is why "TAKE ONE AND PASS."
This would be a year long project. I hope you can help me out with it by giving your comments.
The blog can be found here "GET ONE AND PASS."
The idea started a few months ago. During one of my brainstorm moments, an idea popped up. Why don't I type an inspiring and encouraging experience or thought at least once a day. Then, I'll be collecting them and, maybe soon, make a small book or something. My desire is to share these little tidbits to people who might need it sometime in their life.
But I had to think of a title. Then I remembered what the teacher would always say before a test in class (high school and college).
"GET ONE AND PASS"
Talk about the Holy Spirit speaking to you. This whole concept of writing encouraging notes has become bigger. It's taking these tidbits and sharing it to others. That is why "TAKE ONE AND PASS."
This would be a year long project. I hope you can help me out with it by giving your comments.
The blog can be found here "GET ONE AND PASS."
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