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 motivational talk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motivational talk. Show all posts
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.
MY NEW ONLINE PROJECT: LEADER IN PROGRESS
http://www.youtube.com/leaderinprogress
Leadership-in-progress is a weekly show of Rodney Garcia that gives insight and opinion in the realm of leadership. This site does not proclaim to know all about leadership. Though it does aim to generate conversation about the points discussed here.
Let me know what you think. God bless!
THE EDGE RADIO EXPERIENCE
Hello folks! Here's my account of the EDGERADIO EXPERIENCE.
I got to the studios around 5:30pm to beat the traffic which is predominant around the area. Friday night = Rush hour traffic. I didn't want to be late for my first full-pledge radio interview. To be honest, it has been a dream of mine to be on radio. Maybe as a DJ. But God blessed me more as I was being interviewed by my dear friends Ron, Joyce and Owie.
Going back, I was there early and was very excited. I was trying to climatize myself with the booth and the fact that I will talking on air in a few minutes. Owie graciously toured me around and introduced me to some of the staff. Around 5:55pm, Ron and Joyce have not arrived yet. They're suppose to do the interview with me. So Owie was preparing to go on board and was quite nervous. Then, a few minutes later, Ron and Joyce arrived. Whew for Owie.
The show started. Around 6:30pm, Joyce had a talk with me just to do some background stories. Most of the things you heard in the LIVE show were discussed beforehand. That's where the stories about my involvement in the new age, the stories about my family and my ministry were briefly talked about.
7pm. I'm on. I was nervous. I was excited. I couldn't believe this was the answer to a prayer. Fo about 30 minutes, I was talking about how God changed my life and how life has been good with God around. Let me tell you, it felt good being in the booth. All those days I'd hang out in the DJ booth when I was in college daydreaming to be one day be interviewed on air has come to pass. God does answer prayer!!!
If you want to check out the interview, please view the video below.
That was one awesome interview. Too bad I wasn't able to do a rap for them which we talked about before. Hopefully, I'll be back to do it.
Thanks again to EDGE RADIO for guesting me on the show. Hope we do another one in the future. I have a feeling we will be working closely soon.
Ron. Joyce. Owie. My wonderful and supportive friends who, unconsciously, believed in me - THANK YOU!!
I got to the studios around 5:30pm to beat the traffic which is predominant around the area. Friday night = Rush hour traffic. I didn't want to be late for my first full-pledge radio interview. To be honest, it has been a dream of mine to be on radio. Maybe as a DJ. But God blessed me more as I was being interviewed by my dear friends Ron, Joyce and Owie.
Going back, I was there early and was very excited. I was trying to climatize myself with the booth and the fact that I will talking on air in a few minutes. Owie graciously toured me around and introduced me to some of the staff. Around 5:55pm, Ron and Joyce have not arrived yet. They're suppose to do the interview with me. So Owie was preparing to go on board and was quite nervous. Then, a few minutes later, Ron and Joyce arrived. Whew for Owie.
The show started. Around 6:30pm, Joyce had a talk with me just to do some background stories. Most of the things you heard in the LIVE show were discussed beforehand. That's where the stories about my involvement in the new age, the stories about my family and my ministry were briefly talked about.
7pm. I'm on. I was nervous. I was excited. I couldn't believe this was the answer to a prayer. Fo about 30 minutes, I was talking about how God changed my life and how life has been good with God around. Let me tell you, it felt good being in the booth. All those days I'd hang out in the DJ booth when I was in college daydreaming to be one day be interviewed on air has come to pass. God does answer prayer!!!
If you want to check out the interview, please view the video below.
That was one awesome interview. Too bad I wasn't able to do a rap for them which we talked about before. Hopefully, I'll be back to do it.
Thanks again to EDGE RADIO for guesting me on the show. Hope we do another one in the future. I have a feeling we will be working closely soon.
Ron. Joyce. Owie. My wonderful and supportive friends who, unconsciously, believed in me - THANK YOU!!
RODNEY GARCIA AT EDGE RADIO
Hello folks! I'll be at the EDGE RADIO show tonight at about 7pm.
Here's the link to view the show: http://www.theedgeradio.net/edgetvpage/manila/
Here's the link to view the show: http://www.theedgeradio.net/edgetvpage/manila/
HOLY WIN, BATMAN!!!
I was given a great chance to speak to about 60 young attendees of the Ruggednoise ministry's Holy Win event. It's an alternative of the Halloween people celebrate nowadays. We were able to wear costumes. I got to wear a John Cena costume complete with the spinning WWE belt. Cool huh?
The topic I spoke of was about FEAR. I shared how my life was when I was heavily involved in New Age. I shared how I wanted to have power over those who bully me in school and power to overcome my problems. I had gone deep in the occult to and dabbled with Ouija boards and Astral Projection.
In the end, I prayed for these kids who acknowledged that they were in fear. I don't know what their fears are. But I do know that God is willing to take these fears away and replace them with peace.
It was a great night for all of us. I was just happy to be there with them and just speak life to them.
Until then, God bless.
A McTALK AT McDO
Character is so vital that companies hire more because of character than skill. Skill can be learned quickly than character. Character is developed a long time. It's not much an asset if a person can be skillful but have a bad attitude.
I just encouraged these kids to become the best they can be. What surprise me the most was that some of them were teary-eyed. Some of them were getting their hankies and dabbing their eyes. I was very surprised. My heart sunk because these kids were probably going through some stuff in their life and they just needed some encouragement.
I realized something here. Our new generation needs to be encouraged. They needed to hear some wisdom or uplifting message. We don't know what their life is. But I was blessed to have been able to lift their soul even for just a moment.
I pray there will be more opportunities for me to speak life to people. Maybe you can help me out somehow.
Thanks McDonalds. Hope this won't be the last time.
Until then, God bless.
DREAM BIG @ LANDMARK TRINOMA SUCCESSFUL
I give praise and glory to God Almighty for the wonderful closing of the DREAM BIG seminar at the Landmark Trinoma today. Today was extra special. I had more energy and more enthusiasm compared to last week. We had more new people in today and more in attendance. Attendance was about 100 people. We had to open another training room because we were so full. The response of the participants was unbelievable. You can see in their eyes that they hunger to dream again.Last week, we had technical problems with the computer. Today was no exception. Not only did my small Asus laptop had a bit of a hard time in projecting my slideshow, my wireless mic was making some interference noises. I believe that the enemy didn't want the Landmark employees to hear this inspiring message.
The seminar ended when I did a standing altar call. I asked all of them if they are willing to dream again and let God give them new dreams and goals. Then, we prayed together. I spoke a blessing to all of them for responding to God's call - for their families and love ones as well.The Landmark Trinoma group are a bunch of fun-loving people who are now ready to DREAM BIG. My thanks to Weldon and the Landmark Trinoma core group for taking care of me and making me feel so welcome.
I've received wonderful feedback in this seminar and hope to get some testimonies from the participants in the weeks to come.
I pray that God will open more doors for this seminar/talk to be given. It is open for everyone such as companies, school and churches. The goal is simple: Activate our God-given ability to DREAM BIG.
Again, I give God all the praise for this successful day. I would not have made it without Him. Also, THANK YOU for praying for me.
Until then, God bless.
Today is DREAM BIG Part 2
It's a bright and sunny morning. Yes. I'm up early today. In a few hours, I will be travelling from Makati to Quezon City via the MRT to spend some time with the wonderful employees of the Landmark Trinoma mall. I'll be finishing up the DREAM BIG series which has been receiving some very positive reviews.
Please do pray for me as it will be another time of testing for me. Last week, during the talk, my computer suddenly bogged down. I couldn't make the slideshow work. So I continued without it. After the talk, I checked the computer and there was no problems. Weird? No. It's the work of the enemy. He doesn't want these people to receive the power of Dreaming Big that has been bestowed on us, God's children.
I'm excited and all fired up to be with them today. I'll keep you posted with what has happened. Hopefully, I'll have video and pictures as well.
Until then, God bless.
Please do pray for me as it will be another time of testing for me. Last week, during the talk, my computer suddenly bogged down. I couldn't make the slideshow work. So I continued without it. After the talk, I checked the computer and there was no problems. Weird? No. It's the work of the enemy. He doesn't want these people to receive the power of Dreaming Big that has been bestowed on us, God's children.
I'm excited and all fired up to be with them today. I'll keep you posted with what has happened. Hopefully, I'll have video and pictures as well.
Until then, God bless.
LANDMARK TRINOMA - "DREAM BIG" Day 1
Today, I spent time with the wonderful employees of Landmark Trinoma as we talked about God's will for his children to DREAM BIG. I've done this seminar at Landmark Makati. I just love encouraging people and helping them have an empowered life.God has put in us the ability to DREAM BIG. Unfortunately, because of reality, we stop DREAMING BIG or DREAMING at all. But God wants to revive that ability He has blessed us with for His Glory.
Let me encourage you to start DREAMING BIG DREAMS FOR GOD!
I'll be back in Landmark Trinoma next weeek to cap off this series. I'm excited to go back!
Until then, God bless!
SUNSHINE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL HAS PASSION
I am blessed to be invited by the good people of Sunshine Christian School. I was able to speak to them about THE PASSION OF TEACHING.
All of us lose passion as we live our life. What we need is to jumpstart it and make it work again. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. Maybe you're event going through it right now. I pray that the passion that God has put in you be rekindled.
I want to thank the wonderful people of SUNSHINE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL for letting me speak to them. I hope that they pass on what they've learned to their students.
Be passionate!
BRAVING THE RAINS
As I write this, I am braving the storm going to Muntinlupa for a seminar with the teachers of Itaas Public High School. I have written about this before on this site. I was fetched by the good men of the school with their trusty Tamaraw FX. Water is everywhere. Classes are suspended. But no amount of rain will stop me from delivering this inspiring message to these teachers. I know they need it.I will be speaking about the IMPORTANCE OF VISION. We will be breaking some barriers today and removing some wrong thinking about vision. I am a strong believer of VISION; that it is not just for corporations or organizations. It is for everyone. And those who decide to have one will harness the future.
I'll write more about this later on. Right now, let me just catch some shut eye for a while.
Until then, God bless.
SPEAKING LIFE TODAY AT MUNTINLUPA
Yup. You read it right. It's 1AM. Just finishing up on my presentation for this afternoon. I will be speaking to the teachers of Tataas Elementary School. I spoke to them before. I am glad to return and speak again. Another afternoon of insight and inspiration.
I will be blogging the results later.
It's going to be a busy day (and weekend) after all. When I return from the talk, I will be practicing with the BROADBAND (the new media band) at 6PM. The following day, Saturday, we will be at Laguna for a video shoot for the LEGACY DVD.
Then on Sunday, I will be preaching at the 8AM.
I think I will be enjoying my Sunday afternoon nap.
Please do pray for me.
Until then, God bless.
I will be blogging the results later.
It's going to be a busy day (and weekend) after all. When I return from the talk, I will be practicing with the BROADBAND (the new media band) at 6PM. The following day, Saturday, we will be at Laguna for a video shoot for the LEGACY DVD.
Then on Sunday, I will be preaching at the 8AM.
I think I will be enjoying my Sunday afternoon nap.
Please do pray for me.
Until then, God bless.
MY FIRST INSPIRATIONAL TALK AT PHILIPPINE RECLAMATION AUTHORITY
I want to thank all the people who listened to the 30 minute inspirational talk I did last Monday (March 19) at the Philippine Reclamation Authority. I was invited to speak to about 130 employees. I was very excited to be there with them. Somehow, as I spent some time with them, I felt that they needed a little "lifting up".Before speaking, I felt a very heavy feeling in my soul. There was a heaviness that was present. I didn't know what it was but it took the anointing of God to lift it up.
After the national anthem and other things were done, it was my time to speak. I spoke on "THE LOST ART OF APPRECIATION." For 30 minutes, I spoke on the importance of appreciating the people around us in big and small ways. As I was speaking, I really felt the room coming to life. I can feel the heaviness being lifted and the smiles were being painted on the listener's faces. I could hear some favorable reactions from them.
Before I ended the talk, I challenged the people to appreciate each other (from the boss to the lowest position employee) for one week. I told them to observe the effects and how it will help their office.
After the talk, several people approached me and thanked me for brightening their day. I was able to speak life into them.
Today, very few of us appreciate each other. I hope you do take some time to tell someone how much they mean to you or how much they do a good job. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to do that. Everyone can do it.
Thank you to Wheng for inviting me to their office. Please do invite me again if you can.
Until then, God bless you all.
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