I missed out the part of God being awesome.

Tabing Ilog . I was born and raised in this awesome place

Just a while ago, I was walking alongside the stream. Our house is located beside a river that frequently floods whenever there's heavy rain on the mountains. It is a bit dangerous place to be but yet there's a unique experience to it. The sound of the raging stream, the birds, and the fresh air makes up for the possible danger. It's been a long time since I explored and played around the river area. Most of my time is spent on being inside my room with my computer or books or go to the city and meet people.

As I've walked I realized that I missed out a lot of things that was just very near to me. I've missed out the wonders of His creation. I've always loved the sky and how I marveled the vastness of it but every time I rode an airplane, most of the time I just sleep and never bothered looking outside the window. I missed out the joy of just being part of a big picture of God's creation. I've missed the idea that we part of one humongous masterpiece carefully and beautifully painted by God. From past to the future or from the deepest blue to the highest mountains, everything is beautifully made by God. 

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. - Ecclesiastes 3:11

When we feel like our world is crumbling down or perhaps we might miss out the joy and peace within, it helps to look up in the sky (we all love sunsets, sunrise or those beautiful paint of the sky) and with that we remember that we are a part of something bigger and something more majestic than we can ever imagine. We are all part of God's amazing plan. We are all part of God's perfect painting. The creation of a majestic, holy, and perfect Creator. Let us take time to worship our Creator by marveling and saying how awesome is He. Creation pa lang swak na, how much Siya.

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” - Revelations 4:11

My impersonal thoughts on the age of 25

I have this personal timeline in my head that marks milestones worth remembering. 4 days ago was my 25th birthday and it took a long while for the thoughts to sink in that I'm actually 25 years old. For 25 years of my life I've been living with my parents (don't judge me). We all have our own way of growth of maturity and have a unique set of experiences given by God that formed us to who we are right now. Despite the uniqueness, we all have something in common that we might be thinking when we hit this age.

Thanks Mom, this really required a lot of effort.

Am I still too young?

No. We are no longer those kids that allows others to decide for our lives. We are no longer kids that are unable to make decisions. It doesn't mean that we become independent of other people. The goal of maturity and growth is not to become independent but to become responsible. Being responsible is to become great stewards to what we have. As we age, a lot of things will be entrusted to us by God, and we have to become strong to make the best decisions and become good stewards. 

It is also good to check if we have set directions or have a vision for our lives. Are we making a stand for our life? Is the foundation of where we are standing a solid one? Is our stand something worth following? Do we know where we are going? What's the purpose of our life? If we don't know yet, then it is best that we start asking the right questions to the right people.

Am I too old for certain things?

No. Just because you've finished a degree or a masters' degree or a PhD, it means you are done with education or growth. No-one is a done deal not unless you stop having new experiences (that only happens when you are already dead). Everybody is getting FREE experiences every single moment and it would be a great waste if you aren't getting any of it. Always note this: nothing is an accident and everything has a purpose. Make use of every opportunity for growth (Ephesians 5:16-17, Romans 8:28). It means that we get to have an optimistic perspective but always accompany it with a realistic approach.



Remember that it's always a war out there-- everyday is a battle and we have to be ready for it. No-one is too old to retire for battle and no-one is too young not to fight their war. The world out there would always challenge your identity, your security, your peace and your faith. The world is in the business of making you feel lacking and would tell you that you need more than God. We know that it is not true and so that's why we have to fight the good fight of faith by being good stewards of the things entrusted to us and constantly growing with God.

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At the end of it all, no-one is too young or too old in life. Seasons may change but responsibility/stewardship, the opportunity of growth and to fight for what we stand for would always be present in our lives. Take a firm grasp of these three things. 

When the fire starts to burn

My reason for this post is that we just had our Mindanao Regional Leaders' Camp 2014, attended by 205 delegates from all over Mindanao, and I didn't have the time to talk to the leaders afterwards. After gathering the thoughts of my message, I believe this would make sense to all those who have their souls rekindled by the amazing work of God in their lives through life-changing experiences (like the leaders' camp for this case)

Lifebox Mindanao Regional Leaders' Camp 2014

Life-changing experiences through the Gospel is like an ignition of the car engine, it enables the car to move. It's also like an explosion of a dynamite, so powerful that it will set ablaze everything in its environment. Much like all the delegates, we were never the same after the camp ended. Our hearts were burning with overflowing passion towards the lost. We are very much excited to go back to our campuses and do the commission that God has called us to do. In the first few months, the energy is still high, the excitement is still felt but would it last for generations? Is the flame in our hearts limited to ourselves or would it last for a few months or perhaps just for a single generation? How do we keep the fire burning?

"6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began," - 2 Timothy 1:6-9

Let me share three things about this blazing passion that we recently re-acquired.

1. The Gospel is the source of our passion. - The amazing work and life of Jesus is life changing. He is after all the source of our joy and strength. Therefore, He is our reason and our motivation for everything we do in our calling in life. When you feel God's love, it overflows and it becomes an unquenchable passion to live life and do our calling. That's the reason why we always go back to our relationship with God first, before others or the works of ministry. Our relationship with Him is important.

2. Our passion should be translated to clear actions. - It is really frustrating if we don't know where to start or the how-to's of the things we wanted to do. Imagine playing a computer game and you don't know what buttons to press or going to a mall, excited to buy something but you don't know where to find that store or that item. At the limit of your frustration, you will give up, put it to a stop, and shift to something else.

Great thing about being part of Victory is that we have a 1-2 punch combo, 121's (perosnal discipleship) and Victory Groups (group discipleship) plus a series of training and events that will enrich and nurture the growth of every disciples. Although we have the tools for it, are we conveying the message, its essence/the reason why we are having the tools, CLEAR enough for others to follow? Do we relay its VALUE and its importance? Is our life/lifestyle a loud message of our passion which is the GOSPEL?

3. Our clear actions is viral, don't limit it. - Viral things in the internet (like Oppa Gangnam Style or Ylvis - What does the fox say) are very attractive and that's why they become viral. It would be heretical or perhaps a great insult to God if you say the Gospel is not attractive as it is. If the Gospel is watered down of its attractiveness, the only reason of it will be its messenger. I'm not trying to demean anyone here but always remember that we already have the power (2 Timothy 1:7-8). Be confident and be bold. Never doubt about the Gospel for it is the absolute truth. It will be offensive for those who aren't open for it but it will be words of sweet honey for those who are ready for it.  We'll never know who's who but we just have to say it as it is. The life-changing experience of the Gospel is viral as it is, everyone would want to have that happen in their life.

Also, like any viral thing that would influence the things you do or being posted on any social media, and talked by friends, do the same thing with the passion that you lived for. If it takes teaching them to do it, then do it intentionally, clearly and be authentic. Always have the end in mind. The ball doesn't stop on you, you have to pass it.

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As I close, I believe it was Pastor Dan Monterde who said this in the camp:
"We are part of a mission that will never fail"

Relationship defines humanity

This was my script on my inspirational talk for a commencement exercise of Informatics CDeO last 2013. The message was all about setting their values on the right things now that they are done with their tertiary years of education. I believe this message would still make sense to people of all ages.

I still remember the days wherein gadgets and software last for more than 3 years in the market and still has its value and price remain intact. I still remember growing up with my family computer, playing Mario, Battle City, and Ice Climber. Then after some few years, I enjoyed the personal computer installed first with DOS, windows 3.1, 95, then 98 then the XP. There was a long gap between software versions. Buying and installing new OS always feel a good deal for me because I am assured of its importance and value. I know it will last long.

Today, things have changed, everyone is in a rush. You see the latest mobile phone, OS, or software go down after a year. Today, when we go to our market, we always tend to question ourselves if it’s worth buying a specific item this year or should I wait for a new one because I’m pretty sure it’s coming after a few months. Our value system has been challenged. The way we see the importance of things feels so artificial or abstract. It feels like what I believed today as the best won’t be after a few click of a button. The best mobile phone won’t be the best after a month, the best framework will be replaced after a few days, and your best security system will shutdown after a few hours.

This presents a challenge for you as graduates in the field of information technology because you are in need to adapt for rapid changes but I tell you today, you are more than all of these things. The world challenges our value system, but don’t ever think that this value system that the world is pushing applies to you. You are more than all of these. You are more than the changes of mobile phones, you are greater than the changes of software, and you are bigger than gadgets and gizmos.

Give me a thumbs up if you agree. Now, look at your thumb, and face that thumb finger print. I want you to know that no one has that. You alone carry that. Look at your fellow graduates, your teachers, and your family as well. There might be similarities of faces but no one is a copy of someone. You are unique.

You are a masterpiece, and you are the best of who you can ever be. No one could ever replace or degrade or downgrade of what you have become as of today. There will be competitions after you leave the portals of this institution. It will be a tough one. Some might not get the job to the position they want to apply, some might not even get the opportunity for an interview, and some might not even meet the requirements for the said job vacancy but this will never dictate your value.

Never allow money to dictate your value, never allow achievements or position to dictate your value, and never allow discouragements and praise to dictate your worth because when there is a lack of it then it would surely destroy you. Don’t allow the material or temporary things dictate your value because none of it will last long.

What defines our value? (I’m glad you ask that question)

^“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18

It is simple. It is about the relationships that we have.  It is unique to each one of us but it is as important as everyone else. Relationships are the result of decisions and effort of either one or both parties to establish a connection between them. The reason why we came to life is a result of a relationship, the reason why we learn in our specific field of interest is from a relationship with our mentors and teachers, the reason of our graduation is from the relationship that we have with our family and relatives. It will be relationships that lets you earn salaries and get a living. That is why I want you to value relationships because it is only relationships that last long than anything in this world.

The things that you value defines your purpose. Also, It is the one that you will serve.  The valuable things in your life will determine your direction and it will be your priority whenever you make a decision. 

The biggest question will be what relationships do you have right now and what relationship do you want to have right now?

As I end, I want you to ponder on that question with these nuggets of truth that I entrust you:

• You are more than the things and changes of this world
• You are unique and nothing could ever change your value
• Let relationships define your worth and not anything else 
• Always go forth for the things that are eternal.

Good day and God bless you all!

- an Inspirational Talk, Informatics Cagayan de Oro Graduation 2013

What should I do today?

At the start of the day, some people look at their planner to see what they have to do today. For others, they try to be spontaneous and see how time flows. Either way, there is a huge chance that we might miss out the on most important thing to do in the day, which could result in statements such as "I'm not productive today" or "I've wasted another day". If you have not yet come across these thoughts, good for you! If, however, you have thought these things, it is my prayer that with these impressions I might be able to help you on this aspect.

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16

What I'm about to share are four activities that are already part of your daily routine, to add value and present a perspective that would help you realize that what you are doing is already valuable, and to have more wisdom on managing your time.

"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,

    the world and those who dwell therein," - Psalms 24:1

1. Creativity. Some call it leisure time and some call it recreational activities but these terms may lack a sense of value or purpose so I'm gonna call it creativity time. It is a time away from productivity or work but this is the time where you explore and expand the perspective of your mind. Creativity time is very important because it allows you to experience a break from the pressing productivity time or daily routine. It is the time to receive fresh ideas and fresh insights that you might be able to use during productivity hours and social activities. During this time, we read a book, watch a movie, play a game, eat good food – it’s up to you. Creativity time is to enjoy God's creation and be impacted with the wisdom of His creativity. This is something you can do anywhere or at any time because God allowed and created everything after all.

"It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep." - Psalms 127:2

2. Rest or sleep. God designed rest and it is still part of His awesome creativity. He even specifically mentioned the Sabbath. Some health-buff people who observe proper diet and exercise still have medical complications because of they lack the correct amount of sleep. This would result in less energy and the poor performance of the systems in your body. The saying "the mind is willing but the body is weak" still results in weak productivity. You can be at your best when you are doing all other things within the day. Why choose to do it in a grumpy, desperate, and struggling way?

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" - 1 Peter 4:10

3. Productivity. The Dead Sea has no fish or aquatic plants because it stores up a huge amount of salt and has no outlet. We get to experience God's creation, we store up a lot of experiences – and we have to let it out. Otherwise, we'd end up frustrated or disappointed with ourselves. The life that we live has a greater purpose and it's not just for ourselves but it's something that we have to share with other people. You have that specific calling in your life, or a specific vocation. Each individual is marked with unique experiences of God's creativity which would hint at or determine the specific calling of their lives (although it might take another post to shed some light in finding your vocation). Also, the added bonus of productivity time is that you get paid. 

And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” - Luke 3:11

4. Social Activity. We are all social beings and we are designed that way. We experience God's creativity, do something about it, and we have to share it with other people. We share it with our friends, family, co-workers, church, and customers. Everyone is a living vessel of God's goodness and creativity that is meant to be connected with every being of God's creation. Failing to see that point will end up making you selfish or egocentric – we wouldn't want that!

Summing it up, it all begins with enjoying God's creativity. Everything else is just an outflow. If we fail to experience God's creativity then we might end up being frustrated with how we spent our time or try stealing time from other important things. God's creativity is a source of joy, strength, and wisdom that will indeed make all the burdens light.

With these in mind, may you have greater knowledge in managing your time and have greater enjoyment spending it.