2014. What was I doing?

To those who still follow this blog, thank you and I do apologize if the activities that have happened in this blog has been close to zero for 2014.

So what have I been up to in 2014? A lot.

Mid-year 2013, a close friend of mine asked what I used to do in the call center (which was what I was doing before I went full time painting), and he mentioned about putting up a BPO in Cebu that would help individuals who come from challenging backgrounds. Aside from thinking about it, he asked me to pray hard about it, since the company would launch either late 2013/2014.

So I did work some paintings before the end of the year (which you can view here, here, and here [hehehe]) and then came typhoon Haiyan.

We had our relatives from Tacloban stay with us in Manila so I had a lot of training with taking care of children and senior citizens. Just very thankful how God took care of them (by June 2014, I got to visit Tacloban because we had a family reunion. You can find photos that I took here).

Then my friend got in touch with me before the end of the year and asked for my work details to give them an understanding of what kind of person they would need. Then, he asked if I wanted to join since they couldn't find anyone with the same experience.

I prayed hard about it since I was very comfortable with what I was doing. So I prayed, and prayed, for direction.

I looked back at how faithful God has been and how He has made things fall into place. It was no coincidence that I would be led to my friend after how many years of not meeting when I was at my previous work, the whole experience I had i the BPO industry, even my travels to Cebu back then, and all the other experiences I had with church work, has led me to where I am now. 

The work that I am involved with now helps those who come from challenging backgrounds: labor/human trafficking victims, orphans, ultra poor, traumatic experiences, and so on. 

Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.

Isaiah 6:8 - And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

The whole of 2014 was definitely an experience. I arrived in Cebu with just one luggage and a backpack (and a projector for the office). Created training modules, set up the office with computers, met a lot of great people, experienced my first Sinulog, took a lot of photos as a stranger in my own country, and finally started to paint again after how long.

What I learned thru this experience is that if you must remember the things that you went through which is part of what God will lead you to. And when He leads you to a place: trust in Him, and go!

PAA Entry 2013

Philippine Art Awards 2013 entry and the description of my art work.

My entry for the competition shows an image of a seated carabao painted in precious metal colors. The carabao, being a creature known to the Filipino is a working animal. An animal domesticated to help in the production of our food (and can also be a source of food) and even in traveling. Unofficially recognized as a national animal for the Philippines, I believe it is a symbol to recognize our country men as strong and hard working.

However, being as golden as it is, I painted the carabao in Gold and other precious metal colors such as silver and chrome to challenge my audience to think upon several thoughts that even they (the viewer) can come up with their own:

How much importance do we place upon our heritage, culture, and the foundations of our humble begginings?

Are we really hard working and strong as we think we are?

Is there anything more than just being a “carabao” in the sense that is there anything more that can be aside from golden?

Would it change if the Carabao were standing versus seating?

Aside from the facts, questions, and metaphors we place upon the carabao, the Philippines, being a “Christian” country, where many are familiar with the story of Moses as he walked down the mountain with the ten commandments and having to see the people built a cow of gold and other precious metals, would bring to a point that in this piece as I would like to express in the most simplest way is this: how much importance have we placed on the temporal, superficial, and  uncertain as the priority of our lives, or better yet, what have we made idols of, where they would not even listen or see or know our needs.

a devotional i wrote when i got lost in sg

So in every journey we at times get lost. And here's what i wrote

Some of the things I learned

Some of the lessons I learned as I hit my x amount of years in this life:

1. God is Love
2. I am loved, even if I don’t know it
3. Hard work pays off
4. If you want to win, you have to accept that there is risk of loss
5. I don’t want to be alone
6. There are things not only worth fighting for, but worth dying for
7. There are friends that you can run to
8. Bless others, and you will be blessed
9. There is power in prayer
10. It takes a lot to lose weight. :p
11. It’s ok to cry
12. There is always hope
13. Life is beautiful
14. I can only wear one pair of shoes at a time
15. Acrylic medium does wonders
16. Hugs and kisses and words of affirmation does wonders
17. Stay away from the negative
18. YOLO doesn't mean you can do whatever you want
19. When you’re down, talk to God. And be receptive with what He has to say
20. Waiting doesn’t mean you just sit down and do nothing
21. The universe doesn’t let things fall on your lap, but at a distance that is reachable
22. I am strong enough for the challenges I am given
23. Don’t hold back with what you need to say
24. When you say something, be sure you mean it
25. Seek counsel from Godly friends
26. Help those who need help
27. When you lay everything to God, there’s peace
28. When you need help, ask
29. Be specific and detailed with everything
30. Trust in those who trust you
31. Do your part, and when you do it, do your best, and do it for God!

Here are some shots for my day. I admit, it was a really good day even if I was avoiding  it. :)

Power of Words

Last night in ChurchNow I shared the power of words (with the power of Ahnold’s quotes) for the short segment Christianity on Steroids. I will share this to you since some may have missed ChurchNow and it’s a good topic that should be shared.

We all have at least memorized some quotes of our favorite movie characters and books. Stay in your chair (or wherever you are) and think of your favorite quotes. Some of the lines I love would be:

"Second star to the right, straight on til morning." - Peter Pan/ or the Captains of Star Trek

"Shaken, not stirred." - James Bond, Sean Connery

"Give me smallest finger on man's hand. I'll produce information. Computer unnecessary." – Rorschach (Watchmen)

"Toto I don't think we're in Kansas anymore" – Dorothy (Wizard of Oz)

"There's wrong, and there's wrong, and there's this." – Hartigan from Sin City

I did it! I did it! I am a wild success! I sold 'em all, all my paintings. You don't have to be embarrassed by me anymore! – Finn (Great Expectations [1998])

“Now whether or not what we experienced was an according-to-Hoyle miracle is insignificant. But what is significant is I felt the touch of God. God got involved.” – Jules from Pulp Fiction

“Get to da choppa!!!” – Dutch (Predator)

“I'm just setting things up so all of you can live a comfortable life” – Howl (Howl’s Moving Castle)

Those are just a few of my favorites. I'm discounting so many other books and quotable quotes from real people. 

 

Well, your favorite quotes may not be as random in thought as to mine, but they all have a significant place  They may be words of encouragement, words of frustration, words of curses.

Words have power. They can bless, or curse. Encourage, or disgrace. Give life, or death. I remember some things I’ve said that were good, and bad. Some of the words have given the strength for others to keep on the good fight. Some words I have spoken has given frustration. Some words I have said have broken hearts. And yes, I have had a fair share of words that were given to me that made me feel like conquering the world and also experienced some words that crushed my soul and heart. Some verses in the Bible focus on the power of words and I would like to share a few of them:

Matthew 15:18

But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.

Proverbs 12:18

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

As I close this I pray that we watch the words that we say. And when we get lost on what to say or are tempted in saying something nasty, pray about it!

Oh, another line to close this:

“Oh, I've chosen my words carefully, Persian. Perhaps you should have done the same.” –Leonidas (300)

Hehe. Have a blessed day!

The busyness, sacrifices, and hopes

I’ve been busy with too many things so that I can actually get things rolling correctly. It’s funny, and not, that I have lost track of time and I had to check if it was still Thursday.  Because of all the sacrifices that I’ve made just to make both ends meet, delaying self-gratification and other pursuits, I can say, I’m struggling. I haven’t felt this way since when but I’ve never felt it run this long.

Some days I go hungry, lately I feel like I’ve been lacking so much. Some days I feel lonely. And other days, very lonely.

On a discussion with a close friend on the way home we were analyzing how amazing God’s grace and love has been upon us, even when we had to share a stick of banana q when we had nothing but enough to buy one, without the conviction of turning to God during those days. God has been very good to me even when I did not spend time for Him when I was doing very well back in my old profession.

I admit I do miss the days when I’ve had my hands filled. Money to buy the things I want without blinking an eye, to enjoy dining in different places, those little adventures which I wasn’t too fond of, the gaps of my hand filled with caring hands, sweet nothings whispered and whispered to, and all the other fun stuff. It’s when to have felt, tasted, and experienced, then taken away, is yearned. But all that is nothing. The superficial, regardless of its temporal attributes, are nothing. All that I have had was nothing, because I did not involve God.

It is a great reminder that God is always there through thick and thin. No matter if He was in the center or not. And as a father to child, this season is another season of learning. I can say now that I am, more, closer to Him because I’ve realized that I am truly nothing without Jesus. But Father, I pray that the hunger I have, be it for food, for that apartment and art studio, that car, the gadgets, not just a girlfriend but a wife, a comfortable life, a stronger relationship with You, and all that I can ask or imagine, be filled. And may whatever plans I am working on be aligned to Your will. So with everyone who may have browsed through this post.

The challenge is to lively, like that treat I had myself with some friends:)

God bless

God may be merciful. But God will not be mocked.

Before I left for the men's Bible study, there was a notification that came up on our ChurchNow fan page on Facebook that was disturbing. A man from Europe (Romania if I’m not mistaken) was posting comments that were abusive. He was using curse words and just trolling his way on the page. My heart and mind was disturbed by it, it brought back memories of being pushed and shoved until I snapped which ended up with fists hurling and screams. I was so tempted to reply but I did not since I did not want to bring out the wrong message. Good thing Stef (you’ve seen her on several pictures on some of my posts) replied and did the appropriate actions (such as report abuse/screenshots) that ended this attack. Then I prayed.

It is common sense that no one wants to be hurt. What I don’t understand is why there are people who just want to attack. Maybe they’ve been hurt before (and they just need a hug or need to be loved) or they just want some attention. Or whatever! However, I also remembered Matthew 5:38-42

 ^38-42"Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

The verses above was what I was thinking of after reading the comments. I still have another cheek for slapping. I will stand and take it. But sometimes when struck there comes shell shock.

On the way to Bible study, I had a conversation in my mind with God on what just happened. Our page isn’t disturbing. There are no crazy posts. What did we do to get that man crazy? Other questions on my reaction also came up. What if I did not control myself and lashed back? Anyway, we were the ones being abused; it would give us every right. Then I remembered: didn’t I pray earlier in the day to be an instrument of peace? Didn’t I pray that we get some noise out so everyone may know that our God is God? Isn’t it a great idea that those who don’t know God actually get to see Him through us?

After the Bible study, which is also another story to tell but for another time, I shared to the group that our page was attacked and Pastor Erick said in his fatherly firm voice that it’s a good sign. People are noticing. Stef also mentioned it. I did think of that too but the emotions that I had were boiling inside wanting to let my inner Hyde come out. I don't like being abused. I don't like being disrespected. I don't like people don't take into consideration what they say. Well, who doesn't?

What struck me as I read the Bible since I needed to still my heart came from Matthew 9:10-13. The verses below are from the Message version:

^10-11Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew's house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus' followers. "What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?"
 ^12-13Jesus, overhearing, shot back, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: 'I'm after mercy, not religion.' I'm here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders." 

Jesus hanged out with sinners. He did not act like them, but he joined them. And people were attracted to Him because He was doing what was right. He did not curse at them nor tell them what to do. He was kind and open towards them.

Maybe the man who attacked us didn’t know any better. Maybe he just wanted some attention. Maybe he just wanted to air out his frustrations on what he cannot accept or did not understand. Maybe we’ll never know why he did it or what his intentions were.

I did pray though that God will be merciful on the man and that he be healed of whatever struggles he may be fighting inside. And that whatever transpired would be an avenue that would lead him to Christ.

I pray that aside from just standing firm, I also watch my emotions during times of trials and that I learn more of the scripture that will gear me better on standing on the truth which is from the Bible.

I just love how Stef said the right words on the attack.

 

“God may be merciful. But God will not be mocked.”

Stand firm on what you believe in, respect one another, and do unto others as you wish others to do unto you. God bless and Happy, um, Friday? or Saturday? :)

365 Day Challenge Day 2

Day 2 for the 365 Day Challenge on experiencing grace.

Jesus loves the little (makulit and hyper hehe) children. Here's a photo from the exhibit I was part of in the Art Center of MegaMall for Holy week

365 Day Challenge Day 1

Well, I should've started on Thursday since the challenge was brought up on ChurchNOW on Wednesday  but I didn't know how to start until a friend of mine started posting. There may be some entries that are redundant and there may be times that I may miss out on some days. So this is to start it all up. Well, Day 1 starts yesterday hehe.

Gift of friendship. You may be crazy, reserved, quiet, or loud. It's great to see Jesus in them.

ChurchNOW! March 21!

We're going public on Jesus! Join the campaign!

Make yourself available tonight and bring friends and colleagues!
TONIGHT / MARCH 21 / 7pm
McDonlads Greenbelt

FREE! Coffee and Pastries!

I'm not exempted :p

I should've placed "Reserved"

I’m happy to have slept six hours (which was done thru an “installment” basis) yesterday however what’s keeping me up now is a funky tummy.

ChurchNOW!

Do swing by McDonald's Greenbelt 1 in Makati for our two times a week midweek service (every first and third Wednesday)! Coffee and pastries to be served! Plus it's the first episode of "Christianity on Steroids"(January 18) where Vince and I will share! See you!

The day isn't over yet

and I just snapped after my birthday staple gun broke, leaving me with an unfinished stretched canvas

If this is the first time you’ve visited this site I’d like to apologize that this isn’t a happy post.

I’ve been a bit edgy the past few days. This is definitely not one of those days where I could just sing and shout and turn around my feelings and be all happy about. When I am troubled, give me a few minutes and I’ll be ok. I’m a point A to point B person: if I want something done I will do it, and I will burn myself out if I want it done. But most of the times it takes several points to get to the destination.

Merry Christmas!

Ow Christmas is coming up! I hope everyone is having a grand time! Last year my sister spent her Christmas with the future in-laws and she mentioned that there was this huge Christmas tree that had this song playing on the background:

For unto us, a child is born
Unto us, a Son is given
Unto us, a Son is given
Unto us, a child is born
A child is born
A child is born
Unto us, a child is born
Unto us, a child is born

For unto us, a child is born
And the government shall be upon His shoulder
And his name shall be called Wonderful
And his name shall be called Counselor
The king of kings
The everlasting Father
The Prince of Peace

 

 

If you've been part of a choir or if you're familiar with Christmas carols and cantatas, you probably started humming or sang as you read the lyrics:)

 

Christmas is about Jesus, not the gifts or anything. Let's remember that:)

God bless and Merry Christmas!

from a Christmas get together with my high school batch mates

Slumbook

It's almost 4 in the morning and I'm wondering if I'll end up having 3 hours of sleep or 12 because of some pills I took to get rid of my stiff neck and colds.

As I got home late from watching my brother in law play the saxophone at the CCP (also hanged out with my sister and the principal dancers of Ballet Philippines), my housemate hands me this slumbook which I haven't encountered one (unless you consider the more individual version of it such as "the book about me") since elementary. Though the questions of this slumbook are simple, it brings out a lot of thoughts on what one should/can share to another even if that person is really close.

How personal can one be to another? Well, I suppose it depends on how comfortable you are with the person you're opening up to. We have our biases on who we wish to share our deepest darkest secrets to.: be it to a select few or to the whole public. This makes me wonder about how open my life should be to others. Then again, I remember the verse Luke 8:17 where "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open."

How open can or should I be with this slumbook? I'll try to be as open as I should. The questionsn of the book are funny and some (or a few) are serious. Answering some of the questions no matter how simple and fun they are can get a person like me over thinking on the history of my answers. Yes I know, the past is past. There are things though I'd rather forget, but those were life learned lessons. I may learn more about myself in the process!

There goes the Simbang Gabi bells tolling. I'll answer this when I get up. Good night and good morning everyone:)

At the End of the Day

At the end of the day. That was a line I learned several years ago when I was in the BPO industry. That line was used so many times by so many people that I ended up using it too.

Praying Hands + 12 Noon Prayer

Albrecht Durer's style and works amaze me. There are so many art works he made that make me go wow, like his watercolor work of a hare and his woodcut of the Four Horsemen. I bet you've seen the "praying hands" he made and probably heard its story. But here's the story in case you didn't know:)

Living in an Ark

At the cozy apartment of Reinier, we tackled the life of Noah today. Remember that guy who built the boat (which seemed like a floating coffin)? He was a man who did what God asked him to do. He was the guy who should be given royalty for Nike’s “Just Do It” line.

He is faithful to complete + I will serve the Lord

The Promise (Art by Nino Herandez inspired by Deuteronomy 8:7-9)

I attended two Sunday services. Word International in the morning and Word for the World in the afternoon.

Help the kiddies get new shoes!

It's the time of the year when we may have enough to help someone! Here's one way to do just that as explained by a good friend! Check the link! http://godspotted.com/2011/11/help-these-kids-walk-proud-this-christmas/