Words to Ponder: "It takes discipline and training and a lot of heart to hear what really matters."
-Francis Kong
DECEMBER 1-It's my birthday!
December is one of my favorite months. Why? Not only that I celebrated my 17th birthday last December 1, God’s plans for me are starting to get clearer and clearer as the days pass by. Let me start by revealing to our readers what happen to me for the whole month.
As I’ve said, it was my birthday. I commemorated it only in the house. =( It was an unusual birthday compare to the other birthdays that I had. My dad’s gift was delayed. Well it was cash, how much?, secret... The problem was, he already send it two days before my birthday. More often than not, in the next 24 hours, the money should be here but in the contrary, 2 days had passed, there were no sign of the delivery man. Ah! My patience was really tested. My devotion was about what happened to Job. His faith was tested and yet he didn’t curse God. When I read this, I saw myself as Job. I said to myself that I will not murmur. My mom noticed that sad look on my face, and then out of the blue, she said “Don’t stop praying and don’t murmur. It will be here soon.” That simple advice made my heart and soul shivered. I said to myself, “O come on, stop worrying. God is just testing you. Be optimistic!” In a few hours, I heard a man knocking on the gate, it was the delivery man. I immediately thank God and asked for forgiveness to how I responded to His test. “Sorry Father!”
The first thing that I did to the money was to take 10% of it as tithes. I bought shirts, pants, etc. I also shared my blessings to my mom and sister. How thoughtful! I also expressed my gratitude to my dad. Thanks and love yah dad!!!
I bought a shoe... Nice!
DECEMEBER 3-5, Leadership Summit
I attended a seminar about leadership with kuya Ricky and other schoolmates, December 4, in the Victory Church Festival. Why 3 to 4? I slept in the house of kuya Ricky with kuya Dax (first night), and ate Val (second night). Going back about the leadership, it was entitled “Leadership Summit”. Personally, God spoke to me that day. “It’s time!” I learned a lot of things in this seminar and it helped me to see God’s plan. An old song was then stocked in my head. The lyric goes like this…
In the world full of broken dreams
where the truth is hard to find,
for every promise that is kept
there are many left behind
And though it seems like nobody cares
it still matters what you do
Cause there’s a difference you can make
But the choice is up to you
Will you be the one to answer to His call
And will you stand when those around you fall
Will you be the one
to take his life into a brighter world
Yes I’ll be the one,
Yes I’ll be the one,
I will be the one,
I will be the one!
Through this seminar, God’s calling for me to be a leader became more and more clear (Yes and Amen!). Being a leader is not a simple task. You need to have the passion to be able to surpass all the obstacles on the way. I also learned that we need to have visions in order to see You need to have a vision because it is written,
“Where there is no revelation,
the people cast off restraint…”
-Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)
The song says that God is looking for someone who will put into actions all his plans. Com’ on!!! Yes Lord I will be the one!!!
Victory Church, Alabang
A.P.C. delegates
DECEMBER 6-12, Level-up!!!
This week was so gloomy. All of a sudden I felt emptiness in my heart. Thanks to my ‘spiritual friends’, they helped me to analyzed what was that emptiness. One huge part of the ‘puzzle’ was revealed and that was to be more mature in the kingdom of God. I believe that God doesn’t want us to remain babies. He wants us to grow, to be mature in the way we think, we act, we respond to his word, everything.
Personally, God is preparing me in a higher level but I need to consider some things like what I’ve said, being mature. For example, who doesn’t know how to play super Mario? The first level is so easy because the obstacles are easy, right? But as you go on a higher level, the tests become harder. You won’t go on a certain level without any preparation. Let’s apply it. I believe that God will not give you a test which you cannot handle. You need to prepare yourself because you know that the path will be difficult. On the other side, it feels so wonderful because you know He entrusted you to a bigger and exciting project for his kingdom. If the reader will permit, as Victor Hugo would describe this feeling…
“Omnes gurgites tui et fluctus tui super me transierunt!”*
PICTURES
Here’s the scenario. I brought my dig. camera in the school. I went to the guidance office to spend my spare time. Ms. Jeana, one of the guidance councilors, was fixing Mafe’s hair and then she recall that I brought my dig. camera. At first, Mafe was a bit shy but when Es, but his real name is Estelito, came in and they started to act like a professional models.
A car driving fast in skyway... CooL!!!
nice facade... my school... Asia Pacific College...
waiting for my other classmates at 6th floor...
DECEMBER 17- Confirmation
Pstr. Jossie, one of the back-up singers, and I had a heart to heart conversation. We talked about the plans and goals for the worship ministry next year. I don’t know why, all of a sudden the subject of our talk was me. She started by saying...
“Paul, you have a worshipful heart. I can see you leading the congregation in praise and worship...”
I was speechless after she uttered those words. Before I went to sleep my prayer was…
“…Lord thy will be done on me.”
