Your Grace is ENOUGH

Too many days have passed since I last got to write a post -- and I feel awful. Spring is almost here (snowed AGAIN this morning -- YEY) and for university students? That means TERM PAPERS AND FINAL EXAMS are all underway.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 reads:

give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Easier said than done, believe me, I know! BUT. It's not that hard when you see how God actually brings you through it.

I am in university, and have been here for about a year now (well, I had two years back in the Philippines and now it's my first year university in Canada) and I can honestly say?

I HAVE NOTHING TO BRAG ABOUT -- "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness." (2 Cor. 11:30)

If I were to show you my grades right now, I won't be kidding -- they're STELLAR. But, I can honestly say IT'S ALL A PRODUCT OF GRACE.

Okay, so you might think this as false humility? But let me tell of how the story has been recently.

I'm taking a Political Science course this term, and since I've only been in Canada for about 8 months, I KNOW NOTHING OF CANADIAN POLITICAL STUFF -- yes, even the current events related stuff. I have no idea why I'm in this class, but it's already past the deadline for dropping courses, so I have to live with it.

We have to write a term paper for that class, and as expected, all the topics are specifics on anything Canadian. None of the essay questions made sense to me, except for the one that seemed broad enough -- one on Economic Inequality. So I went with that.

I thought I was all set. But boy, was I ever wrong. Days passed and I still couldn't get my head around the topic. It was too alien to make any sense to me. AND YES. I am such a lazy kid. Research should have solved my problems right? But I had this idea that there's too much to know about and too little time? So I was more tired thinking about it than actually doing it.

Yes, you've guess it -- I MISSED MY DEADLINE.

Well, technically, I did not miss it. I went to my professor on the day of submission and told him I could not submit my paper in-class that day -- after staring at a blank Miscrosoft Word screen till 3am, I decided to give up.

I kept praying, but I wasn't hoping for much; I know it's my fault, these are the consequences of my actions.

The next turn of events blew my mind -- my professor was all kind and accommodating, and he did NOT force me to submit. He gave me until Saturday 5pm to submit my paper (the deadline was Wednesday 10am, in-class). Moreover? There's supposed to be a 5% penalty for EVERY day late, BUT he spared me from that, he gave me a FLAT 5% deduction for being 3 days late! To add? He even helped me with where my paper was going!!!

Forget mountains, my God moves deadlines!

For all my university life, if not my WHOLE life -- academia or otherwise, God has been so gracious to me. I've always told my friends: I'm God's needy baby.

I'm a cry-baby who's so dependent on His father -- way too dependent at times. My stellar grades? Are really all just products of His grace. I do not work as hard as I should be, and I feel the consequences of that; but He's never let me down -- especially when I DO NOT EVEN DESERVE TO BE HELD UP.

GRACE

It really is UNDESERVED FAVOR.

Nothing spells SALVATION more than GRACE and LOVE.

God loves us SO much, He gave us love SO UNDESERVED, we can only vaguely call it "grace."

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Cor. 12:9)

If I were to detail here how many times HIS GRACE came through for me in my 19years of existence? Wordpress would overload and I'd have to skip school for the next 38years -- spending two years writing for every year I lived.

God has really been gracious enough for me to even know of this and recognize His handy work.

The idea that God has a plan? And we just have to trust in His faithfulness? Are all too cliche to use to console people -- CLICHE BUT DEFINITELY TRUE.

You make all things work together for MY good.

I was casually browsing some comic videos on YouTube, and this appeared on the Suggested Videos panel



In the middle of the video, until the end, they kept repeating:

"You make, ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR MY GOOD."

It's a coverage of a concert, so there were a LOT of repeats -- which, I could just hear God telling me: "You hear that son?"

Just as I was listening to it, I was reading my friend's blog: Believing the Unbelievable, with a post titled God's Plans vs. Mine. I won't be copying her whole post here, and I won't be giving much comments either. I believe her words are more than enough encouragement on how much God loves us to have anything LESS THAN PERFECT planned for us.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart; but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."-(Proverbs 19:21)

My plans are no match compared to God's plans for me. I'm actually excited for what God has in store for me for this season of my life. He's really a God full of surprises! He just surprised me yesterday that because of what happened,I might have to start my own clothing line already!AMAZING AND INDESCRIBABLE GOD.His right time is always perfect!Praying for it to happen if it is His will!In Jesus Name!:D All I can say is that we should not go before God, because we are nothing without Him in front of us.Don't let God follow us, we should be the ones following Him.OUR PLANS ARE NOTHING WITHOUT GOD IN OUR HEARTS.

I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. [8] The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever---do not abandon the works of your hands.-(Psalm 138:2,8)
These words helped me a lot last night!:">

-- Louie Yao

So many things are still swirling around my head right now, some are even trying to cloud over my heart -- BUT I refuse to stand down and let them overcome me. I don't need to worry about tomorrow, my future, what it holds, and how I'm gonna get there -- ALL I SHOULD BE WORRYING ABOUT IS HOW I CAN OBEY HIS EVERY COMMAND. He promised to bring us through, and He promised to be working in us until the day He comes back.

"God just reminded me that HE WILL NEVER EVER ABANDON ME!:) -- Louie Yao"

"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? ... Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matt. 6:27;34)

Obedience is a constant choice we have to deal with EVERYDAY; we have enough trouble struggling to obey God FULLY today to even start worrying about Tomorrow. God holds my tomorrow; He has new commands for me to follow tomorrow -- I just have to take the commands a day at a time, and obey them fully through the power of His Holy Spirit.

I'll trust Your Heart

Was reading something off Tumblr, and these words jumped at me:

Life is not easy at times and we find ourselves having a difficult time with just running through the motions but that’s okay.

This morning, well afternoon actually, I woke up with a heavy heart. I don't really understand why, but I knew I was feeling something wrong -- either emotionally or spiritually -- something was just WRONG.

I tried praying, I tried seeking Him, but that downtrodden feeling of being overwhelmed by an inexplicable sadness and discontent still lingered. I did a very short and quite rushed devotion. He gave me John 16:33, the verse was familiar, so I just browsed through it and went on with my day.

Went to choir practice after, Mandarin Choir practice, still feeling heavy and unattached. We were practicing a cantata for Easter -- No Greater Love, in Mandarin of course. Then we practiced some songs to be sung for the next few Sundays, and since Lent is already underway, the songs were mostly about the Cross. I sang mindlessly. My Chinese has become rusty, so I was having a hard time following the lyrics; I focused on the notes, but the way people around me sang just keeps throwing me off. I was distracted to say the least. I saw EVERYTHING that could make me go crazy and act up -- all the while missing His love signals.

Got home, had dinner, and defaulted to surfing -- that's when I read a friend's Tumblr post.

I realized, I wasn't sad, I wasn't depressed -- I was tired. Tired of the mundane, or at least of the "regular." It was a constant up and down, a never ending cycle of being in peace and bliss and crashing into sin, disappointment and despair. I don't think I'm moving forward -- I think I'm just going through the motions.

So when I was reading my friend's post, I just had to show her this video:

It was my go-to song when trying to encourage people who just can't seem to find purpose in their Christian walk. So obviously, I had to listen to it again. That's when He made me realize that I am just really tired.

The world is not where we're supposed to be -- we're SAINTS -- citizens of Heaven, consequently, aliens on earth. It's tiring to live somewhere you're not at home in, it's tiring to be waiting on when you can return home, and it's definitely tiring to be battling all the time and not always winning.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

I took a second look at the verse He gave me this morning, and I noticed the words I skipped over -- Peace, Overcome the world.

I realized, all this hoopla of being discouraged and all was just my humanity acting up on the fact that I am still IN WAITING. Nothing much has changed since I posted about Waiting; I still am dealing with waiting. It was crazy of me to just write about it and forget about the things I wrote -- things He told me to help me deal with waiting.

I am tired. Yes. I am starting to be discouraged. Definitely. I have no idea where I'm going, and what progress (if any) I'm making. Sure.

BUT!

All these should NEVER be enough reason for me to stop SEEKING and drawing CLOSER to Him.

Just moments ago, I received a reply from a church mate. I emailed him last night to share with him my post on waiting, after hearing his sharing on how he's dealing with God and waiting on Him. His reply reads:

Thanks Ivan! Encouraging post, it helps to know someone else is going through the same thing.

Yea just have to be patient. See you at church!

Yes, PATIENCE. Funny how the most fundamental and basic lesson in waiting is the lesson I forgot! Maybe I deliberately did that, I've always been afraid of the word -- PATIENCE.

God is love, and His love is unfailing. Through His love, we are saved -- and by His love, we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS. Sure, the world gets me down, I get tired, I feel crazy, BUT, I have to exercise PATIENCE. It's all part of His plan -- a plan focused on LOVE FOR ME.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

"So when you don't understand, when you don't see His plan, when you can't trace His hand, TRUST HIS HEART."

Faithful? You don't know the half of it!

Recently, I've really been passionate about writing here. It's just that He's been revealing a LOT to me, and so I keep writing.

A lot of times, I'd be struggling with something, and the moment He shows me the way out, I write about it!

But, as I've been repeating countless times: even as saints, we still are human. This prodigal saint has his share of humanity too -- school work. I don't like it, but I have to do it. Deadlines and exams are piling up, and I just don't want to do them.

My weekend starts every Thursday -- yup, I'm one of those college dudes that have long weekends EVERY week. So when the weekend kicks in, I go into vacation-mode. From Thursdays to Sundays, I'll be at church everyday for choir practice, fellowships, etc. I feel like it's summer when Thursdays come by. So when Monday comes along, all my work piles up on me.

For the past few days, I've been very tired. There are things God is changing within me, there are things I do for His church, there's stress with rehearsals for an Easter Cantata, and then there're school work -- I have to deal with all of these. It's not a fun feeling to be burdened down by all these.

I find myself struggling to just focus on Him and that all I do is for Him. Sadly, staying focus isn't my only problem: when you're down and tired, it's when Satan tries his best to fill you with lies.

"Pst. PSSSST! Hey, you! What are you doing? Praying again? You actually think He's going to help you? PLEASE! Wake up! He's a narcissistic God, He'll only care about Himself! Can't you see? He's getting you involved in all these services you do for Him. You're keeping a blog for His glory, you're in the choir three times a week -- you're spending way too much time in church when you're supposed to be studying. When has He even helped you with your studies, huh? Does He care? NO! Wake up! You're not His son, you're His slave! He won't be helping you, look, you have tons of papers due -- good luck with that!"

The devil taunts me to let go of God's unfailing love. He's filling my head with doubt. I struggled. It's hard to think straight when you're emotionally unstable. But by God's grace, I was still able to pray. I sent the devil away, and surrendered in prayer. Nothing has changed, I still have deadlines and exams, I'm still tired; but who cares, I'll just lift it up to Him.

So today, I just finished writing my history midterm. Also, today I handed in my history paper which was a day late. I did the paper on the night of the submission day, finished it at around 4AM the next day. So when I handed in my midterm exam, my professor smiled at me and said: "Your paper was great!" I didn't pay her much attention, I was tired from writing an exam for two hours -- it was at the end of my day, and I had a whole day of classes and I only got to review in between classes, I was just glad to get it over with. She handed me my paper, which she just graded, and first thing I saw was (- 2%) on my title page. I knew that, so I went out of the room and stopped by the stairs to read through her comments.

I was feeling exited, I don't know why. But when I got to the last page this met my eyes: "91" I GOT AN A+! (The original grade was a 93, and it came with "I don't usually give A+!")

I could actually hear God saying to me: "What did I tell you? Just trust in Me!"

He actually saw me through! And NO! He did not just care about His ministry, HE LOVES ME! He's taking care of me, He knows my every need, and He's my FAITHFUL HEAVENLY FATHER who'd ALWAYS SEE ME THROUGH!

I walked to the bus stop giggling and smiling all the way -- I think people might have though I was crazy or something. I don't care! I was walking on sunshine, He just dispelled all my doubts and my cares.

What's even sweeter? He did not need to do that! He was God! I am a servant, He does not need to prove anything to me! But in His love? He did so. He really is the God of love -- LOVE Himself. He is just the SWEETEST! ♥

"The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

OH YES HE IS! AND YES HE WILL!

Oh God, :')

Psalm 91:4-5 "He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day." ******* Saw this in my mail today, and well, a picture is worth a thousand words. :)

Princesses~ =)

It was said in the Bible that we Christian are all BROTHERS and SISTERS in Christ right?
And that we are all HEIRS and HEIRESSES to out Lord's Kingdom right?

So that makes us all royalty!! haha (I am starting to sound cornier and cornier!)

And here are some of my "princesses", co-heirs to God's kingdom~ =)


Princess Luna
The moon! We usually identify ourselves as descendants(?) of the dark side of the moon! haha. She's a new Christian, but is doing real great. One time the other princesses were doing something that aren't really Christian like. And it was Luna who was really burdened to awaken them~ Her feelings are usually like that of the moon... One side is kept hidden. But despite that? She's as "true" as a friend can be.

Princess of Smiles
This princess smiles too much! =) And is very vocal of her emotions. Like Luna, this princess is a new Christian, and is really doing great! Recently she just suffered from a huge break-up, and since then? She learned that nothing helps more than trusting God~ Now? She's the one who always reminds us to trust God and cling on to Him! It may seem as though its always her who shares her problems, but don't be fooled! She's a great friend to turn to when you need someone to console with~

Princess Rhythm
This princess is a natural in the world of arts!! =) From sketching to drawing to painting and even to dancing! The most mature of all the princesses. Usually the one who reminds everyone when we go astray. But she does have some issues, and that's why we're here~ She may seem stubborn to most, but the truth is? She's ALL EARS! =) She listens well~ =) And a strong support whenever you need one!


Princess Princess
Always jolly and very seldom seem in gloom! If you need a friend who would "ride" with all your stories, jokes and "what-nots"?? She's the princess you go to!! =) And just like all the other three?? She knows how to love and give importance to her friends. Always there when you need someone to just be there and laugh your hearts out with! =)

I really am thankful for them! =)
And you know what?
WE noticed one thing...
With all the things that we are going through? We are staying strong together... because??

WE HAVE GOD!

WE cling to Him as a group~ And of course individually~ He's the center of our relationship, like all relationships should be! =)

TO MY PRINCESSES!! =)
Guys~ Labyuuu all! =)
Thanks for always being there for me~ =)
God bless~ =)

Mes Amis (My Friends)

Well I believe my life hasn't really been anything less than an "open book" to almost everyone. (or at least the part of me about my friends) So here, here's a little something to...

1. Thank my friends for being there for me, and providing me with their "special magic" that's uniquely special to each of 'em.

2. TELL THE WORLD who my friends are! And "BRAG" about them~ hahahah

But I won't really be enumerating my friends here one-by-one, all I would do is mention those who have really made an impact on me, and I would do that by utilizing "symbolism" XD yay!

here goes!
[NOTE : all pronouns are in GENERIC MASCULINE so as not to reveal who they really are, for i believe they already know who THEY are~]

Lluvia (rain) - Recently, I've noticed that I had this fascination for "rain" (rain as in the form of precipitation), whenever it rains, I am happy, it uplifts me! Despite the fact that it also makes things hard for me (like me getting drenched, too cold, etc. basically the usual annoyance rains bring). And just like the rain? This friend of mine really makes me happy, in spite of all the troubles we go through~ And I really appreciate this friend of mine, he does things that are REALLY out of his way, and even out of his character, just because he knows it would make me happy. By all means, I wouldn't want to lose this friend~

Viento (wind) - This friend of mine is really like the wind. He's always there even if it seems like he isn't. And just when I am about to fall? He softens my fall, or even prevents it! He's always there JUST in time! He never fails to give me that "knock" on the head whenever I need it. He gives me enough advices to keep me going (both in my Christian life and my life in general)! And just like the wind, he "howls" when he needs me, and I like being needed~ =)

Tierra de tierra (earthen ground) - This friend of mine I associate with the "Earth" (not the planet, but the earth we're stepping on, the "ground"). He's, just like the earth, always there to support me. Though he is as weak as me, he still makes it a point to be there for me to lean on. And just like the earth that absorbs in all the rain? This friend of mine is there whenever I need to cry~ He's there for me, we cry a LOT together~

Étoile (star) - Why star? Well, because we both didn't expect to be there for each other, but we see each other often... Like how we see the stars. And this friend of mine has guided me through A LOT! Just like the star that silently follows and does its best to light you way with everything its got, my friend does that too! And why star? Not just any light? Because as we all know, stars are balls of flames, and flames mean warmth... This friend has never failed to show me and give me the warmth I need, just when I need it!

Oleada (Billow) - To those who don't know, billow is another term for "wave" ~ Hm.. This friend of mine is just like the billows at sea! Who here has experienced playing at the beach and did not have fun with the waves? None right? (or probably REAL few~) This is why my friend I call BILLOW, he is SO fun to be with. You'd both be laughing like there's no tomorrow! But just like the waves, this friend of mine, at times, would cause me to slip and fall. Yup, there are times when we unknowingly hurt each other. (It is, after all, part of every friendship~) Those are the times when the waves just knock you down. But he would never drown me! =) Also, isn't it surprising how the waves can carry ships and other large vessels? Well, this friend of mine has sure have had her share of "carrying me through troubled waters", and just like the wind? This "Wave" of mine never fails to "drench" me in God's word~ =)

Vapeur (Vapor) - This friend I can say I have known the L O N G E S T! He has been with me for.... 11years!! (and to think that I'm only 16~) Why vapor? Well, the vapor is, like the wind, seldom seen. For 11 years we have had our fair share of ups and downs, and there are times when it just seems like we are alone. But nonetheless, we always got through! Just enough amount of vapor could neutralize the temperature around you! Same is true with this friend of mine! Just a "little bit" of him would be enough to calm me down, and just help me relax~ And after all the "vapor" brings about rain right? Well, at this VERY MOMENT, this "vapor" of mine is helping get my "rain" back~ =)


Well, as most of you might know... I have a lot more friends... and I've only given a few... That's because these are the ones whom I REALLY WANT TO SHOW DEEP APPRECIATION TO.

To Vapeur, Oleada, Étoile, Tierra de tierra, Viento and Lluvia...

THANKS A LOT! =) THANK GOD I FOUND YOU!

And as for those whom I haven't mentioned... It doesn't mean that I don't appreciate you...=) Its just that at this moment? These friends mentioned above are those that I REALLY want to show deep gratitude to~ =) You'd have your time... =)

JYSC! =)

Most of you might've already heard, read or just plainly know about JYSC. Well, for those who don't it's a "Bible Camp" during summers. This year it's named "JYSC" (Joint Youth Summer Camp) because this year they joined the college and the high school students in one summer camp! =) And thus I was out for a week! =) And boy! Was it fun! =) And it was really spiritually, mentally, emotionally and spiritually recharging! =) I'm not really into details now. =) And quite sleepy. (Well, for 1 whole week, we were actually "trained" to be in bed by 10:30pm, so roughly by this time we are already preparing for bed.)

*yawns..

Nightz'

FINALLY! =)

FINALLY!
THANKFULLY!
I can use the computer again!!!! =)

I skipped quite a number of days as you can see...
Well, I slacked for 2 days =.=
And then after that, I got banned from computer.
Yeah, just got the permission last night. =)

As for the details of my being banned. They'll be here... Tomorrow? Saturday? Not really sure. =) But I will post it! =) I wrote it down you know... Hand-written. =)

Anyways, yesterday... Chiz came home fresh from Aussie!! =) haha, and as usual... We bonded at her crib for almost half a day. And I guess that's that. =) Nothing to elaborate on. =)

*Yawn...

It's getting late, and surprisingly I AM already sleepy. .....zzzzz.....

I'm going to try and make up for my "incompetence" haha =)
NightieNights! =)

Rain, rain, not again...

For some reasons after a LONG time... It RAINED! =) Well, I am supposed to be happy ain't I? But the thing here is... WRONG TIMING!

It started pouring at around 3 in the afternoon (GMT +8) and did it pour! It was really raining cats and dogs awhile ago.

Actually, my "timetable" has already been planned. After waking up at 12:58pm , I had the following "actions" arranged.

1. Play for 3 hours. 3 hours only because:

• My mom limits my use of the computer to only 3 hours.
• Counting 3 hours from 1:00pm, means I'll be finished by 4pm, and I have an engagement at 5, so leaving the house at around 4:15 - 4:20 (I need about 15minutes preparations, including all the unnecessary delays.) would just give me ample travel time.

2. Be prepared to leave the house AT LEAST by 4:30pm
3. Be at school/church (Its one and the same.) by 5pm to be on-time for rehearsal.

Apparently though, the rain got in the way. (Actually, I think I have to refer to it as a storm already.) It rained SO hard, that I can actually hear the rain drops hitting our roof! And since my mom was out with my sister (The latter had piano lessons so my mom had to bring her there.) and so I have to use public transport to get to school. Which included quite a lot of walking, so I had to wait for the rain to seize for me to actually be able to walk outside.

It stopped, but not completely, now the drops are really tiny, at around 4:20pm , so I had to rush my "before-going-out-preparations", and ended up ending at around 4:30pm. I went out, and I rode the PUJ (Public Utility Jeepney) and for some reasons, I sort of reached the train terminal at 5pm! I was like... "WHAT?!"

And so there, as expected... I was late. And to top that? My shorts really got dirty from all the mud.
(I left the house with a shirt, shorts and my slippers. And so since the rain left the roads muddy, my slippers kind of "sprinkled" mud on my shorts as I walked.) And my feet was no better.

*Sigh... What A Day!

But actually, I am some what thankful for that downpour. Well, since it was raining I got to "extend" the activity that I was currently engaged in, playing! Which resulted to some other things. Here's a list of things I thank God for sending the rain for. (Whoa! A lot of "for's"...LOL)

1. I got to play some more!
2. I knew I was going to be late despite my "timetable" and so the rain sort of provided a nice "excuse" for me. =)
3. Since I got to play a bit more (Well, I was playing an MMORPG then BTW.) I was able to get to know one of my playmates better.

Lesson:
Things happen for a purpose, and things could really work out for you. You just have to learn to look at them from a different perspective.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. -Romans 8:28 (NKJV) "

Learn to be thankful for everything. And always face the day with a smile, and even start it in the same way. They say, the secret to a successful life, is all in "right attitude". So smile! =)

MMORPG - Massively Multi-player Online Role-Playing Game. Basically an RPG that's online and can be played by a lot of players/people.
*Check previous posts for description of RPG

PUJ (Public Utility Jeepney) - Most commonly known as "Jeepney" or "Jeep" . Its the most common public transport in the Phil. They were originally made from US Military Jeeps left over from WWII and are now well-known for their flamboyant decorations. They have also become a symbol of Philippine culture.

ooops.

Wah! =( I am supposed to be updating my blog daily, but due to time constrains, it seems like today's (a.k.a April 29, 2008) post would be dated as tomorrows, since its already 12:30am....

Anyways, here's what's for 29!
And YUP, I will also be posting tomorrow, ergo today. =)

April 29, 2008

Sleep

Yeah, sleep... I slept 14hrs! Apparently my body knew that I didn't actually have anything planned for today and so it kind of ensured that I get back on my sleep.

Happy Birthday Friend!!!

HAPPY 17th BIRTHDAY MAE!

Mae Chan Li turns 17 today! =)
Love you Mae! =)

You really are special, something that we are blessed with! Stay the same! And thanks for all those times we've spent together, I know there are quite a lot of times that we both are busy with "work" and our other friends, but despite that you still are always there for me! THANKS A LOT!!! =)

Death
I was supposed to actually have been able to post on-time. But as I was using the computer a while a go (about 10:40++ pm), my mom asked me to accompany her. We went to La Funeraria Paz a.k.a Araneta Paz. The grandmother of one of my batch mate and friend died. (Ryan Yu)

And it just got me thinking, we humans really don't have a say in our lives do we? Whatever we do, it has its limitations pre-set already, even before we begin. We are very limited, whether it be our strength, our emotional and mental capacities, and most especially our life. We don't know when this ends. We have the slightest notion of our future. The list goes on and on, but I'm afraid I'd better stop here, for if I continue it might already offend others, at the same time, I might sound so "emo" =)

Lesson:
Sleeping is good, but everything in excess is always bad. =) [generally that is]
Its always good to have friends who are there just when you need them, not just when they are available or when they "need" you.
Life is uncertain, but it doesn't mean that its all bad. We still can work some things out, and as I have said before, hoping is never a bad thing. =) Again, caution though on hoping too much.

Malfunction?!

Its really annoying! The fact that I seem to have this writing sickness that somewhat sets a parameter on my pieces. I mean as far as I can remember, I have been blogging like this, like "boring" this.

So far? I can't seem to let go of the usage of "apparently", "currently", "some what", etc! Haven't you seen?

Its really depressing! Knowing that as a writer, instead of improving, I'm stagnant! Not to mention the fact that I feel like before being stagnant, I even stepped back a little.

*sigh...

People has always been saying that the way I write is usually very "flowery". Too flowery, as some may put it. But I... I don't really know.

I think its no secret, the fact that I actually envy Chiz's way of writing. She has the ability of disposing pompous words without having the slightest notion of being a "know-it-all".

I want that, but I guess the more I try... The worst I become.

I feel like a broken recorder. You know. One that ALWAYS repeats the same thing again and again. No matter how many times you try to have it change the way it does things, you never succeed. I feel so trapped. Its as if I'm to stay in this repetitive event that never seems to be over. The feeling that no matter what you do, and how you do them... They always come out the same. I feel powerless.

So much for that... (I guess)

I really would like to , like Chiz. blog about my day. But I guess its just not me to do so. I can't seem to find the right words, nor the right way of stating the events. You may say that writing is really a free form type of art. But still, it has standards, mostly? Standards I impose on myself. And one of the greatest disappointment one can face it having yourself dissatisfied with yourself, failing yourself.

So I guess, its better this way then... I'll just try to enumerate them! HAHA =)

Today:
1. Was at Monique Gaw's house early morning. Yep! Real EARLY! (7:00++am)
2. Went to Makati (with Monique) , to Chemworld to be exact, and attended a seminar on Perfume making.
Yey! I now know how to make perfumes! =) And they actually allow you to be about to make perfumes that smell exactly like those commercial ones! =) Namely? D&G, Bvlgari, Lacoste, Paris Hilton. ETC! =)
[NOTE: Message me if interested =)]
3. Instead of buying stuffs for perfume business. We settled for scented soaps instead! Easier, cheaper, and much much more SALABLE! =) And we went to her house to actually start the "soap scenting".
4. Apparently (see? here I go again...) after all those,
I had to rush to school for choir rehearsal. And since my day was really jam packed, (We walked A LOT btw... me and Monique) I was sweating BULLETS! And I think at that time, I really smelled awful already. So, being far from home, I had to turn to my ever so reliable friend Chiz! Since I didn't really want people backing away from me right? So I called her up, and asked if she could spare me a shirt, and she did! =) She even gave it to me! If only I had time, I would've showered off... But I was really running late, so I just went to.... HEY! I don't really think I have to share these do I? Anyways, to make the short story even shorter, I mad it to choir practice smelling & feeling fresh! =) (though the shirt was a little tight)

Lessons:
Friends , TRUE friends I mean, are really a BIG BIG BIG help! Never ever underestimate a friend!
And you're never TOO young nor TOO old to be an entrepreneur.

If THERE's A WILL... WAYS CAN BE FOUND! =)

Q&A

#1

Given the fact that you are the head of an organization, what would you do in case you propose a plan for the betterment of all and the people strongly against it is majority of your subordinates.

#2

Back in the medieval ages, churches would commission crusades to regain possession of or to protect the Holy Land. In a modern day setting, suppose you're a crusader and the school would be the Holy Land. Does it need to be regained or just protected? From what or from who?

#3

Let’s say that a friend of yours is busy with projects of a certain committee, club, org., etc. And for the past week you have been the one ensuring that he gets notes from classes that he missed and a regular update on when exams are and their coverage, being a good friend that you are. Now, there came a day wherein you had an exam and you forgot to inform him beforehand thus he fails. He now blames you for this and says that you're an irresponsible and an unreliable friend, what do you do?

#4

"With great power comes great responsibility." Relate this famous Spiderman quotation to the reality that students are burdened with a lot of responsibilities.

#5

Is it important to have a leader or a head in an institution (e.g. clubs, schools, etc.)? Why? And what does it take to be one.

#6

Complete the sentence: "If the school were a flower it would be____________, because____________; and I would be its_____ because__________.

#7

"Mind over matter." Do you think this saying would also be applicable in a relationship? How? Or Why not?

#8

In a relationship, is pain enough reason to let go? Why? Or Why not?

#9

If given the chance to be in total control of the school (without any limit to your prowess), what would you do?

#10

"The early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese" Explain the saying and relate it to your life as...

a) A person

b) A student

c) A lover

#11

The factor theorem states that if P(r) = 0 then x-r is a factor of P(x). Now, if you were to be P(x) what D(x) would be a "sure-shot" factor as to why you are who you are right now. Why?

#12

How would you relate the fact that some English words have silent letters to your life?

#13

If you were to be stuck on a dessert island, who would you bring with you and why. (You are allowed to bring 3 persons only)

#14

Is letting go a sign of valor? Or of "coward-ness"? Why?

#15

Is loving someone enough reason to force yourself into him? Why?

#16

(Insert Trigo/Geom postulates/definitions (preferably)/theorems here) Now, with your definition of love, is love congruent to pain? Why?

#17

In Speech, enunciation is very vital as it can change the meaning of a word with just careless syllabication or wrong stress. In our everyday lives, what do you think is as vital as enunciation when it comes to expressing oneself?

#18

In a competition, there is always a winner and a loser. Now, what do you think is the "three" most important aspects in a competition?

#19

Suppose you're in a group and something went wrong. You clearly know that it’s your leader's incapability that caused it, but as you leader reports to your teacher, he makes it sound as if he's the innocent one, leaving you as suspects. And worst comes to worst, your teacher believed him, what do you do?

#20

In the story of "Adam and Eve”, who do you believe deserves the blame? Why?

These were the question I prepared for our school's "Muse and Escort Competition".
Sadly, they were ALMOST not used... (long story)
Luckily though... On the day of the competition, the head of the Committee in charge of the said even was not pleased with the questions they were supposed to be using... And thus asked me to RUN to the nearest Comp. Shop just to get these questions printed... Hahahahaha
It was really fun...!!! Just when I thought my efforts were in vain, when I lifted my concerns up to God... He answered!!! But of course, HE was FAIR, to the both of us...
1)ME
2) the one who prepared the other set of questions...
Due to the fact that the Q#16 I made was (as you can see) incomplete, he used one of *her questions

*the person who made the other set of questions...

My God... My Strength... Forever...

When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,
I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before You.

Yet I am always with You;
You hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with Your counsel,
and afterward You will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And earth has nothing I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:21-26

"From this
point onwards... This verse I shall but try to apply... My God, the only
strength I can lean onto when my feebleness strikes. I will but strive hard to
be an instrument for His Glory... And to be able to fulfill my duties as a
friend, a son, and an heir to His eternal
kingdom.... "