It's in the details

Funny how I only notice Sir C who is up front while Riza notices the good-looking guy on the left side of this picture. Do you see him? (I suppose it’s kind of blurry. Visit the Dean’s office to get a clearer view of this picture.) If you don’t look closely, you might miss out on the more beautiful things like this handsome guy right here.

 

So, pay more attention to the details that make your life’s picture more beautiful. Enjoy simple joys and laughter. Live through the pains of everyday life. In the end, just like this picture which forms part of UPVTC history, these simple things become part of you and mold you into who you are.

Pang-ChaBu

Matthew 6:19-23

It's amazing how God can use even our remiss professor to talk of the Gospel.

She was sharing about her tasks as associate dean. She explained to us how, with the powers vested on her current position, she can easily steal cash from the College. She approves, executes and has custody of the College's funds which means she can actually manipulate the records and conceal theft if she'd want to because of weak internal control. She found it extremely tempting, yet, she chose not to do it. According to her, she doubts if she would be able to sleep as soundly. Indeed, peace of mind is more gratifying than money. Integrity is more valuable than money.

In the Gospel today, Jesus wants us to store up on these important values. He wants us to seek real treasures and not those that would be left in this world. The treasures of this world may bring us happiness but the treasure of heaven brings everlasting joy.

 

Matthew 6:24-34

My wallet is totally depleting right now that I'm too close to being broke but God just wants me to trust Him and never worry about how I would survive until I receive my next allowance. Last Tuesday, I smiled in worship as a heart-warming thought came to me. The reason I'm running out of cash was that I spent money on three birthday parties - the first was with my classmates, the second with my housemates and the third with my YFC family. Friendship (three sets of friendship for that matter) is one of the real treasures Jesus spoke of in yesterday's Gospel reading. Although the thought of being almost broke is alarming, there is no need to worry because God will provide.

SWEET 16 @ TWENTY

It’s been two days since my birthday and I do have some thoughts I can’t afford to go unwritten.

Ever since last year, I’ve had near-to- tears moments even days before my birthday. It’s like I can never thank God enough that I just want to burst into tears as I kneel in church or as I say my evening prayer. My birthday prayers are filled with thanksgiving as I look back at everything that happened in my life. I can’t even ask for anything in particular anymore, I just ask for continual blessings knowing that God knows my needs and desires better than I do.

 

My birthday is the only day that I feel really special like I’m somebody. I know it’s pretty childish but it’s more like a manifestation of how happy I am.

I guess to a twenty-year-old (ehem), it’s no longer a day when you can ask for anything you want, but it’s a special day to thank God more than you do any other day. It’s when all the blessings you received are magnified. And that’s what makes the day special. And that’s why I feel special.

A day before my birthday, while on the way to my review class in Palo, I wished I could spend my birthday with people I love. I wish my mother and sister were here to celebrate my birthday with me, but that’s too impractical. Then, my classmates planned a sem-starter party/ birthday celebration and so we went to DWU (night swimming as usual). I wanted a cake for my birthday. Knowing that I’m not getting that from my classmates, I just made sure to buy one for me and Junah (who celebrated her birthday on June 8).

It’s kind of sad to think that my classmates might only remember my birthday because I’m one of the sponsors of the sem starter in June. I don’t like it, really. Any feeling of thankfulness for my presence would have compensated but only Kay expressed her feelings. She thanked me for being a good friend. I know. One of my many flaws is that I want to feel appreciated. Not recognized, just appreciated. I don’t need lengthy public speeches, just warm hugs and simple thanks or even a warm smile would have sufficed. Anyway, maybe they’re just not expressive or maybe we’re just not that close.

However, despite that little tampo, I’d like to thank GPP for sharing many experiences with me, for putting up with my silence and complaints, for making me laugh every now and then. Life in Accounting would have been tougher than it already is if it weren’t for you. You know what they say “Misery loves company.” Hehe.

It’s June 16. Happy birthday Michael June. I had no other plans for the day but to go to church. It’s the one lesson from my father that really stuck in my head. Back to the day before my 15^th birthday (ehem), my mother asked me what I was planning to do on my birthday and I answered, “Just this and that, maybe invite my friends” (of course, I wasn’t speaking in English… duh, awkward… we’re no Conyo family naman, noh). And then my father, as if frustrated with my answer, said in his loud and strict-sounding voice “What do you mean, just this and that? Go to church” (not in English either). That’s when it dawned on me that I didn’t even consider God on my special day. And up to know, I keep that lesson in mind. That’s how I learned to make my birthday about giving thanks to God.

 

 

 

As I was saying, it’s June 16, 2013. I had no other plans but to go to church. I went to church with Michael where we ran into Ginalyn who only remembered my birthday. Haha, kawawang Michael. She shoved Michael out of the way and gave me a tight hug. Aww… Now, isn’t that sweet. Thank you Ghen. After church, I walked the streets of downtown Tacloban with a gloomy disposition. How am I going to spend the rest of the day? I can’t just study. It’s my birthday! I ended up staying online for hours, responding to greetings on Facebook and to replying to text messages. Then, I served snacks for my sisters in the boarding house later in the afternoon. Last na daw eh kasi ga-graduate na ako. Ayan, my wallet is thinning na tuloy.

For my birthday, I only asked the Lord to surprise me. And though nothing big happened, God surprised me with simple reasons to smile and laugh and be moved near to tears.

Later at night, I received a text message from my brother Zeus greeting me a happy birthday and then asking how my day was going. He presumed I was busy attending to my own party but I told him, there wasn’t any party; just Facebook, text messaging and chatting with my roommate. And then this wise brother told me “A party doesn’t have to be extravagant Ate Gwen. Chatting with roommate is a party. Nakakapa-happy man.” So, I stand corrected Zeus. Thank you for pointing that out when I thought that there wasn’t going to be anything special that would happen on my special day.

So, now it’s two days after my birthday. Guess what. I got the cake I wanted! Thank you YFCs. That cake meant a lot to me (char). It’s enough to make me feel appreciated and loved (I guess my childish idea of a birthday will never be taken out my system. Haha).

Tonight, during the orientation, it was a delight to see those young people rejoicing in the presence of God; thankful and thirsty for more of Him. It’s another year for campus-based. Welcome Freshies! College life with the Lord is not going to be as easy as you think but it’s going to be worth it. For as long as you never let go of God’s hand, you will always be in good hands. He would even carry you during the worst of your days. Just trust Him.