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.

Forgetting

Forgetting is a gift.

Forget the good stuff: You are on your way to wonderful rediscoveries. This brings back really good memories that you come to appreciate even more.

Forget the bad stuff: You are on your way to living a full life without the burden of the past. And when you do remember them, think about how you conquered and lived through it. Temporarily forgetting it helped you go on with your life. 

So every time you forget something, remember what I wrote here. You see what I did there? Every time you forget, I want you to remember :P

All this because of that hearty breakfast of cheese on pandesal I had this morning. The taste of it I'd forgotten and now rediscovered. Yum yum! 

Gwenly Reminders

Keep your vote cool and clean. 

No, this is not an iced tea commercial; they’re just really good in coming up with this reminder.  

Cast an intelligent vote. 

Read the candidates’ profiles. Listen to the news. Don’t vote on the basis of the candidates’ promises in their advertisements. Look for what they have contributed to the country or for the betterment of their respective provinces. Surely, they couldn’t have run for senator without first handling local government units.

It’s better to give than to receive but it’s okay to receive. 

On May 13, money will just come to you. The excitement of receiving it has even become a Filipino joke that comes around every three years. It’s okay to receive as long as your dignity stays intact and by that, I mean don’t sell your vote. Ever. A senatorial candidate said that he thinks like a marathon runner. He always looks at the long run. Selling your vote can make you rich for a day or two or several days depending on the amount they give out but when you look at the long run, you end up with corrupt officials wanting back the money they gave out during election and a country that is poorer than it already is. Think like a marathon runner and say no to vote buying.

Muster some courage. 

I’ve been told of the danger of breach of the contract of sale (in this case, the object is one’s vote). They say one can even end up dead, especially in the rural areas. Perhaps, this may be a bit idealistic but I think it takes some courage to really fight for what you believe is right.

Shake off timidity. 

On May 13, it could be hot and humid out or it could be wet and muddy. Would the weather stop you from moving towards a better Philippines? Go out and practice your right to suffrage.

Pray for a clean election. 

We never really know what happens once we cast our vote. We can never be sure of an honest election despite its being automated. However, we can always pray that the evil one be kept at bay so that we may have a clean and honest election.

TOWARDS A BETTER PHILIPPINES!

Grace

Grace

by Laura Story

My heart is so proud. My mind is so unfocused.
I see the things You do through me as great things I
have done. And now You gently break me, then lovingly You take me 

And hold me as my father and mold me as my Maker.

Chorus:
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abound?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, 

You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."

At times I may grow weak and feel a bit discouraged,
knowing that someone, somewhere could do a better job.
For who am I to serve You? I know I don't deserve You.
And that's the part that burns in my heart and keeps me
hanging on.

Chorus*
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abound?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, 

You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."
You are so patient with me, Lord.

As I walk with You, I'm learning what Your grace really
means. The price that I could never pay was paid at Calvary. 

So, instead of trying to repay You, 

I'm learning to simply obey You
by giving up my life to you For all that You've given to me.

Chorus:
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I
keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far
will forgiveness abound?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, 

You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace.

The Earth

We've all learned from basic science the three layers of the Earth - the crust, the mantle and the core. Many geologists believe that as the Earth cooled the heavier, denser materials sank to the center and the lighter materials rose to the top. Because of this, the crust is made of the lightest materials (rock- basalts and granites) and the core consists of heavy metals (nickel and iron).

The crust of the Earth is broken into many pieces called plates. The plates "float" on the soft, plastic mantle which is located below the crust. These plates usually move along smoothly but sometimes they stick and build up pressure. The pressure builds and the rock bends until it snaps. When this occurs an Earthquake is the result! 
(Source: http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Earths_layers/)

Yep, that's Mother Earth. She has a lot in common with my own mother. The crust is what I see of her. The mantle is her motherly instinct of keeping the core deep under by avoiding serious talks and just seeming self-absorbed. The core is her circumstances. 

The sad part is that I was too focused on the crust on which I live. I was too focused on the earthquakes and how they affect me. I never took the chance to understand the whole being of the Earth. You see, hidden under that thin crust and that very thick mantle is the core. These are my mother's circumstances. I realized that I may never have cared enough to understand what's going on deep below what I see. As of the moment, my greatest regret is having thought of my mother as the antagonist of my life.

She burst out last night. She told me some really nasty things about myself and how I've been acting up. They hit me hard. But I thought I needed to hear that. Now, she's still mad at me and I'm very sorry about giving her a hard time. I just hope she forgives me. My mother has been through a lot and I ought to try and understand that core. 

It took me a heartbreak to realize that we all have different circumstances. Don't let it happen to you. After all those tears, I ended up blaming my own selfishness. I've known for so long how selfish I am, so I try to fight it every single time. It's not enough to scare it off, though. I'd have to defeat it and see it dead. Who knows? This might be the summer that could change my relationship with my mother forever. 

PS. I'm thinking that what happened last night was partly because of my being irritable on the night before the first day of my girl-thing. My mother always falls victim to it. ALWAYS. This too shall pass. And out of all this will come a more understanding daughter and a better mother-daughter relationship like I've always wanted. I just have to take part in making it so.

***

At lumipas din :')

Heartbreak is a good teacher.