Performing the Twelve Months of Lingkod
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Today is Christmas Day 2004. I just want to greet everyone a Merry Christmas! After all the gift-giving and party-hopping of the past three weeks, especially here in the Philippines, let us quiet our hearts and rejoice in the coming of our King who chose to humble Himself by being born among us. I wish all of you peace, joy, hope, and love.
To dear Jesus, Happy Birthday! I hope you liked my gift. :)
To dear Jesus, Happy Birthday! I hope you liked my gift. :)
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Friday, December 17, 2004
Impatience
I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.
-- Harry to Sally, "When Harry Met Sally"
I have realized that I want to spend the rest of my life doing something.
Unfortunately, the rest of my life cannot start that way as soon as possible. :-(
Ang tagal! I've never been good at waiting, and I'm right smack in the middle of the Season for Waiting!
For still the vision awaits its time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie. If it seem slow, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. -- Habakkuk 2:3 (RSV)
Kung Hindi Ako Kristiyano
Malamig ang Pasko ko, kung hindi ako Kristiyano.
Maghahanap ng Piolo sa Misa de Gallo;
Malulungkot, mababagot, sa trapik dun sa EDSA;
At sa mga regalong ako lang may pirma.
Malungkot ang Pasko ko, kung hindi ako Kristiyano.
Mangungulila sa mga kapatid na wala sa piling ko;
Makikipagsiksikan sa Greenhills at Divisioria;
Pagkakasyahin ang kakaunti kong kita.
Masaya ang Pasko ko, pagkat ako’y Kristiyano!
Hindi nagtatagal ang lungkot sa puso ko.
Pag-asa’y dala ng pagdating ng aking Mesiyas;
Buhay inialay sa’king Tagapagligtas.
Krismas party, karoling, para sa isang Kristiyano,
Malalim na kagalakan siyang dulot nito.
Hindi sa pag-inom nauuwi mga lakaran;
Ngunit sa pagbibigay at pagmamahalan.
Maraming salamat at ako ay isang Kristiyano.
Disyembre’y nakalaan sa diwa ng Pasko.
Sa pagsisimba’y umaapaw ang aking ligaya,
Pag-ibig ni Kristo, doon ko nadarama.
Aking pangungulila’y mabilis na malunasan;
Nakapagbibigay ako ng kagalakan;
Pagkat ang isip ko’y di sa sarili lamang;
Kundi kay Kristo ngayon at magpakailanman.
Maghahanap ng Piolo sa Misa de Gallo;
Malulungkot, mababagot, sa trapik dun sa EDSA;
At sa mga regalong ako lang may pirma.
Malungkot ang Pasko ko, kung hindi ako Kristiyano.
Mangungulila sa mga kapatid na wala sa piling ko;
Makikipagsiksikan sa Greenhills at Divisioria;
Pagkakasyahin ang kakaunti kong kita.
Masaya ang Pasko ko, pagkat ako’y Kristiyano!
Hindi nagtatagal ang lungkot sa puso ko.
Pag-asa’y dala ng pagdating ng aking Mesiyas;
Buhay inialay sa’king Tagapagligtas.
Krismas party, karoling, para sa isang Kristiyano,
Malalim na kagalakan siyang dulot nito.
Hindi sa pag-inom nauuwi mga lakaran;
Ngunit sa pagbibigay at pagmamahalan.
Maraming salamat at ako ay isang Kristiyano.
Disyembre’y nakalaan sa diwa ng Pasko.
Sa pagsisimba’y umaapaw ang aking ligaya,
Pag-ibig ni Kristo, doon ko nadarama.
Aking pangungulila’y mabilis na malunasan;
Nakapagbibigay ako ng kagalakan;
Pagkat ang isip ko’y di sa sarili lamang;
Kundi kay Kristo ngayon at magpakailanman.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Dinner at Jerusalem House
The women who stayed by the river Pasig had a reunion at the Jerusalem House. With simple food and expectant faith, we shared a memorable meal. Little did we know that we would see God's hand moving in the lives of each of the 13 women who were gathered at that dinner table.
There is nothing like good food to relax Filipinos. Before we realized it, we were sharing significant moments in our individual walks with the Lord. No gifts were exchanged but the lessons learned tonight were the actual blessings we received, for every one of us revealed God's message and every one of us heard it in the manner we needed to hear it.
What began as a simple get-together turned out to be a major part of God's plan for the women of Jerusalem House and Lingkod Quezon City plus the other communities we worked hand in hand with, namely, CYA, Ligaya and Lingkod. I could sense God stirring hearts, planting seeds, and confirming prophecies tonight. I know I shall come back to Jerusalem again. I would love to watch God's plans unfold even more.
I am thankful for a great meal and a meaningful session with my sisters tonight. I regained new hope that what I am facing is not a product of my imagination, but a genuine call.
Yesterday too, after my dramatic last entry, God confirmed His call for me through my brothers and sisters in the governance team. Although still beset by anxiety sometimes, the direction I'm taking is becoming clearer and clearer everyday. This Advent, I continue to make way in my heart for the coming of Jesus in my life. The more I let go of my attachments, the deeper Jesus could take over in my heart.
Indeed God rebuilt Jerusalem and I shall continue to witness it.
There is nothing like good food to relax Filipinos. Before we realized it, we were sharing significant moments in our individual walks with the Lord. No gifts were exchanged but the lessons learned tonight were the actual blessings we received, for every one of us revealed God's message and every one of us heard it in the manner we needed to hear it.
What began as a simple get-together turned out to be a major part of God's plan for the women of Jerusalem House and Lingkod Quezon City plus the other communities we worked hand in hand with, namely, CYA, Ligaya and Lingkod. I could sense God stirring hearts, planting seeds, and confirming prophecies tonight. I know I shall come back to Jerusalem again. I would love to watch God's plans unfold even more.
I am thankful for a great meal and a meaningful session with my sisters tonight. I regained new hope that what I am facing is not a product of my imagination, but a genuine call.
Yesterday too, after my dramatic last entry, God confirmed His call for me through my brothers and sisters in the governance team. Although still beset by anxiety sometimes, the direction I'm taking is becoming clearer and clearer everyday. This Advent, I continue to make way in my heart for the coming of Jesus in my life. The more I let go of my attachments, the deeper Jesus could take over in my heart.
Indeed God rebuilt Jerusalem and I shall continue to witness it.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
It Happens
It happens that I run out of faith, strength, hope, joy and peace.
It happens that my passion brings me to a point of exhaustion.
It happens that my stories don't have happy endings.
It happens that I can't spend time with my loved ones because of my responsibilities.
It happens that I don't have all the answers.
It happens that I give in to my weaknesses.
It happens that I disappoint rather than please.
It happens that I do not meet expectations, neither mine nor the world's.
It happens that I am wrong and others are right.
It happens that I don't meet my deadlines.
It happens that I lose my focus and give in to my distractions.
It happens that I am made painfully aware that I am not perfect.
When any of these happen, I cannot help but be deeply saddened.
It happens that my passion brings me to a point of exhaustion.
It happens that my stories don't have happy endings.
It happens that I can't spend time with my loved ones because of my responsibilities.
It happens that I don't have all the answers.
It happens that I give in to my weaknesses.
It happens that I disappoint rather than please.
It happens that I do not meet expectations, neither mine nor the world's.
It happens that I am wrong and others are right.
It happens that I don't meet my deadlines.
It happens that I lose my focus and give in to my distractions.
It happens that I am made painfully aware that I am not perfect.
When any of these happen, I cannot help but be deeply saddened.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
She Who Said Yes
The Immaculate Conception
I turn to you, Mama Mary, as I struggle to believe that what was promised me by the LORD shall be fulfilled. Please help me pray for obedience, submission, surrender and faith. I pray for the strength to say Yes, LORD, be it done unto me according to your will.
On September 8, Mama Mary's birthday, I started posting my process of yielding. Now, on the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, my processing has borne fruit. To the curious, no, I'm not about to enter religious life. Another Lingkod sister has been called to that. My call is a little more secular, but every bit as radical.
I witnessed schoolchildren going through their First Communion last Sunday. I recalled my own experience on December 9, 1983, when I first received the Eucharist. So much has happened to me the past 21 years, but one thing is constant - Jesus' presence in my life.
Was every experience and lesson I went through meant to take me to this moment of decision? Then I shall cease my struggling. I shall yield to You, Lord. Whatever it is that You're asking of me, the answer is Yes! For with You nothing is impossible.
Sunday, December 05, 2004
The First Week of Advent
It was a week of birthdays for me. My natural father, branch leader, parish priest and eldest brother all celebrated their respective birthdays within days of each other. It was a good week! With two Lingkod weddings in between, my cup overflows. I was reminded that I have to watch the party food, though. I want to still be able to fit into my clothes come January. :)
Caroling practices have begun for Lingkod. At first I thought I could not attend as much as I wanted to, but somehow my schedule is making room for it. Would this be my last year to teach and join the Lingkod QC caroling? I wonder...
Our house had been gradually decorated for Christmas over the past week. But there are no gifts under the tree yet. I hadn't gotten around to finalizing my Christmas list. Oh Christmas crammer on a government employee's budget, may the force be with me as I brave the bazaars, tiangges and malls the next three weeks.
For my discernment this coming week, I'm supposed to list down all my attachments that could hinder me from following Jesus more fully this time. I've made similar lists before so I wonder why is it that I still have not let go of all these. It is a perfect question for Advent, as I want to make room for my Savior in my heart in a deeper sense this year. Despite claiming to be a Lingkod servant for some time now, I still have a lot of attachments to people, possessions, popularity, and pride. I hope this would be an easier week than the previous ones. Having battled with giant fears, past hurts, and impure motives for service recently, I think a list of attachments would be a breeze.
I hear the voice of one calling in the desert. It's not saying "it's time for dessert!", although I did have a week of cakes, ice cream and chocolates.
Desert. Nothingness. Barrenness. That's where I shall go to meet my God this coming week.
Caroling practices have begun for Lingkod. At first I thought I could not attend as much as I wanted to, but somehow my schedule is making room for it. Would this be my last year to teach and join the Lingkod QC caroling? I wonder...
Our house had been gradually decorated for Christmas over the past week. But there are no gifts under the tree yet. I hadn't gotten around to finalizing my Christmas list. Oh Christmas crammer on a government employee's budget, may the force be with me as I brave the bazaars, tiangges and malls the next three weeks.
For my discernment this coming week, I'm supposed to list down all my attachments that could hinder me from following Jesus more fully this time. I've made similar lists before so I wonder why is it that I still have not let go of all these. It is a perfect question for Advent, as I want to make room for my Savior in my heart in a deeper sense this year. Despite claiming to be a Lingkod servant for some time now, I still have a lot of attachments to people, possessions, popularity, and pride. I hope this would be an easier week than the previous ones. Having battled with giant fears, past hurts, and impure motives for service recently, I think a list of attachments would be a breeze.
I hear the voice of one calling in the desert. It's not saying "it's time for dessert!", although I did have a week of cakes, ice cream and chocolates.
Desert. Nothingness. Barrenness. That's where I shall go to meet my God this coming week.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Seasons of Love
Probably the only secular theme song of Lingkod Quezon City...
Seasons of Love
from the musical RENT
COMPANY
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred moments so dear
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure -- measure a year?
In daylights -- In sunsets
In midnights -- In cups of coffee
In inches -- In miles
In laughter -- In strife
In -- Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?
How about love?
How about love?
How about love?
Measure in love
Seasons of love
Seasons of love
SOLOIST #1
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?
SOLOIST #2
In truths that she learned
Or in times that he cried
In bridges he burned
Or the way that she died
ALL
It's time now - to sing out
Tho' the story never ends
Let's celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love
Remember the love
Remember the love
Measure in love
SOLOIST #1
Measure, measure your life in love
Seasons of love ...
Seasons of love
Seasons of Love
from the musical RENT
COMPANY
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred moments so dear
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure -- measure a year?
In daylights -- In sunsets
In midnights -- In cups of coffee
In inches -- In miles
In laughter -- In strife
In -- Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?
How about love?
How about love?
How about love?
Measure in love
Seasons of love
Seasons of love
SOLOIST #1
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?
SOLOIST #2
In truths that she learned
Or in times that he cried
In bridges he burned
Or the way that she died
ALL
It's time now - to sing out
Tho' the story never ends
Let's celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love
Remember the love
Remember the love
Measure in love
SOLOIST #1
Measure, measure your life in love
Seasons of love ...
Seasons of love
Friday, December 03, 2004
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