Category Archives: life

Random people; unexpected itineration

IMG_0516WE’RE taught that itineration is part of the missionary work. We are asked to visit local churches, church events, Annual Conference sessions, and other conferences that would be instrumental in connecting the church to mission. That’s basically the general picture of itineration, but I didn’t know this includes sharing in public transportation and spaces!

Receiving graces from random people is a testimony of God’s presence everywhere.

On the bus from the Global Ministries office to our hotel, which is a 45-minute ride, I and four other international participants didn’t know that we need to pay the bus fare through the public transportation unified card or coins. We only had with us a few one dollar bills and barely one dollar coins each. By faith we hopped in the bus and informed the driver of our dilemma. Graciously, the driver allowed us to stay, while we figure out how to change our bills to coins. Sitting, we started asking co-passengers to change our bills. From a simple inquiry, it grew into a long conversation. Continue reading →

God made me ready!

FOCUS Text:  “…so that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.” (Galatians 2:20).

I USED to say, “I am born ready, yeah!” every time I face difficult circumstance or when I speak or perform to a large audience. Although it is a good self encouragement strategy, unconsciously, I fell on the idea that through my own strength—abilities, skills, talents—I can do anything…

For the complete devotion, click World Methodist Council Youth and Young Adult Devotional Blog. (Copyright: World Methodist Council).

It comes naturally

How bad can I be? I am just doing what comes naturally. How bad can I be? I am just following my destiny… (How Bad Can I Be soundtrack, Lorax movie 2012)

I am guilty. And so are millions of Filipinos, throwing garbage–from a peanut shell, candy wrapper to huge bags–everywhere. The sad thing is, it comes natural to us and most of us live with it. “It’s biodegradable,” we say as an excuse to justify that throwing a banana peel on the street won’t hurt at all. But those “tiny” trashes, if piled up will make a dump site!

Continue reading →

25 JOYs and counting…

ALL is set for my “detachment” day. I slowly pulled myself out of any interaction with my housemates. I intentionally left my mobile phone un-loaded. I already planned my day; and how it would look like the moment I open my eyes on the morning of July 29th. A lot of things were running on my head. I was facing my notebook (seriously) when a loud knock broke the silence.

It was 12:00 midnight and both me and my roommate were still up. I stood up, being nearest to the door, unlocked the knob and found my two other housemates with a chocolate mousse cake and an over-sized card on their hands, singing Happy Birthday. “Much for my ‘detachment’ plan, eh?” I said to myself. I blew the three candles, which were nicely placed on top of the cake. Invited them inside the room and the entire two hours were full of chats, photo shoots, and eating!

“So what’s your plan now that you’re 25?” My housemates asked. Plan? My plan? Now that I am 25? For crying out loud, does it have to be different because I am undeniably 25?

Continue reading →