Birthday Blessings

How are you celebrating your birthdays? 

I have different ways of celebrating this life my God has given me. This year, specifically today, I chose to celebrate my day with my wife and my two lovely kids. We had our simple breakfast --arroz caldo with boiled eggs, steamed hotdog and veggies. We had our simple lunch--chicken adobo and steamed veggies. We dad our merienda--durian and ube ice cream banana split. Besides having meal together, we had a story telling and a time where Dana and Mommy prayed for me while Ardi was agreeing with his "hmm...hmmm..ahhhh..."

They also agreed to leave me alone in the room for an hour where I had my time with the WORD. What a refreshing b-day reminder from God through Psalm 1 that says,

"1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 

6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."

Another blessing I'm thankful to God is genuine friendships with real people He has brought to my life and my family. Friendships that is far beyond the structure of the organization I'm involved with. 

I'm blessed to know that about 200 of you took time to text and send greetings and prayers through my FB Timeline. Amazing! I praise our God for each of you--a reflection of God's wonderful gift of love.

I am eternally grateful! 

Wisdom

Wisdom. What you can pray for me too as I celebrate life from the Giver.

The main purpose of Proverbs is to help the reader “…attain wisdom and discipline.” (Prov. 1:2)

Wisdom as mentioned in Proverbs is not about acquiring a deep set of knowledge or having some mystical understanding or insight. It is about learning to live in a responsible, productive and meaningful way. The original Hebrew word used for wisdom means “skill in living.” It is similar to what we would call being “street smart,” or common sense - an understanding of how things work in this world. It is about applying knowledge of such truth in our day-to-day lives. It is about observations and principles about how life works.

Israel’s leaders, foremost among them Solomon, wrote Proverbs to help their people succeed in every aspect of their lives - relationships, family, work and business, community, government, personal growth, etc. (NOTE : To succeed or “success” here does not refer to what the world views as success - fortune, fame, power, position, etc. but success in a biblical or godly perspective.) The end of Proverbs is to help people attain full, meaningful and abundant lives (John 10:10). Wisdom is ultimately attained by fearing or honoring God, understanding His will and doing it. (Prov. 1:7)

The wise person pursues good and avoids evil because he has observed what others have chosen and then has made decisions based on the outcomes. He may have an intellectual understanding of what is good and what is evil but observing the consequences of decisions made (either by others or by himself) reinforces his ability to make the proper choices.

Another Year

As another year counts, I would feel better

God's faithfulness in my life, I would always remember

Life's full of lessons as I continue to adhere

To His precepts, I long to linger.

As another year counts, I would feel sharper

Wisdom that comes from Him is in my prayer

Life is meant to be lived for His purpose

Loving Him above all else I desire the most.

As another year counts,  I'm amazed by His presence

34 significant milestones He allowed me to experience 

May my worship to Him, my Life giver,  never cease

Until one day, He will call me home to see Him face to face.

As another year counts, Oh, my b-day again?!

I am reminded of His love and power that remain

April 6 came then, He brought me out to be in this world

So that more lives will hear His stories to be told.

Listening Before Speaking

It's not easy for most of us to listen. 

The Bible refers to people who like to speak without first listening and seeking to understand others as “fools.” Wise people listen first before voicing their opinions (Prov. 18:2). Stephen Covey vividly captures this principle in one of his 7 habits : seek first to understand, then to be understood.

Sometimes it is best to keep quiet or to weigh our thoughts and words carefully (Prov. 11:12; 17:27-28). We need to watch what we say and state our opinions on a matter only after we hear the facts (Prov. 18:13). Timing is also important. We can say something that sounds harmless at the wrong time and still do a lot of damage.

To evaluate ourselves in this area we may want to ask others for an honest opinion. We can also ask ourselves when was the last time someone came to us for our counsel.

One action point that helps me, during the meetings, I would take down notes on follow-up questions and summary of what I heard. 

We can grow as a listener. We can be more sensitive to those around us who needs listening. 

What is Success to You?

When I was in grade school, it was inculcated in me to study hard and excel in my acads in order to be successful, yet this mindset turned around when I knew Jesus in a very personal way---having Him as my personal Lord and Savior by faith.

Many Christians abhor referring to the word “success.” They see success as a worldly thing and indeed it is - if their definition of success is the world’s definition (acquiring money, possessions, position, power, prestige, pleasure, etc.). However, success can also be defined in a biblical and godly perspective such as understanding and doing the will of God so that we live life in a full, meaningful and abundant way, loving God and others by contributing to the betterment of their lives, etc. The bible mentions success several times in a positive way like what Joshua 1:7-9 says:

"7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

How successful are you?