Daddy Nalds! Daddy Nwalds!

That's how my kids call me . Daddy Nalds by Dana. Daddy Nwalds by Ardi . I love to hear them call me this way, anyway.

On June 15, the world will celebrate the Father's Day. By this time, you could see a lot of posters and flyers with "Father's Day" greetings and promos. You would see a line that says, "You Are The World's #1 Dad!" 

However, on June 15, I will not be with my family. I will be traveling to Orlando, Florida for our Global Conference. I will surely miss them. But fatherhood can't be separated by distance. I'm thankful to God for good memories I have with my kids as I desire to be a "perfect" father to them, though it's far to reach and I will surely never reach it. It's all by His grace that I can father my kids well. And it takes a daily surrender of my heart to Him so that I will continue to reflect a Father's Love to them. This journey is indeed full of learning. 

This afternoon, after our ASEO team prayer time, I had a "date" with my 5 years old daughter, Dana. How did it go? Well, because I don't have a car this week, we walked from our house to the gate of the subdivision, holding hands. From there, we took a tricycle ride going to SM Masinag. She accompanied me for a bank transaction, going through a standing-long line. My daughter's wish every time we go out is as simple as buying a P7 chocolate ice cream in cone. Then she whispered to me a box of doughnut. So we went straight to Dunkin Doughnut and proceeded to the food-court. I had my usual fresh lumpia merienda when I'm at the food-court. That's my friendly diet. As we sat, we just had our cute conversation with her update about a next door friend Abby, her schooling next week and Ardi's naughty actions towards her. She expressed, "sana family date din ulit," though we are always going out as a family every week. That was one of the intimate "dates" I had with Dana. We have lots of good memories as "father and daughter." 

         Our date this afternoon.

    Photo taken by Dana this afternoon.

I had also my "high-tempered" moments with her. One of those was when Divine was convincing her to take her medicine syrup for her stomach pain because of high acidity. She didn't want to take it despite her mom convincing her, explaining all the benefits she could get. I was impatient at that time. I scolded her at the top of my voice and forced her to drink her medicine.  Because she closed her mouth, unwilling to take it, it spilled over her neck down to her shirt. I was angry towards her and brought her to the CR, forcing her to drink the medicine. She was crying out loud and with a convicting words she repeatedly said,"Daddy, why are you doing this to me? I'm your daughter. God doesn't like that." My heart was like pierced by a sharp sword, but I chose to be firm commanding her to drink her syrup, opening her mouth and pouring in the medicine that still flowed out from her unwilling mouth. I left her at the CR. Divine came in to gently talk to her, explaining that she should obey her dad and take the medicine for her complete healing. When all these peak of emotions came down, with Dana's spirit okay, I came to her and asked for forgiveness for what I did wrong to her - shouting at her, hurting her mouth when I forced her to open it and hurting her feelings as well. I hugged her and she hugged me back. She said, "I forgive you, daddy." That was a dramatic moment between her and me.

I surrendered my heart to God to give me a more understanding, patient, loving heart towards my children. 

This journey of fatherhood reminds me of how much loving our Father in heaven truly is. 

For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16

As much as I care for my children, thinking on how to provide the best for them- food, clothing, a home to cherish love for one another, love for God above all, good education and many to mention- our Father God knows our every need, even those we haven't expressed to Him. 

Remember this message in Matthew 6?

25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing?

26 Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you more valuable than they are?

27 And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life?

28 Why do you worry about clothing? Think about how the flowers of the field grow; they do not work or spin.

29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these!

30 And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, won't he clothe you even more, you people of little faith?

31 So then, don't worry saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?'

32 For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

33 But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

34 So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.

May this Father's Day celebration remind us of our Heavenly Father who knows about and provides for our every need. 

Aventure with Greeny!

When Divine & I were newly married, we prayed for a car. Many of our friends in the ministry advised us to have one for convenience & mobility, especially with the nature of our ministry & the pollution in this Metro Manila. Whenever we're in the malls, we would see and inquire on car promos with payment schemes. We kept praying then.

Dana soon arrived. As an expectant father, I would want to give the best for my wife and the child on her womb. I would see myself driving and bringing them to the clinic for immunization, follow up check ups, going out of this urbanized city and take a deep breath in the green lash nature of nearby provinces. I would see myself bringing my family in some occasions that Divine and I are attending like family retreats, church and campus ministry functions. 

Then came a very moment. A couple fellow missionaries were leaving for good to US, asking us to buy their car. Thank God for the wisdom in saving up resources that's an answer also to our prayer. With a friendly payment scheme of 50% down payment and the remaining 50% payable in 10 months, we were able to own a second-hand car. I call him Greeny. But the irony of it all, I didn't know how to drive yet. So I enrolled in a driving school and finished the actual driving lesson in 5 days for a total of 10 hours. But I sensed that I'm still not confident in my driving. I needed to gain more confidence as I got to know more about the road culture - how the drivers respond to one another, how to give way and "have-a-feel" with them on the road. 

Anyway, after a month of perseverance and rist-taking, I finally was able to drive alone in the main roads. My first long distance driving was going to Pangasinan for a team retreat. That was a thrilling experience, learning how to maneuver along the curves, ups and downs of the high-ways. It wasn't easy. I forced myself to take the risk because of the need for my family and the people God called me to serve in the ministry. I remember those times when I was going to campus or any appointment, I would check first if the parking space in our apartment was not crowded with cars and if there were nobody parking close to the gate. I was hesitant to bother our neighbor, so I would decide to just commute, leaving my car behind. As I kept driving, I learned to love it and I keep learning even when emergencies arise. 

It has been 6 years already. Driving has been helping me spend time with God alone in my car, listening to a christian radio station 702 DZAS. Driving has been convenient for me to go to any appointments that would really save my time than commuting three times or more before I reach my place. It has been helping me and my loved ones go to places where we could relax and enjoy God's creation. As Greeny gets older, repairs come his way which means another budget to consider. For five years, its maintenance, should I say, was minimal. But just last year, there were series of repairs I had with Greeny that challenges me to tighten my belt. There came even a point wherein I thought of selling him and considering to buy a new one, but the budget doesn't permit. And as I weigh the situation, I resolved with God that I love this car and should He provide for the maintenance, I would love him to still serve my family and friends as long as he can. 

The latest adventure I had with Greeny was just last week. I was driving all the way to our office when I felt like he is heavy to drive and even when I put more pressure on the gas, he still moves slowly. The break is quite becoming hard too. So I stopped near the stop light, in a u-turn slot going UP from Ateneo. When I started the engine, it did not work. So I thought, "here we go again, Lord, please help me." I kept starting the engine, still nothing happened. I remained inside the car and just pressed the hazard sign. Ashamed, I just remained inside my car, so far I was calm, thinking and praying what to do. I called the towing but they were still in Makati and it will take an hour for them to help me and Greeny so I called my mechanic and he immediately responded to go to our location. I remember praying, "Lord, didn't I pray for your protection today? For my car to be okay? I did! Why are you allowing this to happen?" That was me in the middle of a stressful situation, having all those cars around me, changing lanes because of the scene that I created. After about 30 minutes of restarting the engine, it worked! Haha! I was happy to drive it until I reached the office. I called my mechanic to just see me at the office. 

In this journey with Greeny, I am so thankful to God. Indeed, He has been protecting me, my family and all those who ride with us. There were a lot of "what ifs" that entered my mind, but I see the hand of God in those situations. For 6 years, I see God's abiding presence! 

Thank God for Greeny. He is a great help as I (and my family) obey His command to "19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20. 

And like a psalmist, I continue to pray, "Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord ! I run to you for protection." -Psalms 143:9

A Journey on Parenting

It's been our prayer to be good parents to our kids as we desire to be good spouses as well.

As the bible says, "Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." -Proverbs 22:6. We pray that this will
become a reality in our home.

We desire the best for them by being good examples in our walk with God, relating with one another and to others. We want them to experience God's unconditional love as we parent them, helping them walk through the path that leads to godly choices - as early as now and in the future. They are a delight to us and we want them to have good memories with our family and friends during these formative years and beyond. So when our daughter Dana turned 5 years old last Feb. 12, we had a simple, family surprise party in our bedroom. We prepared a "breakfast on bed" for her and her younger brother Ardi. We saw how elated she was with that simple gesture of love & celebration for another year of God's blessing for her life. We also took time to pray for her and Ardi. The celebration did not end there. A month prior to this, we invited some family relatives and friends to a pool birthday party on Feb. 15. Friends came and had fun swimming and playing games with Dana. Of course, Ardi had fun too.

These are our prayer points for Dana as she celebrates 5 years of God's Gift of life:

1. She will grow in fear & love of the Lord.

2. She will be an obedient daughter.

3. She will be a responsible filipino citizen.

4. She will be a woman of Wisdom, Integrity, Truth, Compassion for the lost.

5. She will grow healthy in all aspects of life.

Truly, we have the reason to celebrate life. Life that comes from
Him. Life that will give glory and honor to Him.

About my Blog!

I don't believe that life is all about chances. That lucks are just around looking for somebody to entice.

I believe that life is all about choices. That things happen as we opt them to be. On a broader perspective, I believe it's about the Divine Creator's appointment for each of us. I believe everything happens for a reason. It's no accident. It's Divine Appointment.

This is what my blog has been all about.

May this blog inspire hundreds of readers to live life to the fullest because He promised, "...I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. -John 10:10

For I know what I have planned for you,' says the Lord . 'I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope. -Jeremiah 29:11

What has God been calling you to do? How's your daily appointment with Him & before Him?

This blog will talk more about Nalds' Divine Appointment - be it with my wife Divine, with my kids Dana & Ardi and with any individuals as part of Nalds' Divine Appointment!

Divine's Day!

Yesterday was my wife's birthday. We agreed to just stay in the house and be with our kids, spending intimate time together. (Except for my Ministry Partner Development appointment inserted in my schedule after lunch). One of Divine's disciples visited us and brought a chocolate cake to fellowship with, in the late afternoon. I also dropped by the side-street talipapa and bought talakitok fish for grilling & sinigang. Preparing this food was my way of serving my wife on her special day. It's our simple & special celebration, thanking the Lord for His faithfulness in her life and to us, her family.

My prayer for her birthday was along with this passage:

Proverbs 3: "1 My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
2 for they will provide a long and full life, and they will add well-being to you.
3 Do not let truth and mercy leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and good understanding, in the sight of God and people.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.
6 Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own estimation; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 This will bring healing to your body, and refreshment to your inner self.
9 Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first fruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled completely, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke.
12 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights."

A day prior to her birthday, we ate outside as a family. After our lunch together, we left our kids in the play area with our house help to oversee them. Divine and I had our time together window shopping, massage & anything-we-want-to-do the whole afternoon, just being with one another.

Two of our couple friends dined with us in our house and savored the desserts prepared by a couple next door. We had deep conversations. We're thankful to God for a rich relationships with friends like them.

After all, I would say, it's about  cultivating trusting relationships that matters the most in this life. Foremost is our relationship with Jesus, next with our spouse (family) and then friends. That's why He commanded us... "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." -Luke 10:27

How are we intentionally creating this environment of growing relationships?

Happy Mom's Day!

                 

Today the whole world celebrates the life of our mothers. We can't express enough words how much we really appreciate and love them for all the sacrifices they have made for us since we were formed in their wombs until we grow up, learning to walk and finally run. Even running away from their sight & embrace, or pieces of advice.

My mother passed away on February 28, 1996. I was 16 years old then. That was a month away from my high school graduation. Since elementary to high school, our good memories together were when I would look after her at the hospital bed. Almost every year, specifically during summer time, she is admitted in the hospital. I didn't understand why God allowed it to happen to her. But those moments were filled with good memories of being with her, spending more time and just listening to her stories. I remember those times wherein my parents and the four of us younger siblings (among the 6) were just sitting or lying on the bed under our acacia tree for a late afternoon chat. Normally our parents would tell their stories, most of which are their "histories." This story telling came with boiled bananas as our merienda. So simple lazy afternoon during summer where we could just be with them. I remember how our mother shared her own story of coming from a family of a strict father. One of her funny experiences in the past was when her father arrived home drunk, shouting to turn on the lights. There was a total black out in the Barangay that time. So in fear of her father, she ran at the back of their house and lit the dried banana leaves which burned their backyard! Woohoo, everyone got panicked! Good for them that the house didn't get burned down.

Another sweet memories of her during my early high school days was when I arrived home tired and hungry, I smelled my favorite viand!  She set aside a bamboo shoot with crabs cooked in coconut milk, saluyot, okra & corn. That was so yummy & really touched my heart. And when I ate, she joined with me.

Another thoughtful act of my mother was, in my grade school, though we were so tight in our budget, she bought 3 new shirts for me. I was surprised when I saw them in the cabinet and I learned that she got them for three-gives. I was contented with what I had that time because of our situation, yet she knew what I desired even if I hadn't expressed them.

I think my mother influenced me in the area of being organized at home & how to save & find ways to get what I need & want. She also influenced me in cooking that's why most of my favorite Ilonggo cuisines at present are those that I saw her preparing.

Those influences she had on me contributed a lot to my present family. At home, I'm into interior design while my wife Divine is into maintaining cleanliness & tidiness. I am the one in-charge of the food to prepare as long as I'm present which is normally dinner times and whole day if weekends.

That was about my mother.

Now that I'm married to the most beautiful woman of my dreams, I'm likewise seeing how God is so amazingly using her to be the best mom for Dana and Ardi. I'm all the more awed at God's design for the moms. As she is taking care of our kids, I am also reflecting on His loving heart - so patient, so sacrificing, so persevering.

Last Night, I asked Dana what she appreciates about her mom, she said,  "She takes care of me, she checks on me when I am sick, she reads books with me & memory verses from the Bible." She added, "we play together and go to SM."

Divine's heart is to ensure that our kids will grow in character, fearing & loving God above anything or anyone else. We acknowledge that apart from God, this is impossible.

I pray that as my wife continues to take care of our children, she will continue to find strength and nourishment from our Abba Father. May His wisdom continue to guide her for every single step she takes for the best of our children.

I also pray for all the moms along with this passage, "Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." -Proverbs 22:6

SLM is reaching a SCOPE!

Years ago, we put more staff on top level campuses (we call them Level 1 Campuses). These campuses were really staff intensive. The goal was to raise up 1% multiplying disciples (in relation to the population of a campus) in order to saturate the campus.  A campus is saturated if everyone has heard the culturally-relevant gospel presentation 3 or more times. Once a campus is in Saturation Phase of the movement, that's the time that we send out student leaders and staff to start a new movement on another campuses. This is expansion. That sending campus continues to produce leaders. By that time, it's on her Continuation Phase of the movement. This was the reason behind having staff intensive base campuses. Then & now.

But the goal is not just reaching a campus. Student led movements is about reaching a SCOPE to help fulfill the Great Commission. So what's the scope of SLM in Southeast Asia? 

Every Campus. 

Every Student. 

Every Nation. 

Our prayer is to see a movement in every campus of Southeast Asia.

Our prayer is to see every student heard the gospel.

Our prayer is every nation will produce movement leaders who will be our co-laborers in the harvest field.

How can we reach our SCOPE the soonest time possible? 

We are reminded, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole inhabited earth as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." -Matthew 24:14

The task is huge and challenging and the only way that we can do is to OBEY our Master, who has called us to help fulfill the Great Commission, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

"16 So the eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain Jesus had designated.

17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted.

18 Then Jesus came up and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:16-20

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth." -Acts 1:8

Our SCOPE is every campus - every university. So again, how can we reach our SCOPE the soonest time possible? 

This is where Catalytic Strategy comes in. We can't wait enough for a Base Campus to reach Saturation Phase where there are enough leaders to be sent out to reach out to other campuses. Catalytic Strategy is about expanding to the rest of the campuses while the Base Strategy continues to produce leaders for future expansion. 

Catalytic Strategy is about having a team of students reaching their campuses for Jesus. The goal of every team of students on campus (KVs) is to also Saturate their campus for Jesus as they do their part in obedience to the Lord.

As the Base Campus is on Saturation Phase and is starting to send out leaders to other campuses, this Campus helps in reaching our SCOPE. 

Student-led movements is all about the students who are actively helping fulfill God's Great Commission. We believe they can take the lead in building movements. We empower them as we disciple them towards Christlikeness. I don't mean that the staff are not valued or aren't seen as the champions. We should continue to do what God has called us to do - helping fulfill the Great Commission by winning, building & sending students who will multiply from generation to generation. We are the DNA keepers. The practical way of doing it is by Modeling,Assisting, Watching & Leaving ( MAWL) WIN, BUILD & SEND. 

As we trust God in reaching our SCOPE, let's continue to pray for the L.O.S.T.

LABORERS for the Harvest 

Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest." -Matthew 9:38

OPEN DOORS for the gospel 

At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. -Colossians 4:3

SALVATION of our people  

Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God on behalf of my fellow Israelites is for their salvation. -Romans 10:1

TAKING THE INITIATIVE TO SHARE 

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth." -Acts 1:8

Wanting to learn more on how to Start A Movement on Campus? Check this out: 

 - Catalytic - Busy Opening Campuses? Not Multiplying?

 - Student-Led Movements on the First day on Campus