Wednesday, November 11, 2009
ONE YOUTH: Project Headshot Clinic - the Youth Vote Series
Join and contribute in shaping the future,
be part of the One Youth Project Headshot Clinic –
The Youth Vote Series
See you on November 14, 2009 from 3pm to 9pm at the 4th Floor Tower 2 of Globe Telecom Plaza Pioneer cor. Madison St. Mandaluyong City. To join, fill up the form at this link.
To promote Youth causes in the upcoming national elections, Youth Vote Philippines and Globe Telecom have partnered to use the collaborative power of the internet in a program called ONE YOUTH.
Under One Youth, young Filipinos promote their advocacies online by joining discussions and by using their profile pictures in social network sites as a way of endorsing of their causes of interest (i.e. education, reproductive health, etc). These photos are collectively called One Youth Project Headshot Clinic – The Youth Vote Series, and will be taken by Fashion photographer NICCOLO COSME.
The photos of this Headshot Clinic will be released in December at the launch of the Youth Vote online forums which aims to produce the One Youth Manifesto – a document containing the final list of advocacies that Youth Vote Philippines will present to our future leaders.
See you there and let's get moving for the future of this nation.
______________________
This event is brought to you by:
YouthVote Philippines
Globe Telecom
Project Head Shot Clinic
For more information, visit:
Globe Telecom
YouthVote Philippines
Monday, November 9, 2009
All For Love
I have a lot to thank GOD for these past few weeks. Life is not one big smooth ride but GOD's faithfulness never left me and HE has continually assured me of His blessings. I am still at awed at how HE has allowed me to GROW and find the true meaning of HAPPINESS and FULFILLMENT. He has blessed my ventures and enlarging my territories.
But I only realized this when I was calmed from all my fears and doubts. Earlier, I was pouring out my heart because of all the future things (yeah, I think too much) I kept on thinking. It's really the uncertainty of the future that scares me more than anything. Especially when I feel that I don't want the moment to stop because of the happiness and satisfaction I am currently experiencing. I just simply think too much and after all GOD's mighty work in my life how can I still afford to doubt. I should never stop trusting him. As I mentioned earlier, GOD's love never fails. It endures forever.
Apostle Paul testifies to that when he wrote to the Romans (Romans 8:28-38). To us whom HE predestined, called, justified, and glorified - nothing can separate us from Him. It was only lately that I truly understood the meaning of SALVATION and how it can NEVER be LOST. Because of CHRIST's ultimate sacrifice, we BELIEVERS are ALL SAVED.
All I (and we) needed to have a little more FAITH and TRUST HIM MORE. Because, ALL FOR LOVE, He gave up His life. ALL FOR US, He died for our sins. Now, how can I still doubt? To us whom He assured the gift of salvation if we just CALL upon His name.
To you LORD JESUS, I just lift everything back. Your will be done.
(postscript: below is the song which inspired everything and a snippet of the message of Paul to the Romans)
______________________________
More Than Conquerors
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. ... 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hillsong United
All for love a Father gave
For only love could make a way
All for love the heavens cried
For love was crucified
Oh how many times have I broken Your heart
But still You forgive
If only I ask
And how many times have You heard me pray
Draw near to me
Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You
Let me sing all for love
I will join the angel song
Ever holy is the Lord
King of Glory
King of all
Oh how many times have I broken Your heart
But still You forgive
If only I ask
And how many times have You heard me pray
Draw near to me
Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You
All for a love a Saviour prayed
Abba Father have Your way
Though they know not what they do
Let the Cross draw man to You
Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You
Friday, November 6, 2009
Liberating Music from Libera
It was just sad I wasn't able to see them live when they came here. I was busy with a client and was assigned for an out-of-town engagement. TATAY MONCH (who I also influenced) even called me up just to ask me if I was going to watch the concert. To cut the story short, he was there. I wasn't.
LIBERA is a non-profit all-boy vocal group directed by Robert Prizeman. Their name comes from their signature song "Libera," which is based on the Libera Me portion of the Requiem Mass. "Libera" is the Latin word for "free". Most of the boys in Libera come from the parish choir of St. Philip's, Norbury, in South London. The albums, tours and TV appearances the boys do as Libera are in addition to their regular singing as part of the full choir of men and boys at parish choral services.
The boys come from a variety of backgrounds in the London area, attending many different schools, including local state schools, church schools and performing arts schools. Libera recruits boys from any religious denomination and even those with no religious affiliations. Most boys join between the age of seven and ten, however older boys can join if they have the appropriate singing abilities. (wikipedia)And the boys never fail to captivate their audience. Tatay Monch recounts that it was already the end of the show and they already left the stage but after a while they all came back. The audience was delighted that they were treated to an ENCORE. But the encore was more than what they expected, after the first few notes of the song was played, the entire hall in PICC roared into a frenzy of applause and cheers - the boys are to sing BAYAN KO.
The song was especially significant to the FILIPINOS as it is one of the popular patriotic songs that helped stirred consciousness among the Filipino people. Originally written as a protest song during the American occupation by Jose Corazon de Jesus (music by Constancio de Guzman), BAYAN KO rose to popularity as it is often sung in protest rallies and demonstrations throughout Philippine history - more notably during the funeral of Sen. Benigno "NINOY" Aquino, Jr. and the following PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION where Freddie Aguilar led the crowd to sing the song's chorus.
To get a better appreciation as to why I am truly amazed, the video is posted below:
After the song, the entire PICC came down with a thundering standing ovation from the crowd. Even Tatay Monch forgot he was the MONCHITO and started to scream his lungs out. (If I were there, I might have also lost myself, hehehe). The music felt it came from heaven and played just for us FILIPINOS.
And I came to realize, if British boys can sing Bayan Ko with such ardour and passion, how much more us FILIPINOS? I doubt that these kids really understood what they were singing compared to us FILIPINOS who know the song since way way back then. How come they can make beautiful music and not us? How come they can sing it and own it like it was theirs? How come?
I think the answer lies on our own hands. Let this be a challenge to all of us.
_______________________________
LIBERA enthralled the Filipino audience with a concert at the PICC on October 25 and in CEBU on October 28.
Visit them at their official website: www.libera.org.uk
Sunday, November 1, 2009
LOVE and the Promise of Sunrise
There will always be uncertainty because if there is none, surprises wouldn't be surprises anymore. Life would suddenly become predictable and love will be totally boring. So uncertainty should be the least of my worries. It is MYSELF that I should tend to because the answer to the future lies in my OWN hands. As always in life, there is a CHOICE.
And my choice, LOVE is worth all the risk.
In the film Y Tu Mama Tambien, one of the characters said that "Life is like a surf, so give yourself away to the sea." Somehow, this is how I feel right now. One cannot be involved with LOVE and not surrender everything to it. For if it not, that would be entirely selfish or worse it is a complete lie.
As they say, it does not do to dwell on the past, uncertainty, fear, or doubt and forget to live.
I love you.
No rush, lets take it one day at a time.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Colorblind and loving it...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Corazon C. Aquino (1933-2009)
Freedom Fighter. Champion of Peace. Icon of Democracy. Proud Filipino. President. Wife. Mother.
My HERO.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Dyspnea: The Last Airbender
I can’t wait for the live action – film adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender to be released into the big screen. I was so addicted to the animated production from the start (I was in college, back then) until it aired its series finale around a year ago. Many would think that the show is for kids (yeah, I admit, it was not targeted for my age group), but then who are you to judge the child in me? Right? (*lol)
In a nutshell, Avatar: The Last Airbender chronicles the story of a young boy destined to bring back balance into a world ravaged by greed and war. The main character, Aang, together with his friends must save the world by defeating the Fire Lord thereby ending the destructive war brought about by the fire nation. I no longer want to post details in here and not pre-empt the story for those who are interested to watch or discover why many people are going gaga over it. (For those who prefer to know the story in advance, there’s always Google).
It’s a long wait for the film is due for release on July 2010. Nonetheless, it gives me more time to re-watch the entire Book 1 of the animated series. So it’s just apt for you to follow suit. The DVD copies of the entire series are all out in the market so grab a copy.
The Last Airbender, is the first film in the planned The Last Airbender Trilogy (guys, support it so that production won’t be shelved after the first installement). The film is adapted, directed, and produced by M. Night Shyamalan (director of The Sixth Sense, Signs, and Lady in the Water) and will feature new-comer Noah Ringer as Aang, Nicola Peltz as Katara, Jackson Rathborne as Sokka and Dev Patel (of Slumdog Millionaire fame) as Prince Zuko.
I am pleased to note that James Newton Howard (The Dark Knight, The Sixth Sense, Treasure Planet) will join the production team as Musical Scorer/Composer (?). This is no longer a surprise for me as Newton-Howard has previously worked with Shyamalan before with The Sixth Sense and The Village. Another great news is that Judianna Makovsky will join the team as Costume Designer. She was also the costume designer for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (my personal fave among the series) and Xmen: The Last Stand, to name a few.
Truly, I just cannot wait for my eyes to feast on the visual imagery of M. Night Shyamalan. I hope he does not disappoint me this time. For now, I leave you with the teaser trailer. It might not be much but you have to admit, it does tickle your interest.
You might want to check out these other sites for more information:
Official WebsiteThe Last Airbender at IMDB
Avatar Wiki Article
Official Nickelodeon Site
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Post Nasal Drip: LP Rocks Transformers 2
Linkin Park heralds the soundtrack of this season's expected megahit - Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The newest single NEW DIVIDE, released just yesterday is currently creating waves of both positive and negative responses from fans and critics alike. Admittedly, it is their first song put out in quite a while after releasing Minutes to Midnight more than two years ago. While it is not exactly a clone/copy of their prior hits, it has a dynamic new sound to it but not totally dilineating from the sound that makes them Linkin Park. I really like how it catches on me and how Chester Bennington has evolved into a more seasoned and mature singer than before. The entire band has completely grown and I can't wait to get my hands on the Transformers soundtrack after hearing this song.
You can download New Divide exclusively via iTunes here.
other links:
Review by www.newreviews.net
Lyrics from Mike Shinoda's blog
Official Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen site
A Mid-year Resolution
Honestly, I need a higher paying job so that I can pay my dues and fees for all of my application requirements for a job abroad. That’s just it. Other than that, I really don’t have reasons to leave my current job. Truth is, I love my job. I love what I do. It’s just that working with auditing and consulting firms are not financially rewarding. Ask my fellow CPAs who toil with auditing firms and they will surely back me up.
But in terms of experience, auditing firms are a treasure trove. Most people in the “accounting and auditing” world that I look up to would always suggest that, as new CPAs, we should start our careers with an auditing firm. The pay may not that be much but the experience and the learning we will gain is just priceless. They would say that just persevere for the next 3 years and from there watch your market value soar up.
I am trying to “persevere,” as they call it but is seems my cup can never be full. I want to become lots of things which is quite dangerous at my age – it would simply mean I still do not know where I am heading to. That’s a shocker, right? Me, the ever career oriented person, LOST!?!
But then again, some things in life change. As we travel and live our lives, we learn that we want things to happen. We regret some decisions we made and hope we can change whatever mistakes we did in the past. Some might even shrug off their shoulders and continue to live the same lives they chose before. It may not be the right thing to do but, perhaps, it’s totally late to change everything. I believe it is never too late to change. It is never too late to take a detour or a U-turn and head towards another direction.
So how do we know that we need to shift gears and change lanes? We think about it. We weigh the pros and the cons. We compare the benefits against the possible consequences. Most of all, We PRAY about it. We do not simply keep our fingers cross and leave everything to chance because that is a dire act of sheer stupidity. The key is discern and pray.
So far, I have made little progress about that resolution. I still have, yet again, to revise my resume (or cv/curriculum vitae) and update all my contact information. The fact that I languidly sit on all of these does not help, not a single bit.
I am going into my 3rd year this November 26th. That’s roughly 5 months from now. And the pressure for me finding a better (in a complete picture) job is mounting.
And about that “market value surge” thing – that I yet have to see or feel.
Nonetheless, life must go on.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Setting the Records Straight: Influenza A(H1N1)
The info session gave me few new information. Most of the things I've heard were either already posted online, published in dailies, or aired in televisions and radios. Indeed, what is Influenza A(H1N1) or Novel H1N1?
Novel H1N1 (or “swine flu” ) is a new influenza virus strain causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. It is thought to be a mutation - a reassortment - of four known strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 [ H and N are from the protein that defines the influenza: Hemagglutunin (Ha) and Neuramidase (Na)] one endemic to humans, another in birds, and two endemic in pigs. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
As of this post, the Dr. Francisco Duque of the Department of Health reports a total of 247 cases of swine flu which includes an epidemic in one barangay in Jaen, Nueva Ecija, one elementary school and one high school. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that as o June 15, 2009, 76 countries have officially reported 35,928 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection which includes 163 deaths.Adding to the confusion is the declaration of the WHO of a Pandemic Alert Level 6 status. By this time, many people, most uniformed, would panic much like its "ragnarok" for all of us (as to the biblical implications of this event, I lack the authority to comment).
A pandemic is an epidemic of infectious diseases that is spreading through human populations across a large region. At this time, WHO considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate. The moderate assessment reflects that:The Pandemic Alert Level 6 raised by WHO is indeed the highest level but this was done by WHO as a precaution given the speed of the spread of the virus. Albeit this scenario, Dengue has claimed many lives than A(H1N1) in our country. This gives us no reason to fear or to panic but also does not assure us into complacence.WHO is concerned about current patterns of serious cases and deaths that are occurring primarily among young persons, including the previously healthy and those with pre-existing medical conditions or pregnancy. Large outbreaks of disease have not yet been reported in many countries, and the full clinical spectrum of disease is not yet known.
- Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care.
- Overall, national levels of severe illness from influenza A(H1N1) appear similar to levels seen during local seasonal influenza periods, although high levels of disease have occurred in some local areas and institutions.
- Overall, hospitals and health care systems in most countries have been able to cope with the numbers of people seeking care, although some facilities and systems have been stressed in some localities.
I certainly do not know what the future holds for all of us. All I know that for any disease outbreak, there is a two-pronged result. Either it will claim many lives or the disease dying a natural death. But by the looks of it, A(H1N1) is here to stay for some time. Health experts and epidemiologists even foretell of a bleaker future - a mutation of a more virulent influenza A(H1N1) strain.
While my thoughts are poring over this current scare, it is but just apt to finally set the record straight. I am posting below a brief primer on what is influenza A(H1N1) and some useful links you might want to check out. It's always good to be informed.
DOH PRIMER
Signs and symptoms in humans
- similar to the symptoms of regular flu such as
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Lack of appetite
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Diarrhea
Mode of Transmission
- Exposure to droplets from the cough and sneeze of the infected person. Influenza A (H1N1) is not transmitted by eating thoroughly cooked pork.
Prevention
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
- Always wash hands with soap and water
- Use alcohol- based hand sanitizers
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Increase your body's resistance
- Have at least 8 hours of sleep
- Be physically active
- Manage your stress
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat nutritious food
DOH Hospitals designated as Referral Centers for Emerging and
Re-emerging Infectious Diseases
National Referral Center
Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM)
Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
Tel No. 809-7599
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Amidst all these pandemonium, we can only draw strength from the true healer - JESUS. Above all, let us pray for healing and protection from our Almighty Father. James tell us that in that if any of us in trouble or if anyone of us is sick, all we need to is PRAY (James 5:13-16). Claim God's healing through fervent prayer because with HIM, nothing is impossible.
Useful Links:
Department of Health (DOH) Influenza A(H1N1) Primer
US Center for Disease Control (US CDC) General Information
World Health Organization (WHO)
Monday, February 23, 2009
CARPER FAQ: So that the public may know.
What is CARPER about?
Actually, the original law enacted in 1988 was CARP or Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. It aspired to advance social justice by equitably distributing the country’s disproportionately owned agricultural lands. This would have reduced rural poverty which makes up 70% of the Philippine’s poor population. Also, it aimed to make our agriculture efficient by ensuring all agricultural land n the country is tilled and farmed. By minimizing inequality and maximizing agricultural productivity, which by the way is our economy’s foundation, economic and social progress would have come a lot sooner in history.
CARP obliges landowners to sell all their arable land possessions exceeding 5 hectares. They may also keep 3 hectares of land for each of their children who are personally tilling or managing the land. If they make it easier for the government and volunteer to sell their lands, they will even receive incentives. The landowners may sell their land to the government, which the government will sell to the farmers and farm workers. Within 30 years and with 6% annual interest rate, the payment for newly acquired land should be completed by the farmers. The landowners may also opt to transact directly with their tenants who till and farm the land. State-owned agricultural lands are also subject to CARP.
The law states that CARP should be fully implemented in 10 years, meaning it should have been completed in 1998. However, the Department of Agrarian Reform failed to beat this deadline, so the program and budget were extended for 10 more years. By the end of 2008, 80% of the privately owned agricultural lands have not yet been distributed. This is why and how CARPER came to be. CARP Extension with Reforms (CARPER) clamors for continuing budget for the program, and reforms to repair the loopholes in CARP which have weakened it for the last 20 years.
Why has CARP not yet been fully implemented?
There can be a thousand reasons to delay CARP’s fulfillment, all boiling down to frail political will.
For the past 2 decades, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has prioritized distributing state-owned agricultural lands instead of privately owned ones – even though the law specifies that the latter should be distributed first. Lots of exceptions have been given to powerful landlords to spare their lands from the program. Titles already won by would-be beneficiaries are canceled and decisions favoring them are reversed. Illegal conversions of agricultural lands to non-agricultural purposes are allowed. Huge parts of agricultural lands are sold and distributed to ‘ghost’ buyers. Farmers and land workers are fooled to sign agreements making them
stockholders of the land, which technically disqualifies them from owning the lands directly. Many farmers now have Certificates of Land Ownership Award in their hands. Unfortunately, landlords are armed with guns, practically paralyzing the farmers’ rights. Some farmer beneficiaries have been shot for tilling the lands they rightfully own.
A program can be incredibly to complete it is done half-heartedly. The saying hits it: “Pag ayaw, may dahilan.”
So what happens if CARPER is not passed?
Well, another generation of rural population will again inherit the enslaving fate of poverty. This will happen despite the farmers’ lawful claim to the lands and despite the cause that has consumed their energies all their lives. It has been a cycle and if it is not cut now, who knows when it will end? Or if it ever will.
Unfortunately for us too, this mishap leads to a butterfly effect. Bigger population of the poor stands for an underdeveloped economy. High disproportion of ownership of resources logically reduces national productivity. Imagine an agricultural country occasionally experiencing rice shortages. We are continuously left behind by our industrialized neighbors such as Japan and Taiwan. Cost of living rises as stomachs growl louder. We export our family members instead of selling our crops abroad. Blatant breach of the law further affirms the death of democracy. Sounds like the absence of CAPRER can devastate the country? It has been happening.
What’s its status?
CARP has so far distributed 7.2million hectares of agricultural land to the farmers. It has lifted the lives of 4.5 million Filipinos from intolerable poverty. CARPER, on the other hand, pushes to extend what CARP has done and to distribute the remaining 1.3 million hectares of privately owned lands to the farmers who make them productive.
This move has been brought to Congress and the Senate for some time now and has been ignored until the last 2 days of legislative sessions in 2008. When the legislators gave some attention to CARPER’s propositions at last, they came up with an ingenious way of killing it. The Congress and the Senate signed a joint resolution extending CARP but without compulsory acquisition. It means that the program may go on but landowners may or may not sell their lands. It’s the landowners’ call. For whom is the program again?
This joint resolution has just plucked CARPER’s fangs. It has trimmed and buffed its claws and has taken away the heart of real agrarian reform. Meanwhile, landless farmers walk miles to protest and hold weeks of hunger strikes to be heard.
The pseudo-CARPER is effective until 2009. President Arroyo and the lawmakers have until then to redeem their purpose as representatives of the people. The farms can still hop and fight for justice. We can still do our part in rewriting our nation’s history of poverty and injustice. Speak up, stand up, and show the government that we are fools no more. Let us push for CARPER. Now.
______________________
Photos courtesy of Pakisama and Mindanaokini. FAQ sourced from CARPER NOW! For more information email them here.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
STARFISH Magazine February 2009: Back to Basics - Out Now!!!
any National Book Store or Powerbooks outlet.
For subscription information and inquiries please email us at
starfishmagazine@gmail.com (subject: SUBSCRIPTION).
Juana Change - FIXER
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I Am Pro-Life
But still nothing can curb Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections better than ABSTINENCE.
Ditsi Carolino's LUPANG HINARANG: an Invitation
My dear friend DRED sums it all up: Suportahan po natin si Ditsi sa kanyang bagong likha upang ibahagi sa atin ang buhay ng mga magsasakang nakikipaglaban para sa lupang tinigmak ng kanilang pawis at pag-aaruga. Ako'y anak din ng isang magsasaka kaya't talos ko ang hirap nilang dinaranas. Nawa'y mag-ukol po tayo ng panahon upang lubos natin maunawaan ang kalagayan ng mga Sumilao at Negros Farmers.
Lupang Hinarang is a film in two parts about a fierce and deadly battle raging between farmers and landowners in the Philippines. The documentary opens with the tribal Sumilao farmers, Ka Rene, Linda and Bajekjek, who, inspired by Gandhi's protest march, journey on foot for two months from their mountain village in Bukidnon to the presidential palace in Manila.
It is a gruelling 1,700 kilometer journey through scorching heat, rains, fatigue, and great uncertainty. After weeks of walking, the farmers reach Manila, rally at the corporate offices of San Miguel, confront the agrarian reform secretary and grapple with anti-riot police before finally meeting the President.
The second part tells the story of the sugarcane workers from Negros. When the landowner's armed guards kill one of the farmers in 2007, Chay Lindy, Chay Gamay, and Chay Biray go on a harrowing 29-day hunger strike with other farmers on the steps of the agrarian reform office in Manila. The hunger strike results in victory for the farmers until the film ends in a shocking climax.
Lupang Hinarang is a timely documentary set against ongoing debates in Congress to extend and reform CARP (CARPer) or to kill it.
Showing Dates:
Premiere: 19 Feb 2009, Thursday, 6:30 PM
Leong Hall Auditorium
Ateneo de Manila University
Others: 19 Feb 2009, 4:30 PM
25 Feb 2009, 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM
Leong Hall Auditorium
Ateneo de Manila University
A minimum 100-peso donation is greatly appreciated.
__________________________________
About Ditsi Carolino:
Ditsi Carolino, started as an NGO worker documenting human rights issues in
Picture and bio courtesy of Encounters.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Rick Warren's Prayer for Obama
Almighty God, our father, everything we see and everything we can’t see exists because of you alone. It all comes from you, it all belongs to you. It all exists for your glory. History is your story. The Scripture tells us “Hear, oh Israel, the Lord is our god; the Lord is one.” And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.
Friday, January 16, 2009
God of the Ages
There’s this song that’s constantly plays on mind. It plays on an unending loop and this is not quite new to me. Every time I become addicted to a certain song, I have this tendency to listen to it over and over and over again until I eventually lose interest in it. But I think I will never get tired listening to this song because of what the message that the song imparts compares to none. It tells us about the SUPREMACY OF CHRIST as written by Paul to the Christian church in Colossus/Colossi. Paul writes:
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:15-20
I am truly amazed at how some people can create a symphony of praise and worship out of a few verses of the Bible and in this case four verses from Colossians 1--- verses 15 to 18. The song is entitled GOD OF THE AGES and the musical genius behind this simple worship song is Travis Doucette. Here are the lyrics of the song:
God of the AgesTravis Doucette
He is the image of the invisible God
The first born of creation
He is the first, the last,
The One who matters most
He is creator, ruling sustainer of all
For He holds is all together
He is the word of God
The hope for all the world
His name is lifted higher
Jesus, your name is lifted higher
We bless you Lord
God of the ages
The highest of all
We magnify you
Your name will be exalted, exalted
Who can compare?
Who can compare to you?
The message struck me hard, deep in my core. Nothing can compare to my GOD that is JESUS. HE sustains all the life in this earth. Isn’t it amazing to think how brilliant God is – that he created EARTH, strategically placed it between Venus and Mars, capable to sustain life and everything on it. I cannot even fathom the greatness of God and all I can do is simply offer him praises of worship and thanks for creating and sustaining me.
I believe that life is not that difficult to hurdle (in contrast as to how other people perceive it) as long as we fix our eyes on Jesus. We need to acknowledge that He is our creator, He is our Sustainer, He is our Hope and He is the one holding us all together. Without Christ, we are nothing.
So if you think you have not been acknowledging the fact that Christ can give us the peace that we are searching for if we simply let Him rule our lives, it’s about time you should. Bow down; offer a simple prayer of surrender to Christ. Let Christ reign in your life. Let the God of the Ages sustain you all the days of your life.
Have a blessed weekend!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
HIS Grace is Enough
I woke up not feeling well today. My muscles were aching, my body is sore, and my throat hurts. But despite these, I have a lot to thank to - a new day, a life-sustaining job, the gift of family and friends, to name a few. It's sad to note that most people are simply swamped by problems and plagued by worries, not thinking that there is a GOD willing enough to help us in our darkest and deepest times. All we need to do is to CALL on HIM because His grace and mercy abounds us.
A verse in Ephesians tells us the beauty and magnanimity of God's Grace. Here, Paul tells us that God has already predestined us to be His Sons through Christ though His grace. Through Him we were saved. Through Him we can enjoy the gift of life everlasting.
In these days where stress and worry is prevalent (brought about by man's worldliness), we must learn not to rely on ourselves, not to be heavily worried and anguished by the world's inequity but rather to rely on the Grace of God for HIS Grace is enough. This reminds me of a song by Chris Tomlin which I really like - Your Grace is Enough. The song tells us how wonderful God is and what God offers to us.
In love 5He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will— 6to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. 7In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Ephesians 1:5-8 (NIV)
Friends, let us keep our eyes on Him. Keep the ball of faith rolling for someday we will receive our just rewards in heaven.
Have a blessed and grace-filled day!
Your Grace is Enough*
Chris Tomlin
Great is Your faithfulness oh God
You wrestle with the sinner's heart
You lead us by still waters and to mercy
And nothing can keep us apart
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise
Oh God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me
Great is Your love and justice God
You use the weak to lead the strong
You lead us in the song of Your salvation
And all Your people sing along
Your grace is enough
Heaven reaching down to us
Your grace is enough for me
God I see your grace is enough
I'm covered in your love
Your grace is enough for me
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*Your Grace is Enough by Chris Tomlin, lyrics courtesy of www.christian-lyrics.net. The song is included in Tomlin's album entitled "Arriving". All bible verses from www.biblegateway.com.