My IDEA of CHRISTMAS!!!

It's Christmas!!!, a time of giving, sharing, loving and many more posotive action and thoughts that you can think og... but above all it simply reminds us of on specific person.. and tha's our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hmmm... does christmas season includes hatred, bitterness, betrayal, gosips, and being judgementa???

Let's try to imagine...

Imagine a Christmas with these situations; (Family, friends, etc... doesn't necessarily means that they're related to me)

• A TRUSTED friend betrayed you, much more that friend insinuates gossips --- to destroy you
• A family member, maybe a brother, that wouldn't fight for you, maybe because he treats you as his rival, not knowing that he himself neglects his own duties and responsibilities
• A family that puts on a wrong judgement with who you are and what you have become
• A friend that makes the world around you, turns its back from you
• A family member and a friend who are insenitive and doesn't understand you...

Imagine a Christmas having these kinds of burdens.. what will you do???

On a positive note:

Above all these situations, you are still bless to have thee kind of people to back you up...

• True brother to defend you
• A distant relative having a time to liostend and also gives you the best advices that he can give
• Friends who truly knows your potentials and with wha you can do to them.. they really know you!!!
• Family member who have their own sense of responsibility
• Family member who truly understands the words... LOYALTY, FORGIVENES, FRIENDSHIP, TRUE LEADERSHIP, and COMPASSION

Oh well, these things are jut my idea of a happy Christmas... How bout you???

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

Repentance and Forgiveness

Last Wednesday, I had an UBE time with one of the worship leaders... One of the many things that he told me is the idea of forgiveness... which led me and my brothers to have a smallgroup session later that night... it was around 9pm @ yoshinoya when I,chin, aeron, nimrod, matt, and danish began our small group session (thinking about what the worship leader had told me... take responsibility) ... and so we did... we talked about repentance and forgiveness... going back to chapters 3 and 4 of the one2one booklet... well, basically its one of the main issues that we have to make actions... we started the session by asking two questions... who would you want to ask forgiveness and who would you want to forgive... the good thing was, it turned out OK... we all decided to do what we have talked about... to forgive and not to condemn other people.. to ask forgiveness and not to use pride as our defense mechanism...

Optimistician Report: 6 weeks!

It's been months since i wrote a blog... hehehe, i've been busy lately...

for the past 6 weeks, i quit my job, then started a business (monkey business) hehhe with jeff and carmina... during that 6 weeks... madami ng nangyari... i got to hang-out with the saturday people sa small group namin.. had a trip sa mga mcdo in ortigas area... hehehe, inuumaga ng uwi galing sa mcdo, sa bahay nila chin, and sa eastwood...

during these period, d lang puro gimmicks and bonding... nagvictory weekend na din ako (at last!!!) one year ko din hinintay un.. and it was worth the wait.. sobrang saya ng victory weekend!!! thanks din sa mga pumunta at sumama sa room namin... hehehe

sobrang na-test din yung patience ko sa 6 weeks na ito.. i've been helping my friend sa problem nya together with the others na concern din hehehe, and nandyan na rin ung na-burn-out ako sa maraming tao at bagay...

i've been mean lately, and i hated that... kahit may concrete reasons ako.. but still i hate my attitude...

some of my friends and co-small group sa church, they felt na cold ako sa kanila... kasi sa dami ng iniisip ko at iniiwasan ko, nadadamay na din sila, and i apologized for this one...

sa 6 weeks na ito, i've been hurt na din, kaya siguro naging ganun ung attitude ko, but i'm hoping na ma-fix na ito soon, whatever the situation is...

hmmm.. for the past 6 weeks, sobrang daming nangyari, it's like 1 year na hehehe, not to mention sa mga ups and downs sa buhay ko..

Nonetheless, I'm blessed with these situations and sa mga tao na nameet ko... and looking forward for the next ride of my life.... wooosssshhh!!!

(wow tagalog! at wow emo an emo)

Psalm 18:32: All about Strength!!!

Ever imagine you'll be awake for 30 hours? from 2pm up to 8pm on the following day?

I've done it last friday...

I got up 2pm and decided to visit UP around 3pm then I head straight at Robinson's Galleria around 5pm to attend the YOF service at 7pm but wait, an hour ago, I'm with marion, mike, and samuelson around 6pm @ Tom's world, playing DOTA hahaha..

then after the service I go straight ahead to my workplace and took a shift from 9:30pm-6:30am, (i'm a web developer),

the following day, the 9 and 11 worship team had a rehearsal at LMP for the sunday's service, I came in there around 8:45 and leave the place around 12:30pm,

but wait! there's more! hehehe instead of going home,

I got back at galleria to help jeff and back-up at the 3pm YOF service, but the fun of staying doesn't end there... hehehe, I hang-out with them until 7:30pm and got home around 8:30pm.. hmmm... at last.. after a 30 hours of no sleep, finally I got a chance to take a sleep then...

What's the point!!!, well, I thank God that day, because He gave me the strength to stay up that long and do quite tiring activities.. It's amazing how God rewards me that kind of strenght without any hint of weakness.

I would like to share this one... that even in the midst of any obstacles in life, if we put our trust to God.. He will give us strength to batte it out...

ahoo! ahoo!

" It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." Psalm 18:32

Early Christmas... Blessing One Another...

Hmm.. everyone's asking... including me.."May pang-bless ka na this sunday?" hehehe... oh well, our church have this idea called "bless one another weekend" wherein you bless someone na gusto mo lang i-bless.. hehehe malabo ata yung explanation ko.. anyway.. I love the idea... i mean, sobrang sarap mang-bless ng tao... though expectant din ako na "sino kaya ang magbless sa akin?" hehehe.. but the idea of 'it's better to recieve than to receive..' that makes sense... I mean iba talaga yung feeling when you give to someone... especially when he/she less expected it.. malay mo.. kelangan na kelangan talaga nya... di ba nakaka-encourage yun.. What a great way din to start the 'ber' month... pero syempre, kahit wala nitong event na ito sa church... still let's practive this one... blessing one another... it might not be a physical thing... (items, gifts) but even the simplest greetings such as "Hi", " how are you", "God bless you"... will bless one person's heart...

God Bless Everyone!!!

Merry Christmas!!! :) Wow Cubao!!!

My NEW 20 things... (this time per individual na talaga)

1) Hmm...Sorry kung aloof ako sayo lately, hindi ko na kasi maintindihan ugali mo... nag-usap na tayo dati pa... and still kahit may nagbago... still you're that kind of a leader... Remember na being a leader is reaching out sa lahat hindi lang sa ibang tao.. Learn to show your emotions... not being emo but show them how you feel, and be aware sa mga ginagawa mo... nakaka-offend ka kasi... sensya kung di kita trip kausapin minsan when you're trying to reach out... honestly... ewan ko ba... di lang kita siguro masakyan...

2) Galing... wala namang perfect na tao... kaya kahit may sablay.. man, galing... you're willing to teach and much more willing to be taught by someone... oo ikaw ulit yung nakausap ko while may mga de lata sa table hehehe... Dati ayaw ko sayo kasi iba yung naririnig ko na comments about you... eh nagkataon na magka-group tayo hahaha... good thing na nakilala din kita through our almost overnight bonding...

3) At syempre, si bespren ulit.. ehehehe bespren ang tawag ko kasi... sya ang first female member ng bespren ministry (hehehe bakit ba kasi yun ang tawag)... thanks ha... looking forward na maka-hang-out kayo... as i've said I love your ideologies and honesty sa mga tao... iilan na lang kasi ang totoong tao sa mundo...

4) Bro, sensya kung lagi kita inaasar pag nasa east ako hehehe, but bro I see a great future ahead of you, jsut learn to be open lang... I mean show and tell lang kung ano man ang mga concerns mo... and learn to understand din.. I know you do...

5) Ikaw ulit bro, nagrequest ka kasi eh.. hehehe... but seriously, blessed ako sa mga comments mo at sa paguusap natin dati sa multiply... at memorable din yung sa isang part hahaha, invited ako dahil ako ata pinakamatagal mo ng kilala... akalain mo yun days lang ata yun o weeks... hahaha... but bro... I can see na you'll be great someday on whatever field na balak mo kunin... trials are there.. bt just keep hanging on to God... and alam ko alam mo yun... emotions din ingatan... minsan kasi over-reacting na na...

6) Hayz bro... motibo!!! hehehe... pero bro good thing nabawasan na yung mga ganyan mo... pero mas maganda kung iwas na talaga... lalo pa ngayon may responsibility ka na sa ministry... be sensitive din sa mga taong nakapaligid sayo... learn the value of saving money... wag masyado ma-gimmick...

7) I miss hanging out na with you... yung mga tawanan at kulitan... good thing magka-team tayo sa yof... thanks sa friendship

8) Isa ka pa... I miss hanging out with you... yung mga comment at advices mo... hindi na kasi ako gaano nag-11am service... dahil sa sched na rin... thanks sa friendship

9) Ei bro... grabe... wag daw ako tatabi sayo pag praise and worship sa stage... nagmumukha daw akong post... sobrang energetic mo kasi... nag-enervon ka ba? hehehe, anyway, nice hanging out with you bro... bawasan mo na ang station of the cross mo sa galleria hehehe.. alam nyo na kung sino to' hehehe...

10) Hi po... hehehe dapat may 'po' talaga'... sobrang ginagalang to' at kilala sa victory... as i've said sobrang blessed ako sa mga reply mo sa blogs ko at sa comment ko sa blog mo... you even made one of my replies as part of your preaching... grabe ang saya ko nun... sobra akong blessed whenever na nakikita kita.. not to mention takot din hehehe..

11) Ewan ko ba kung bakit ka nandito... hehehe... No pain no gain... yan ang tawag ko sayo... it's a pleasure to be part of your team hehehe... thankful ako kasi you chose me... pero grabe.. tama nga sila kelangan ng maximum tolerance saio... buti na lang meron din ako nun... eh kasi ganun din ako sa ibang tao... lakas mang-asar... pero hindi naman ganun ka-physical... grabe last tuesday hehehe.. pero ok lng 'PO' yun hehehe.. ano ba talaga real age mo???

12) Sorry if i made you felt that way... sorry din ss ginawa ko... I didn't mean to... pero ganun talaga... bigla na lang nawala... hayz...

13) Hmmm.. ang taong di ko raw pinapansin... musta naman... pinapansin kaya kita... busy lang talaga ako.. ang don't worry... kuha pa rin ako ng sched sa east... spend time muna ulit ako sa galleria... but i'll help you sa music stuff if ever you need one hehehe (as if may macontribute ako hehehe)

14) Sobrang blessed ako nung time na sinabi mo na you will leave your bf and put God first in your life... grabe... yung months ko na pagdala sayo sa VCF.. finally.. you've made the right decision... Welcome to the club.. ingat ka lang sa kikay na small group leader mo... naku po!!!

15) Hi bro... or grandfather? hehehe... everytime you say something... grabe madami akong natututunan.. at i never thought na cool ka din pala.. not to mention.. lakas din ng trip mo... thansk for being a blessing... kahit minsan natatakot ako saio... (dapat talaga kinatatakutan ko yung mga may ganitong profession hehehe)

16) My new found friend... sobrang kulit mo during the rehearsals... and its a pleasure to be part of your team sa 2pm.. syempre nagkaalaman na kung sino ka... hehehe... thanks for the prayers... you're such a blessing sa lahat...

17) Sorry po kung di ako nakasama last time... and thank you for your comments... plus thankful ako sa ikaw yung una kong nakasama nung time na narelease ako sa training... its a pleasure to be part of your team...

18) Hi Ms. hehehe ang isa din sa makulit na worship leader... kahit paminsan-minsan na lang ako nakakasama sa team nyo kasi nirelease na ako sa prayer meeting.. good thing na nakasama ko kau... i mean... yung mga kulitan lalo na pag kasama si #16... hahaha... buhay na buhay ang rehearsal

19) Kahit di nyo masyado nagustuhan yung decision ko na maging Christian... still you let me... thanks for being and still part of my life... Sorry kung di ako ganun ka-close sa inyo...

20) Sorry sa lahat ng kasalanan ko... but still you accept me... kaya sobrang na-fall ako saio... you're always there... kaw lang ang alam kong never iiwanan ako... you made me changed... and I welcome you in my life.. forever... Love you!

My Great Experience with the 2pm Worship Team

It's my first time to join the 2pm worship team, and it was great, I had fun worship singing with them, not to mention the musicians are from the youth hehehe, plus 2 of them are my co-small group...

Thanks to the 2pm Worship team... I had fun

Thre things... got this from Carmina

A bunch of questions in groups of three.

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE ME:

My Insecurities
Insects like cockcroaches (ung lumilipad, mutant version na)
Confrontation (been there, done that)

THREE PEOPLE WHO MAKE ME LAUGH:

General na lang (kasi madami)
*VCF Family
*Elementary Classmates
*Small Group

THREE THINGS I LOVE:

Dogs
TV
Pasta

THREE THINGS I HATE:

Wrong impression about me
People who wants me to change for them
My Insecurities

THREE THINGS I DON'T UNDERSTAND:

Why am I doing this?
Why I am so handsome?
Why some people don't like me

THREE THINGS ON MY DESK:

Cellphone
Food
Bag

THREE THINGS I'M DOING RIGHT NOW:

Browsing my multiply site
Doing this
Chatting with my officemate (inviting them sa yof)

THREE THINGS I WANT TO DO BEFORE I DIE:

Raise a family
Share the gospel
I have to think for the last one

THREE THINGS I CAN DO:

Dance
Compose a song
Sleep

THREE WAYS TO DESCRIBE MY PERSONALITY:

Deep person
Only few really knows me
Optimistic

THREE THINGS I CAN'T DO:

Reach the tenor part... at least (lagi na lang pinapagawa sa akin yun)
Swim
Being too shy

THREE THINGS I THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO:

Before It's Too Late
Betterman
Beauty of your Grace (LSS)

THREE THINGS I DON'T THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO EVER:

Fastfood song
Macarena
Red Hot Chilli Pepper's Songs

THREE OF MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE FOODS:

Ice Cream
Pasta
Pizza (They call me PIZZA Guy, I wonder why?)

THREE THINGS I'D LIKE TO LEARN:

Guitar
Keyboards
Swim

THREE BEVERAGES I DRINK REGULARLY:

Water
Diet Soda
Juice

THREE SHOWS I WATCHED WHEN I WAS A KID:

Cedie
Trap Family Singers
Sesame Street

James Sace: A Worship Leader's Fight

All of us know that James Sace was rushed in the hospital last week and was diagnosed of having a dengue. Wednesday evening, James already felt of having a fever, we were at KFC then, James, Carl and I. We told him that "stress lang yan", and he should ignore that, but the following day, we received a call from him, cancelling our small group meeting because he already have a high fever, and who whould have imagine that he already have a dengue strain in his body.

We visited him last sunday, at the medical city, after the 7pm service and thank God he was already in a good condition, still standing and fighting with the attack of the enemy on him.

I called this blog, A worship leader's fight, simply because, no matter who you are, whether you are a super christian or not (I got this one from Pastor Julius preaching last sunday), still there are many opposing forces to let you down, to tore you apart. But for James, his faith, his belief, and his relationship with God, continues to grow during this time, and never he questioned God for what the situation he have right now.

Hope we could learn from this, coz time to time, the enemy will still attack us, but with our faith, with God and his grace, we can defeat the enemy no matter what.

As I end this blog look on what have Paul said to the Corinthians with regards on our weaknesses;

'But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.'
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

Please continue praying for James...

God Bless everyone!

Name Game daw... Got this from ER and Kitch

1. YOUR NAME:
John Paul Estrellado

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first three letters of your name, plus izzle):
Joizzle. /*jwoizel/ [french]

3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color and fav animal):
Blue Lion

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, and current street name):
Abaldonado Mahogany [wow, the reason why I hate having a spanish middle name and surname, thus hate having spanish blood]

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letters of mom's maiden name):
Estjoval [pang-alien o parang gamot

6. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink):
Red White Mocha [parang three colors - (white mocha is a drink variant, starbuck fanatics, youm know this one)]

7. IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last
name, any letter of your middle name, 2nd letter of your moms maiden name,
2nd letter of your dads middle name, 1st letter of a siblings first name):
Otaaljm [cge nga pronounce this one]

8. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (father's middle name):
Alegre [Spanish again]

9. GOTH NAME: (3rd favorite color, and one of the name of your pet)
White Byron. [errr]

why is there so much evil and sufrng in this wrld?

It was past 11pm and I'm having my usual routine, sending a group message to my vcf peeps, checking my multiply, ym,

and stuffs.. when Ken (part of my small group in metro east) texted me and asked about something;

"Bro tanung ko lng. Anung isasgt m kng may PILOSOPONG TAO ang magtanung syo n2. 'If GOD is good and perfect, why is there so much evil and sufrng in this wrld?'"

I replied then saying that;

"Because God is a just God, and take time to read the book of Job, its one of the best example"

And he replied, contented with my answer...

And now I'm blogging about his question.

Why is there so much evil and suffering in this world?

According to Paul;

"...in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient" Ephesian 2:2 (NIV)

We all live under the rulers of this world... the godly rulers, (take note of the small 'g') it is by grace of God that we have been saved (talking about the sermon last sunday). and that explains why there are much evil and sufferings in this world, because we live on their world, we were dead then and for most people they suffer because they let the gods of this world conquer them. Now, for the believers who are more than conquerors, why do they still suffer? It is because the more they come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, the more they are tested by the enemy. Just like the story of Job God allowed the devil to test him, and it is our duty to stand firm on our faith like what Job did, in the end we will be rewarded, because God is a just God.

"Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven..." Matthew 5:12 (NIV)

Since God is a just God, plus his being merciful to us, he gave us the gift of salvation (it's free by the way :) ) for us to be made alive in Christ. Jesus died and overcome death so we too can overcome it, we too will be saved by his grace.

God Bless!!!

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another

A month ago, i wrote a blog about how blessed I am with a conversation at the VCF-Fort... And who would have thought that I would be in that situation again, but this time its about me, my flaws, my indifference, and this time in my hometown.. VCF-Galleria...

It was a wednesday afternoon, singers' training were cancelled but I still I was in Galleria that time, I accompanied my friends from metro east since they will be auditioning for the ortigas worship team. LIttle did I know, as always, God had a planned for me, God wants to give me a revelation and a wake-up call through James Sace (De ja vu??? hehehe... history repeating itself but this time, I was the main subject and not James).

James and I had talked that afternoon, it triggered when I started my usual "pang-aasar to James", then later that night, when I was about to go out the center, James called me and asked me if I could stay, and so I did... He said that he wants to have a talked about something, with no clue at all, I responded to his invitation. Tadaaaa!!! Bingo!!!! It wasn't about the worship team nor our small group bonding, but it's all about me... then, our so-called "the talk part deux" had started.

You know what, I was so blessed to have my brother (James) along with our brothers backing me up all the time. Just like what had happened to us that day, I have no idea that James was already offended by my so-called pang-aasar, and there he goes, showing me my flaws and giving me advices regarding that. I was quiet during that moment, I was thinking about my identity with my peers in the church, its a good thing though, that James always reminds me during the course of our conversation that, above all, it is our identity in Christ that matters. I don't need to change for them but rather guard my actions towards them.

James reminded me of this scripture:

"As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another"
Proverbs 27:17

It simply says, that we are all accountable with each other and we are here to support each other.

God is Great!!! Always!!!

Saturday Blessing

Last saturday, I had a chance to bond with the gutierrez siblings, carmina, and andrei. I could say that this is one of the moments that I never want to miss. Let me put it this way, I could've spend more money that night but never experiences the joy i felt hanging pou with them. I could've spend more time hanging out with my other friends but never made a new pact with the people that God wants me to get along with that night. Borrowing the tagling from a famous credit card commercial, that night was truly PRICELESS... I am humbled that God revealed me many things that night... it's not about the money... it's not about the status... it's not about the lifestyle... but it's all about true fellowship and humility that I experienced that night.

I'm so blessed to be with these people, generally speaking, it is during these times when you got to finally see the true friendship that everyone's been looking.

God is great and I thank him for giving me a chance to bond with them, for removing my pride, ego, and selfishness that night.

Thanks to Jeff, Benjo, Jester, Carmina, and Andrei for the fellowship.

"AKOLOGY"

The first time I heard the word "Akology" was during a youth service last year, when Ptr Joe used it as an example / joke on his preaching.

I decided to blog down my personal insight about "AKOLOGY"

AKO-logy, it means "it is I, whom you should be taking about, coz' it's all about me, and it should be me..." (well, i may have exxagerated it... hehehe) but you get my point right?

We all have the mentality of using "Ako-logy", or being self-centered... in a way, there are two sides of it... the good one and the bad one (hehehe it's classic) basically, it depends on how you handle it and how people sees it. Truly it is our nature to have this weird mentality.The Bad akology is when you talked about yourself bigtime! as in you're insinuating that you are good in this field, you have achieve more than what they have expected, and boasting on your achievements. The worst thing that can happen is when no one cares to listen but still you kept on talking about yourself. Another example is when you either exalt yourself to the level of what the other party have achieved or even more. Through this kind of attitude, pride is just there waiting for you... pulling you back... and not moving forward.

The Good akology... is there such thing? Well, as for me, I think there is... talking about yourself, your past experience, your achievements, etc... but with a goal of you wanted to set an example to others... being a role model... and the most important thing is when he/she acknoledges God as the source of his/her strength, achievements, etc... Instead of insinuating that all of which were done by himself/herself, he/she gives glory to God for He is the giver of all things.

To wrap it up, we should always remember, not only during our Akology moments, that it's not about us, but it's all about GOD.

Glory to God always!

What a great way to celebrate... It's my first anniversary

July 2007 marks my first year as a Christian and as a member of the VCF Spiritual Fam... And I couldn't ask for more celebrating it for me as part of the volunteers for the EN07... One way of saying THANK YOU for having me and letting me know who Jesus is...

I remember writing a blog 5 months ago... about how Christianity had helped me changed... and how my VCF fam guided me on my walk with God. Here's the excerpt of it;

"... I've only been here for 7 months and since my 1st month, I've made a decision to continue this faith that made my perspective of life, even me, CHANGE...

I never thought that Christian faith would make a big difference in my life and made me a better person today. Above all, amidst all the trials in life, I'm here standing firm knowing that God is the true master of my life.

As a Christian, I have learned;

> that Jesus is Lord
> that God has a plan for us to prosper
> to respect myself
> to deal things in a good manner
> to wait
> that we are saved
> to learn more as I continue receiving the gift of eternal life."

And for the past 5 month... new revelations and great things was given to me by God.

Here it goes...

> Each day, God is revealing my purpose here on earth
> I'm now part of the worship team in Galleria and Metro East
> I've got my brothers (Small group) always there to back me up
> I've learn to accept different personalities
> I've got new found friends from the different VCF-Churches (Metro East, Fort, Alabang, Quezon City, and U-Belt)
> From being shy ngayon makapal na mukha ko hehehe... syempre in a good way
> I'm more proud on being a Christian
> I can boldy talked about Christianity to other people
> I now have a small group and looking forward to have more people being discipled
> From attending the 5pm or 7pm service... now I'm attending 11am service, 2pm and 4pm and 6pm service (looking and leading people to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Master)
> I've learned the value of praying
> I've learned the value and found the true meaning of friendship / brotherhood
> I;ve learned to trust myself again (though it is still in the process... I'm getting there)
> I've learned to trust other people
> Still looking forward for more years of Victory in Christ Jesus.

EN.07 Choir

After nights of practices... note reading... learning our part... off we go to the 3 day world conference... EN.07: to the ends of the earth...

I had a great time with my choir buddies... during the EN.07... it was a 3-day filled with all the bloopers... eating adventures... (what's with the rice... sobrang dami)... picture taking... (sobrang daming camera... nakakahilo ang mga flash...) at syempre with the ground breaking taking-off of our choir gown hehehe...

I'd never imagine worshipping God this way... I mean, being with the worship team, (the choir, band, back-up, worship leaders)... all with the goal of leading the people on worshipping God... It's not about tha place (in Araneta)... not about our tons of costumes change (madami talaga sya and bigat pa dalhin... hehehe), nor the money we spent... but it's about the honor of worship leading every tribe and every nation in the conference... from the gray section and way up to the ends of the earth (i mean end of araneta pala and that's the green section hehehe).. It's all about pleasing God with all the praise and worship... It's about glorifying His name... It's all about God...

All our tiring practices had finally paid off... from meeting other spiritual fams in other vcf-churches... forming a strong bond with them... and not to mention... singing and dancing with them... all of those will surely be part of our wonderful memories...

Though there are some difficulties, health problems, financial dilemmas... nothing could stop the choir on showing how Great our God is...

oh well, sobrang dami ko pang gusto sabihin about our adventures... I'll make it short na lang... i miss the choir... hehehe... kahit maaga ang call time natin.. at late na tayo nakakauwi.. still it's fun worshipping with you guys....

To Ate Apeg and Kuya Ding...
To kuya carlos, kuya Miguel, and Jay... the BASS team hehehe
To Bill, Benj, Eric, JB, Wendell, Willian, Jayson, Tom, Kuya Bob, Alfred, Mercy, Gen, Ate Mercy (QC), Ate Bevs, Fides, Vivienne, and the rest of the mafia hehehe in short my new found friends from VCF Alabang, Fort, U-Belt, QC, and Ortigas Choir members

Clap your hands... Dance for joy... Shout for joy hehehe

Who are you?

Last Saturday @ the Youth Service in Metro East, Ptr. Patrick (our youth pastor in

VCF - Ortigas), in line with our series break, preached about every person's identity and it was entitled "Who Am I?" I won't be blogging much of the whole sermon and might as well give out some of the key points of Ptr. Patrick.

Here's Ptr. Patrick's key points;

*Identity = Action

*Pretensions, you're allowing other people to affect/dictate your identity

*Sometimes we based our identity on our past failure or success

*It's wrong if we based our identity on our insecurities

*It takes an encounter with God to be able to know who you are

*One of our responsibilities here on earth is to lead

But one the statements that struck me the most is that even before when God created man, He already gave us the responsibility to rule or on the other hand to be a leader...

"Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, [a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them." Genesis 1:26-27 (NIV)

…which brings us back on what Jesus had commissioned his apostles and on to the future generations...

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

We truly our born leaders and born to disciple thus we are born to spread the good news on to the future generation so that they may know who really God is.

Now, let me ask you this question, WHO ARE YOU?

Blessed by a Conversation @ Fort

My tuesday night became one of the most unforgettable night... hehehe

During and right after our rehearsal at the fort for the EN07, I had a conversation with someone... and I was blessed by that conversation...

I can't disclose the whole conversation though it was something about our concern for him as my brother in VCF...

I cried by the way hehehe, Me and my emo moment... and I know that my brother also cried... (even if he doesn't want to admit that), but it was relief... it was a time of refreshing for us... especially for him...

He was devasted daw... well I know he was... I mean he was hurt... but saying those things to him was mainly because I was very much concern to his position, and as brothers we are accountable with each other... and I don't want that situation to turn out to be a gossip...

"A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends" Proverbs 16:28

...not to mention that I've been in that situation a few years back.

Anyway, God is really a God of perfect timing, not to mention He's a God of restoration, the conversation I had explains that... We were supposed to talk over the phone then but time won't allow it, I think God wants us to talk personally so every no one would get offended by the issues that I was meant to disclose to him... Nevertheless, God truly restores every relationship and through this, I know that everything will be in proper place again, clarifications will be made, and stronger pacts will deeply develop.

Lessons learn: we are all accountable with each other, and a good communication enables a harmonious environment for everyone... plus putting God as the center on every communication.

I was blessed and humbly thankful before God for Him using me as a tool to patch the things that are unseen... and as a tool to build a stronger brotherhood among us... but taking note of that it is the Lord's plan that always prevail... just like what had happened on this moment.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails" Proverbs 19:21

Both of us have learned a lot... how to deal with such things... coming up with a solution rather than focusing on the problem... learning to accept our failures... humility to take place in every mistakes... and not just learning to listen and accepting the defeat but doing something and not just accepting it.

Again... To God be the Glory!!!

Anong Kulay mo sa EN07? (What's your color for the EN07?)

Last Saturday and Sunday, VCF had already started distributing the ID's for the EN07. As always, it was color coded according to the section of the venue, this time it's in Araneta, will you be seating.

Some were confused about the logistics plan, and some were just making fun of it, like for some who found their place on the green section (the bleachers) they would rather say "at least we're close to heaven" hehehe.

Well I created this blog for the reason of... nothing hehehe... just want to lighten things up...

On a serious note, it doesn't matter on how near or far you are at the stage... God still sees you... You are still saved... And maybe for those who were not on the gray section of the Araneta, well, maybe you just have to see to bigger picture of what's gonna happen on the EN07...

Well as for me, I'll be seating at the choir area, on the stage... And I'll be seeing a different perspective... the backward perspective... hahaha (ya i know it corny... hehehe)

See you all in the EN07!!!

Don't be offended...

"We are all worship leaders... from the back-ups, musicians, lead, and even the technical team... We all lead the congregation in praising and worshipping God... We ignite the fire within the hearts of the congregation... We seek God for his blessings on us... we thank God for the gift of salvation..."

... and being a leader, requires much of the following... vision, initiative, patience, respect, persistence, courage, faith, and the ability to accept criticisms... And being part of the worship team requires this one... Most of the time we got a lot of criticisms from the congregation, pastors, and even our team members... but being offended is not the case here... we don't use the word OFFENSE... we should be responsible of our own actions... and besides it's all about God... He's the one we should please... and criticisms are one way of saying that God deserves the best.

The badside of being EMO

I can't believe that I'm writing this one... I'm a self-confessed emo... and I love being emo... being emo let's you speak out of what you really feel... no pretension... and you're just being yourself. Being emotional is our way of expressing of what we really feel on a person, thing, or situation.

Now here's the dilemma, being emo is good but over reacting on being an emo is definitely a NO! NO! and I'm guilty on doing that... I've been there... and it kills me...

There are lots of badside on being too much emotional, I've listed down a few;

1) Yes you have no pretension, but sometimes you fantasize on such situations that at first it will make you think its completely normal but its not... you're creating a world on where you turn the real world into upside down world... (e.g. when a girl says "no"... you still hang on your faith that someday she's gonna be yours, but in reality it will never happen)

2) Being too much emotional might hinder God's plan for you, coz you rely too much on your faith, wherein in reality God is telling you to stop, coz He have much better plans for you.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

Sometimes we tend to rely "subconsciously" on our plan but we have to remember that it is God's purpose that always prevail.

3) We might hurt the other party by imposing her your own rules and not God's rules on both of you

4) You rely too much on false hope wherein in the end you're just hurting yourself more.

5) Depression! Need not to explain much further on this...

Over-reacting on being emo only enables the evil schemes to rule in your life...

"The scoundrel's methods are wicked,
he makes up evil schemes
to destroy the poor with lies,
even when the plea of the needy is just." Isaiah 32:7

It hinders God's glory on your life... it defiles all the positive things that keeps you going...

The Cure:
As Paul had said to the Church in Ephesus...

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:11

We need to always stand firm and put on the full armor of God for us to stay always on guard on such evil schemes on being too much emo on such situations, people, and things.

Instead of depending too much on our being emo... we should depend too much on God's plan and revelation to us... We should trust him more rather than trusting our own instincts...

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."Matt. 11: 28-30

From "300" now its "TRANSFORMERS"

See how transformers made an impact...

Transformers along with the popular tags on my multiply site... aligned with the vcf tags...

There's no doubt that the movie was good... I mean great!!! the effects, story, sound, direction, it was superb!!! hehehe...

But just like any movie, the so-called "craze" will soon be forgotten...

But never for our craze to God... Coz we Christians are always on fire to him!

If transformers made an impact to us... what more when we made an impact to others and tranforming their lives toward righteousness and leading them to accept God as their master and savior.

Cmon!

The Thing is v.2

The THING is... its a crazy world out there, we bumped into someone we thought that there's no reason behind it, but in reality there is... We tend to forget the simple things that life is trying to give... Most of the time we regret the fact that sometimes the solutions to our problems is just waiting there outside wanting us not to completely see the bigger picture of it but it only shows pieces of it, just like a puzzle. So the next time you go outside,open your arms freely cause you may never know what could fall into you or maybe it answers the question 'who?'

The thing is...

The THING is... why do we always look for love... is it the sudden rush of emotions and pressure that made us looking for it. Isn't it love finds its way towards us... but in many cases people always find love... not because they're longing for it but its being part of their lives. I know its hard to fall in love easily without even knowing it... just remember to take 1 minute of each day and feel the beat of your heart and you'll know its not just who but also its answers the question of what's really you're looking for.

Untangled Thought!

We sometimes end up in the most unusual pretensions, thinking, and soul searching advices in the midst of our problems. Well I think I have come up of somehow perfect but difficult solutions on such predicaments. I know it’s hard and painfully unbearable for us to accept and face the consequences of it, but nonetheless there are no wrong decisions in life. One great topic would be on wether you would take a risk onto someone from who you think you fell in love with and yet you have decided on just being friends with her. It's a decision that others would look at and say that I’m stupid on saying such thing... But hey! Isn’t it LIFE IS WORTH TAKING A RISK? and taking a risk doesn't always mean that you would go for it... coz sometimes you would take a risk on that something by not doing anything and yet you know for a fact that there is still a price to pay.Well, I would be a hypocrite if I denied for a fact that sometimes I just opt to just stay quiet and not taking that certain risk on what would others, or even I, may think that it is the right thing to do. But man! with this situation it is completely different. It’s like the whole world is watching on your every move and for a fact that there are certain constraints you might have to take a look at, nada nada nada...

Some people might think that I’m completely relieved with such predicaments… Well maybe a part of it, but honestly I’m still in the process of patching up these pains I have gone through in the past three weeks. The good thing is I have realized on how bad I could be and on how much of depression can I go through. I do also realized that it is much better to have at least 3 persons, with regardless of their background, wherein you might have to spill out the guts and trusting them by telling your problems.

How ironic? I'm too good in giving advices and solutions to the problems of my perks but why is it whenever I'm in a certain situation, the same as my perks had, I can't even give my poor self such good advices.

Well at least at the end of day I know everything will be on their rightful place...

Who says guarding your heart is the easiest things to do... well as for me... NOT! Yet it is the right thing to do.

Taga-EAST ka ba?

Remember the tile of the program last metro manila convergence in araneta?

"Ka-victory ka ba?"

Here's the east version: (Feel free to add more)

1) Kilala mo si Pastor Dan.

2) Unlike sa Ortigas na kelangan mo ng jacket sa sanctuary... sa east kulang na lang mag summer attire ka lagi... ANG INIT!!!

3) Nakita mo na si Ricky sumayaw

4) Kung sa ortigas may hotloops, magoo's, ashin, bo's, gloria jeans, starbucks, etc... sa East may wendy's, mcdo, uhm??? yun na!

5) Last summer vacation, 3 consecutive days kang umuuwi ng madaling araw...

6) Patintero, Polar Bear, Killer, Music Room... are favorite mo na past time

7) May dance step ang "one way"

8) Naka-attend ka na ng A.S.I.M event... at alam mo na ang first single ni ER ay "Nung bata pa ako"

9) East jokes? alam mo yan!

10) Ginagawang chatroom ang multiply!!!

11) Emo? hehehe (dapat kasama to'! hehehe)

12) Nasubukan mo na mag-hintay sa OLOPSC ng 2 hours!

13) Mahilig ka sa picture - picture

14) Kilala mo si Leonard Ayala de Gates

15) You have the heart on keeping the fire burning sa east!!! Go make disciples of east! ahoo! ahoo!

Now, taga-EAST ka ba?

Bakit ako emo!?!

Iba na talaga ang epekto kapag... brokenhearted ka hahahah... ay! pag galing ka pala sa sakit... not to mention na nakakahawa din pala ang pigiging emo... sobrang emo ko na... emo! emo! emo! hahaha...

hay! lahat na lang ng bagay... emo ako.. bakit ganun? hahaha...

emo sa choice of songs...
emo sa mga kaibigan...
emo sa sarili...
emo kay...

ano ba?!? emo emo emo... sobra na to' hahaha

I can't stop being emo!!! pambihira!

Kamote!!!

Hey my multiply network... I'm back! I was sick for almost a week... Grabe! Sobra! hahahha parang ung di na ako magkakasakit for the next 20 years or so dahil sa sakit ko... ibang klaseng fever... hahhaha... anyway, I'm back sa multiply...

Weird things that I'm doing when I was sick

1) I dont' eat anything on the first two days

2) I'm afraid of rice (Until now)

3) Mango, Pineapple, and Apple are the first foods na kinain... until now

4) I cant eat solid foods

5) Yung fever ko laging sa gabi lang

6) All kinds of medicines na ata ang natikman ko...

7) Favorite Expression ko: KAMOTE!!!

Patintero LIVE '07

Like Cleveland and Detroit of NBA... the most intense game in Metro East had started

Games 1 and 2 were held last thursday (March 31, 2007) during Paul's surprise party...

It wasn't just an ordinary patintero... it's the players' passion to win that made it great... It's all for the glory... It's all for the title... Who will be victorious? which team will pass the test?

Watch out for the final face-off!!!

Singers' Training

Singers' this is it! Goodluck sa ating lahat!

Nabasa niyo na ba ung blog ko dati about the BIG NEWS... all i thought na yun na yung pinaka-nakaka-kaba ng news from james sace... pero hindi pa pala...

Last wednesday, kinabahan na ko hehehe,,, when I saw James and Ms. Tania in one place hahaha sa training room namin... anyway they told us to be ready... ready for what? syempre sa pagpasok sa different teams in few months time..

Summary:

1) We need to bring 2x2 picture next week para maging reference ng trainors at pastors

2) Isasalang na daw this may ang tainees sa prayer meetings then on June sa sunday services

3) Be prepared fro a total makeover and on investing more sa damit

4) pagpipilian din ung isasama sa world convergence sa araneta...

5) dapat complete na sa process. one2one, victory weekend, and so on...

6) added points ang may small group, my discipleship, at nasa ENLI

7) next level na ang training...

acutally madami pang sinabi...

one thing i remembered then... that struck me.. may sinabi si tom... "bakit parang namumutla kayong lahat?" hahahha... kung related man sa training... well we were shocked by the news...

on the contrary, tama lang yun kasi... God deserves the best... the best among the rest hahahah, Hans? kaw ba un? star in a million hahahaa....

Goodluck sa ating lahat!

I've found my purpose!

John Paul you're on the spot!

Hahaha... weird na naman nangyari sa akin sa singers' training... tingin ko on the spot na naman ako... syempre walang kawala kasi unlike dati na madami kami umaattend ng training ngayon ilan na lng kaming guys dun... kaya for the second week na one-to-one kami ni James... iba talaga tong' trainor namin hehehe syempre wala akong kawala kasi cell leader ko din ko to'... Honestly yun pa naman ang weakness ko ksi mahiyain ako eh hahaha... biblically speaking tama naman yung ginagawa ni James kasi if we remember the Parable of the Talents, God wants us to nurture it, and not just keep it from ourselves. Pero yun nga di ako sanay kumanta hahaha... Mas nakaya ko pa yung ginawa kong documentation at audition dati as Y-speak correspondent, kasi nagsasalita lang ako nun...pero iba to' i'm singing and still now I sitll have doubts about it... hahaha... tingin ko talaga nung nag-audition ako kaya ako nakapasa kasi nasira ang ear drums nila james hahaha... Oh well, goodluck next week kasi si Ms. Tania naman ang trainor namin... mas mahirap... mas intensive... Go! hahaha

Final Meeting for the IMPETUS Concert

We just had our final meeting for the IMPETUS Concert earlier around 7:30pm at Gloria Jean's, Robinson's Galleria. Ok na ang line-up ng artists, ok na din yung production, for my part I need to do the design of the backdrop for the event venue, at least 11 ata un...

Invite ko na rin kau to join this event, 80Pesos lng ang entrance fee, and we are doing this to outreach more people at the same time to help the upcoming warweek event. See how your 80pesos can reach out more people, not just 1 or 100 youth, but even more.

Stepping out of the Box!!!

This blog was supposed to be written last monday pa...

Ok, last week was a great week for me, sobra din naging eye-opener un dahil madami ako narealized... i'm getting back my old self again with a twist nga lang.. syempre wala na yung bad attitudes ko, i'm just pulling back yung pagiging witty and good conversationalist ko. Now, I'm finally learning to trust myself and others again (thanks to my small group). This time, hindi na ulit ako mag-isa sa journey ko, this time I have, God as my navigator, and I have my church bro's as my support group. Truly no man is an island, but that's how my old school made me after they turned me into a monster... a really mean monster... hehehe...

To my small group, thanks talaga... ganun din kay Michael... take care of my jacket hehehe (2 months pa lang yan)

This is what you call the BIG NEWS!!!

As of this time, its already 8:53pm (Wednesday), I just arrived here at the office coming from the Singers' training at VCF. An hour ago, James brought us the BIG NEWS right after the training (this one goes to all the trainees who have been in training for at least 3 months), and it really brings up the PRESSURE in me.. waaaaaaaa.... James told us that we will be going for another AUDITION... the next level kind of audition... this time we will be auditioning not for the training but already to be part of the worship team in Sunday's services... one more thing, James told us that we might be doing it on stage with a panel of judges to justify our performances... this one got me into more PRESSURE... Oh well, I live to please God and not everyone around me but please can anyone give me more as in moooooorrrrrrrreeeeeee CONFIDENCE and GUTS!

What is Love?

While I was browsing the www.biblegateway.com (April 6, 2007) I saw their scripture of the day and it was 1 John 3:16...

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
1 John 3:16

...while I was reading this scripture I remembered the Gospel of John (John 3:16).

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16

Then I tried to look for the same chapter and verse on the book of 2 and 3 John...

"Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love."
2 John 3:16

"It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth."
3 John 3:16

...I was amazed on how these 4 books talks about one thing... that is how Jesus showed his Love for us and how we should follow him, for what He have done for us is true love, and that's inevitably true.

My Composition: This Song...

This Song...
(I've done this last december when I was waiting for someone at McDo hehehe)
(Rough pa yan... kaya pagpasensyahan niyo na...)

Everyday of my life
You always save the day
Every hour, Every minute
I'll follow all your ways
Everytime I take a fall
You're just there when I call

Coz you're my only one
Now I sing this song...

Chorus:
You're the one I need
You're the one I seek
Nothing I could ask for more
You are always there
I'll say this little prayer
Forever my heart will sing
This song, I'm gonna sing
Jesus, I Love You

When Good becomes Bad and then WORST!

Sinful results in a number of areas where we are tempted to take the good things.

Taken from the book "The Bondage Breaker" by Neil T. Anderson

Physical rest becomes LAZINESS
Quiteness becomes noncommunication
Ability to profit becomes AVARICE and GREED
Enjoyment of life becomes INTEMPERANCE
Physical pleasure becomes SENSUALITY
Interest in the possessions of others becomes COVETOUSNESS
Enjoyment of food becomes GLUTTONY
Self-care becomes SELFISHNESS
Self-respect becomes CONCEIT
Communication becomes GOSSIP
Cautiousness becomes UNBELIEF
Positiveness becomes INSENSITIVITY
Anger becomes RAGE and BAD TEMPER
Lovingkindess becomes OVERPROTECTION
Judgement becomes CRITICISM
Same-sex friendship becomes HOMOSEXUALITY
Sexual Freedom becomes IMMORALITY
Conscientiousness becomes PERFECTIONISM
Generosity becomes WASTEFULNESS
Self-protection becomes DISHONESTY
Carefulness becomes FEAR

It's not all the good things that we do are pleasing to the eyes of God... WHEN WE OVER DO IT.

An eye-opener for everyone...

My Composition: Another Day

Another Day
John Paul Estrellado

Is this all you'll do?
Alone in your room
Thinking of what will make you feel?

Is this all you'll feel?
Is love made for real?
Holding on the dreams that you've seen

Ref:
On bended knees you cry
And still you wonder why
The emptiness inside resides in your life
Looking at the starrs
No matter how they're far
Hoping to find the love , you've waiting for

Chorus:
And the sky will fade away
Chasing all your blues away
And the light will come your way
Looking forward, Another Day

Bridge:
Would you rather hear
The sound of your fear
Knowing that you won't come near

Love is all we need
Love is what we give
Love is what we'll make it believe

-August 2006-

The things I am thankful for... (Thanksgiving Day)

Later this afternoon, I just had my thanksgiving celebration at Shakey's Pizza - Robinson's Galleria plus at the Red Ribbon Bakeshop for our dessert (hehehe), that was around 2:00 in the afternoon. I celebrated it with my small group with our cell leader - James Sace. It was quite a simple celebration but definitely I enjoyed it. This was a promise to God, that the first fruit of my labor, my own earnings, belongs to the church and to my small group.

Listed below are the things that I am thankful for the 1st quarter of 2007;

1. God has given me a new life.
2. God mold me into a new creation (the old John Paul is gone).
3. God prospers me (and I want to be a blessing to others).
4. God answered my prayer. (I got a job, and he continues to prospers our family business).
5. God gave me another chance to fix things up.
6. God puts me into a small group that will make my spiritual growth grow stronger. (Thanks to James and Tom, this is one of my answered prayers and one of my best decision).
7. God finally restored me (my trust and my insecurities).
8. God showed me my purpose in life.
9. God opened my eye into a different view of life (learn to appreciate more).
10. God took me at the right place during my worst time (VCF).

Surely God is GREAT!.

Irony in every persons' life

People will love you just because you've done something good for them... a lot of good things maybe. But when you commited even a single mistake, most of them tend to part their ways and forget all the good things you've done for them. The thing is, if people around you do really treasure you as one of their priceless possessions, then they won't ditch you in any way they can... But if they don't have the so called heart of understanding and true commitment, then you'll just have to accept the fact that they only want to get something from you... Its not being bitter when you think of these things, but we just have to accept this sad and hard reality.

Just pray for them and reflect God's glory to these persons because they are the ones who needs much more deeper understanding.

Agree?

Complexities in Life

Ever felt disappointed with the way you live your life right now? Have you felt a need to compromised at your work or studies towards your different goals and suffer in the end? Well, I guess you've seen some of the complexities of life. (as others would say...)

But did you know that there are no complexities in life? It's only in the mind... I mean, Life is only unfair but not difficult for us to understand. God made it that way simply because there is a purpose for those unwanted things to happen --- for those situations to be done.the worst thing is if you compromised to those predicaments forcefully, because man, you just dig yourself in the pit of worry and suffering.

As for me, I think We should let our work, our studies, and even our personal goals to be one who compromises on us. We have to learn to be an authority over these things. It's like letting ourselves control these complexities. Remember that God won't give us problems that we can't handle and God gave us such skills and talents to battle out these problem

Never say that you're disappointed with your life now. God don't want us to feel that way. Everyone here on earth has a choice and a decision. I challenge you to make the right decision, by being on the offensive side, be assertive on battling out this complexities. Soon you would find that these complexities are just merely simple things that you can just rub it off on your shoulders easily.

Above all, you should always put God first and at the center of your life. Because living with God is also living in a worry-free life. I am a living testimony to that.

Seek God and you shall find the answers.

Live with God and you shall live your best life you could ever imagine.

I worship God... ( A fun activity during the singers' training -03-21-07-)

I worship God because He is our Creator
I worship God because He is my Provider
I worship God because He is my Saviour
I worship God because He is my Healer
I worship God because He is my Redeemer
I worship God because I am Saved
I worship God because He is my Shield and Strength
I worship God for He is Worthy
I worship God because He is Holy Holy Holy
I worship God for He keeps me going
I worship God for He is the God of the Ages
I worship God for He is Mighty
I worship God for I am His

Now, how about you?

Solitary Place

This is meant to be a my song composition but it turns out to be a poem (does it make any sense?!?)

I'm alone, I'm lonely
And it kills me softly
I feel numb, I can't cry
And my time always fly

I'm worried, I doubted
It seems like I'm haunted
I'm stuck, I'm in this place
A solitary place

It's absurd, It's obscure
I feel much insecure
They always think I'm strong
That I was never wrong

I'm scared, I'm not prepard
Life isn't always fair
I'm stuck, I'm in this place
A solitary place

I'm hurt, yet I'm amazed
You've come to fill this place
When no one understand
You've come and make a stand

The haert of a broken
No words can be spoken
Lift me up in this place
A solitary place

You mold me, You hold me
Brings out the child in me
Bowed down realizing
These pains are my blessing

Jesus you are so good
And no I understood
You save me in this place
A solitary place

Burdens

Lord,

There are things that still bothers me even if I already accepted you as the master of my life. I'm afraid, I'm numd, I'm inferior with such things, and I feel like there's no one to trust with as I go on finish my race -- except you of course, you're the only one I can trust and the only one I can share my burdens... my unwanted baggages in this race.

I'm afraid because I don't know my real potentials, I mean, I don't have the guts to just go and claim it --- Yes, I'm a risk taker in some things but I'm afraid to risk on showing the talent you have given me, maybe because I live a life when I was the one who acknowledges the works/ talents of others and no one ever acknowledges me, not that I wanted fame or something, but I only wanted an affirmation that I also have a right to show them what I have got. Yes, you've given me that chance, when I got into the final audition of the Y-Speak correspondent, that you have given me the confidence that I need during that time. You also showed me that there's nothing to be afraid by letting me experience it. But Satan always get to shoot a new predicament which leads me from being afraid to being inferior.

I'm having this inferiority, because people around me always misjudged and misquoted every action and every words that comes out in me. Only few knowswho really I am and what I'm capable of but whenever I show it they always say that I don't have a right to do such things. With that, I'm always afraid to trust anyone that leaves the people a wrong impression that I'm not I'm suplado or mayabang. I find it hard to trust anyone because most of the people I gave my trust with turns-out to be not really trustworthy. I forgive them and actually don't mind on what they have done to me, but still it affects my attitdue and perspectives. This is the reason why I don't usually mingle that much to others. It's not because I don't trust them. I really wanted to be friends with them but it seems I have created an invinsible barrier towards them. I'm afraid that things in my past would happen again, where my friends needed me not because they wanted to but they just wanted to use me or get their 15 seconds of fame, I'm sorry if I'm saying these things, but definitely it bothers me. I also admit that I committed mistakes towards on having a relationship with them, but they made me act that way, and I apologize to you and to those I treated and offended with such wrong actions.

And now Lord, I am numd, numb because of the things I have told you as well as the treatment I'm getting with my family. Well, my family always spoil me and I always get the things I wanted, and I always give them the best that I can in terms of my academics and leadership, but I always get a negative reply from them. Yes, I got a lot of the material things, but amidst all, I still get an emotional attack from them (mostly), leaving me a broken. I can't feel that they are proud of all the things that I have accomplished and also they don't really know who I am as a person. Thus, it makes me numb.

God, I really wanted to cry and let this burden out of me, but I can't... I'm numb... I'm broken... I know God you have a plan on why you made me feel this way. Lord, I'm accept it. I won't stop glorifying you and praising you. All I asked is to cause me to deeply understand and stop me from being afraid, inferior --- so I'll soon be able to trust again myself, thus for being numb.

All the glories and praise

In Jesus name, Amen.

My Failures made me Stronger

I have commited lots of mistakes in the past and most of them made me numd as a person until I found Jesus.

I admit my lfe are filled with insecurities, worries, regrets, and pains --- which leads me on being alone thus being lonely. Some of the people I have treated as my friends left me, maybe because I let them or maybe they just wanted to --- Some also left me because they just don't need me anymore. That's how my insecurities grow inside of me. My heart is numd, and it is difficult for me to show the emptiness in me to others. Its hard because most of the time, they are the ones who ask me for an advice but as for me, I don't have anyone to share with my own problems, not because I don't have to... but because I have build up my strong reputation to take care of.

Another trait that manifested on me, that made me hate myself, is being a hot-tempered person, but that is way back 2005. My friends have known me as a calm person since I always rationalized those problems. Not until 2005, I started to show the other side of John Paul, a hot-tempered one filled with prdie and arrogance, even I was afraid of myself.

I have burned many bridges with my colleagues, treated them like a dirt, just because my past mold me that way, and I let it. My life is a failure then, I used to spend most of my time drinking with my friends and having fun badly.

My life then was crushed... I was broken...

But then, I have found Jesus. He never left me at all eventhough I was the one who left him, it made me whole once again, he molded me into a better person, he made me realize that my failure is my strenght to live on, run and finish my race.

I firmly believed that our no matter how are failures destroy us, our hope and faith tested us, God is still there, He will never leave us.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither 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." (NIV) Romans 8:38-39

The Greatest Love of All

As we are celebrating the love month, I made a special treat for everyone.. This time, let's talk about love, a different kind of love.

"The greatest love of all is easy to achieve, learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all" sounds familiar right?, it's an excerpt from W. Houston's "Greatest love of all", I definitely agree to the first line of the song's chorus that the greates love of all is very much easy for us to achieve, we actually got it even befire we were born. But, I totally disagree with the second line stating the the greatest love of all is loving only yourself, what I mean is, loving your self does not necessarily mean you've already found it. It is only one of the key in finding that greatest love.

Now, what really is the greatest love? who gave it? and where do we find it?

As I've said, the greatest love of all is just there, you don't need to find that special feeling as the lovers do, but rather you need to seek the one who gave it to you. If you take a look at the bible, there you will find many verses that talks about different kinds of love. The love of manking to each and every creatures of the earth, the love of a father to his prodigal son, the love of a mother, brotherly love, the love that leads to marriage, and the love of God. Now I'm making sense, and did I say "the Love of God"? Bingo!, I've already given you the answer, the greatest love of all is God's love. Why? Let's take a look then at John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (NIV). This verse only shows that God our Father gave Jesus to us for us to be saved and proclaim his glory to mankind, thus also for us to proclaim his glory.

Ok wait! I'm gonna divide the verse into two section. First, God gave his Son, Jesus. If you take a look at Luke 1:28-31, an angel appeared unto Mary and brings her a good news, she will conceive the Son of our Lord. But, there's more that God do, God allowed his Son to die on the cross for us to claim the gift of salvation. I mean, who would have thaught of letting his Son suffer and die for us to be saved? Only God!

For the second part of the verse, it clearly states there that we are saved and have received the gift of eternal life, as what I have always been telling you. As the bible states "...whoever believes in him shall not be perish..." and as Jesus proclaim it on John 14:6, "... I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes through to the Father except through me"(NIV). Jesus is the only way for our eternal life, He died on the cross for us to receive this wonderful gift.

Now to sum it up, the greatest love of all is the unfailing love of God, and for us to achieve that love, is for us to have faith and believe to his plans for us and to confess that Jesus is Lord, the Prince of Peace, and the way for our salvation.

Take time to read the bible and then you will find many ways on how God shows his love for us. But remember to reflect God's glory to others, it's not about us... IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM!

To God be the Glory!

100 bucks... It's a Blessing

I was on my may to attend the Marriage Possible III seminar @ VCF last tuesday only having a 30 bucks on my wallet until someone gave me another 100 bucks...

Blessing, have you experienced this kind of magic? The feeling of excitement and joy when amidst all of your worries, there come a solution to it, unexpectedly.

I have experiences lots of kinds of blessings in my life and I wanted to share you the most recent situation that just happened to me. Last tuesday, Me and my friends are planning to attend the Marriage Possible III seminar in our church, I was the only one whose been attending our church and I just invited my friends. Earlier that day, I already have an intention to call the day off since I was totally broke that day, but I really wanted to go... Later that day my aunt gave me 30 bucks, and it was the exact amount I needed for a round trip going to our galleria then back home and without any hesitation at 6:00pm, I was now on my way to Galleria. Now here comes another blessing, as I was waiting for the jeepney to start moving, I saw my another aunt heading towards to the jeepney on where I was riding. Surprisingly, my aunt gave me 100 bucks, from which I didn't ask for it, and it was the least thing I imagine her to do, and for that moment, I already felt it was a blessing from God from which he used my aunt to be a blessing to me. It is a small blessing though, but I just remembered that there are no such things as small blessings, because blessings from God is immeasurable, and it does comes when you least expected it, in at the right time and at the right place.

Destiny... (A Pre-Valentine Gift to all)

There's one point in our life or maybe most of the times that we asked ourselves, Who is the right person destined for us? That in a way, some of us do learn to wait for it (for the hopeless romantics) or just lose their grasp on it and disregards their idea of destiny. But how do we know if that person is really destined for us, or how do we know if it is only a temporal kind of love. Furthermore, Is destiny for REEL or REAL?

Before we talk abouth destiny, let's take a glimpse of what's the meaning of love? since its one of the main ingredients of destiny. "Love must be sincere..." (NIV) Romans 12:9, for love is not only loving the persons good personality but also loving his/her indifferences, for the opposite of love is not hate but its indifferences. Love is such a strong word and its not just a feeling you should feel but rather a decision to make, a decision of a lifetime commitment.

The big deal with destiny is when you start falling in love with a person but is that would be all? a big NO, for you must also take into account the things such as friendship, future, and commitment because friendship is what you need to have a stronger relatinship, your both's future is what you should think of, and lastly you must have a sincere and very strong commitment with each other. Nonetheless, it still doesn't completes the idea of a destiny. Destiny comes when you seek for God's guidance over you relationship, for in everything that you, God should be the center of it, because God only knows what is best for you.

Whether you believe in destiny or not. destiny is only a word that only us can make it to reality. Destiny in the movies can also happen in the real life, for its is the mirror of reality. I for one believe that whoever comes on our way, that person is destined for us... we are both destined to meet each other... for there's a reason on why we met and fall in love not knowing we would end up as a couple or go on with our separate lives.

We meet and fall in love with different persons, and only finds out if that person is right for us in the end, because there are some whose maybe destined to live a life on their own but stay happy as they wanted to be.

As I conclude this blog, our destiny is made by God and only for us to work it through, whether we have someone to grow old with or not, we have to remember that we are destine to feel the unfailing love of God.

Confessions of a 7-month old renewed Christian

Born-again Christian... Say what??? One of my many reactions about Christian faith. This was during the time when I do not know of what really is being a Christian. I grew up studying on a Catholic School(I don't have any intention of disrespecting the Catholic Faith) and was raised by a Catholic Family, that is why during this time, I do have a closed-mind with regards to any religions. Look where I am right now... I'm a proud Christian Believer.

As the phrase would say "Everything happens for a reason" I was brought here on my faith today not by an accident. I started attending a Christian service July 2006, and was invited by a friend, but did you know that i have encountered 3 situations that for me was a sign from which God is calling me to be a Christian believer? The first thing was during my 1st year college days @ San Sebastian College, where during a dinner with my friends, I saw a group of student having fun beside the place on where we are eating. I don't have any idea of what they are doing but I already have a feeling that I want to join them, which surprisingly it was the VCF-UBelt Church that I only found out and remembered that incident only last month. The second incident was on my multiply account from where I created it 2 years ago, that I posted on my profile that I was a Christian and not a Catholic (It's not a big deal though). And lastly, my other friend had been inviting me to VCF-Ortigas since 2003, but during that time, I was too busy leading a school organization.

Nonetheless, as for me, Catholic and Christian faith shares in one ideology and also differs from many ideologies. Anyway, I've only been here for 7 months and since my 1st month, I've made a decision to continue this faith that made my perspective of life, even me, CHANGE...

I never thought that Christian faith would make a big difference in my life and made me a better person today. Above all, amidst all the trials in life, I'm here standing firm knowing that god is the true master of my life.

As a Christian, I have learned;

> that Jesus is Lord
> that God has a plan for us to prosper
> to respect myself
> to deal things in a good manner
> to wait
> that we are saved
> to learn more as I continue to receive the gift of eternal life.

January High-Low

I'm back!!! after a month long of blog break, Here I am writing my 1st blog of the year.

January as we all know is the first month of the year, and man, I started the year right---at least... for the first time, I cooked a full course meal for my family for our new year's celebration, it fun though... 2 days after, I celebrated my 23rd birthday, its simple yet memorable because I celebrated it in our province.

Anyways,to sum up all in all, I've spent the rest of the month looking for job, hanging out with my friends, helping the JPCS org, and most impoartantly attending our church's services.