Convention of Those Wounded in Love

General provisions:

A – Whereas the saying "all is fair in love and war" is absolutely correct;
B – Whereas for war we have the Geneva Convention, approved on 22 August 1864, which provides for those wounded in the battle field, but until now no convention has been signed concerning those wounded in love, who are far greater in number;



It is hereby decreed that:
Article 1 – All lovers, of any sex, are alerted that love, besides being a blessing, is also something extremely dangerous, unpredictable and capable of causing serious damage. Consequently, anyone planning to love should be aware that they are exposing their body and soul to various types of wounds, and that they shall not be able to blame their partner at any moment, since the risk is the same for both.

Article 2 – Once struck by a stray arrow fired from Cupid's bow, they should immediately ask the archer to shoot the same arrow in the opposite direction, so as not to be afflicted by the wound known as "unrequited love". Should Cupid refuse to perform such a gesture, the Convention now being promulgated demands that the wounded partner remove the arrow from his/her heart and throw it in the garbage. In order to guarantee this, those concerned should avoid telephone calls, messages over the Internet, sending flowers that are always returned, or each and every means of seduction, since these may yield results in the short run but always end up wrong after a while. The Convention decrees that the wounded person should immediately seek the company of other people and try to control the obsessive thought: "this person is worth fighting for".

Article 3 – If the wound is caused by third parties, in other words if the loved one has become interested in someone not in the script previously drafted, VENGEANCE is expressly FORBIDDEN. In this case, it is allowed to use tears until the eyes dry up, to punch walls or pillows, to insult the ex-partner in conversations with friends, to allege his/her complete lack of taste, but without offending their honor. The Convention determines that the rule contained in Article 2 be applied: seek the company of other persons, preferably in places different from those frequented by the other party.

Article 4 – In the case of light wounds, herein classified as small treacheries, fulminating passions that are short-lived, passing sexual disinterest, the medicine called PARDON should be applied generously and quickly. Once this medicine has been applied, one should never reconsider one's decision, not even once, and the theme must be completely forgotten and never used as an argument in a fight or in a moment of hatred.

Article 5 – In all definitive wounds, also known as "breaking up", the only medicine capable of having an effect is called TIME. It is no use seeking consolation from fortune-tellers (who always say that the lost lover will return), romantic books (which always have a happy ending), soap-operas on the television or other such things. One should suffer intensely, completely avoiding drugs, tranquilizers and praying to saints. Alcohol is only tolerated if kept to a maximum of two glasses of wine a day.



Final determination:
Those wounded in love, unlike those wounded in armed conflict, are neither victims nor torturers. They chose something that is part of life, and so they have to accept both the agony and the ecstasy of their choice.

And those who have never been wounded in love will never be able to say: "I have lived". Because they haven't.




: by Paulo Coelho

An Affair to UN-Remember

Every affair has its own unique twist.  It begins with a minor flirtation.  Next comes rationalization.  It is soon followed by a feeling of being deprived if you see other people having something you don't.  But the real clincher comes when you not only have to have something, but you have to have it NOW!  

So, we sacrifice a bright future. For what? For whom? For stuff that we think will make us feel better when we're having a rough day?  For things that divert our attention from our confused states? For someone that could give us the sense of belongingness whenever we feel alone? Just to realize, at the end of it all that they were stuff that we never needed in the first place…they were just people who cluttered our lives with their false pretenses. Thing is, we already know that trouble's knockin' at our door, but we still dare take a look.   We tell ourselves that it's just a lil peek and no harm's gonna be done. Unknowingly, we get enticed…we get drawn…we are beguiled by the sweet, empty promises.  Then we begin to rationalize that maybe…just maybe… it'll be good for you.  And finally, we find ourselves entangled in the chaotic, acrimonious web that we ourselves have spun…

…hopefully, not a second too late.

So whenever I feel weary and my hope begins to wane, I hold on to these promises:

·        Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing & perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

·        Forgetting what is behind & straining toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13)

·        Let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision – you'll see it yet. (Philippians 3:15)

·        Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)


-30-



***wrote this eons ago. Just didn't get the chance to publish it.

Is Your Love Genuine Or Fake?

When the magic of infatuation fades, are you ready to make that life-changing decision to genuinely LOVE your partner? For richer or for poorer? For better or for worse? Great artik by Bo Sanchez.

* * * * *

"Buy Rolex. $20 only."
A moustached guy offered it to me while walking in a busy street.
Wow. Didn't Rolex watches sell at $5000 each?
Because he thought I was interested, the man opened his jacket and displayed other designer watches—such as Patek Phillip, Cartier, and Omega. "Choose what you want. $20 only each."
That was shocking. I knew some high-end Patek watches cost $200,000. So how in the world could this man be selling them for $20?
Too bad for the watch guy, I don't use watches. Stopped using them 25 years ago. To know the time, I look at the sun. On a cloudy day, I look at someone else's watch.
But my buddy bought a $20 Rolex. It was a steal, he said.
Hey, it looked like a Rolex. It worked like a Rolex. It felt like a Rolex. But it wasn't a Rolex.
Five months later, my friend was sad because his watch broke down. I told him, "What did you expect?"
Let me use this to explain why we have problems in our relationships.

How To Do The Great Switcheroo

Why do so many marriages have problems today?
Because many couples built their marriage on a pirated version of Love, not Love.
The pirated version of Love is Infatuation.
There was a time when I thought Infatuation was only for pimple-faced teenyboppers. Not true. Old fogies like myself aren't exempted.
Not that Infatuation is a bad thing. It's totally normal. Infatuation only becomes a bad thing if a person thinks it was Love.
I repeat: Infatuation is like a pirated copy of Love.

Foolish people think the pirated copy is real. When it breaks down, they panic or get depressed. They realize it's fake. And their whole world crumbles.
Wise people know Infatuation is a pirated copy. They enjoy it while it lasts, but they know it was brittle and wouldn't last. So secretly, they also bought the genuine article. (Note:Pirated versions are given; Real versions are bought. I'll explain later.) So when the pirated version breaks down, the wise person does the great switcheroo. He pulls out the real thing.
Today, I'll tell you how to spot the genuine from the fake.
I'll describe the real deal—and how it's the only thing that can save your marriage. But not only your marriage, but every other relationship you have.
Oh yes, so many people have relationship problems with their parents, or children, or siblings, or friends—because they don't know what Real Love is.
I'm going to explain to you that Real Love is about dirty hands, not beating hearts.
Let me explain how this great switcheroo works…

"Ngooorrrk!"

"Father, we want to get married."
When the engaged couple went to the priest to schedule their wedding, their hearts were beating for each other. It was so loud, the priest could actually hear it. "Dubdub. Dubdub. Dubdub."
But he's seen this before. How sweet lovebirds end up almost killing each other a year after the wedding. So he warned them, "As you know, feelings of love won't last."
And the couple said, "We know Father."
But at the back of their minds, they're saying, "We know Father that feelings of love won't last for everyone else. But not for us. How can this feeling be fake when it's as strong as a roaring volcano? It is as clear as the noonday sun, as eternal as the waves of the sea, as beautiful as the stars in the night sky."
After the wedding ceremony, they have their honeymoon.
On their first night, the new husband watches his bride asleep, the moonlight streaming from the bedroom window onto her lovely face. He gazes at her long eyelashes, her pinkish cheeks, her parted lips. All of a sudden, she snores.
"Ngooorrrk."
What does he say?
"How cute."
Six months later, it's the same scene.
They're at home. The guy sees his wife asleep, with the moonlight streaming from the window onto her face. All of a sudden, she snores.
"Ngooorrrk."
What does he say?
"How gross."
What happened? Infatuation, the pirated version of love, disappeared. Real Love must now kick in.
But only if he has it.
Let me give you another example.

From Gazing To Gossiping

How do you know if a couple in the restaurant are not married?
Easy.
If they're physically close, touching each other, hand to hand, eye to eye, nose to nose, bad breath to bad breath—they're not married.
Look underneath their table, and if their legs are intertwined and they're playing footsies together, they're not married.
If they don't look at anything else but each other, they're not married.
If nuclear bombs fall right beside them and they won't even notice, they're not married.
If a flash flood engulfs the entire restaurant and all the guy could say was, "Sweetheart, I love the color of your eyes as it reflects the brownish floodwater around us," you can bet your life, they're not married.
And how do you know if a couple in a restaurant are married?
Easy.
If they're seated far apart, so far a part, a six by six truck could pass in between them, they're married.
If they look bored, they're married.
If the whole night, all they do is talk about other people, they're married. The wife whispers, "Don't look at her, but the woman behind you is wearing fake eyelashes, fake jewellery, a fake Coach bag, fake anatomical parts, and a fake husband." Being dense, the man turns around and asks, "Where? Where?"
Once upon a time, they had eyes only for one another.
Now, they barely look at each other.
What has happened? Infatuation, the pirated version of love, disappeared. Real Love must now kick in.
But only if they have it.

Spot The Difference

Let me now share five clear-as-daylight differences between Infatuation and Real Love:
1. Infatuation doesn't require a decision. It just happens. You see a girl and boom—your hormones kick in and you want her. You don't know why. It's her dress. It's the way her hair falls on her shoulder. It's her smile. It's the way she bites her fingernail. That's why I said that pirated versions are free. But Real Love doesn't just happen; Real Love requires a decision. That's why Scott Peck says Real Love can only start after one has "fallen out of love."

2. Infatuation, no matter what you do, lasts only for a season. You have these feelings of love swirling within you until something happens that breaks the spell. Maybe she'll open her mouth. Maybe she'll reveal her fangs. Maybe she'll pick her nose. Maybe she'll spend your money. Maybe she'll introduce you to her mother. Maybe she gains 30 pounds. It could be anything. Infatuation can last for a few days or for a couple of years. But Real Love can last forever precisely because it's a decision.

3. Infatuation is directed towards a figment of your imagination. You're not attracted to a real person. You're attracted to a projection of that person from your own imagination. Like Infatuation itself, you're in love with a fake. But Real Love is directed towards a real person. You now know her strengths and weaknesses, and have accepted it all.

4. Infatuation is a spontaneous collapse of your boundaries. You get lost and you merge with the other. You're enmeshed. You can't survive without each other. But Real Love requires strengthening of both your boundaries; You actually don't need each other, but you choose each other because you want to serve.

5. Infatuation is all about feelings. Dubdub. Dubdub. Dubdub. Cold palms, giddy spells, dazed looks, and feet on the clouds. But Real Love is about dirty hands. You don't have to feelanything to love. Love is a verb, not just a feeling. Love is an action, not just a state. Let me repeat my message: I believe love is about dirty hands, not beating hearts. The essence of love isn't feelings but service. Scott Peck says it so well—the opposite of love isn't hatred; the opposite of love is laziness.

Your Physiology Affects Your Psychology

Here's the thing.
I've found out that only mature people can love. Only mature people can do the great switcheroo when the pirated copy fails. They just pull out the genuine article.
Why? Only mature people have love within them.
Real Love has very little to do with the other person. A loving person can love because he is a loving person, not because the other person is lovable.
You may be asking me, "But Bo, is love dry? Isn't there room for feelings?"
Of course, there is.
Here's a secret mature people know in their hearts even if they don't know it cognitively: Your physiology affects your psychology. Your feeling follows your action.
If we keep on doing acts of love, we increase our feelings of love. The more we "dirty our hands", the more we find our "hearts beating" for the other.
To make this practical, let me share seven simple ways of dirtying your hands. They are (1) Help, (2) Prayer, (3) Presence, (4) Touch, (5) Words, (6) Gifts, and (7) Boundaries.

1. Help

Love means giving practical help.
If you're a mother, I'm sure there are days when you wake up feeling blue and you don't want to enter the kitchen. But fifteen minutes later, where are you? Cooking in the kitchen, because some little people will get hungry. You don't feel like doing it. But you do it anyway. That's love.
If you're a husband, I'm sure there are days when you go home tired from work. But you see your kids. And even if all you want to do is lie down on the couch, you decide to play with them. You don't feel like doing it. But you do it anyway. That's love.
If you're a child whose parents are older, I'm sure you want to help them. Sure, you've got your own problems now, but doesn't stop you from serving them. You don't feel like doing it. But you do it anyway. That's love.

2. Prayer

Love means praying for your loved ones.
Perhaps your father was a horrible man. And you hate him. But you decide to pray for him.
Sooner or later, God will answer your prayer. God will change him, but He'll change you first. Your father gets blessed, but you get blessed too. Ultimately, you become a more loving person.
You pray whether you feel like it or not.
That's love.

3. Presence

Love means spending time together.
Not just being physically together, but also being emotionally together.
That could mean a father playing with his kids. Or a daughter visiting her aging parents. Or siblings going shopping together. Or friends laughing over pizza. Or a couple taking a walk.
There'll be times when you won't feel like bonding together.
But you do it anyway. That's love.

4. Touch

Love means physical affection.
One day, a couple walking to work noticed a man passionately kissing a woman. "Why don't you do that?" said the wife.
"Honey," replied her husband, "I don't even know that woman!"
People aren't machines. They need to be touched. Holding hands, pats on the back, shoulder rubs, hugs, and kisses nourish and heal people more than you can possibly imagine.
Again, there'll be days when you don't want to kiss or hold hands or hug. But you do it anyway. That's love.

5. Words

Love means verbal or written expressions.
When was the last time you told your husband, "Thank you for working so hard for our family"? When was the last time you told your wife, "Thank you for being a great mother to our kids"? When was the last time you told your mother, "Thanks for serving me all these years"? And when was the last time you actually said, "I love you"?
You might argue with me and say, "Bo, I don't want to be a hypocrite. When I say it, I must feel it."
Here's my question: Are you just your emotions?
Or are you much more than your emotions? Are you also your spirit, your soul, your mind, your imagination, your will?

6. Gifts

Love means giving tokens—or symbols of love.
To you, your gift may mean nothing. But to another person, a small, inexpensive gift from you could mean the world.

7. Boundaries

Love means respecting the boundaries of the other.
Love means giving space to the other and letting the other person grow on her own. Love also means letting the other face her own responsibilities.
I like it when my wife goes out with her girlfriends each week. I like it when she takes up other interests. I like it when she grows and flourishes as an individual. I like it when she tells me, "Bo, I need some alone time. I'll just go window shopping for awhile." So I pray over her, "Lord, I claim in faith that she'll be faithful to those words, that she will indeed go 'window' shopping only. Thank you, Lord, for this miracle!"

Love Is Service

I dedicate my last story to all those living away from their loved ones today—Overseas Filipino Workers, Migrants, etc.
Many years ago, I met Alice, a Filipina teacher in Brunei.
She was my host and took care of me while I was there. When I woke up early one morning, I noticed that she was on the phone. But she wasn't speaking.
She explained that it was her beautiful ritual of love to her husband. Years ago, her husband suffered a stroke and he became paralyzed. So she went to Brunei to work for the family.
And what was this ritual of love? Alice would wake up at 4 in the morning to call her husband. (This was before the days of cell phones and text messages.) But because they could not afford long distance calls, they agreed that the husband was not to answer the phone.
Instead, the husband would allow the phone to ring.
And ring.
And ring.
He would allow the love of Alice, symbolized by the ringing, to fill their house and to fill his heart.
For 8 years straight, Alice did this beautiful ritual without fail.
Until he finally passed away.
That's what love is.
Not like feelings that come and go.
Not like moods that are here today and gone tomorrow.
Love is simply done, day in and day out.
Because it's eternal.
Constant.
Faithful.
It was Mother Teresa who said, "Service is a fruit of love".
If you love, you will serve.
Go now, and like Mother Teresa, dirty your hands.
May your dreams come true,



Article written by: Bo Sanchez

Ninoy's Letter to Daughter Ballsy (1973)

I have absolutely no doubt about Ninoy's achievements as a politician and as a mighty defender of our freedom.  Hat's off to the old guy. But as a writer and a poet... I am now officially a fan! =)   He is one cool dad, isn't he? Not to mention loving, showy, uninhibited, appreciative and affectionate.This is really really heart-warming to say the least. Father's day is still a year away but  why don't we spare a moment to remember , honor and give some love back to our dear ol dads, papas & tatays (who knows?they might be needing a little cheering up right now); not forgetting, of course, our Big Man up above.  And to all the dads out there, you know what to do... be more like Ninoy. Be appreciative, B-E...appreciative. =))   It won't hurt to show your kids your soft, mushy, squishy, sappy, over-sentimental self once in a while. *wink*

one up!
chie





*****************************


 August 18, 1973
FortBonifacio
Makati, Rizal



Ms. Maria Elena C. Aquino
25 Times St. Quezon City



My dearest Ballsy,

I write you this letter with tears in my eyes and as if steel fingers are crushing my heart because I wanted so much to be with you as you celebrate your legal emancipation. Now that you have come of age, my love, a voice tells me that I am no longer young and suddenly, I feel old.

An old poet gave this advice very long ago "when you are sad, remember the roses will bloom in December." I want to send you bouquet of roses, big red roses from my dreamland garden. Unfortunately for the present, my roses are not in bloom, in fact they have dropped all their petals and only the thorns are left to keep me company. I do think it is fitting to send you a thicket of thorns on this memorable day!

I am very proud of you because you have inherited all the best traits of your mother. You are sensible, responsible, even-tempered and sincere with the least pretenses and affection which vehemently detest in a woman. I am sure like your mother, you will possess that rare brand of silent courage and that combination of fidelity and fortitude that will be the life vest of your man in the tragic moments of his life.

During my lonely hours of solitary confinement in FortMagsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija last March and April with nothing else to do but pray and daydream, with only my fond memories to keep me company, I planned a weekend barrio fiesta for you in Tarlac for your 18th birthday. I fooled myself into believing that my ordeal would end with the fiscal year. I planned to invite all your classmates and friends and their families for the weekends.

The schedule called for an early departure by bus from Manila and the first stop will be Concepcion , where lunch will be served by the pool.  And after lunch, you were to visit the SantaRitaElementary School to distribute cookies and ice cream to the children of that public school where you were first enrolled.

I guess sheer nostalgia prompted me to include Santa Rita. We were only three then: Mommie, you and I. Those were the days of happy memories little responsibilities, tremendous freedom, a great future ahead and capped by a fulfillment of love.. You are the first fruit of our union,  the first proof of our love and the first seal of our affections.

From Concepcion we were to proceed to Luisita for the barrio fiesta. I intended to invite a friend who could roast an entire cow succulently. Swimming, pelota, dancing and eating would have been the order of the day. Sunday morning was reserved for a trip around the Hacienda and the mill and maybe golf for some of the parents and later a picnic-lunch on Uncle Tony's Island . Return to Manila after lunch. I am afraid this will have  to remain as one of the many dreams I had in Laur.

Our future has suddenly become uncertain and our fate unknown. I am even now beginning to doubt whether I'll ever be able to return to you and the family. Hence, I would like to ask you these special favors.

Love your mother, whose love for you, you will never be able to match. She is not just the greatest mother in the world, she is your sincerest friend.

Take care of your younger sisters and brother and lavish them with the love and care I would like to continue giving them but am unable to do so. Help Noy-noy along and pray hard that he will grow to be a real, responsible man who in later years will protect you all. You are the model for your three younger sisters. Your responsibility is therefore great. Please endeavor to live up to our highest expectations.  Be more tolerant to Pinky, more accessible to Viel, our little genius-princess, and more charitable to Krissy, our baby doll, and make up for my neglect.

Finally, forgive me, my love, for not having been an ideal, good and thoughtful father to you all as I pursued public office. I had hopes and high resolve of making up, but I am afraid my destiny will not oblige.

I seal this letter with a drop of tear and a prayer in my heart, that somehow, somewhere we shall meet again and I will finally be able to make up for all my lapses, in the kingdom where justice reigns supreme and love is eternal.



I love you,

Dad

The Verdict is in...

Took this IQ just for fun and also to placate my beleaguered mind. I feel like I've been dormant for too long so much so that the lack of spontanaeity and brain activity has sent my IQ down the drain. I remembered taking one in 2007 and got a 126 score. So now, the verdict is in...

*****

Insightful Linguist
Your IQ Score is: 133

You are gifted with the natural fluency of a writer and the visual and spatial strengths of an artist. Those skills contribute to your creative and expressive mind.

Insightful linguists can take complex concepts and articulate them to just about anyone. You have a gift with words and insight into processes and the way people think. These talents enable you to explain things clearly to people. Helen Keller is a great example of an Insightful Linguist. Blind, deaf and mute, she was still able to put things together in her mind and to understand complex ideas. She could do that because she was able to conceptualize ideas internally. Though she could not literally see, she had the visual and spatial skills necessary to understand patterns on an abstract level. She learned to read, write and ultimately became a writer on issues of social justice.

You have an uncanny ability to work your way out of sticky situations using your talent with words. Crossword puzzles, debates — you're particularly well equipped to come out on top since you can read people well.

Like Charles Dickens, your verbal skills go far beyond having a good vocabulary. Dickens' genius was in the artful and descriptive way he crafted sentences. Also Dickensian, is your keen eye for detail and your adeptness for identifying the best way to express an idea based on your given surroundings and circumstances.

Your ability to communicate your vision clearly will take you far. So enjoy being perceptive, and make the most of your abilities as an insightful linguist.

MAKING AMENDS

Last night, I cried. I cried out to the Lord, just like David did when he said: “Why have You forsaken me? Why do You remain so distant? Why do You ignore my cries for help?” (Psalm 22:1) I pleaded with Him to make me FEEL His presence…to let me know that He is still there. You see, it is so easy to praise God and believe that he is working in your life when things are going great – when He has generously provided food, friends, family, health and happy situations. But when circumstances turn awry, how do you worship Him then? I begged the Lord to help me overcome my feelings and keep my faith when it feels as if He has abandoned and forgotten me – when He seems a million miles away. Because that’s when relating to God and worshipping Him gets difficult.



I know that there are times when He seems to be MIA (missing-in-action). It IS but normal. Every Christian undergoes this phase at least once, and usually several times. It is painful and disconcerting, but it is absolutely vital for the development of your faith. So, I just woke up one morning and all my spiritual feelings are gone. I prayed, but nothing happened. I went through spiritual exercises, but it didn’t change anything…I asked a dear friend to pray for me… I confessed every sin I could imagine…I fasted…still nothing. So I began to wonder how long this spiritual drought might last. Days? Weeks? Months? Will it ever end? It feels as if my prayers simply bounce off the ceiling. So I tried to run way, I tried to find escape and in utter desperation, cried out: “What’s the matter with me?!?!?”



Weeks had passed but I was still in the dark. I didn’t know then what was really transpiring, what was wrong with me, and what God was planning. I knew in my heart that there must be a reason for His silent presence. So I waited patiently. I just kept uttering that this too shall pass. Then…yesterday happened.



I didn’t know why I suddenly had the urge to browse through my outdated blog in Blogspot. I changed the layout, removed some widgets and played around with new ones, edited some of the entries, and I even wrote this obscure blog about a girl who developed a skewed view on relationships after being scarred and damaged by her one great love. Toinks! My beau even asked me who it was for, and I honestly answered I didn’t know. Then, by some unknown force I was taunted to read on. And there it was, staring back at me, pages after pages of poured out emotions – cheesy poems, dedicated love songs and vindictive rants. I began blogging in 2007; when my world was turned upside down. Hence, Purplegoddess (my alter ego) was born. Amidst all that was happening I found comfort in writing. It’s soothing familiarity took me back to my comfort zone which I haven’t been to in years. I had forgotten the feeling that in paper, I can be anything. So, it became my form of release of all the hurt and the pain that was bottling up inside me. Seeing my thoughts come to life in pages, made me feel free, or so I thought. Because that pseudo-freedom was only fleeting and temporary.



For a moment, I allowed myself to drown in the nostalgia. I can’t put my finger on what I was exactly feeling – I felt relieved but also guilty, I felt a tinge of regret but I was also extremely thankful… perhaps, I’m just glad that I survived that ordeal and reigned victorious. But that victory wasn’t mine, it was solely God’s. Tirelessly and til I reach my end, I will speak forth of His transforming glory. Never had I thought that I would be where I am now…unbounded and free! And never had I imagined that I could be so happy, contented and loved UNCONDITIONALLY! (One up to our Big Man above!) That same year, I was called by the Lord for a purpose. And I knew that regardless of circumstance, He had a plan for me. He is in full control of my life so I need not worry. I found refuge in His unfailing arms. And indeed, as He has promised, His grace is sufficient for me. And so began a beautiful friendship. God was very present in my life. There was nothing He asked of me in return but my willingness to follow Him. So I fervently prayed that He change my heart so that I could keep my eyes on Him and serve Him well. And He answered...He gave me my heart’s desire. I wanted to get to know Him, like he already knows me. Soon I found that once my relationship with Him was established everything else—career, family, goals, ambitions, finances, health and friendships—began to fall into their proper place.





Unfortunately however, Christian life is not always a bed of roses. You experience deep valleys, satiated forests and, like now for me, seemingly endless, dreary deserts. Going back to my story yesterday, I was still busy with work when an email caught my attention. It was work-related stuff, the usual that International Recruitment sends to us every single day. Normally, these emails go directly to my bin without much of a second glance from me. The task of disseminating them wasn’t mine so I don’t usually bother. But at that moment, I was compelled to look... and there it was written in bold red script. A name that I NEVER thought I’d see listed in King Faisal’s new arrivals with an ID badge to boot. It felt like I’d been hit right smack in the face, a rug had been pulled from under me and I’d been doused with ice-cold water. My body went numb and I couldn’t think straight. I was cornered… trapped… God-forsaken…betrayed. It was summer of 2007 all over again. I couldn’t believe my eyes, and maybe I wanted it so bad to be untrue, so I dared to open the file, read the content and in utter defeat, I let myself shed a tear. My mind was bombarded with questions…questions that I had no answer for. HOW CAN THIS BE? Are people deliberately trying to hurt me? How can people I trust do this to me? Why did I have to find out this way? How can someone just thrash away years of friendship? What did I do wrong to deserve this? Why is the Lord allowing this kind of cruel irony?



I wanted to lash on someone. I wanted to flee. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what to think. Thankfully, my knight-in-shining armor came to my rescue. Grateful as I was for the love, comfort, security and strength provided, I knew that the clarity I was desperately searching for can only be found in prayer. So I knelt down, made peace with God and laid down every question, every concern and every apprehension. I told God exactly how I felt. I poured out my heart to Him. I unloaded every emotion that I was feeling. And just as I was beginning to feel guilty over complaining a lot, the Lord appeased me by reminding me of Job when he said: “I can’t be quiet! I am angry and bitter. I have to speak!” (Job 7:11). So, I asked the Lord what lesson He was trying to teach me, what character He’s trying to develop, how in the world I’d be able to overcome this test of faith and why was He “absent” when I needed Him most?



They say that the situations that will stretch your faith most will be those times when life falls apart and God is nowhere to be found. But I couldn’t find the strength or the will to understand my situation. I trust the Lord yet I feel despair at the same time. It was frustrating. There was nothing I could do and I was feeling hopeless. Though time healed all wounds yet the taste of betrayal was still so poignant, It wasn’t that I haven’t forgiven. I did. Countless of times, I forgave; because who am I not to? It would be hypocritical of me to expect forgiveness from the Father if I didn’t want to forgive those who has done me wrong, in return. “So what’s the problem Chie?”, I asked myself. And slowly it unfolded, it’s not so much as I haven’t forgiven, it’s because I haven’t heard the words that I needed to hear – that someone will take responsibility for what had happened. It’s not that people haven’t tried to apologize either (ok, so maybe SOMEONE really haven’t). It’s just that no one ever got it right before. TO MAKE AMENDS IS NOT JUST TO APOLOGIZE. IT’S TO MAKE A THING RIGHT. So there it was, the Lord quietly revealed to me what was wrong and what was really getting in the way… it was my PRIDE. All the while, it was ME,ME,ME. And I was ashamed. The Lord called us to settle our relationship with each other (2 Cor 5:18); He commanded to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us (Luke 6:27) and patiently reminded us that “If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God." (Matt 5:23-24). With this, I was deeply humbled. It is not only me whom the Lord loves,but even those who has hurt me. It is not only me whom He will call to serve in His ministry. It is not me whom He has a purpose. And it is not only me who will merit His blessings. Because just like everyone else, I am nothing before God... I have nothing to boast. It is only by his GRACE that I find favor in his sight. He is a gracious, loving, forgiving, patient, all-knowing Father who envelops all of mankind with his penultimate love. He supplies, He provides, He gives, He forgives, He guides, He comforts, He protects not just those who love and obey Him (a.k.a. the "good" people); but even more so those who knowingly hurt & disobey Him. And all because He patiently, unconditionally, and irrevocably LOVE US!

So what now? Does this mean that I’m OK? Nope. By a long shot…NO. But I have faith in the Lord that His grace will walk me through this. He will be by my side. All the things I can’t do, HE CAN. And in my weakness, He will be my strength! I do not wish to question His plan or His purpose for "His thoughts are higher than my thoughts and His ways are higher than my ways". I am a work in progress… a masterpiece in the making… but when my Potter is done with me, I will be a sight to behold. Whole. Healed. And this time... FOR REAL.



I will be fine. Just as the Lord has promised that everything will work out together for good for those who love God and are called for His purpose. I will be just...perfect...in His time!




To God be the glory!

IMPASSE

Our story begins with the girl who is hurting over a guy she can’t have. You see, after losing all hope of ever finding love again after your one great love has failed you…your world is turned upside down then it stops. You then try your darnest to turn it right side up and get it to spin again. So amidst the hullabaloo, somehow, in some weird way, life begins anew. So you’re happy, and giddy and contented all on your own. Everything is where it should be and everything makes sense again. You realize that this is the perfect place for you…this is where you should be… and there is no better place in the world that you need to be…right now.

So what is a newly reformed superwoman to do when a budding love comes knocking – unwelcome, yet still patiently knocking – on your front door? I’m not gonna try comparing Dashing Debonair 1 and Dashing Debonair 2 because they are very, very different; but love is love and you FEEL it through your very core…try as you might to fight, deny or suppress its looming presence, yet you know in your not-so-deep subconscious that you are profoundly smitten by budding love-slash-Dashing Debonair 2.

Thing is, YOU CAN’T HAVE HIM. Can you imagine that? To love someone and they love you but you can’t be together. To see him everyday – every single day, and not be able to touch him, hold him, kiss him. Well, this is the hell that is whose life right now? You long for him. You want him. But you can’t have him. Because it’s dangerous to love him. Loving him can get you hurt again. So you choose to stay away and just be contented with watching him from afar. So is it even logical to still have hope? That you CAN be together again one day? I don’t know. But I think hope is good. Hope is something we all need.

And Budding Love is trying. He is struggling to heal himself. He’s done with denial. Let’s face it, nothing hits home like almost losing the love of your life over your deep, dark secrets...of tales of unrequited love, estranged fiancés, fruit of past loves and what-nots. Which is why he is in serious meditation. And I admire him for seeking help right away. It’s brave. Brave because he has to relive things that nearly cost him his “life”. And yet he’s given himself over to self-introspection, hoping that this can help. And when he defines that feeling of despondency and despair, my heart broke because he is so tortured, but I also feel victorious. Because there’s a chance he can mend. And with that possibility comes hope. There’s that word again…

All the 80's Babies in the House Say, Yeah!

Para sa lahat ng ipinanganak noong dekada '80s at nagkamuwang noong dekada '90s...

1. Jolina Magdangal - kapartner ni Marvin Agustin kung saan nauso ang chuvachuchu chuvachuchu at mga parang Chirstmas tree na hairstyle at outfit.

At alam na alam mong nagmula si Jolina, o Jolens para sa mga miyembro ng Jolina Magdangal Fansclub AMA Computer College Chapter, sa sikat na sikat na TV show kapag 4:30 na! ANG TV NA!

Kilala mo rin sina Lindsay Custodio, Victor Neri, Francesca (Cheska) at Patrick Garcia, Vandolph, Jan Marini,Rica Peralejo, atbp. Patok na patok din ang TGIS at ang kalaban nitong Gimik. Dapat kilala mo sina Wacks (Joaquin Torress III) at Peachy, sa Gimik naman nakilala si G Toengi na naging hostess ng Music Bureau with FrancisM na pinalitan ni Jao Mapa.

2. Kapag ikaw ay kapos na sa mga salita ay maaari mong gamitin ang mga katagang chuva, chenes, chenelin, ganun, ganun-ganun, ayun o kaya ang mga expressions na "Wala lang", "Ano ba `yan?," "OVEEEERRR," that later on evolved to "WHY NOTTTTTT??" courtesy of Kris Aquino.

3. Robinson's Galleria na napabalitang may ahas daw sa fitting room na ang pangalan ay Robina (famed sister of Robinson). Biktima rito si Alice Dixson na umano'y tumakbong naka-bra at panty lang nang makita ang ahas sa fitting room. Malamang ang balitang ito ay black propaganda ng Megamall.

4. Speaking of malls, sa panahong ito rin nauso ang arcade games (bulok pa ang Ragnarok at ano pang online gaming sa kasalukuyan) . Astig ka kapag pupunta ka ng Glico's sa Quad (Timezone sa Glorietta ngayon) tapos marunong kang mag Street Fighter o Virtual Fighter. Kung ayaw mo naman ng violence e pwede kang mag-Dance Revo!

5. Ang digmaan ng mga Hip-hop at Metal. Sabi ng Hip-hop "YO! WASSUP, HIPHOP HOOORRAAAAAYYY! " Sagot ng mga Metal, "HIPHOP BULOK!! PUNKS' NOT DEAD! ANARCHY! ANARCHY!" Uso ito sa Megamall. Mga hiphop na naka-pinahabang puruntong o pinaikling pantalon o kaya baggy pants, low waist, at may mga blingblings na peace sign o kaya kadena ng bisikleta o fanbelt. Ang mga metal laging naka-itim (Top 40 na tshirt, Pantera, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Sepultura, Metallica, etc.) tapos naka-fit na pantalon at Chuck Taylor. Ang mga Hiphop ay flat tops ang buhok na may guhit pa minsan sa gilid samantalang ang mge metal ay GQ ang buhok na naka-undercut pa. Lahat ng metal marunong mag-gitara kahit ang alam lang tugtugin ay `Line to Heaven' ng Introvoys (Intro: D-A-G-A; intro lang kasi nga Intro-boys). Kung may identity crisis ka malamang ay ang papakinggan mo na lang ay si FrancisM, rap na may heavy distortion ang guitar riffs, astig ang bahista ng Hardware Syndrome with matching scratches ni DJ Kimozave at ba-backup naman ang Evil Stepsisters.

6. Eraserheads - karugtong ng digmaan ng mga Hiphop at Metal. Sila ang muling nagpauso ng Chuck Taylor. `Pare Ko' ang pangalawa sa `Line to Heaven' na alam gitarahin ng mga gustong maging katulad ni Ely. Nag-ambisyon ang lahat na mapabilang sa isang banda. Kung kilala mo ang Eheads, malamang alam mo rin ang Yano, The Youth, Razorback, Color It Red, Mastaplann (teka, Hiphop yata ito), Dahong Palay, Reanimator, Death by Stereo, Rizal Underground, Rivermaya (na si Bamboo pa ang bokalista), True Faith, Fatal Posporos, Datu's Tribe, Tribal Fish, Arachnida, Alamid, Teeth, at alam mong hindi kano si Basti Artadi ng Wolfgang (imagine Eddie Vedder singing `Halik ni Hudas').

7. Ultimate Warrior - namatay daw dahil binuhat si Andre the Giant (na namatay din that time). May ibang balitang namatay siya dahil daw pumutok ang muscles niya sa sobrang higpit ng tali.

8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - sina Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Donatello, Raphael. Master nila si Splinter, kaibigang reporter si April O'Neal. Kalaban sina Shredder, Bebop, Rocksteady, Krang at ang mga Foot Soldiers (na parang mga tauhan ni Dr. Man ng Bioman). Tapos uso ang retromutagenooze na mabibilil mo sa suking SM toyland. COWABUNGA, DUDE!"

9. Ang Pepsi 349 Scandal. Kung valid man ang libo libong claims ng mga Pilipinong nakakuha ng tansan na may tatak sa ilalim na 349 ay hindi ito makaka-apekto sa lumalalang global warming na nararanasan ng mundo. Ang nakapag-benefit lang dito ay ang Coke dahil sa libo libong nag-boycott sa Pepsi na feeling nila ay na-raket lang sila. (Parang 80's yata ito)

10. Ang Alamat ng Zagu. Ito ay ang pinasosyal na palamig, sago at gulaman. Kung anong meron dito ay ang pakiramdam na ikaw ay IN, HIP, at COOL. Ang pila dito ay singhaba ng pila sa US embassy na gustong makakita ng snow at pumunta ng Disneyland (wala pa kasing Hong Kong Disneyland e) at ang kumpol ng mga tinedyers na may supsop supsop na Zagu ay sindami ng mga lalaking naka-white t-shirt sa Kalaw na nagbabakasakaling maging seaman at OFW. Talaga naman everyone went gaga over zagu.

11. Easycall at Beeper 125. Wala lang ganun, text messaging na itatawag mo pa sa call center para masabi mong I M HERE AT HOM, PLS COME OEVR. Tapos yung may pager na nasa labas hahanap ng payphone para tawagan ang nag-page sa kanya. Kaso mahirap makakuha ng txtmate dito, di ko lang sure ko pwedeng i-page ang SAN N U? D2 N ME.Ü

12. Bago nakilala si Shakira ay sumikat muna si Thalia na mas kilala nating gumanap bilang Marimar. Pero mali ang nagsabing ito ang unang telenovela na naipalabas sa Pilipinas dahil nauna rito ang La Traidora sa channel 9. Kilala mo siguro si Pulgoso at Padre Pio at sino bang makakalimot kay Fernando Jose na mas kinky pa ang buhok sa dibdib kesa sa ulo, salamat kay Ogie Alcasid dahil mas nabigyan niya ng hustisya ang papel na ito. Sinundan ito ng mga makasaysayang Maria La Del Barrio na nagevolve sa Taiwan bilang Meteor Garden at nang mapunta sa Korea ay naging Jewel in the Palace.

13. Speaking of Ogie Alcasid, bago pa man ang Bubble Gang ay una na tayong pinalagpak sa upuan kakatawa ng Tropang Trumpo. Nariyan ang Caronia dance na kahit ito lang ang alam mong sayawin ay kayang kaya mong talunin si Charlene Gonzales sa Feel Like Dancing. Dito rin nakilala si Earl Ignacio (ang boses sa likod ni Peter Pan) na naging syota ni Cristine Bersola bago siya naging Mrs. Babao.

14. The Uncanny X-Men. Ang lyrics ng intro at ending nito ay tinginingininini tinginingingini, ting ting! Love story ito, umikot ang kwento sa love triangle nila Cyclops, Jean Grey at Wolverine. Bakit kasi lahat ng hinahalikan ni Rogue ay nanghihina. Si Jubilee ba ay babae o batang babae? Kapatid ba ni Storm si Undertaker kasi parehong nawawala ang pupil ng mga mata nila? Meron palang halimaw na kulay blue, sa totoo lang siya si Grimace ng McDonald's at nagiging bestial lang siya kapag tinawag siya ni Professor X. Kung iisipin mo mas wholesome panoorin ang Captain
Planet,, pwedeng pambata at pwede ring pang-environmentali st. GO PLANET!!

15. ung panahon ng Miss Universe (circa Charlene Gonzales, Shushmita Sen, Viveka Babajee, at Dayanara Torres) ay lahat ng lalaki kahit babae ay patay na patay kay Miss Belguim. Siya si Christelle Roelandts na pagkatapos ng pageant ay di na natin alam kung anong nangyari sa kanya. Pero may nabalitang nakapag-asawa siya ng astronaut at nanay siya ng quadruplets na huwag mong paniwalaan kasi imbento ko lang ang bahagi ng kwentong ito.

16. Balik tayo sa Megamall. Nung dekada ring ito nagkalat ang balitang wag kang manunood ng sine sa mall na ito kasi may nang-iinjection ng AIDS dito. Siguro ganti ito ng Robinson's Galleria sa kanila nang sumunod kasi na araw sa Megamal na bumili ng bra at panty si Alice Dixson.

17. Ang Sabado Nights Girl na si Ina Raymundo ay ina na sa totoong buhay. Ang awiting Sabado Nights ay kinanta ng Rizal Underground. Wala na akong ibang kwento tungkol dito.

18. Sa panahon ding ito sumikat ang matinee idol na naging inspirasyon ng maraming kabataan dahil sa pagiging love team nila ni Judy Ann. Ang
nasirang si Rico Yan. Ang ipinagtataka ko lang ay nauna lang nag kaunti ang pagkamatay nina Lucio San Pedro at Levi Celerio, na itinuturing nating mga Alagad Ng Sining, sa pagkamatay ni Rico Yan, pero mas nagdalamhati ang sambayanan nang malaman nilang hindi na pala magkakabalikan sina Claudine Baretto at Rico Yan kasi nga namatay si Rico Yan sa piling ni Dominic Ochoa. Kung overdose sa ecstasy ang kaniyang ikinamatay o dahil sa bangungot ay hindi na mahalaga dahil sa panahong ito isinilang ang Rico Yan Youth Foundation, hayan may kabuluhan naman pala.

19. Nung wala pang Ipod at nalaos na ang walkman ay nauso naman ang discman nuong dekada `90. Kaya lang, mahirap mag-jogging na ang bibit mo ay walkman dahil skip lang nang skip ang lens sa CD at di mo mapatugtog ng maayos. Di rin pwede sa kotse kasi pag nalubak o dumaan sa hump o biglang huminto ay skip na naman ang discman bago pa naimbeto ang CD player na may anti-shock. Kaso bakit di nauso ang discman na may FM/AM receiver?

Kung naka-abot ka sa bahaging ito at naka-relate sa karamihan ng mga nakasulat dito, malamang ay high school ka nung panahong laos na ang mga larong tumbang preso, taguan, teks, chinese garter, step no, at piko. At ang hinlalaki mo ay puro kalyo na kaka-pindot ng controller ng Family Computer. Siguro ngayon ay isa ka nang propesyunal o family person o kung ano man ang iyong ginagawa na kahit abalang abala sa maraming bagay ay meron pa ring naitatabing oras para sariwain ang alaala ng nakalipas at ang katotohanan ng buhay na minsan ay nagturo sa iyong harapin ang kinabukasan.

CREDITS: Thanks Te Maja.Got this from your FB Post.Cheers!