Realization #003: Is Suffering Optional?

Friends, family, classmates, blog mates. Hello once again!

I heard many teachers of the Bible nowadays promising each and every believing Christian that life will all go well… prosperous and happy. You see, I realized this in my life, being a Christian, happiness is temporary, but God told me to be joyful because being joyful doesn’t say of today but the outcome of tomorrow. What I have experienced in the past years isn’t like that now, it is a life rougher than ever before, but I am glad and joyful that my soul is secure. And no matter how mysterious life may be, the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 still shines far greater than any threat that lies on the road I am now.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Upon my walk, I also see a lot of Christians who are still afraid, crawling out from their shell. They are afraid of finding who they really are because of what form of suffering may lie ahead. Some of them may not know it but still they suffer, they suffer from accepting who they really are and the rejection that lies ahead. Friends, I don’t see myself prep enough to encourage you, but indeed, as the Bible tells us that suffering is not an optional thing. It comes standard in our life.

Why is suffering good? Yes, I said that, good. Suffering refines us, defines us; just like a precious gold being refined by fire.

1 Peter 1:7
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

SUFFERING EXIST EVERYWHERE
On Mountain Biking

You won’t gain if you don’t endure! That’s not science fiction, it is a tested fact by each and everyone of us.

At School
Tests, tests, tests… there is always a downside for a greater gain. That is to immerse on studying and reading 4 inch thick books. But what do we get afterwards? Unimaginable bliss.

I see suffering as temporary, after this, you will soon forget about it and might just laugh in the end. A guy from BoMb said and I quote;

“Embrace the suck,” I said. It’s one of my mottos. “It’s going to suck, you know it is. You might as well embrace it because you can’t avoid it. False motivation is better than no motivation at all. So, tell yourself it’s going to be fun and treat it as fun… and in two days, it’ll be over and you might just find yourself smiling after all!”

It is the same with being a Christian. Sometimes, it’s going to be bad (it’s going to suck). We can’t change that. What we can change is our attitude during those times. Embrace the suck. It’s going to come, regardless.

In addition to his contribution to the blog, I say, suffering is not an option, we have to face it regardless, but we have to make sure when we suffer, in the end we praise God!

1 Corinthians 4:11-13
“To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.”

*Oist, I am not in a preaching mode ha!

High School Photovid!

Got bored. Made a video dedicated to my batch mates in high school.

Happy Birthday My Jamis!

In the far depths of the world,
I can’t express my awe.
I am alone,
but one is with me.

To the eyes of the many,
She is considered ordinary,
But for the possessor,
Breathless expression unimaginable.

Through roses and thorns of the trail,
To the smoothness of the asphalt,
She knows no complaints
She knows no stops.

She’s my beauty in black,
She’s an old’ faithful?
Neither I can say why?
My profound love I give.

She’s my Jamis Komodo FX.
Now turning five…

October 9, 2009

Realization #002: Why do we need to read the Bible?

This has been on my thoughts lately and despite having been able to conclude everything. I still want to share it to you; my friends, relatives, and fam! XOXOXO…

Why do we need to read the Bible? This is quite a question we might ask ourselves. Why are some people reading it? Why do some Christians don’t? Why? Why?

As far as I can see it. The Bible is the most important book. Its a guiness record holder! It is the most translated book in the world, a best – seller, and probably, “the most smuggled item in the world.”

The Bible is a book that many Christians would die for. If its not that important then why do Bible Couriers risk their lives into crossing borders with a bag filled with 150-190 pieces of Bible, one single mistake and this could send him to prison, worse would be death.

As much as how my story look fictional to you, but the story is real on the other side of the world. Many Christians risk their lives for a book, because it is a book that gives hope. That is the message of Christ. Still don’t believe me? Please feel free to read on his experience.

Let me ask you again, Why do we need to read the Bible? Please allow me to ask another question. Do we really know that hope we have in God or are they just flying words of preaching from someone else? They say Christians have faith, but is it a faith that reasons “I just believe it!” kinda thing? or is it a faith in line with what Romans 10:17 says?

I can conclude on this thing. We are grateful to have our own Bible with us. We can buy at least five different versions; from NIV, KJV, to NLT. The list just goes on and on… But have we ever take the time in reading it? To know God better and to know ourselves better?

We are that grateful! Because the people living in countries where Christianity is banned is aching and praying for years to have their own copy of the Bible which they often refer as the “Diary from the Lord”. They tear it page by page and allow everyone in their secret church rotate each page just to know something great about their God and how He really, really, really loves us.

Our hope, is it sitting covered with dust? Let us humble ourselves and make this book worthier than what it used to be. God loves you; take time to read His diary about how fearfully and wonderfully made you are. It’s your life manual.

*Oist, not in a preaching mode ha! Just got really inspired by how a friend of mine shared her life in China together with the bible couriers. She said, the youngest was a 17 year old girl, asteeeeg ang tibay ng loob!

NOTE: I don’t have any copyright of the picture. If anyone thinks it doesn’t belong here. Please email me at sandreroque[at]gmail[dot]com or go to http://iam3739.co.cc Contact Page.

Holding the Tears

I DIDN’T CRY WHEN THEY LEFT.
I think. At least they didn’t see me.

But after driving home, I can’t escape my emotions pouring downhill. I said, “They’re gone, they’ve left.”

Dropping them off in the airport felt like saying goodbye to my mother when she left for the States. Mixed emotions stirred up within me. Some of it were the desires of my heart and some were thanksgiving for the Lord. Then I realized, this is my blessing… our blessing.

Six days (some were nights) with the Gregorio family is almost similar with the past. They are still the same; joyful, warm, loving, caring, and God-fearing. It was that first Sunday of September 2009 when we once again met. After four years, I was given by the Lord six chances of meeting them and it has been the best gift of my life this year. Its my own personal and easy reason to answer why I cry for joy today as I am writing this.

God’s favor was also upon me when I was able to chauffeur them to the airport. I saw the last minutes of them entering the terminal gate. Up to now, I can still remember it fresh from my mind that farewell bon-voyage expression within us. I was really happy and I did truly want to jump for joy.

But still I really want to cry in front of them. At least because I felt that I will be truly missing them and they will be back with no definite date. But I thought it would be so much better if I didn’t weep. Instead, I hugged them really hard because I truly missed it for years.

Now as I was heading home, I can’t hold it in. Tears were pouring downhill on me (Sabay kanta pa ng Katinas – Someday on the background) The same spirit I have last Sunday as I cried so hard for so long. Part of those tears was my desire to spend more time with them as well as the joy that God will truly show the abundance of His grace through their lives. I can’t imaging going home in Mindanao and not finding them nowhere as near as before. Despite digesting the facts that Thailand is so much nearer by plane, I can’t imagine how will it fall into place. Oh! God knows… God knows… and He has better plans.

As I have said and realized, this is my blessing because God has answered their prayers for around 12 years. This is our blessing because we will see so much more Thai young people loving the Lord. There will be a day when they we will meet together with our Thai brothers!

To Momie Rya & Daddy Joey; I miss you here. Its not hard to love your family. I know all will be well for you guys in Thailand. I will always be praying for you, always!

Realization #001: Over and Over

I realized this in my life.

When things get rough and it’s hard to forgive, I become alone by myself. I become weaker and weaker; devotions pass through my days. Opportunities from heaven are closed.

Then you find yourself stumbling and falling again.

“Consider it pure joy”, someone said that to me that night but confused I become. He said, “When all things turn rough, be joyful always”. He didn’t stop there as he added, “because it will develop perseverance and faith.”

I cried lightly as the world dictates that I should not since a man is defined on a box with a character based on firmness and strength. But God tells me to be a man for Him, not in a box, but a strong, firm-faith’ed, powerful, conqueror, history maker, and sensitive to discern. I thought these things require me to sacrifice in order to be refined, hence, I get all too tired.

But then He said again, “Consider it pure joy.” God knew all His sacrifices. The cross was a painful thing for Him to do but He knew that this sacrifice would eventually turn to pure joy.

Then I realized, God in the first place considered it pure joy.

Fall Down

This day has been quite a downer-day for me. I didn’t make it to the top ten of I love the Philippines 2 contest by Philstar.com I was thinking of my weeks’ investment of time just for this website to be done. But I told myself that I did my best and I have my chin-straight up, knowing that the website will serve good intentions better than any entry out there.

For now I will be sticking with my gerontologically faithful Sony Vaio. She won’t be retiring soon from mission trips and school projects.

If I can’t get a piece of aluminum MacBook. Then I am asking God much better…

A Mac Pro perhaps with the 30″ screen? My God can pay it like a penny!”

I am happy to have recovered from this; it comforts me to have done my best and I never tried losing hope. Now despite of all the fall down coming my way, I will still love you Lord; all has been Your amazing grace. You can open the door which no one can shut. I just have to prepare my field for the rain.

Congratulations to the winners. May blessings be upon you continually!

The W4EO: Where My Heart Cries for Joy No One Would Understand

This is my second post about the w4eo, after leaving wordpress in favor for a new start in my blogspot experience.

I know this is a bit long but I think its good stuff’.

We were just young lads back then; joyful, wishful, and fearless. I can’t believe much had happened after I left that school. It was somewhat a relief after all I’ve experienced (the persecution and all). Though despite of all these things, somehow I wished that everything went back where we had our first fellowship in the school clinic.

BACKGROUND OF THE GROUP

We came from different backgrounds in life but we know for sure that in us we desire to achieve success in our lives. I was, at that time, hoping to become an english or a history teacher. All it mattered to me was to become an influence to the youth for next generation as what my Pastor have influenced me to make a difference. The rest of the group on the other hand also wanted to taste success and live differently to

wards helping the nation and the people. But some of our parents didn’t understand our hearts yet. They dreamt of us becoming nurses in a far away land. As a piece of insurance for their dreams, they enrolled us to a school where we can be monitored day and night.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL FEEL LIKE?

The school felt like any arab country. Situated in a hill and two hours away from the nearest city, the best social life we can ever experience was a walk in the park or have someone agree to have puppy love with (not my case here). There can only be one shop and it closes as early as 5 p.m. And should I say the fanciest restaurant only serve vegeta bles and gluten as an alternative to meat. The easiest chicken we could find was a hard-boiled egg every Wednesdays. But the most daunting demand for us was to surrender our religious freedom (our freedom of worship). We were not allowed to form small groups to encourage each other.

HUMBLE START

I met a doctor named Sunni Moreno who knew my pastors back in the city. I was frowning when we first met (I was with mom) but he gave me a hope to take it easy and accept things step-by-step that I would be alright. As I was being indoctrinated by the school’s affiliated church, I ran to him for some answers and I am greatly blessed as well as enlightened. After some occasional visit in his clinic, I suggested opening a group despite the peril that lie around us. It was a big step of faith, but great peace and joy was in my heart. Tito Sunni then got a copy of the college roster. I and Annabelle then started visiting our soon-to-be brothers and sisters. Some of them were very interested, some responded with a closed door. But God had completed us, we had four guitarists namely Arby, James, Kokoy, and Jake. A worship leader, Annabelle and me, uhmm, yes me. We meet every Wednesday night at the school clinic and sometimes we made special dawn worships and night prayers for the school.

(Kokoy)

(Tito Sunni)

Fellowship was one of the best. We were like a family, everyone was there for everybody. At school presentations, special events, and birthdays. As our group goes, we were watching out for each other (W4EO). Everybody cares for everybody. We were all we have in the school.

It didn’t take a long time when we were on the spotlight of the schools administration. We were interrogated one by one and the clinic was guarded every night. I am glad Tito Sunni was there to defend us even though it will put his job at risk. Me on the other hand was asked by my parents to study in Manila. Somehow, deep within me, it felt good to be out of the dessert. But then it haunts me if I had left my brothers and sisters away from a dark land.

LAST WORDS

It was a long time, a very long time. The group scattered all over mindanao and the Tito Sunni is now a missionary doctor in Thailand. I can no longer name most of them except the first attendees. All have a very special place in my heart. They’re the reason why I am happy to be a Christian. I’ve fought my battle with them and they’ve always been with me. If we had the chance to meet them once again, I would cry and hug them with my spirit pouring out, thanking how they made my life such a wonderful battlefield.

They are truly W4EO, we’ve watched for each other. Prepare to be squeezed by my hug whenever we had the chance to meet again!

The People of W4EO

Dr. Sunni Moreno – he was our guardian most of the time. No W4EO could be formed without him. He made us think of our love of brotherhood and sisterhood of all denominations putting every division and theological contradictions aside. He sacrificed things many professionals wouldn’t understand.

Kokoi – He believes in himself that he is weak but in reality he is strong. Kokoi knows the importance of worship; he’s not all that fancy when playing the guitar, just simple yet so powerful. And beyond all his knowledge and talents, he remained humble. It’s easy to be a really good friend with this guy.

Arby – Another guitar boy. I think he is the business-minded of us all. This guy really knows how to love the Lord. Courageous he is but fear is only set to the Lord. W4EO won’t be complete without him.

James – we call this guy Ong. As what his last name tells us. I really remember this guy when he testified about his worship. He said that no matter how simple it is, it should be the best.

Indie Music ni Bro!

Hehehe… Just snapped it from his past time projects. 

The songs is entitled Bite Me. Probably a dedication after his graduation from Med school. Care to listen, he admits he doesn’t have the quality voice out there. But I believe he is a good composer. That’s my brader. You know?!

I love the Philippines

I don’t know a lot of things about my Philippines. Probably I know a little about the basics but I try to get out of politics since I may find myself judging someone. It’s not that they make bad decisions or label them corrupt. But I know this for sure, I am also a subject of corruption myself. I can be considered irresponsible and a dying Filipino. I am guilty of many things, I preached my country like it was equal to rags. I have idolized richer countries, and praised other nationalities. And when it comes to comparing, I usually treat her as the second best.

It’s quite hard spitting these things, but I am happy to find myself speaking up not to my friends or whoever Filipino there is, but rather to myself knowing that I still have faith in myself. A faith that there is still hope of changing how I look at my country and faith that is purely reasoned by love.

My recent escape stretching from the capital city of Manila to Polilio island have brought me a lot of things to learn and to reflect upon. The love for God and the innate discovery of my love towards the Philippines grew on me. Three days was enough to learn how to speak firmness of why I really love my country and not to be found dead on my lips. I was at my glorious awe, painfully searching myself and asking why I have been blinded for so many years.

I love the Philippines mainly because of its imperfections; the way it teaches me to live a life of maturity, simplicity, and the dependence in a higher being. The second thing why I love my motherland is the space for change. A big word for me since this is what we have all been longing for. Out there is a need for a big change, and I’m happy I could participate in that journey.

Traveling around the Philippines enabled me to search my soul, and learned what the Philippines is truly rich for. The calmness of the shore, and the wind dancing behind my ears have helped me realize that we all have one thing in common; our capacity to change things. I can no longer praise nor idolize other nations for my country needs a Filipino to speak out and be proud of its own.

King David was right with what he said, “If I change, everything will change”. As I was hundreds of kilometers from home, I opened myself for change which has become my summer experience that I will never ever forget.

It made me love my Philippines; it made me change.