Maria loves his youngest son Mark. Every morning she wakes up she cooks his breakfast. She bathes him. She spends time playing with him. She provides him everything that a growing child need. She gives him food and shelter. She looks after his general welfare and pays all his tuition fees in school. She continues to nurture him and up-brings him to be a good person. She defends him against his siblings when jealousy over his mother’s apparent preferential treatment becomes an issue. Not that it was true because Maria loves all her children equally and without pre-conditions.
But that’s what a good and loving mother always does, you might say.
You see, Mark is not her own biological son. He is the son of his husband from an adulterous relationship he has hidden for many years. At the on-set of revelation, spiteful bitterness ruled over her heart. The years of betrayal were simply too painful to direct her towards forgiveness. But with prayers, she found God’s grace in her heart to let go of the hatred and truly forgive them all – her philandering husband and his mistress. So it is not any wonder that when the other woman decided to abandon their love-child to her husband, she was able to whole-heartedly and without reservation accept the child as her own.
The names in the story are fictitious but the story is true.
One of Mark’s brother is actually my friend who recounted his mother’s inspiring story to me a few days ago.
So how far do we really have to forgive someone?
I guess, far enough to unconditionally love that someone again.
Too tough a Christian requisite, right?
Then let our Lord’s image hanging on the cross be our source of encouragement and inspiration.
That cross is full of unequivocal and pure love.
God bless.
2008/06/30
Lost and Found
My wife and I exchanged worried glances even as we try to keep calm.
After nearly 10 minutes of fruitless effort to find Zek, who wandered away towards the stage area where Bo Sanchez is preaching, I was starting to wish that he’d simply recognize that he is lost and start to cry out loud to direct me to where he is. It did not help a bit that it was only my second time to attend the weekly Kerygma Feast at Valle Verde Country Club and I am still quite unfamiliar with the venue. Aisle after aisle after aisle and nary a sign of our 4 year old son.
I paused and pray for help.
It was at that instant that I remember one particular spot that Zek fondly played at the first time we came there. He was running up and down the access ramp for the disabled at the lobby entrance. “If he strayed far enough to go outside of the hall, then he should stop there and wait for us”, I tried to convince myself as I squeezed through the throng of audience blocking my way. My chest was pounding hard.
And from afar I saw our son holding and embracing the chrome-plated hand rail post. He was gazing towards the entrance which is just a few steps away from him.
I called him and what I saw melted my heart.
He was misty-eyed already, almost sobbing and frightful of the thought that he can not find us.
Without taking another breath, I embraced him and assured him that everything is fine now.
I shared to him how worried his mommy and I have been looking for him.
I praised him for not totally going out of the venue but I also reminded him to stay near us because he can easily get lost within the crowd.
We went back inside and my wife was finally relieved as well.
In Luke Chapter 15, Jesus spoke about the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin and finally the lost son, which is more commonly known as the story of the prodigal son.
Whereas we are assured of God’s all-loving plan to find every single lost soul, it should come clear to our mind as well that He alone can not find us if we ourselves do not want to be found. Truth be re-told over again, God finds us only when we present ourselves to be found.
The lost sheep, with its naturally strong herd instinct, tries to keep its way on their usual routes and tracks after wandering off. So the shepherd’s chance of finding him along the places they normally go or stay is quite good. The old coin was lost inside the house so the woman knows where to look for it and her efforts paid off after sweeping the whole house under a lighted lamp. Finally, the prodigal son, realizing his grievous mistake, made his way back to his waiting father who “caught sight” of him from afar, ran to meet him, embraced and kissed him.
We are no different at all.
Like a sheep, an old coin or the squandering son, we have at one time or another been lost and needed to be found.
Do you feel lost?
What must you do?
Stay Quiet
The noises left and right tends to drown the voice of God that lovingly calls us back to Him. These noises vary from your troubled mind or feelings of unworthiness to doubts of His mercy or hopelessness to get up from the deep sinking hole of your sinfulness. Clatters and clanging sounds may comes in the form of people who, instead of supporting us to get up, will join in jeering chorus that we hit rock bottom without any way out. So the right way is to stay away from the crowd that drowns His presence and dampens our spirit of repentance. Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Stay Put
There is no use in moving farther and farther in detour spirit-constricting directions if you know the way will only lead to further self-destruction. Stop and look around. If you are now in a very unfamiliar position or situation where God’s presence is the least you can feel, then chances are you are really lost. So if you are not sure which is the way back home, then just stay put and wait for the Lord. Trust Him as He commences His effective life-changing ways to find you to re-direct your paths towards Him.
Stay Visible
You may be near the Lord but if you keep on hiding yourself, then finding you will not be easy. Hiding usually comes in the form of shame on your past deeds. Look up to the Lord and with a contrite heart shout out to Him, “Lord here I am, have mercy on me a sinner.” Do not be discouraged. Take solace that Zachaeus has to climb up the sycamore tree just to show himself to Jesus who was passing by then. Believe that like the blind man Bartimaues who shouted and begged Jesus to heal him, your pious efforts to be heard will not go unnoticed with the Lord.
Dear friend, stop being lost, let yourself be found and come home now.
Jesus assured you that there will be rejoicing in Heaven for your much-awaited homecoming.
“Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' Then the celebration began. (Luke 15:22-24)
After nearly 10 minutes of fruitless effort to find Zek, who wandered away towards the stage area where Bo Sanchez is preaching, I was starting to wish that he’d simply recognize that he is lost and start to cry out loud to direct me to where he is. It did not help a bit that it was only my second time to attend the weekly Kerygma Feast at Valle Verde Country Club and I am still quite unfamiliar with the venue. Aisle after aisle after aisle and nary a sign of our 4 year old son.
I paused and pray for help.
It was at that instant that I remember one particular spot that Zek fondly played at the first time we came there. He was running up and down the access ramp for the disabled at the lobby entrance. “If he strayed far enough to go outside of the hall, then he should stop there and wait for us”, I tried to convince myself as I squeezed through the throng of audience blocking my way. My chest was pounding hard.
And from afar I saw our son holding and embracing the chrome-plated hand rail post. He was gazing towards the entrance which is just a few steps away from him.
I called him and what I saw melted my heart.
He was misty-eyed already, almost sobbing and frightful of the thought that he can not find us.
Without taking another breath, I embraced him and assured him that everything is fine now.
I shared to him how worried his mommy and I have been looking for him.
I praised him for not totally going out of the venue but I also reminded him to stay near us because he can easily get lost within the crowd.
We went back inside and my wife was finally relieved as well.
In Luke Chapter 15, Jesus spoke about the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin and finally the lost son, which is more commonly known as the story of the prodigal son.
Whereas we are assured of God’s all-loving plan to find every single lost soul, it should come clear to our mind as well that He alone can not find us if we ourselves do not want to be found. Truth be re-told over again, God finds us only when we present ourselves to be found.
The lost sheep, with its naturally strong herd instinct, tries to keep its way on their usual routes and tracks after wandering off. So the shepherd’s chance of finding him along the places they normally go or stay is quite good. The old coin was lost inside the house so the woman knows where to look for it and her efforts paid off after sweeping the whole house under a lighted lamp. Finally, the prodigal son, realizing his grievous mistake, made his way back to his waiting father who “caught sight” of him from afar, ran to meet him, embraced and kissed him.
We are no different at all.
Like a sheep, an old coin or the squandering son, we have at one time or another been lost and needed to be found.
Do you feel lost?
What must you do?
Stay Quiet
The noises left and right tends to drown the voice of God that lovingly calls us back to Him. These noises vary from your troubled mind or feelings of unworthiness to doubts of His mercy or hopelessness to get up from the deep sinking hole of your sinfulness. Clatters and clanging sounds may comes in the form of people who, instead of supporting us to get up, will join in jeering chorus that we hit rock bottom without any way out. So the right way is to stay away from the crowd that drowns His presence and dampens our spirit of repentance. Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Stay Put
There is no use in moving farther and farther in detour spirit-constricting directions if you know the way will only lead to further self-destruction. Stop and look around. If you are now in a very unfamiliar position or situation where God’s presence is the least you can feel, then chances are you are really lost. So if you are not sure which is the way back home, then just stay put and wait for the Lord. Trust Him as He commences His effective life-changing ways to find you to re-direct your paths towards Him.
Stay Visible
You may be near the Lord but if you keep on hiding yourself, then finding you will not be easy. Hiding usually comes in the form of shame on your past deeds. Look up to the Lord and with a contrite heart shout out to Him, “Lord here I am, have mercy on me a sinner.” Do not be discouraged. Take solace that Zachaeus has to climb up the sycamore tree just to show himself to Jesus who was passing by then. Believe that like the blind man Bartimaues who shouted and begged Jesus to heal him, your pious efforts to be heard will not go unnoticed with the Lord.
Dear friend, stop being lost, let yourself be found and come home now.
Jesus assured you that there will be rejoicing in Heaven for your much-awaited homecoming.
“Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' Then the celebration began. (Luke 15:22-24)
2008/06/04
Light Source
It has been five years since I got employed in the professional trading of luminary products from China to any parts in Europe but primarily for the German market. Our team is involved in all the technical aspects of our products from the stages of development and safety approval up to the production surveillance and outgoing shipment quality assurance. Our team, consisting of just three Pinoy engineers in China, would always have a handful of tasks (I think “pending jobs” is the more appropriate term) not just because of language barrier and poor cooperation from Chinese engineers but because our range of luminary designs and products vary a lot year on year.
Luminaires or lighting products have different classification. According to input voltage, we have the high-voltage and low voltage products. According to water ingress protection, we have the indoor or outdoor construction that focus on the water, moisture and other outdoor environment protection. According to the insulation protection, we have three levels of classification – class I, class II and class III.
Lightings according to main functions are oftentimes grouped or mixed as:
1. Downlights or ceiling recessed lightings
2. Ceiling lamps or ceiling surface mounted lightings
3. Wall lamps
4. Table lamps
5. Cabinet lamps which is common for kitchen cabinets fixtures
6. Floor lamps or floor standing lighting
7. Garden lamps that includes solar lamps which uses the sun’s solar energy to re-charge the batteries supplied
8. Christmas lights
9. Novelty lamps are anything small and portably handy lighting products like torch lamps, camping lights.
In all these products, the most important part is the lamp or main bulb itself which gives out the desire lighting intensity for any particular use. Increasingly popular LEDs or light emitting diodes offer the low light suitable for decorative purposes while ESL or energy-saving lamps projects a high radiance outcome with minimal energy consumption. The previously famous fluorescent lamps and nearly phase-out incandescent bulbs, though widely accepted in the past decades or so for their daylight natural brightness and cool-warm lighting effect respectively are slowly loosing their appeal to the two formers.
The importance of light in the world is undisputable and definite.
Sadly and ironic, however, is the fact that as the world finds more veritable sources of light, the world is still very much in the darkness because it is losing the most essential light of all - God’s light.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:15-16)
And so God’s calling for our own light to shine is true everyday. He understands that many of our brethrens are lost in the dark and they need every light they can get to lead them back to Him. It does not matter if our light seems so little because when viewed in total darkness, the tiniest spark is always a welcome respite for those who see it, more so for those grappling in the dark over long periods of time in their lives. What is important is that we keep ourselves connected to our source of light – to our Lord who came as Light for the world and whose shining glory we all seek to be with.
I am blessed to have two uncomplicated but constant light in the form of the janitresses in our buildings and offices. They are both Chinese ladies who, notwithstanding that they have no single idea how to speak in english, always brightens up my day with their simple smiles and greeting gestures. It doesn’t matter if they look dead tired from their cleaning activities. They always have that smile to offer me. Those smiles that add up to a bright and sunny day are God’s tangible blessings to me everyday and every moment I see them around. So I try to pass on these lights to the other people in the factory by consciously being more friendly so that, in my humble way, I will be their light for that particular time of the day. Yes, our lights do not only shine, they are able to re-shine to others as well. It’s like the Olympic torch relays that lately have been traveling from one place to another. The Olympic flame is passed on from one runner to another runner in their symbolic attempt to foster unity and continuity. So when you receive the light of God for today, please enjoy it and pass it on to all the people you will meet. The light is not meant to stop at that point.
Let your light shine.
Share your light.
Remain in God’s light.
Luminaires or lighting products have different classification. According to input voltage, we have the high-voltage and low voltage products. According to water ingress protection, we have the indoor or outdoor construction that focus on the water, moisture and other outdoor environment protection. According to the insulation protection, we have three levels of classification – class I, class II and class III.
Lightings according to main functions are oftentimes grouped or mixed as:
1. Downlights or ceiling recessed lightings
2. Ceiling lamps or ceiling surface mounted lightings
3. Wall lamps
4. Table lamps
5. Cabinet lamps which is common for kitchen cabinets fixtures
6. Floor lamps or floor standing lighting
7. Garden lamps that includes solar lamps which uses the sun’s solar energy to re-charge the batteries supplied
8. Christmas lights
9. Novelty lamps are anything small and portably handy lighting products like torch lamps, camping lights.
In all these products, the most important part is the lamp or main bulb itself which gives out the desire lighting intensity for any particular use. Increasingly popular LEDs or light emitting diodes offer the low light suitable for decorative purposes while ESL or energy-saving lamps projects a high radiance outcome with minimal energy consumption. The previously famous fluorescent lamps and nearly phase-out incandescent bulbs, though widely accepted in the past decades or so for their daylight natural brightness and cool-warm lighting effect respectively are slowly loosing their appeal to the two formers.
The importance of light in the world is undisputable and definite.
Sadly and ironic, however, is the fact that as the world finds more veritable sources of light, the world is still very much in the darkness because it is losing the most essential light of all - God’s light.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:15-16)
And so God’s calling for our own light to shine is true everyday. He understands that many of our brethrens are lost in the dark and they need every light they can get to lead them back to Him. It does not matter if our light seems so little because when viewed in total darkness, the tiniest spark is always a welcome respite for those who see it, more so for those grappling in the dark over long periods of time in their lives. What is important is that we keep ourselves connected to our source of light – to our Lord who came as Light for the world and whose shining glory we all seek to be with.
I am blessed to have two uncomplicated but constant light in the form of the janitresses in our buildings and offices. They are both Chinese ladies who, notwithstanding that they have no single idea how to speak in english, always brightens up my day with their simple smiles and greeting gestures. It doesn’t matter if they look dead tired from their cleaning activities. They always have that smile to offer me. Those smiles that add up to a bright and sunny day are God’s tangible blessings to me everyday and every moment I see them around. So I try to pass on these lights to the other people in the factory by consciously being more friendly so that, in my humble way, I will be their light for that particular time of the day. Yes, our lights do not only shine, they are able to re-shine to others as well. It’s like the Olympic torch relays that lately have been traveling from one place to another. The Olympic flame is passed on from one runner to another runner in their symbolic attempt to foster unity and continuity. So when you receive the light of God for today, please enjoy it and pass it on to all the people you will meet. The light is not meant to stop at that point.
Let your light shine.
Share your light.
Remain in God’s light.
2008/06/02
All Praise
I just realized that my blog has turned 1 today. :)
Actually I am barely catching up with the latest gigs and jigs of the IT world.
For a guy who graduated college without even knowing how a PC keyboard feels, this reveals a lot about my IT incapacity. There is no denying it either as my less-attractive blog format and dull add-ons are visual tarpaulins of what I lack.
But what I lack, I know and trust that God will provide.
Because what I want to do with this blog is what He have always wanted me to do - to be one of His witnesses in sharing His love to others.
All praises be to our Lord.
Wow, time do fly fast when you are in love.
So in love with my one and only sweet wife - Menchie.
So in love with our two super-kulit and funny kids - Maia and kuya Zek.
So in love with life.
So in love with God.
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