A Touch of Something

Parable of the Lost Cellphone

2011-06-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

One lazy day, work was slow,

Clock hits 8 so it’s time to go.

Got my headset and turned on my sounds,

Walking my way towards the home bound.

As I stepped on the stairs of MRT,

Something cut off my MP3.

I reached for my bag pocket to check,

“Waah my phone’s gone what the heck?!”

That was my first and fast encounter,

That made me burst out of anger.

Negative vibes throughout the night,

All the goodness loss out of sight.

Someone then told me that I should be grateful,

That I was unharmed and got home in whole.

After years of independent travelling,

Up there is my Guide still always watching.

Our news covers a heap of tragedy,

That makes us realize how blessed we can be.

Let’s offer to the Lord a heart of gratitude,

As he gave His life to save the multitude.

Australia Amnesia

2011-05-01T02:15:00.000-07:00

Australia Amnesia

April 15, Friday (6:30pm Phil):

I’m in the airplane at the window-side seat, 1st row on the left wing near the mini-pantry around the mid exit. I stared out of the windows. Down there was like a city map in lighted dots, sort of ant-like creatures moving on lanes with their antennas glowing. Well, those were cars in real life ;) As my eyes rolled up, I see a glow of horizon shading from dark brown to orange to yellowish to cream. Ahh.. The beauty of sunset right before my eye-level :) Welcome to my escapade; a temporal amnesia for rest and exploration in Australia :)

***

April 16, Saturday (10am Sydney):

Sydney is shaking! Up and down! O.o and so is my head. 9hour flight to Sydney on top of a 2hour connecting flight. Haven’t had a good sleep. We’re now heading to domestic airport to travel another 2 hours toward Cairns, our 1st destination of escapade! :) Domestic flight airport is few kilometers away from international. We hopped into a taxi and the flag down rate was around $4 point something. As second ticks away, the meter went crazy! Every second increases the fare by $.05!, every second whether mobile or immobile! It took us a total of $25 just to transfer to another airport in about 10minutes! Say hello to the new standard of living here!

***

April 17, Sunday (9:10pm Cairns): Escapade # 1: The Great Barrier Reef.

Cairns is a small city in Queensland with friendly outgoing people; tall, white, and well, yeah some handsome ones with nice smiles :) Kidding aside, what I love here is their discipline on the road. Most of the drivers do stop 5 feet away from a pedestrian, giving way, as compared to the Philippines wherein driving is equivalent to racing like there's no more tomorrows! The city houses a lot of open-air pubs so I guess meeting-up and drinking are the main social activities here. Our hotel is located near the beachfront. That leads to our #1 escapade: The Great Barrier Reef.

Main activity of the day: Scuba diving up to 20feet deep (how shallow I should say, just half of our local introductory dive!). It’s a sunny day. I went down and saw the wonderful underwater creatures; myriads of coral ranging from small to big, rounded to thorny, singles and chunks. Fishes are a big eye-catcher ranging from bright colored ones; yellowish angel-like, multi-colored stripy ones, reddish carp-like, and glowing-blue discus-like. A reef indeed for those healthy fishes :)

As I swam along, the instructor pulled me to kneel on a spot. As I turned my head, there was Wally! :D

The main attraction of the Great Barrier Reef lies upon a huge fish of about 6 feet long and 5 inches wide named Wally (pen-name from the scientific one hehe). He’s multi-colored scales shines from bluish green to reddish orange beneath the sun rays. What’s cool is he’s not afraid of people! Given the size, it also is a friendly fish. I’ve gotten the chance to get close with Wally touching his soft head towards his tail. Amazing. A connection with a different kind of underwater creature. Wally definitely made our visit worth the experience!

***

April 18, Monday (10:20 Warimoo) On a Train:
I’m currently on a train traveling 2hours from Sydney (back from Cairns) to Katoomba. As I sat here waiting, time tells me to write.

People here are amazing; strangers interact with one another engaging in good conversation as they sat next to each other for the first time (maybe this simple activity is the basic reason why western influences are strong). Diversity in culture can be found in Australia; from Australian to American to Korean to Indian to Chinese to African to Arab to Japanese etc. People weren’t jampacking (or maybe due to off-peak hours). Seats are cool here in the train; you can pull the backrest on opposite directions depending on where the train is heading. Weather is nicely cold of around 20degC. People are disciplined and trusted. Everyone takes time to do everything; self-service ordering, self-service cleaning up, even self-service counters / cashier <="" to="" we="" what="" will="">>. You can even see old-aged couples still having the strength to pull their own luggage. Traffic isn’t so bad. Many prefer to walk.Cross the street and a-meter-away car would yield. Everyone seemed to be thinking in a straight direction that sets off an impressive country.

What truly is the composition of a good society? A good micro-culture directed by good governance maybe? I couldn’t exactly state how the government here is doing. But to my observation, no doubt, it’s better than ours..

I haven’t seen a single church since my travel here started, or maybe I wasn’t yet too observant of that. One of my journey goals here is to reconnect with God. To be honest, seeing a lot of independent individuals empowers me to think that I too can do life on my own (physically and spiritually speaking). Maybe this is the danger of such society exposed too much on the ‘self’. Oh well, these are only observations. I still need to embrace life here if I was to conclude. More learning and fun on the coming days! :)

***

Three Sisters Rock, Blue Mountain

Jenolan Caves

***

April 22, Friday (connecting thoughts of the day at Sydney):
Let me write something about the past 2 cities I’ve visited. To give you a look on what Cairns and Sydney is about, here are some observational keywords:

Cairns: Flip flops, Beachwear Everywhere, Barefoot walking, Shorts, Laid-back, Pub, Drinking, Smoking, White people, little diversity of Culture, 4pm store closes, Beach, Relaxed.

Sydney: High heels, Platforms, Dresses and Make-ups, Pub, Drinking, Smoking, Shopping, Fast-track living, various cultures (as in various from the ones mentioned above), "City-Lifestyle", Pressure, Explore.

Getting on Sydney with different race inhabiting, it feels so interesting to live in such and explore; to be independent and blend-in on what the city has to offer. Since day 1 until now, our trip has been a blast! It really feels so wonderful to witness how different people move on their own, and to learn from them. I felt the saying of how young ones wouldn’t want to come back home once they get the feel of living abroad. Could it be that I might reconsider this? But where? And when? Hmm… :)

***

April 24, Sunday (10:10pm Adelaide):

Adelaide: “The Streets” (suburb lingo), Pub, Drinking, Smoking, “Pokies”, Medium-variety of culture with part-time students/ workers.

We arrived here yesterday. Our hotel is situated in the city, yet few meters away are a lot of bars and “Pokies”. I can conclude that drinking and smoking is rampant here in Australia, yet this specific area, there are legitimate “pokies” and stores that encourage “pleasure”. I was really distracted and annoyed. Felt uncomfortable walking in such lane when we’re just browsing thru for a decent restaurant. Exploring this place wasn’t part of the plan, except that it’s an overnight accommodation for our coming escapade. I don’t know how Adelaide really stands but with all these, I wasn’t satisfied.

Today is Easter Sunday. Few people are out as most stores are closed. We got to spend the day at Kangaroo Island (2 hours travel by bus and ferry from the hotel) and witnessed many majestic things. Paint this picture in your head:

Beach and rocks + waves rolling high + Fur Seals resting and singing on the rocks + sunrays = Breathtaking landscape

Vast land + Big trees + Green grasses + Group of kangaroos resting under the sun + Sunny skies = Instance of awe

Sounds good? :) These are what I commonly see at National Geographic/ Animal Planet shows and now, it’s really so amazing how I can witness these pictures first-hand. No amount of words can paint the beauty of it’s details. All elements are combined towards one purpose: Glorifying God for His Wonderful Creations :) The locals here try to protect and conserve these natural things and creations. Hopefully, the future can still preserve the intricacies of nature :)

I thank God for this day on how some things can go unsatisfying yet turned out to grab my attention back to Him again. I haven’t had much of my QT as the days we’re hectic to make the most of our stay. I was reminded to pause for a while from all the earthly things and to appreciate the beauty of just the wonderful things made by God, Himself. After that, feels like nothing else out there matters anymore.. :)

***

April 26, Tuesday (7:35pm Melbourne) On a tour bus heading home:
Our last destination for this day was the Penguin Parade at Philip Island. Let me just say that the little penguins were so cute! Think about Happy Feet’s Mumble when he was still young :D

Our tour guide briefed us about penguins prior to seeing them: 1.) Penguins send usually either their bravest or weakest to check on the area first if it’s safe or not before the batch comes out. 2.) The male penguins will build or find a house hoping for female penguins to come by, and when the latter likes the house, she’ll settle and they’ll mate. 3.) Penguins make a funny pig-like crying noise when they find a mate. 4.) Penguins come back to the spot where they were born and will bear their babies there. 5.) Their feathers are 5x thick to protect them on the cold and they shed once a year. 6.) Penguins are birds, not fish (just in case some may still not know lol).

Actual Scenario: Sun was already so low that it’s almost night time. There were wooden paths and stairs built for people. Outside those were already the penguins’ property; ocean to shore towards grasses and bushes. The lights were so dimmed, much like a lantern hung for every meter lighting the place. We were on the wooden stairs similar to an arena structure on the shore.

6:20pm; a little penguin (about an arm-sized high with dark bluish feather on top and white on the tummy part) came walking by, alone! Amazing how brave (or weak) he must be :p He stood there for few minutes. Then another one came walking by him. After about a quarter, many penguins swam out of the ocean making their way towards the shore to the grasses! <="" of="" penguin="" the="" to="" walk="">They scattered everywhere in the bushes! After about 10 minutes, another batch came walking by. They stood there for a while. This time, it’s a She. The female batch then walk towards the bushes, scattered. After such time, we can hear funny pig-like noises crying out! Boom! I even saw a couple of penguin raising their wings sort of embracing each other. So cute! There were even some group of females walking pass a male and you can’t help feel sad for the latter, “busted”.. He was left there alone looking out, waiting. So cute!!! :p Perhaps another batch might come by his way again :) Everything was really amazing! I was smiling the whole time thinking how cute they were even in the "courtship" period :p Too bad no photos are allowed as the flash might damage the sensitive eyes of the penguin . Overall, i'd say it's a must to take that tour and see them! :P

The night ended with the skies so bright lit by countless stars above, as in countless! Imagine a scene full of nature where no hard constructions took place (no skyscrapers AT ALL). The skies were so wide open giving way to visibility to a heap of stars! That’s Philip Island, a small island about 3 hour drive from Melbourne, hectares of green lands and free animals roaming around. The evening was so memorable and I’m so in love with the landscape, the penguins, and the stars, oh so lovely :)

Koalas sleep around 20hours a day

They are the only animal to eat eucalyptus leaves which is a low-energy meal that's why they sleep most of the day. They don't drink water unless they're really sick.

Koala has a smiling face whenever they sleep :)

Feeding a wallaby :)

Wallaby, a family of kangaroo but smaller in size

***

April 29, Sunday (2:44pm Melbourne):

Melbourne: Black tights, dresses, boots, tunics, loose shirts, flats. Various cultures in friendships and relationships. Shopping galore, additional discounts for tourists. Tram, uniquely-Melbourne driving. Self-serve cashier!

*Sigh.. Today is the last day of our trip. Is this really it? I don’t feel like going home yet. Everything is new here and going back means living the old life once again, so to say.

Traveling is like going on to another dimension having the opportunity to learn new things and blend in with new cultures. It’s pretty interesting that every place has its own identity. That’s what makes traveling fun, aside from the temporal amnesia of stress and responsibilities back home hehe.

Well, I guess this is it. 15 days of rest and exploration. It’s time to go back to the real world once again. I thank God for the wonderful things I’ve seen and learned, for the breathtaking moments and all the revelation of important things in my life from God. He is indeed Majestic! Time to wake up! :) I miss my friends. Home Sweet Home :)

***

A.S.A.P.

2011-01-27T01:36:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how prayer can reach God, even without us uttering it first.

These past few weeks, I have been skipping prayers. Things have started cluttering around work, home, church, and personal thoughts. As I plan to set aside 930pm for my devotions, I often end up in front of the TV wanting to get out of my head momentarily. "I'll read my bible before I go to sleep", I said to myself. As the clock strikes 11pm . . 1130pm . . bedtime! "Uhh maybe I'll read tomorrow and just pray to God instead" . . And as I lay on my bed . . "Zzzzz". . . waaah :(( I then usually pray when I wake up =Z

Earlier this morning at the office, I said to myself that I will pray to God when I get home, asking Him for forgiveness and for the power to consistently prioritize Him despite of my tasks. As I get on my e-mails after a while, I received a timely reminder that amazed me!

* * *

Finding Time for Prayer

Q: I realize that prayer is important, and I want to use it to connect with God, but it never seems like I have the time. How can I fit it into an already busy day?

A: It takes time to communicate with anyone, including God. There's no way around it. It's a mistake, though, to think of time spent in prayer as time that could have been better used to get other things done, because if you take time to pray, you'll be able to get a lot more done than you would otherwise. It's an investment, but once you start reaping the benefits, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. Here are a few tips to help get you started:

Make a conscious effort. Like forming any new habit, this will take consistent determination. In time, though, you'll find that you're remembering to pray more, and forgetting to less.

Make prayer a priority. You always have time for the things you consider most important.

Set aside specific times in your daily routine. If you wait till everything else is taken care of, it will never happen. If you find that one time of day doesn't work well for you, try another. If you miss your appointed times one day, don't give up! Try again the next day.

Set attainable goals. It's not how long you pray that counts, but how earnest and sincere you are and how much you believe your prayers will be answered.

Take advantage of spare moments. You can pray during a coffee break, when stuck in traffic, while waiting for an appointment, while cooking, while taking a shower, while waiting for the baby to drift off to sleep, while walking the dog—almost any time, really.

Pray before starting each new task. "In all your ways acknowledge [God], and He shall direct your paths."¹ In many cases, a prayer of only a sentence or two is all it takes.

Pray at the first sign of trouble. Ask for clarity of thought, composure, strength, inspiration, or answers—whatever you need at the moment—and God will give it.²

"Pray Without Ceasing"³
You don't have to be on your knees, praying frantically for God to hear you. Prayer is something you can and should be doing all the time, no matter what else you're doing—like thinking on your feet. If you pray as you go about whatever it is you're doing and ask God for wisdom, He will give it to you.⁴—David Brandt Berg
________________

1. Proverbs 3:6

2. Matthew 7:7

3. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

4. James 1:5

* * *

Isn't that amazing?! Do you feel goosebumps everytime you realize that God has been speaking to you through random things and what's more amazing is even before you ask for it! That's what I felt. I'm in awe once again of how wonderful and gracious our God is! He reminded me how prayer is important and I know He has forgiven me. He's calling me back and I'm so thankful of His everlasting mercy and for the tips on how to sustain a prayerful habit! :p Indeed, the task ahead of me, is never as great as the power behind me.. :)

Let us pray for one another to continually live a healthy and prayerful life, every moment we can find. To end with, I have 4 words for all of you:

A - Always

S - Say

A - A

P - Prayer

The Rules For Being Human

2011-01-14T16:31:00.000-08:00

The Rules For Being Human

1. You will receive a body.
You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period of this time around.

2. You will learn lessons.
You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called Life. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant and stupid.

3. There are no mistakes, only lessons.
Growth is a process of trial and error: Experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately "works."

4. A lesson is repeated until learned.
A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can then go on to the next lesson.

5. Learning lessons does not end.
There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons. If you are alive, there are lessons to be learned.

6. "There" is no better than "here."
When your "there" has become a "here," you will simply obtain another "there" that will

again look better than "here."

7. Others are merely mirrors of you.
You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects something you love or hate about yourself.

8. What you make of your life is up to you.
You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.

9. Your answers lie inside you.
The answers to Life's questions lie inside you. All you need to do is look, listen and trust.

10. You will forget all this.

Cherie Carter-Scott

Presents Or Presence?

2010-12-07T17:20:00.000-08:00

Presents Or Presence?

December 5, 2009 — by Julie Ackerman Link

Oswald Chambers once wrote: “It is not God’s promises we need, it is [God] Himself.”

At Christmastime we often say, “God’s presence is more important than presents.” But the amount of time and effort we spend on shopping for gifts may indicate otherwise.

In certain parts of the world, people give gifts on December 6. By doing so, they have the rest of the month to focus on Jesus and the wonder of His birth, God’s perfect gift to us.

When we say we want God’s presence more than presents from others, perhaps we’re being truthful. But how many of us can honestly say that we want God’s presence more than His presents?

Often we want gifts from God more than we want God Himself. We want health, wealth, knowledge, a better job, a better place to live. God may indeed want to give us these things, but we can’t have them apart from Him. As David said, “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Ps. 16:11). Presents may make us happy for a time; earthly gifts from God may make us happy temporarily, but fullness of joy comes only when we remain in a right relationship with God.

***

So, what would Christmas be like if we truly celebrated God’s presence? ;)

Questions of Revelation

2010-11-26T17:22:00.000-08:00

"Why is the world such a mess?"

"Why do undeserving people sit on the crown of glory?"

"How do the innocents get so helpless?"

"Why do I feel like the world just doesn’t get it?"

"Where do I go from here?"

"What can I get out of this?"

"What's my direction in this world?"

"What's waiting for me next?"

"How come I feel so tired in the things I do?"

"What would make me fulfilled?"

"Why do I constantly search for purpose in every single thing I do?"

"What do I truly want?"

'"Why was I created with such thoughts and perspectives?"

"What's the purpose of my life?"

* * *

"WHY do you think about the world?"

"What's in it that's not in ME?"

“Why so busy finding yourself in this world?”

"Why search for temporal things that FADE?"

"Why not SEEK for MY WILL?"

“Why not LOSE yourself for Me to give you LIFE?”

"WHY WORRY too much?"

"Are MY PLANS for you so vague?"

"Or are you so FAR that you cannot see?"

"Why do you constantly question Me?"

"Do you even KNOW EVERYTHING YOU SEE THAT YOU QUERY FOR THE UNSEEN?"

“Why doubt MY UNCONDITIONAL LOVE and GRACE?

“Don’t you TRUST My plans I have for you and everything else?”

"WHY focus on what you can get?"

"Why not center on what you can DO?"

“HOW do you plan to live your life?”

"As many as it is, it's still MY PURPOSE that PREVAILS"

"I HAVE raised you that I might show you MY POWER"

"Be STILL and KNOW that I'M GOD"

A Love Letter

2010-10-29T03:04:00.000-07:00

A love letter.. We used to write that to our loved ones especially during times of wonderful occasion, filled with love in the air :) ..Strong emotions with overpowering words of affection.. And as a reader, we can't help gushing out our joy and delight! I do have with me a box full of treasured letters from diff kinds of people in my life :) Below is a love letter that expresses how deeply we are loved by The One =)

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

2010-10-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

Universe's Most Distant Object Spotted

The approximate location of the most distant known galaxy is shown in yellow in an older Hubble picture.

Hubble image courtesy ESA/NASA

(National Geographic)

WASHINGTON – Astronomers believe they've found the oldest thing they've ever seen in the universe: It's a galaxy far, far away from a time long, long ago.

Hidden in a Hubble Space Telescope photo released earlier this year is a small smudge of light that European astronomers now calculate is a galaxy from 13.1 billion years ago. That's a time when the universe was very young, just shy of 600 million years old. That would make it the earliest and most distant galaxy seen so far. (Yahoo News)

(..Amazing! Science really never ends! I'm so much enlightened with many discoveries and Astronomy is one of the things I'd like to feature as of the moment. More pictures below:)

The Carina Nebula, located 7,500 light-years away from Earth, in an image taken by the NASA Hubble Space Telescope in February 2010.
Photo: Reuters/NASA/Handout

(National Geographic)

Cygnus Loop Supernova

This 1991 image shows a small portion of the Cygnus Loop supernova remnant. The formation shown here marks the outer edge of an expanding blast wave from a colossal stellar explosion that occurred about 15,000 years ago. The blast wave slams into clouds of interstellar gas, causing it to glow and revealing information about the composition of the gas.

(National Geographic)

Something Old, Something New

Two star clusters caught in a single image from NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, mission are providing astronomers with a study in contrasts. Released April 23, the picture features the Coronet cluster, a small grouping of about a dozen young stars, nestled in a wispy cloud of dust about 420 light-years from Earth.

Image courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech/UCLA

(National Geographic)

Martian Ice Exposed

Exposed ice glints inside a recent impact crater in a newly released picture from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The HiRISE camera aboard the orbiter caught sight of the roughly 66-foot-wide (20-meter-wide) crater inside a dark, half-mile-wide (800-meter-wide) blast zone in March.

This crater, caused by an unknown body, is one of only seven discovered by the HiRISE team that shows the planet's subsurface ice. Even though about half of Mars is thought to have buried ice, such craters are hard to find. That's because the camera most easily spots craters in dusty regions, where the impact blows out a wide swath of dark material that stands out against the bright surface.

Image courtesy NASA/JPL/University of Arizona

(National Geographic)

Small revelation: I never had the chance yet to peek in a telescope.. One day I'll do. And I can feel that it'll be one of the most magnificent sights I''ll ever witness :)

What A Beauty!

2010-10-20T04:08:00.000-07:00

October 16-17, 2010, went up to Baguio for our store visitation. On our way up, i can't help but stay awake immersing myself with the beauty of nature. I was once again inspired by God to create a poem glorifying His majestic creations everywhere :)

Natural Creations

Oh Lord, how wonderful it is,

Having to See all these creations,

From the blue skies and highest valleys,

To the vast lands and green plantations.

Oh Lord, how pleasant it is,

Having to Smell all these creations,

From midnight wind and rainforest leaves,

To defensive skunks and distinctive scents.

Oh Lord, how excellent it is,

Having to Hear all these creations,

From the rumbling thunder and tossing waves,

To the chirping birds and hooting owls.

Oh Lord, how awesome it is,

Having to Taste all these creations,

From citrus fruits and red hot chilis,

To brewed coffee and chunky sirloins!

Oh Lord, how magnificent it is,

Having to Feel all these creations,

From the sun's heat and warm breeze,

To the calming raindrops and cold seasons.

Oh Lord, how marvelous You are,

The Source of myriad existences.

Infinite Creator of all, thus far,

From and To with Your perfect presence.

>Ü<

2010-10-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

Early Eagle

Someone once preached,

That you can't soar like an eagle if you surround yourself with chickens.

My ways of time I have breached,

Away from being a sleepyhead chick to the early eagle's season!

:))

2010-10-07T02:44:00.000-07:00

"Peeve Factor"

It's 10:48pm and i'm lying down on my bed ready to rest for the day. No matter how tired i am, something inside me kept whispering, urging me to write down my thoughts. Well, here it goes.. Let me tell you about today.

My day started out fine. Woke up 7am, morning routine, reached the office, mingled a bit, spent almost 8 hours with researches and analyses of work related stuffs. Clock ticks 6pm, packed up, rode the train, got home, petty relaxations, night routine fast forward to now lying down on my bed typing these things on my qwerty phone. Sounds typical right? Not until you dig between the lines.

Have you ever encountered someone that annoys you? People who think independently without considering truly the whole perspective. Have you perhaps encountered situations that bothers you? Like walking along edsa and got irritated by the massive air pollution, or was witnessing how people open their water faucets as if they're doing laundry when in fact they're just washing their slim hands. Does being in a crowded area bug you on how you can't walk straight towards your destination because people don't want to yield? Or better yet, how traffic jam peeves you because of that! Well, feel free to insert those between the lines.

On the other hand, it got me thinking on how it's really hard to go together in our tainted society. We can't please everybody, and everybody can't please us. It got me wishing on how my days would be if it would revolve around predictable situations (talk about a saccharine culture). Imagine the comfort in that zone! However, I know that's not the thought to be settled in. We are all different in the way we see things, how we handle situations, how we perceive factors that affect our daily lives. What we carry out would affect not only ourselves but also the people around us, whether a friend or a stranger. Even to the slightest idea that we thought is meaningless, for the others it may mean a thousand things.

So what now, you may ask. Well, there goes the challenge! Everyday is a challenge to show who we truly are in this distinctive surroundings, a challenge to be assertive in the right way, to subside the overrated statements of life and live in a Godly standard. A challenge to make a stand in this little planet of ours, wherever we go, carrying the best image that God has created us to be. It might be hard, but then again, where's the challenge without hardship? Where's the success without perseverance? And where's the testimonial of faith without making a stand?

11:20pm is the approximate time i finished typing my thoughts. I was uncertain last night if i should be posting it or not. Turns out i did. And turns out i added few more thoughts to my composition last night hehe!

*Signing off. .

A Creation for My Creator

2010-10-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

"Poetry - any communication resembling in beauty or the evocation of feeling" (~WordWeb). An art in my life. Writing has been one of my interests since I was still a child. I used to have journal of essays and poems with various instances occurring. I even wrote a poem for my first dog who passed away! Lately did I just realize that I've been writing about all the temporal things like reviews around the Metro, features for our school paper, well, the eminent disposition of love, so and so.

Below is the first poem I wrote inspired by A Being who has been continually changing my life for the better towards His glory =)

A Creation for My Creator

There's something I feel inside of me,

A great wonder beyond what the eyes can see.

Amidst the chaos in a crowded scene,

Appeared an image of lightness so serene.

My heart hushed down to the beauty of it's rays,

There within was a Man of such power and grace.

Near He came, reaching out for my hands,

As I felt the warmth of His loving presence.

I desired to draw near but something kept me,

Obscurity behind like shadows of frailty.

Enchained, I was, with my mischief scars,

With the bind of failures, I struggled for hours.

I was led nowhere with my own might,

Until a small voice whispered in delight.

"Be still, My child, I'll never forsake you,

Surrender to the Highest, be free and renewed."

Before I knew it, my chains were gone,
For guidance from above has long begun.
My soul found rest in my God who spoke,
Fear was conquered and I was reborn.

Then and there, I felt love so real,

An unconditional gift more than once revealed.

Now I choose to see, to believe, and follow Thee,

To love You back as You've always love me.. :)

* * *

To God be the Glory!

2010-08-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

How to Recover From a True Test of Faith
By Leslie Musoko
Author Of Spirituality/Christianity
Divinity Dawns & Eli

Many of us say we are on the path to righteousness because we believe in God. Many of us say our faith is wholesome, cannot be shaken and will stand the test of time. The fact is unless we have been tested these are merely words. In real faith there is humility because we recognize that passing these tests are not down to us but the love of God for us. It is not by our will but by his will whether we are chosen to succeed or not. Below are some of the ways we can find our path back to true worship once we have been put through these tests.

Understanding Chastisement
Without understanding why we are being tested it is impossible to recover our faith. God tests us for several reasons. He tests us to make us stronger and refine and direct our faith towards him. He tests us to grow in him and with him. He tests us to take us away from the things of the world and focus on spiritual things. That said the real reason why God tests us is simply because he loves us. By the same token that we love our children, we use discipline to teach them right from wrong. From the child's perspective this is unpleasant until they understand our reasons. This is the same way our heavenly father lets us grow. If we understand that it is for love that we need to endure then we can recover easily from these tests.

The little things
During the hardest of times it is the little things that matter. Let's face it a true test would be on something that means a lot to us. Something that we never envisaged could happen. It could be on something that demoralizes us completely. This could knock us down for days, months and even years. The fact is if we start by looking at the little things that surround our daily lives and watching ourselves succeed in those then we shall see that victory is not too far for the bigger things. As the Lord our savior Jesus Christ teaches us, 'He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.' These words should be a point of reference for our recovery.

The past
One thing to remember on the road to recovery is how we fared when faced with tribulation in the past. Scripture also teaches us that God would not let us face a situation beyond our means. If that is the case then we are qualified to face this test. This must mean that we succeeded before in other tests of the past. If we recognize this then we should have no doubt that we are capable of handling the present and future by his grace.

Time
Scripture also teaches us that everything in life has a time and place. There is a time for mourning and a time for joy, a time for laughter and one for tears. This cycle is repeated constantly in our lives until we die and rise in spirit. If this is the case then we must know that as winter passes and spring takes over so shall sadness pass for joy to replace it. We must allow for this time in our lives.

Prayer
Prayer without ceasing is the true answer to recovery. Prayer without ceasing strengthens us from within. If we can fast during this time it would even make us stronger as we pray. God knows our wishes and desires. He knows that as man we need this to survive. He knows our thoughts long before we make our requests. However he also knows what's best for us. He also recognizes our frailties in life. For this reason and to ensure that we are peaceful with our desires he must make certain that we can keep them. Prayer can enlighten us, strengthen our understanding and give us hope that as we have asked so shall we receive.

Sincerest prayer for Ahya Mike..

2010-07-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

Guidelines for Living
By: Dr. Harold Sala

29 July 2010

SO YOU KNOW WHAT LOVE IS, DO YOU?

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1-2

When I was doing research for my book, Joyfully Single in a Couples’ World, Guidelines conducted a survey of singles from a wide range of cultural and economic backgrounds.

Of those who responded, 93% said they would not marry someone they did not love. What shocked me was the 7% who said they would! For money, security, or better connections they admitted that they would marry someone whom they did not love.

Love is a decision, a commitment to care--not simply an emotional state of mind caused by raging hormones. For the next few minutes, think about the following ten assumptions and then rate them as true or false.

1. The most important thing, when it comes to love and happiness, is picking the right partner. Answer: False. Picking the right partner is only one factor. Being the right partner is even more essential. Most problems in marriage are not with the other person but with yourself. Most people want the other person to change but are unwilling to bend themselves.

2. Few people agree on what love really is.   Answer: False. A study of more than 1,000 young men and women demonstrates that love means the same thing to most of us.

3. Being intelligent is a handicap to love. Answer: False. Studies indicate that individuals with intelligence have a greater capacity to change and adapt to the circumstances of a relationship. In simple terms, they are secure enough that winning every argument is not that important.

4. Absence makes a heart grow fonder. Answer: False. The reality is that absence causes the heart to wander. Being together is vital to resolving differences and to growing more intimate with each other. Separation makes communication more difficult and a relationship more strained. Absence tends to foster romantic notions but in reality doesn't help a relationship to grow.

5. People who believe in romantic love are more apt to be emotionally unstable. Answer: False. Studies at a major university show that individuals with little sense of romance tend to be "rigid, inhibited individuals." But people who can enjoy a walk in the moonlight, or are willing to spend some money on perfume or flowers, are better adjusted and more willing to contribute to a relationship.

6. Men are more willing to let their heads rule their hearts than women are. Answer: False. The fact is that having said, "I do!" women are far more interested in material considerations such as a nice home and furniture, a good car, and social status.

7. The strong, silent male is more likely to be a great lover than the outgoing verbal one. Answer: False. The American Institute of Family Relations studies show that the fortunes of love "strongly influence the man who is most fluent in expressing his feelings. A ‘strong, silent’ disposition was found to be a definite handicap." The bottom line: the strong silent male is apt to have real trouble in expressing his love.

8. There are two periods of life--teen years and in your early 40s--when you are most apt to fall in love.   Answer: True. For men, however, this occurs a bit later.

9. If you really love someone, success is pretty certain in marriage. Answer: False. Much more than love is necessary to make a marriage work. Love is only one of the ingredients.

10. To be happy in a loving relationship, you need to put your best foot forward. Answer: False. Being completely honest and vulnerable is vitally necessary if you are to know and really love the other person.

Resource reading: 1 Corinthians 13.