Breakthroughs in Life

Milestones in Life's Journey

2010-09-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Aren't you counting your blessings?

How many significant breakthroughs, if any, have you gone through in your career, profession, entrepreneurial, or ministerial life so far?

Beginning in my early 30s, I have had since then my share of such a kind of "Breakthroughs" though not in the scale that caught the attention of national or international media. But you can be sure the record remains in the hearts and minds of first hand witnesses. Some of whom are gone, others are still around in their respective orbit.

I really couldn't figure out exactly how I've been that instrumental in touching the life of a former associate, Chap, who said to me, "You really are 'heaven-sent', boss". Really, every time he calls me "boss" I feel uncomfortable. In the first place, I didn't call or invite him to join our company. He was kind of just walked in, expressed his need of a job, and management hired his services as sales agent. His stay in the company didn't last a year, but the brief period that he was with us turned monotony into ease and gaiety in the office given his ingenious sense of humour. Not very long after he left the company for some personal reasons, I learned he passed away. He was only in his forties, I guess.

In another occasion, my surprised mother kept me reflecting for some time after she said on the spot, "That fellow speaking on stage wasn't my son, Jimmy, as I knew him since childhood!" (Mother didn't articulate further but I remember too well being timid & clumsy in my boyhood). A little later when the assembly was over, my father who sounded figurative approached me and said, "Son, like a farmer, what you are doing is kind of sowing seeds!".

Truly, I cherish the days when I was still that dynamic on stage delivering "Motivational & Edifying Messages" to docile audience during our monthly general assembly in a group of small to medium scale labor-intensive manufacturing & marketing companies in the NCR, Philippines, at its peak in the latter 80s.

Today in my senior years, that dynamism of youth maybe past but the testimonies of my parents, associates and friends remain my inspirational companion even to this day. Today, in my peace & quiet time, I still challenge myself with a poke like, "Hi, Jimmy, where are you now?"; "What are you doing in keeping with that significant milestone ever in your life?"

Fellow Believers, Gentlemen, Friends & guests, believe it or not, the "Gifts & Calling" from heaven-above are irrevocable. Strive in good faith to keep your lights burning and continue on building & strengthening the foundation of those milestones ever in you life. Rise up from there and soar like an eagle, and reach out for your goals and realize your noble dreams in life.

Be of good courage!...Good cheers!

Graceful Character Determines Success!

2010-09-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Breakthroughs in Life!

One of the odd obsessions that can stagger a natural person in his journey to attaining success in life is to strive hardest just to get equal to the standard he or the secular world sets out for him to reach. If in the interim he is humbled because of his intermittent shortfalls against what he adopted and pegged for himself to attain, he may not be tagged more of a super-ambitious than a frustrated fighter whose style is in accord only with his self-conceived beliefs & caprices.

However, as he gets back up, presses on, pursues in earnest, perseveres, and in the process succeeds in some areas, he can give credit to himself by affirming and confirming he isn't after all made for nothing. And, if he presses on further inspired with “Good Faith” and endures to the end in aspiring for the ultimate good life has to offer, the high probability is for things to fall into place in his favour. This latter attainment is all because of Providential Mercy and Grace unmerited.

As I autosuggest to my self by faith, so I’m pleased to suggest the following unto my fellow sojourners in life’s journey to ultimate victory: “NEVER GIVE UP in doing good, and DOING IT IN GOOD FAITH. Take note though that our act of doing well and good isn’t anymore motivated by the thought of getting or earning salvation, for by Divine Grace through repentance and faith in the ‘Living Word-Made-Flesh In Christ’, we already are. As ‘Sinners Then-Saved Now-By Grace’, our earnest pursuit in doing that which is Good, Right, and Just is but our humble way of expressing and witnessing who we already are”.

“Take note furthermore that our inspired act of doing well and good in itself is virtually its own reward. Acknowledgement and recognition follow suit in due season”.

“Yes, our undertakings in the now and here need to go through a process of transforming and becoming in the realm of Space, Matter, and Time-Line. Yet, Time-Line itself doesn't determine success….GRACEFUL CHARACTER DOES!”

“Be of Good Courage!”

New Day: A Gift Unmerited!

2010-08-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

How grateful I really am and how I love this New Day as "A Gift Unmerited".

In hindsight, I could not have appreciated at its best the Profundity, Beauty, & Blessedness of this New & Fresh Beginning, had I not experienced & eventually realized what it meant to be enslaved by a nightmarish & horrifying past.

Realizing now that the ugly past served virtually as a "wake-up" call, I'm considering it now as something that had played its challenging part that prompted the moulding & effecting of the present state of "Self-realization", which led ultimately to Self-actualization & Personal fulfilment. By faith, I submit that the whole process is made possible only by Divine Mercy & Grace Unmerited. For, I would not have awakened to learn why I need to love the Good Lord had He not first loved me (1 John 4:19). Indeed, this principle applies to all redeemed people.

After all, in Christ Jesus, Who is the same Yesterday, Today, & Forever, a "Sinner then-saved now-by Grace" lives and moves and has his process of transformation and becoming-to-be a New Creation from glory to glory to greater glory until the MAKING OF ALL THINGS NEW! (Revelation 21:5)

Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth Love, Peace, Joy, and Righteousness reign amongst peoples with whom God is pleased, blessed, and glorified!

Amen & Amen!

A Reflection, testimony, and prayer shared by: Jimmy Ladera
http://www.witness.bizeen.com

At a Crossroad in the Journey!

2010-08-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

Are you the multi-task oriented Performer (Missionary, Minister, Manager, Husband-father, Wife-mother, Career Person, etc.) who desires no less than the excellent & finest outcome in your given load of works, assigned tasks, or for that matter a special mission to accomplish? I mean not just any hireling, but a faithful Servant-Leader who acts in the name and spirit of Uprightness, Truth, Goodness, & Beauty?

In an unexpected twist & turn of circumstances and in tight situations when you find yourself immersed in the thick of complex things and it seems that the prospect of pushing things ahead the usual way would only complicate further the already mixed up situation?

Haven’t you noticed one who can’t seem to tackle the load of works and complex tasks confronting him even when all material supports are at his disposal?

What of the still able-bodied performer who already made some good marks and impressive breakthroughs behind him, yet at some point in his career life such a one seemed dried up and therefore lack the fervour to sustain a disciplined focus, much less a zealous drive consistent with previously expressed commitment and purpose in life? Is it because he is not that technically-equipped to become equal to the task which is unlikely? Or, is it because he is no longer in “Sound Condition” as he used to be? If so, what could be the reason?

Unfortunately, though acquired Technical Know How and Skills are mastered, they aren’t in themselves (per se) dependable, functionality-wise; neither are Industry and Hard Work.

What then is primordial and necessary without which nothing UPRIGHT, MEANINGFUL, and FULFILLING follow suit?

Well, here are some imperative “Steps Back to Basic” we need to undertake to ensure our staying on course consistent with prevailing commitment:

Step 1: Take a break! And, in your retreat & quiet time
alone, re-invoke & be refreshed by your true identity in
Christ and get reinvigorated musing on your
“new creature” image(2 Corinthians 5:17).

Step 2: Review and, if need be, adjust & update the
scope of your envisioned goals in accordance with your
core values as a Called-out, Chosen, & Appointed One
(John 15:16).

Step 3: Nourish & strengthen the power of your faith &
trust in God’s graciousness and in the abundance of
Divine Provision (John 10:10).

Step 4: Rebuke & command to stay behind whatever it is
that distracts your focus (Proverb 27:5; Ephesians 6:10-
17).

Step 5: Confront & overcome with grace whatever tests
& trials or challenges that might occur or recur on
your way(Romans 8:31;12:21).

Step 6: Resolve to forgive your self even as you keep
your heart open, ready, and willing to pardon those
who’ve done you wrong (Matt.5:7; Luke 17:3-4).

Step 7: With your eyes of faith fixed on your vision &
dream, get back up and with good courage move to put
in place the pending matters to be settled within the
context and in the light of the predetermined,
pre-defined, and shared Vision & Mission Statement
(Matthew 18:19-20;28:19-20).

May the amazing Grace and boundless Truth of God in The Great Master, Saviour & Lord Christ Jesus abound in us and lead us straight to the path of Victory from glory to glory to greater Glory! Amen & Amen!

Testimonial Reflections shared by: Jimmy S Ladera
http://www.witness.bizeen.com

Modern Man's "Coming-of-Age"!

2010-07-30T15:17:00.000-07:00

To the individual person or man who has "come-of-age" (Mature, liberated, empowered, responsible), gone are the days of his life when he would simply say, "Bahala na ang Diyos kung ano'ng mangyayari sa bukas ng buhay ko!" (I leave it all to God whatever happens to my life in the future). And, while saying it, he remains idle or "passive", if not indifferent, rather than taking initiative and proactive moves in response to a persistent call for responsible actions appropriate for the moment.

The time is now fulfilled when "The Helper, The Comforter, The Spirit of Truth" is already inspiring, touching, quickening, and energizing the "Man-of-Age" to wake-up, rise, and take proactive actions for his own good & well-being as well as for the greater good & well-being of those with whom he is committed to live with grace & co-exist in peace, love, joy, and righteousness.

On the practical level in today's age of Apt Sciences & Technologies, there already are myriad of creative & innovative inventions, avenues, systems, facilities, instruments, tools, agencies whether through an individual or through people's organizations, institutions (local & international) where man can establish linkages in order for him to be functional, productive, and fruitful asset of society.

It takes and pays one, therefore, to break off from the comfort of his cloister, and to reach out in good faith, with certainty of hope, and power of love to touch & build lives for Heaven's Glory!

By Grace & Truth of God in Christ Jesus, nothing is impossible!

Go-Grow-Glow in the grace and knowledge of the Good Lord and make a difference for the greater good!

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth Peace among peoples with whom God is pleased and blessed. Amen!

© 2010 Jimmy Ladera
http://www.witness.bizeen.com

Uncommon Challenges for the "Man of Destiny"!

2010-07-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

In real life, I learned that the unusual challenges that come on the way of the person of character are occasions for him to find and know himself better as to how much he can measure up. For, only in being confronted with uncommon challenges can he increase his learning on the real lessons of life. And, in the process he can experience real growth in the grace, knowledge, and understanding of the Revealed Truth of God.

The more a person learns in depth the lessons of life, thereby, increasing his stock of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, the more privileges, opportunities along with more challenges will be given him so that such stock of indestructible treasures be put to productive use and bear abundant fruits. Concomitantly, the more he will prosper in enjoying long & abundant life, riches, and honour. The wise king Solomon himself uttered, "How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. For its profit is better than the profit of silver, and its gain than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast." (Proverbs 3:13-18, NASB).

Can he be equal to or better than the challenges?

The good news is no challenges will be allowed or given that are beyond the capacity of the Called-out Person to overcome. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose why challenges are allowed which is to mould and create a better person, not to destroy him who is called upon to get through them. In short, what is allowed by Divine Provision is predetermined in accordance with the endowed potentials of the Man of Destiny. For, The Good Lord of all creation knows best the limits and potentials of His creatures!(Psalm 139:1-24).

But what ultimately are challenges for? Purposefully, to prepare the Man of Destiny for the glorious enthronement to the sublime position of leadership & servanthood in Heaven's Kingdom on earth.

Whoever, therefore, amongst the Called-out Ones who are right now in the midst of uncommon challenges in life, rejoice! You are being prepared for the best of rewards yet to come in your calling, career, or profession in life! It’s a privilege and an honour to be singled out and chosen from among the many out there in the rough & stormy sea of humanity! Take note: Many are called but few are chosen! (Matthew 22:14; John 15:16)

Make the most of the opportunity to learn new lessons, find new meaning & sense, and understand the significance and relevance of matters that superficially seemed weird or unpleasant at first glance. Furthermore, get equipped and be made ready to take greater responsibilities alongside new opportunities for growth, progress, and advancement in your personal and professional life. After all, what for is man made alive and active for, but to be a procreator & co-ruler of Him Who made man according to His Eternal Image and Likeness! WHAT AN AWESOME DESTINY!

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth Peace amongst peoples with whom God is pleased and blessed!

©2010 Jimmy S Ladera
http://www.witness.bizeen.com

The Secret of "Long Life" Revealed!

2010-07-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Through the facilitation of today's high technology as well as through words of mouth by living witnesses, what now appears new, incredible, & surprising before our keen and unassuming eyes are but realizations & fulfilment of long ago revelations that were once ignored if not deliberately rejected by us when they first came out & made available for our acceptance & patronage.

Practically nothing really is new today except our awareness & acknowledgement of long ago "Concealed Truths" that are now being revealed. Those of us who have the "Eyes of Faith" are blessed to see objectively the Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of life & realities coming louder & clearer! (Matthew 13:16-17).

Speaking of "Long Life" for instance, the principles that remained outstanding since time immemorial yet still hold true & effective even in our contemporary times can be stated thus:

WISDOM & UNDERSTANDING = LONG LIFE:

"How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.
"For its profit is better than the profit of silver, and its gain than fine gold.
"She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her.
"Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
"Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her path are peace." (Proverbs 3:13-17)

OBEDIENCE = LONG LIFE:

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
"HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise),
"THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH."
(Ephesians 6:1-3)

Even so in our day-to-day practical life, the open-secrets to a Healthy & Long life are coming out louder and clearer in the form of helpful tips for our benefits. Following are some practicable menu for our observance:

* Moderate, balanced, and clean living;
* Personal hygiene;
* Self-discipline and control;
* Balanced "Cellular Nutrition" & Supplementation;
* Stress-free but active lifestyle that revolve
around "Prayer-Work-Rest-Exercise & Recreation"
* Support Group Activity Involvement
* Fellowship

Providentially, this writer has lived a little longer to now see once more the abundance of provision that were already offered but were lightly taken then.

Fortunately, I'm privileged to have been given now the opportunity to partake on the ground level in an ongoing worldwide campaign to make a healthier world through the so-called Health & Wellness Management Program that introduces the amazing concept of "Balanced Cellular Nutrition".

The contemporary man, therefore, has not much of valid excuses for griping or resenting on what he might have falsely perceived as lacking in terms of answers & provisions for his needs to live a healthy, abundant, and enjoyable life. For, indeed, the principles as well as practicable tips are now an open-secret.

© 2010 Jimmy S Ladera
http://www.fourth_paradigm.bizeen.com

Who is “Of Christ” in today’s High-Tech World?

2010-07-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

You may or may not agree with me if I say that in today’s high-tech and complex world, many of the people who are labelled as “Christians” heard & perceived Christ Jesus only theoretically as a mere historical figure of bygone days, and therefore of little significance to the issues and problems of the day.

Obviously, much has already been said about the historical figure in the human person of Jesus, The Christ, through the commentaries of “religionists” or even through reading or sharing of personal testimonies about His life story in small or large fellowship gatherings. Others would even mimic His sufferings & agony in Mount Calvary by re-enacting His crucifixion during Lenten season while herd of fans as well as foreign observers take video footages for keeps or for whatever personal or perhaps commercial purposes.

Undeniably, however, there is a great difference between merely “knowing Jesus theoretically in the head” and “Understanding Him personally and living with Him intimately in the heart”. To me, this issue is of prime importance today more than ever before considering that the signs of the “End Time” are here and now coming louder and clearer.

Furthermore, the inevitability of change for the “good-better-best” or for the “bad-worse-worst” to occur in the immediate or distant future would definitely affect everyone either way. That is why it is very important that you and I need to know “Who is who?” and “Which is which?” with respect to and in relation with the real identity of The Only Savior and Lord of all Who is destined to finally reclaim and rule the world so loved by The Eternal Creator God (John 3:16). And, the bottom line that counts in the end can be found in the answer to the following question: “Where does everyone stand or belong in the trend & current of the unfolding events and developments occurring now and then?”

Now, here’s something very challenging if not intriguing to some, yet worth considering and contemplating for its grain of salt: To be “Of Christ” in today’s high-tech world is to be a careful observer and faithful follower of the exemplary attitude and behaviour exemplified by the person of Christ Jesus Himself. Simply put by way of queries, “Who today can still afford to throw back bread instead of returning evil for evil just to get even?”; “Who today can still give the other cheek after having been slapped on one cheek?”; When Jesus, The Christ, was nailed on the cross in Mount Calvary, what did He pray and ask the Father in Heaven before the dying body of Sacrificial Lamb of God breath its last? Did He ask the Father to hate and destroy His persecutors? Didn’t Jesus instead ask the Father to forgive them for they didn’t know what they were doing?

Do the above questions sound “Old-fashion” in today’s progressive world of rapidly advancing High-Tech fashion and lifestyle?

Gentlemen, find it out for yourself and identify where you stand and where you belong in the scheme of things in today’s world. Take note though, that the one who is “Of Christ” is identified with the attitude, ways, manners, and lifestyle of Christ. Anything else contrary or against the way of Christ isn’t His. That’s why it is not very difficult or hard to distinguish the one who is “Of Christ” from the “Anti-Christ” or the so-called “666”.

Peace, safety, and eternal security be with everyone who love life as Jesus Himself it promised saying, “…I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly”(John 10:10).

Praise, Honor, and Glory be to God in Christ Jesus, and on earth Peace among peoples with whom God is pleased and blessed.

Amen & Amen!

Going through life GRACEFULLY!

2009-09-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Breakthroughs in Life!

Dear Friends in the blogosphere,

I got some practical menu you might want to review and ponder on before taking in, if you may! But first, allow me to ask just three (3) questions:

Q-1: Are you pursuing a “Unique Course” in life fit for your particular case, situation, mission-inspired vocation, and worthwhile avocation?

Q-2: Or, are you simply riding on and high in the “comfort zone” of your immediate milieu, circumstance, and status in the current of life?

Q-3: If none of the above, then are you the undecided wanderer who is still not sure of yourself as to which way to go, what to do, and where to from hereon?

Whichever stance you are in, here below are some helpful practical life’s postures for your consideration:

As much as possible, make peace with by giving justice to your restive past, so that it won’t mess your present;

“What other people perceive about you is not much of your concern. Don’t be bothered by the unfriendly ones;

“Avoid comparing your own life with others’…you have no exact idea what their predicaments are;

“Refrain from relying too much & solely in your own logic and finite reasoning. It’s all right not to have all the answers you want at the moment...They’ll surprise you in time when you remain faithful & hopeful for the best to come;

“Practically, almost every painful experience in this life heals in time. Allow time its normal course and natural healing process!

“Rejoice!, you aren’t obligated to carry all the load of problems in the world. Trust in The Good Lord Who is Bigger than everything there is in the world;

“No one beneath Heaven is in-charge of your destiny except YOU. So, conquer your baser self and master your own life!”.

Grace and Peace be with you!

Reclaiming the LOST IMAGE & GLORY!

2009-08-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Breakthroughs in Life!

A New Creation!...A Fresh Beginning!... Indeed, for me and for you who can believe THIS, Here It Is and TODAY IS!

How grateful I really am and how I love this precious Gift of Life as an All-Time Present Unmerited.

In hindsight, I could not have discerned and appreciated at its finest the Profundity, Beauty, & Blessedness of this Fresh Beginning, had I not experienced once upon a time and then understood what it meant to be enslaved, battered, and rendered helpless physically and emotionally by that nightmarish and ugly past.

To me, what turned out unfortunate and humiliating all throughout my odd and bloody journey until Reawakening and Refreshing is, my dilly-dallying in heeding what have been said over and over again concerning the Will & Testament of The Savior & Lord Christ Jesus. Only a little later did I come to know that the Savior & Lord would always be there all along watching and calling on me. My taking it for granted would cost me one misfortune after another before the stubborn “old self” within succumbed to helplessness, only to surrender in the end. Only then would the eye-opening adversities bring home new meaning as disguised blessings along with self-induced punishment.

Unfathomable, indeed, are the ways of the Merciful & Gracious Lord. Really, His promises of abundant blessings & rewards remain restrained until the old self is totally stripped of its every vestige of pride and lust.

Well then, the remarkable “Breakthrough in my life” came in an unspeakable manner & mode. What turned out obvious though is my eventual waking up to finding new meaning to life, seasoned with renewed vigor, enthusiasm, and willingness to restart anew in a decisive come-back for good. And, TODAY, my immediate circle of friends in the neighborhood and associates, along with my nuclear family are witnessing this New Life and New Day that I’m testifying.

Now, I can also testify that somehow the adversities in the PAST, no matter how unpleasant, need not be dismissed as hostile in the ironic sense that it signaled as a “wake up call” and a challenge to rise up as a man of age reared to reclaim the lost Image and Glory which every man was meant to bear as revealed even from the very beginning, and that is, MAN (Character-wise) is made in the Eternal Creator’s LIKENESS & IMAGE.

To The Good Lord be The Glory, and to every living soul bearing, nourishing, and caring in his person the moral character of his Maker Righteousness, Peace, Joy, Love, & Goodwill here and now onward to eternity.

From REVIVAL to REFRESHING!

2009-07-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Breakthroughs in Life!

Haven't you experienced yet getting hard-pressed due to degrading insults, destructive criticism, or persecution of some sort? I have had my share of such sort of experience as a neophyte amidst the ravenous wolves in a polarized secular world.

Didn't you feel so overwhelmed by said degrading encounter, because of which you felt as though you're down and out? I stumbled and fell down on that "ground zero" feeling, too.

How did you cope with such sorry situation? Humanly, I was so wretched and helpless as if nothing is left within me to help me cope with it.

I couldn't figure out how exactly the Surprise Of My Life came though. It just occurred to me from out of thin air!.......and then, "Hey!, what am I doing with my being alive still and existing for real?". Then, as I look around, my senses came back making me realize there's so much more and bigger than my impaired "emotional self" that needs rediscovering for healing and restoration of my whole being. Then, I realize that my personal life needs holistic revival and rebuilding. That was when the "Turning Point" in my journey-through-life ushered into a great, meaningful, and exciting course of pursuing and pressing on for The Values that really matter in life.

Call it Divine Providence...I really believe so! The thing is, It is an Unmerited Gift from Heaven Above in spite of the wretchedness and helplessness of human beings born of flesh. Folks, TURN AROUND & BELIEVE! And, be REVIVED to experience living a holistic life in SPACE, MATTER and TIME, being REFRESHED!

Good cheers!

Irrevocable Gifts & Calling!

2009-05-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Breakthroughs in Life!

Friends, it pays to note that while acknowledgment and recognition of past performances and relative successes count to show and confirm who you've been and what you've become, IT IS YOUR CURRENT STANDING IN YOUR CALLING THAT COUNTS MUCH, AND YOUR BECOMING-TO-BE, MATTERS MOST.

Sustain what you've already attained. Enhance the gifts, talents & skills developed in your being.

Mark this: "...THE GIFTS AND CALLING OF GOD ARE IRREVOCABLE" (Romans 11:29, NASB, Text Edition, 1971)

Press on and excel in Good Faith & Grace!

Good cheers!

REFLECTION!

2009-04-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a piece of reflection for prayer and meditation by Believers during this season of Retreat, Personal Reflection & Soul-searching:

"WE NOW KNOW AND LOVE FATHER GOD BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US AND DREW US OUT OF DARKNESS INTO LIGHT!"

Thank You Father for giving us Your only begotten Son, CHRIST JESUS, as Savior and Lord of our life. By Your Mercy and Grace, we are now and then made able to move on and pursue in our growing in the Grace and Knowledge of You.

Praise and thank You Jesus for making good Your Promise by sending unto us our much needed Helper and Comforter at all times - The Spirit of Truth!

All Praise, Honor, and Glory be to the Father through Christ Jesus, our risen Lord & King forever and forever. Amen and Amen!

"Morsel of wisdom"!

2009-03-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Breakthroughs in Life!

Hi, friends, in the blogosphere! How's your "Journey-through-life" going?

Should you feel like taking an intervening pause for a breather in your going through, I'm pleased to share with you some tidbits for keeps:

"The Journey-through-life may be better understood in hindsight, but the 'Gift of Life' lives on forward with insight & foresight in Faith, Hope, and Love from glory to glory!"

The best is here...there're more coming!

Happy going!

Going for PERFECTION!

2009-02-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Breakthroughs in Life!

You must have heard someone saying, "To seek & find perfection in an imperfect world is a futile exercise". Of course, it's no big deal arguing on that.

I once had an opportunity & privilege to witness and later ministered by offering a prayer of peace & reconciliation for a dying old man and his pensively sad son at the bedside.

Toward the end of a father-son hearty exchange and sharing of memories, feelings, and sentiments, the old man smacks of resignation spoke, "The attending medical specialist didn't have it...the charlatan had none of it... the religionist couldn't deliver it". Retorting, the son uttered, "What all of them lack is just right there within you, father!". Then, quickly as though coming from out of the blue, the old man rejoined, "Son, how I wish you'd speak with an angelic tongue!"

What a brief but revealing real-life scene I witnessed first hand. Behind the scene, I discerned an all-encompassing message of encouragement about "Perfection-at-work" even at the lowest ebb of the darkest hour in the life of two lovers being reconciled just on time before the inevitable came.

Well then, where ought we to go to find perfection? If the imperfect world with all the glamour it can offer doesn't have it, where is it?

I still heard the wise counsel resounding, "Perfection consists not in the quantifiable assets a person possesses, large or little. Rather, it consists in his 'transforming and becoming' who he really is as he was made-to-be by his Eternal Maker"

Friends, let's keep going in our process of transforming-to-becoming who we really are in the light of Gospel Truth...GO FOR PERFECTION! (Matthew 5:48).

The Good Lord already did His part even as He still is. Ours is to do and keep doing our part given His abounding Mercy and Grace.

Be of GOOD COURAGE!

BAGUIO CITY after 37 years

2008-10-27T03:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Breakthroughs in Life!

To each is his own way of looking at and appreciating things, if not feeling dismayed about whatever happened why things turned out so differently from what they were expected to be some years back.

Although I hail from the southern island of Mindanao and grew up in my home City of Gensan, Baguio City has always been a dream place to visit since my younger days. Well, my dream came true for the first time in December 1971, when Ernie Fernandez, a friend from Urdaneta, Pangasinan, invited me for a week's tour. And then again in 1990, just some few weeks before that devastating earthquake rocked Baguio and brought her down on her knees in July 16 that same year, me and my wife, Lynn, went up to the Pine City for a kind of "Honeymoon Refresher".

Some few days ago (Oct.12-14, 2008), me, my wife and kids went up again to Baguio for a family weekend breather. Thanks to the sponsorship and courtesy of our benefactors, Drex and Larah.

During this visit, however, I found many things around look so differently, they made me feel dismayed somehow. To me, the verdant cover of Baguio's surrounding hills which looked virgin and prestine 37 years ago is now out of sight. The ever beauty of her natural topography is gone. Instead, residential units of all sizes - small, medium, large - cropped up at random filling the slope from base to hillside and all the way up to mountain top. I wonder if the dreams and visions of Baguio's pioneering settlers and developers who made a wonderful beginning and succeeded in claiming the City to become the Summer Capital of the Philippines feel happier and fulfilled seeing the City as she is now.

Despite those dismal features, the segments of the City that kept Baguio's tradition as a unique and ideal destination for tourists as well as vacationers stand still. Camp John Hay is still there. The PMA Compound as well as other amenities in the suburb are kept and preserved.

You may ask, "Is Baguio City still a dream place to visit?". Oh, sure yes! I love Baguio's 24/7 cool and soothing climate. And best of all, I love the hospitable people like Oscar "Charo" who made our 2-day stay in his well-kept and fully-loaded Inn real safe, secure, and comfortable. After all, it's the hospitality of the people in a place that makes it homely.

Friends, take a break! Go and visit the Pine City and get refreshed and better still recharged.

Happy holiday!

The ROLLING STONE and Moss

2008-10-04T03:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Breakthroughs in Life!

Let's reminisce some more guys...

Take a close look and see if this guy is familiar to you. He sort of hops from one company to another, not because his former employers dismissed him nor terminated his tenure. It's just that he simply disliked their management style and culture.

My unassuming multi-millionnaire former employer, Mr. Jack, intrigued me when we chanced upon reminiscing our youthful escapades over a cup of coffee during one of our usual mid-afternoon breaktime in the office.

Had he remained a diehard "8-12; 1-5" six days a week technician-employee for the next ten long years since he got employed in a garment manufacturing firm in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, in late 1960s, I would not have met and known him in August 1983 as the modest multi-millionnaire-proprietor who was instrumental in giving me the FIRST EVER managerial career break that led to my further growth, progress and advancement in the field of corporate resource-conversion as well as human resource organization, management, and development.

How Mr. Jack became a millionnaire-proprietor of a progressive labor-intensive knitting and ready-to-wear manufacturing and marketing enterprise, employing some 30-40 strong workers in a little less than a decade from 1974 to 1983, is one typical "Scrap-to-Crop-up" success story, only himself is worthy to tell and emote with spontaneity.

One episode in his early adulthood adventure that struck my attentive chord is his recollection of a disheartening and tormenting encounter with an autocratic former boss. The fed up Jackie, who couldn't take it anymore, following a repeated verbal skirmish with the lording over superior, called it quit at the time when the firm needed his technical expertise the most.

Feeling bad and quite mad, the tensed boss retorted with a resounding tenor, saying in effect,"Jackie boy, you're no different from a rolling stone down the stream to nowhere...you'll never gather moss..."

Well, Jackie boy and my boyhood then had something in common - a rolling stone temperament. Today, thanks Providence, I'm stuck around and found a home since that great day when I found myself already bumped and laid upon the One Big and Stable Corner Stone, The Rock of All Ages - The Great Master and Lord of servant-leaders whose management style is one of compassion, humility, justice, understanding, patience and forgiveness.

Friend, remain steadfast and gather more nourishing moss of compassion to feed the hungry souls who might still be rolling down the stream of disappointments.

Be of Good Courage!

Climbing up the LONELY SUMMIT

2008-09-13T00:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Breakthroughs in Life!

In summer of 1993, I stumbled upon a multi-billion group of companies that sell packages of Investment and Insurance plans pre-programmed to meet future needs like Pension & Retirement, Education, and Memorial services.

The 6-month probationary contract I entered into with the company as an Independent Entrepreneur taught me good lessons more than it made me richer selling intangible items.

A kind of revealing encounter and at the same time eye-opener took place in a training hall where a gathering of sales people would spend a whole week of rigid training in character building, career development and professionalism in sales and marketing of future promises on paper. Little wonder that the multi-billion group of companies hired a trainor like Mr. Yuppy. For one thing, I personally got impressed with Mr. Trainor's deductive style and approach in delivering his subject matters. Not only that he has got the Big Picture of what and how the Investment and Insurance Industry works, but he has the assertiveness and the objectivity that leave no room for his audience to doubt he really meant business.

Fortunately, I got the chance to have a one-on-one talk and exchange of thoughts and views with Mr. Trainor during our free time. Perceiving that he really made it to the top in his chosen career path, I asked him a straightforward question, "Sir, what have you found and how does it feel living at the summit of your achievement?" As though starlit came flashing from out of the dark, Mr. Trainor's confession made me think twice and over again when he answered, "IT IS LONELY UP THERE, YOU KNOW!"

Friend in the blogosphere, if you are happy with who you've become now, where you are and what you've already gotten, y0u must be so blest to have ascended up the RIGHT SUMMIT of Joy, Peace, Love, Wisdom, Good Health and Prosperity.

KEEP UP!

Breaking Through the TWIST & TURN of CIRCUMSTANCES

2008-09-01T13:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Breakthroughs in Life!

To some extent, there's sense is such line as "You are what you read..you are what you imbibe!.."

During my youthful years, reading comics as well as paperbacks about romance, detective stories, adventures, and suspense thrillers occupied some of my leisure time at home.

Being a home-bodied type, I also loved listening to melodramatic series via transistor radio. Television was not yet available in our domain in the farm in southern Mindanao at that time. This was in the nineteen fifties and sixties.

In my junior years in college, my interest shifted to reading more on success stories of people in the world of business and commerce where they made it from rags to riches, so to speak. But on top of my reading interests, the classical discipline I got out my 5-year enclosure in a religious seminary in Lipa City (1970-'73) & Tagaytay City (1973-'75), added sophisticated menu to what I already digested since youth.

After college and seminary life, when I was out on my own in the open secular world of "anything goes" working to make a living, I turned to and loved reading books dealing with success motivation, positive mental attitudes, getting rich quick, and the like. Really, I absorbed so much of the latter dosages that I learned to think "Big", day-dream, and wish for the stars.

By the time I got caught up, felt responsible and held accountable in a commitment which left me no choice but admit as destiny to carry on - Married Life, I was already an ambitious materialist.

Carried away with my vainglorious ambition, the more I got excited when I was already riding a "corporate high horse", at age 33, at the peak of a career ladder in the corporate business enterprise. Meantime, the legitimate and serious demands of marriage and family life were less and less attended. One time, my "Once-charming lady-turned-brooding" partner in life (forgive my negligence) asked, "AM I A MERE DECOR IN YOUR LIFE?"

Well, the twist and turn of events made great difference. It may sound paradoxical, but I eventually found a liberating reason to be grateful for the rocking socio-economic-political quake in the early 1980s - The declining years of then President Ferdinand E. Marcos'
regime.

Sifting though the socio-economic-political crisis was, my mind was quickened to see and realize WHO I AM, WHAT I LACK, WHAT I NEED first and foremost. Then, flashed glimpse of fresh opportunities and new perspective leading to an inward journey, search, discovery and providential recovery of the long lost SELF.

The first major breakthrough in life would then ensue - A New Life Path opened leading to what this blogger persistently uphold in his blogging business as "Cherished Liberty in a Sublime Paradigm".

Friend in the blogosphere, rising above the hardness of one's circumstance makes great difference! There's always a Breakthrough-For-Good ahead of a persistent living soul. Move on in Faith, Hope, and Love!

Call UP HIGH & Claim LIFE - LIFE IN ABUNDANCE!

In search for and in pursuit of a CAREER

2008-08-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Breakthroughs in Life!

The making of a creative work of art such as this present writing amongst other posts in this blog site, is a task that simply started off as a wishful thinking.

There were lots of day-dreaming at first about what I'd like to be. Many times I would attempt to compose a narrative story of my personal life just for keeps. In fact, I still have drafts of those materials in my file.

But to write for others to read was something beyond the limit of even my wildest dream then. Not that I didn't have a story to tell, for I realize that no matter what, everybody has a tale about anything, be it escapades and other experiences and learnings in life.

The two major drawbacks that kept me undecided for long are: First, my thinking that I am a nobody and I know of none in my immediate progenitor who was a literati. And besides, literature is one of those subjects during my elementary and secondary school days that isn't much of my delight. Even in my first two years in the tertiary level, my focus was business mathematics or accounting.

The other drawback revolved around the question of personal motive and purpose: What for and why would I write?

It came to a point in my intermittent brooding for years that writing, just like any other creative works such as public speaking, fashion designing, cooking, housekeeping, gardening, handicraft making, etc. are "Functions of Creativity" that COME REAL IN THE MAKING. Nobody is born as "IS" already. One has to go, search, and find for his likes and interests, and once found, pursue on it like a thirsty sheep panting for the stream.

The key elements then are GOING, SEARCHING, and PURSUING amongs the myriad of choices around. Skills development and mastery of a chosen craft follow suit as a consequence of constant practice, diligent exercises, and above all, faith and persistent patience and endurance from start to finish.

The other drawback that seemed to hold me in going all out is the question of what to write and what for. Well, I understood that motive and purpose differ and vary in each individual person. Furthermore, motive and purpose are determined and conditioned by personal values, conviction, system of beliefs or world views.

What motivated me to write, what to write, and why write is: Firstly, my conviction that as the "Masterpiece" of The Eternal Creator, I need to live up to why I was made alive for. I believe that you, me, and every rational & free moral being is designed and made in the beginning in the Image and Likeness of the Eternally Creative God of all creation. Secondly, The goodness, truth, and beauty that I learned and enjoyed in life are far too precious for me to keep all to myself alone. I must share them as I do now.

Hope you enjoy and love seeing even a glimpse of it just for the moment.

BE MY GUEST!

Cherished Liberty in a Sublime Paradigm

2008-06-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Breakthroughs in Life!

Hasn't it ever occurred yet in your life when, amidst the merriment of peoples whirling here and there on the corridor and foyer of a Shopping Mall, you squirmed while sitting on a corner bench a lonely stranger with no one to turn to for company and comfort?... Away from family, jobless, and uncertain of life's destiny, you felt bored and tired of emptiness day in and day out? Admittedly, I was once such a guy in my early adulthood.

Freed, in my mid-20's, from a 5-yr. enclosure (1970-'75) within the confines of a religious seminary in Tagaytay City, Philippines, this time in my latter 20's I'm out alone on an indefinite probation to find my way through thick and thin, twists and turns in a polarized and pluralistic metropolis where everybody seems going to and fro any which way.

During one of those lonely moments, the propensity to shy away from the suspecting sight of peoples in the mall, moved me to enter a movie house and spent passing the time where nobody cares.

Whether it was mere coincidence or sheer providence, what mattered most then was, I found the story flow and the theme song of the film being shown to be appropriate and telling somehow of what's happening with me.

While I got stuck musing and relating with the manner and mood of the character portrayed in the movie, I couldn't help but shed tears listening to the soothing melody of the background music even as I internalized the lyrics of the song lines such as,"DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO? DO YOU LIKE THE THINGS THAT LIFE IS SHOWING YOU? WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO...DO YOU KNOW?

Wretched guy was I then, for dark cloud of dissipation obscured my life's path for the next seven years or so from latter 1970's to early 1980's.

But, graceful waiting and persistent patience paid off in time. And, by Unmerited Grace, once again as in the beginning when nothing else exists but ETERNAL GOODNESS, the endless mercies from Up High freed this prodigal guy and recreated a new man in him, worthy to be reconciled back and be blest with cherished liberty in a Sublime Paradigm.

Well then, make me see more of what's up and exciting in said Sublime Paradigm?, you may ask.

Ok! you may keep posted for more to ensue...BE OUR GUEST!