Jeff Aspacio's Life As Experienced Daily

Pamora Farm Free Range Chicken

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:49:03 PDT

Truth be told, good ol' free-range chickens, I only get to have a taste of whenever we visit the province. There is a huge difference in its taste than our usual commercial chicken. Some weeks back, we got introduced to Pamora Farm's free-range chicken and met with its founders Gerard Pappillon and his Filipina wife, Tina Morados.

Pamora Farm is located in Abra. It was interesting how a French businessman would choose the hard road of breeding free-range chicken than the easy route of importing them like every other brand would. Good for us that we get to have that better alternative to a healthier diet. We all know too well how commercial brand chicken get their doses of antibiotics and growth-boosting medications. It would really be nice for our family to go to Abra sometime and swing by Pamora Farm.

Some questions I had answered during our introduction to Pamora Farm products:

What is Free-range Chicken?

Free-range chickens are slow growth chickens that are grown using the method of farming husbandry where the birds are permitted to roam freely instead of being contained in any manner. Its principle is to allow the chickens to as much freedom as possible to live out their instinctual behaviors in a reasonably natural way.

How long it takes to raise a free-range chicken?

Free-range chickens are grown for longer period, minimum 81 days, in a range or barnyard in the farm. These chickens are set out of their shelter to live freely to roam around the field, foraging for natural foods, scratching the ground for insects and whatever vegetation are available for them.

What are the differences between commercial chicken and the free-range chicken?

The difference is the quality. Free-range chickens are not confined and crammed together in cages. They are grown the natural way chicken should be, not forced to grow super-fast, so the meat of Free-range chicken is of better quality, firm and lean meat.

Preservative-free Pamora Farm Pate Variants

I have always loved pates for bread spreads. I think Filipinos have a special knack for this. My favorites from amongst this bunch are the Chicken Breast Pate and the Chicken, Liver & Gizzard Pate.

This Roasted Pamora Farm Coquelet only had salt, pepper, rosemary and garlic. Apparently, Pamora Farm free-range chickens do not need a lot of marinating and getting spiced all too much. Primarily because these naturally-bred birds are tastier than their antibiotic-injected counterparts.

I tasted this for myself and found this to be true. We have been cooking and eating Pamora Farm chicken since and I found out I don't have to be in the province to get a taste of this kind of chicken.

And I have not started with Pamora Farm's free-range chicken burger yet. It definitely is the best chicken burger my family and I have tasted to date. We will have to buy a bunch of this the next time we swing by Santis.

Pamora Farm chickens, eggs and pâté products are available at Santis Delicatessen, Terry Selections, Rustan’s Supermarket, Shopwise, Metro Market! Market!, RFI Farm Outlet (Holy Spirit, QC), Joji Berry (Crossroad 77 Mother Ignacia, QC), NCCC – Davao, Champetre restaurant (BGC), Brasserie Ciçou (Greenhills), Resorts World Manila, Ilustrado Restaurant (Intramuros), El Nido Resorts, Amanpulo, Saturday Market, Ayala Alabang Village and Golden Acres Farm, Inc. (distributor).

Robert Smith's 20,000 Days and Counting | Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Tue, 07 May 2013 04:30:29 PDT

A book that is designed to be a quick read, “20,000 Days and Counting: The Crash Course for Mastering Your Life Right Now” by Robert Smith is worth all the short time you spend reading it. It is not a motivational book because, first and foremost, it shares that motivation is a myth we really all have only two choices in life – to say yes or no. It is, as self-described, a crash course on leading your own life and helping its readers become decisive right at the moment of reading.

The closest book I can think of that can be aligned with Robert Smith’s book is “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey. Both of them help bring out the best in and maximize its reader’s life. Personally, “20,000 Days and Counting” challenged me to choose today what things are really important and to focus on them. It did this in a very clear and practical and urgent way, found in Section 3 of the book.

As a pastor, I would say that the principles shared in this book is great for pastors like me, for a parker hose distributor or a business professional seasoned with experience and even for young people who feel like their life is right ahead of them which they can’t wait to seize.

Growing and Developing in My Blogging Journey with SKY Broadband

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:47:41 PDT

Blogging since the latter part of 2007 has taken me to different experiences and I would describe my blogging journey as filled with growth and development. The progression I went through in blogging paralleled the growth of my family. It was a necessary adjustment to the growing needs of my household.

I have learned so much from my time spent online, visiting other blogs and developing my own blogs that I went from just having less than five blogs to maintaining more than ten and acquiring domains for different online endeavors. Aside from the online properties I’ve acquired I also increased in knowledge about how to set up, promote, drive traffic and monetize them in different ways.

With these advancements I also had to find the appropriate internet connection to help me sustain my online presence. Our family started from using dial-up internet connection to wireless broadband connection, to wired and finally settling with a SKY Broadband connection. With the expanding needs to go online, particularly using more devices, we also had to think about the best service that suited our lifestyle.

I like that SKY Broadband offers the most number of packages and they provide a variety of options for their subscribers, depending on their internet needs.

They have four consumable plans where users can enjoy internet speeds from up to 5mbps or up to 10mbps, starting at PHP 999/month for a monthly usage of 15GB to PHP 2,299/month for 35GB monthly usage.

To give you an idea what 15GB worth of usage is, it is equivalent to downloading about 6,140 songs, 43 movies, 100 hours of non-stop video streaming or 875 hours of VoIP talk time and unlimited access to popular social networking and blogging sites like FB, Twitter, Blogger and WordPress.

Based on our experience with their more reliable connection, I would say these are definitely competitive. Having tried broadband connection from other companies that offer unlimited usage, I still would definitely choose SKY Broadband because of the reliability of their connection and speed.

So for me and my family, Consumable 5Mbps Plan 15 GB is enough to give us that surfing satisfaction for only PHP 999 a month. That already allows us to do our online tasks at home comfortably and enjoy some other benefits now and then. Aside from that package perfectly fitting our budget, there are many other practical reasons why I chose that. The good news is that for an additional PHP 200 to our monthly bill we can enjoy an UNLIMITED plan at 1.5Mbps speed in case we run out of consumable load. This new plan is also available for households who are more heavy users of internet data, which has 35 GB capacity for only PHP 1,999 per month.

We usually download a few of our favorite TV series episodes once a week. This selected package is more than enough for that need. I stream videos in YouTube, about 4 to 5 videos per week, as I study songs that we’ll be playing in church for the coming weekend and view viral videos posted by friends in FB once in a while and explore videos that I can use for sermon illustrations and introductions. This need is well taken cared of by the Consumable 5Mbps Plan 15 GB. And with unlimited access to social networking and blogging sites, we can do our online campaigns and finish our online tasks while enjoying a connection speed of up to 5MBps – a speed that only two other internet service providers offer at thrice the price of SKY Broadband.

SKY Broadband also has packages with unlimited usage and internet users who desire higher speeds will absolutely like them, too. Their internet speeds begin at 24mbps to 200mbps and the cost starts from PHP 9,999 to PHP 34,999 per month, respectively.

Bottomline, I am glad we finally settled with SKY Broadband for our internet connection at home. We have never been as less stressed with connection problems as we were with other broadband companies.

Maximizing the Holy Week for Music, Stage and Drama Preparations for Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:06:08 PDT

Summer youth camp is just a few weeks away and preparations like, stage and backdrop set up, chauvet lighting installations, musicians and singers practices and the drama run throughs are on going and these Holy Week holidays are also being maximized by the teams to make sure everything will be ready for camp on April 16 to 19.

This year's summer youth camp theme is "Total Recall". With the contant changes happening all around including the change in young people's values and beliefs about God, the camp hopes to remind the youth ofmthis generation to go back to God's Word as the standard, particularly in areas mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:12. This target for this year's camp is 940 campers from areas like Antipolo City, Pasig City, Vigan, Bulacan, Makati City, Quezon City and other parts of Rizal. We request prayers from our brothers and sisters in Christ for this endeaor.

Jesus Christ Fulfilled Around 300 Prophecies in the Old Testament About the Messiah: Was that Coincidence?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 23:06:15 PDT

Christianity's beliefs rests primarily on the the person of Jesus Christ who, historically, walked this earth more than 2,000 years ago, claimed to be God, both directly and indirectly, whose life was written and accounted for in the gospels and whose birth and other details of His life were prophecied hundreds of years before His arrival (there are around 300 references or prophecies throughout the Old Testament, which was written over a thousand-year period, about Jesus).

Many years ago, the Christian Victory Publishing company offered a $1,000 reward for anyone who found, other than Jesus, a person, living or dead, who was able to fulfill half of the predictions concerning the Messiah as listed in the book Messiah in Both Testaments by Fred John Meldau. The reward still remains unclaimed.

Now, for Jesus, a real and historical figure, to have fulfilled those 300 prophecies from the Old Testament - how unlikely was that? Was it pure coincidental? Was it an accident?

There was a computation made on the probability of Jesus fulfilling just 8 chosen prophecies below.

Eight of around 300 prophecies concerning the Messiah in the Old Testament:

1-Born in Bethlehem from Micah 5:2

Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

2-Preceded by a messenger from Isaiah 40:3

Isaiah 40:3 "A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the Lord ; make straight in the wilderness
a highway for our God."

3-Enter Jerusalem on a donkey from Zechariah 9:9

Zechariah 9:9 "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you,
righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

4-Betrayed by a friend from Psalm 41:9

Psalm 41:9 "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me."

5-Sold for thirty pieces of silver from Zechariah 11:12

Zechariah 11:12 "I told them, "If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it." So they paid me thirty pieces of silver."

6-Money thrown in the temple and given for a potter's field from Zechariah 11:13

Zechariah 11:13 "And the Lord said to me, "Throw it to the potter"-the handsome price at which they priced me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord to the potter."

7-Be silent before accusers from Isaiah 53:7

Isaiah 53:7 "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."

8-Crucified with thieves from Isaiah 53:12

Isaiah 53:12 "...Because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors."

The chance that any man might have lived down to the present time and fulfilled just the eight (8) prophecies mentioned above was computed (from Stoner in "Science Speaks") to be 1 in 10 to the 17th power (1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000) or 1 out of 100 Quintillion (Q).

For us to better appreciate, Stoner illustrates it and I adjust it to our terms for better understanding. If we were to take 10 Q silver dollar coins (different from the kennedy half dollar) or the old one peso coin (twice the diameter of the present one peso coin) and lay them on every land area of the Philippines, the coins would cover the country 4 feet and 8 inches deep. Now, mark one of these coins and stir the whole mass of coins and ask a person to look for the marked coin. Tell him that he could travel anywhere in the Philippines to try and look for this coin but he has only one chance.

This is the same chance that a person would be able to fulfill the 8 chosen prophecies above - and they were all fulfilled in Jesus Christ (plus around 292 prophecies more).

The fulfillment of around 300 prophecies in the Old Testament about the Jewish Messiah establishes a solid confirmation of Jesus' credentials as the Messiah, the Savior.

It's up to us to choose, with this one of many facts about the case of Christ as being a man-God being presented, if we will believe or choose not to. Many can laugh at those who believe, and they can even mock and ridicule Christianity itself. But, truly believing Christ as more than religion but a person whom anyone can have a real and genuine relationship with is not something that needs to be forced or shoved down the throat on anyone. That is a choice each of us have to make. I just appeal that you consider this compelling evidence as you make your decision.

Songs for Meditation on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:35:38 PDT

I have been searching in my music library for some music appropriate for playing during this Holy Week, from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday, and came up with 3 songs that would be perfect for listening as you meditate this Holy Week. Some are not as orchestral and not played with strings or the clarinet at WWBW but the lyrics are great.

The first song is "Thank You for the Cross", written and composed by Mark Altrogge. This is from the album "Chosen Treasure" and below are its lyrics.

Thank You For The Cross

Verse:
Thank you for the cross the mighty cross
That God Himself should die for such as us
And everyday we’re changed into Your image more and more
Yes by the cross we’ve truly been transformed

Chorus:
And we’re so amazed
And we give You praise
That You would save us at such a cost
We’re so amazed
And we give You praise
For the power of the cross
For the power of the cross

The second song is "Redeemer, Savior, Friend" by Darrell Evans. I first heard this from the album "The Smithton Outpouring."

Redeemer, Savior, Friend

Verse 1:

I know You had me on Your mind
When You climbed up on that hill
For You saw me with eternal eyes
While I was yet in sin
Redeemer, Savior, Friend

Verse 2:
Every stripe upon Your battered back
And every thorn that pierced Your brow
Every nail drawn deep through guiltless hands
Said that Your love knows no end
Redeemer, Savior, Friend

Chorus:
Redeemer redeem my heart again
Savior come and shelter me from sin
You're familiar with my weakness
Devoted to the end
Redeemer, Savior, Friend

Verse 3:
So the grace You poured upon my life
Will return to You in praise
And I'll gladly lay down all my crowns
For the name by which I am saved

The last song is an old song which is entitled "Broken and Spilled Out". I heard this sung by Steve Green from his album "People Need the Lord".

Broken and Spilled Out

Verse 1:
One day a plain village woman
Driven by love for her Lord
Recklessly poured out a valuable essence
Disregarding the scorn
And once it was broken and spilled out
A fragrance filled all the room
Like a pris'ner released from his shackles
Like a spirit set free from the tomb

Chorus 1:
Broken and spilled out
Just for love of you Jesus
My most precious treasure
Lavished on Thee
Broken and spilled out
And poured at Your feet
In sweet abandon
Let me be spilled out
And used up for Thee

Verse 2:
Lord You were God's precious treasure
His loved and His own perfect Son
Sent here to show me
The love of the Father
Just for love it was done
And though You were perfect and holy
You gave up Yourself willingly
You spared no expense for my pardon
You were used up and wasted for me

Chorus 2:
Broken and spilled out
Just for love of me Jesus
God's most precious treasure
Lavished on me
You were broken and spilled out
And poured at my feet
In sweet abandon Lord
You were spilled out and used up for Me

In sweet abandon, let me be spilled out
And used up for Thee

Other suggested songs are "Via Dolorosa" by Sandi Patti and "Only Jesus-Calvary's Love" by Steve Green.

Teaching My Sister to Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:05:42 PDT

The car my family had during my adult life was a 1992 Toyota Corolla XE. That was the first car I drove as officially ours. I have take that car to Baguio City, to Iba, Zambales and to Tagaytay.

With my sister now in the process of selecting a car to buy, I initially recommended a Toyota because majority of the practical people I know suggest this as very economical in maintenance as toyota parts oem are very much available and inexpensive and performance has always been consistent.

But, with those recommendations, she has opted to go for a different brand and a smaller body type - a hatch back instead of a sedan. I am excited for her, none the less, and I hope that her company makes a decision soon on how the purchase will be made. I still need to give her a few lessons on driving so she can get her non-professional driver's license from LTO.

Group E Schedule of the AFC Challenge Cup 2014 Qualifiers

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:38:15 PST

The Philippines is hosting the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Challenge Cup 2014 Qualifiers. If you're not aware, the Azkals placed 3rd in the 2012 tournament that is usually participated in by countries categorized as emerging countries in the "Vision Asia" program created by a former AFC president which is a plan for a continent-wide program to raise the standards of football in Asia in all levels.

The participating countries in Group E where the Philippines belong to are Brunei, Cambodia and Turkmenistan. Below is the Group E schedule of the AFC challenge Cup 2014 Qualifiers which will all be held at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium from March 22 to 26, 2013.

March 22 (Friday)

4:30 PM - Turkmenistan vs Cambodia

7:30 PM - Philippines vs Brunei

March 24 (Sunday)

4:30 PM - Brunei vs Turkmenistan

7:30 PM - Cambodia vs Philippines

March 26 (Tuesday)

4:30 PM - Cambodia vs Brunei

7:30 PM - Philippines vs Turkmenistan

The top two teams in the group's ranking will qualify formthe second round AFC Challenge Cup 2014 qualifiers to be held at Maldives.

An Electric Guitar is Up Next

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:43:13 PST

It was two years ago when I downloaded the Amplitube app and purchased an iRig connector so I can use the app with my acoustic guitar. Since then I have been able to use my Ibanez acoustic guitar in our music ministry and it has allowed me to do more than what I can do with an acoustic guitar.

But I also planned on buying an electric guitar then. Why? Well, because the feel of the electric guitar is different from the acoustic one and it is less stressful on my fingers when I play it. I thought about buying another Ibanez model but now am considering getting a Strat or even a fender starcaster. Maybe I would do this after our second floor is done and as soon as we’ve settled.

Book Review: Just Like Jesus Devotional by Max Lucado

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 20:40:20 PST

Here is my book review of Max Lucado's Just Like Jesus Devotional, a handy partner to his book Just Like Jesus (see my Just Like Jesus book review here). Since this is a devotional, you do not go through this book in one sitting. It is divided into 30 days of reading designed to be read daily for 30 days.

There is a format to each day’s reading, starting out with the part where you read writings and explanations of Max Lucado. Next is the “Thinking” part. I think this part can be best appreciated if thoughts or answers to questions are written in a journal. It is then followed by the “Hearing” part where a passage from scripture is prescribed as a reading for the particular day. If one's mind is like a tote bag, you get your fill of your custom tote bags heree. “Reflecting” which is similar to the “Thinking” portion except that the questions here are totally about the passage given in the “Hearing” part. The last portion for each day’s reading is the “Speaking” part. This is the part where a reader can pray the suggested prayer in the book.

I like how basic the format of each day’s reading is. This is perfect for new believers and even for those who’ve been in the faith for a long time and are starting back into the routine of daily devotion. This also will be a great support as you read the Just Like Jesus book by Max Lucado.

Civil Registry Authority to Solemnize Marriage (CRASM) Renewal

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 02:16:01 PST

After days and weeks of going back and forth to National Statistics Office (NSO) Makati City and following up at the Civil Registrar Information Management Division (CRIMD) located at Philippine Bible Society along Aurora Boulevard, my Civil Registry Authority to Solemnize Marriage (CRASM) was finally renewed. Although I haven't claimed the documents yet, it can already be verified online at the NSO's site, particularly on their Solemnizing Officers Information System (SOIS) page.

My renewed CRASM is effective from January 3, 2013 to December 31, 2015. I've learned my lesson to renew at least 4 months before its expiration so I can have allowance to complete renewal requirements and wait for its processing and release.

My CRASM can be viewed at the SOIS website by searching for my surname or it can be viewed directly here.

Book Review: Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:23:09 PST

Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado starts off with a confession of the author on some things in his life that he has started that never got to finish. Good things like books on speed reading, power abs and a health supplement. Max Lucado clearly got the message across through this confession that it is not uncommon for us, imperfect human beings, to not always finish what we start. We are not alone. The book further encouraged me to press on reading when Max said, "My desire is to encourage you to finish the right thing. Certain races are option - like washboard abs and speed reading. Other races are essential - like the race of faith. Consider this admonition from the author of Hebrews: "Let us run the race that is before us and never give up." Hebrews 12:1

Max Lucado could not have introduced his book, Just Like Jesus any better. The best-selling author surely knows how to make captive of his audience and he was again effective at it in this book. Just Like Jesus reinforces what the Bible teaches about God's love for us and his admonition of us to be like Jesus. Every chapter of the book ushers us to the kind of heart God wants to give us. As it does, it further encourages believers not to base our spiritual growth to second hand faith. More often than not, we do not experience the awesomeness of knowing God primarily because of this. We should choose to nurture our personal relationship with Him to taste and see that He, indeed, is good. (Psalm 34:8) A pure heart, a forgiving heart, a listening heart, a hope-filled heart. Each brought encouragement to my sometimes, anxiety-driven heart. We do not need to be towards the end of our lives and prepare some texas last will and testament to live our lives to the fullest. I love how the book ends with a study guide that can easily make the book a small group material. I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure: I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Choosing Music for Total Recall Summer Youth Camp 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 20:23:12 PST

This year's summer youth camp is scheduled for April 16-19, 2013 and the theme is Total Recall, which is thrust to encourage the youth to the fundamentals of their relationship with God as encouraged by Paul in 1 Timothy 4:12 which says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

Part of what we do every year is planning for the music of the camp and choosing songs that relate to the topics in each session. We place great importance to this because we may have great preparation with regards to technical stuff and equipment - like having high quality and musical instruments like martin guitars at Musicians friend and Tama drumsets and the like, but if we fail to establish the right objectives then we will be ineffective in utilizing the music to enhance and support the over all objectives of the camp and the sessions.

"It is not the character of the ammunition, but the aim that makes one miss the shot."

Back to Insanity Workout

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 15:17:05 PST

After about two months of no exercise I finally got back to my Insanity workout routine. Well, it isn't a routine yet, because I just got back to day 1 two days ago. Leg and arm muscles are still sore, so like what I did when I first got into this workout three months ago, I will take it easy during the first week and let my muscles recover first.

I like this workout because I can do it at home and still really sweat it out. I know that for many people I know, biking has become really popular especially here in Antipolo, going up to Sumulong Highway. I see others set up bike rack for suvs and their cars but I don't feel any desire to try it as of now. I really prefer exercising at home. I may consider running eventually but that would depend if I would be available for it.

My goal is eventually be able to do this regularly, meaning, six days a week. I have seen its effect on my endurance and stamina when I did it for a month. I just had to stop because of a sprain. It's not completely healed but I can do the necessary exercises already so for me that's good enough.

"Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle" by Michael Cusick | Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 20:51:03 PST

One of the best books I read last year was "Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle" by Michael Cusick, thus, this book review. The subtitle describes the book so well, because the book will help its readers understand sexual or porn addiction, and struggles by digging deeper and seeing sexual brokenness as more than "seeking and experiencing pleasure" but reaching "toward something we cannot see, touch, or comprehend on the physical level", (Chapter 2). It moves from merely understanding the inner struggle towards breaking free from the bondage of pornography and sexual sin.

Michael Cusick's "Surfing for God" is very straightforward, coming from an author who was a former hostage to pornography but clearly explains sexual addiction and filtering it through proper biblical context backed up with scientific research, particularly what I like most about it. But most importantly, this book shows practical direction to help set free strugglers and help them fully enjoy the grace of the good news of God.

I highly recommend "Surfing for God"to both men and women, young and old, especially those who are regularly online, knowing that so much temptation is faced in front of a computer, tablet or mobile device each moment of being online. The temptation is as strong as standing on a peerless mount with a barrage of arrows targeting all of us.

Consider these statistics:
**25% of search engine requests are for pornography – 68 million per day.
**70% of the hits on Internet sex sites occur between 9-5 on business computers.
**Over 50 percent of evangelical pastors report they viewed pornography last year.
**Over 70% of Christian men report viewing pornography in the last year.
(Source: http://www.familysafemedia.com/pornography_statistics.html)

So take time to read Surfing for God and break free from internet pornography.

"Transforming Church in Rural America" by Shannon O'Dell | Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 20:40:21 PST

Shannon O'Dell's "Transforming Church in Rural America" is an interesting and awakening read about a rural church in a town in Arkansas. The author, who is also the pastor of what used to be called South Side Baptist Church, shares how God has called him from working as a church staff at a very large church to leading a church whose attendance, offerings and vision is limited. He shares how, in a six-year period, God has blessed the ministry that was entrusted to him, now known as Brand New Church, to reaching through multiple campuses week after week to thousands of people.

Being a pastor myself, "Transforming Church in Rural America" by Pastor Shannon O'Dell has challenged and inspired me to continue ministry with a bigger vision. I particularly like how the author capsulized the way anyone can fulfill the vision that God has given - CHANGE, CONFLICT, GROWTH - the process through which everyone should go through with a focus on vision, attitude, leadership, and innovation and of course the right heart and security in Christ which surpasses other physical and material concerns - even with ESET Endpoint Security account or millions in the bank, nothing surpasses dependence on God.

In this book review, I highly recommend "Transforming Church in Rural America" to those who are involved in ministry - pastors, of course, and faithful volunteers who can help support their pastor as they are led to a greater vision in their ministries.

Questions About the Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:02:51 PST

First, I saw the status updates on FB about a shooting in Connecticut. So I started to run a search in Google and found this news about the shooting in CT. A 20-year old, a young man, opened fire in one of the sections of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut and shot children and some adults leaving 20 children and 6 adults dead. This shooting is said to be the worst among the reported incidents in the US and I truly agree especially because small, innocent children were most of the victims.

Photo By ADREES LATIF/REUTERS

Being a father of an elementary student I feel horrified and indignant about what happened. Parents in their area were surprised with what happened especially because they were confident that their town was a very safe place.

This incident makes us ask questions like, “How could someone do that to innocent children?” or “What would drive someone to do something like that?”
I do not mean to oversimplify things, but what I consider to be the life manual, the Bible, says that “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. ” (Romans 3:10-12) and “out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” (Matthew 15:19). The evil that we are all capable of is more than drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking oliva cigars or gambling. It’s much worse.

The evil around us is caused by the evil inside us – that nature to do evil is what the Bible says our sin nature.

This is a sad truth - to know that in the heart of any person, including me and you, has a capability and a nature to do any evil thing. Yes, we are all fully capable of doing evil things that we can’t imagine because it is part of our nature – we were all born sinners. And we are all sinners before the holy God.

But a great reminder and a great source of hope for all of us is this season of Christmas – that more than 2,000 years ago a child was born and that child was to be the Savior of the world – He was given the name Jesus because He was to save His people from their sins. And He did, after living a sinless life and becoming the only acceptable sacrifice for our sins.

Now this does not mean that evil will end in our world because there are still people who choose not to believe. And the incident in the town of Newtown, Connecticut is a very sad example of how we are very much affected by the evil choices that people around us make. So take this time to offer a short prayer for the families affected by this tragedy.

"A King Is Born" by Tom Ingles | List of Instrumentalists/Musicians

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:02:21 PST

I first heard the song "A King is Born" when I was in college and we played it in our church music team - or at least we tried. If you listen to the music you will be challenged and inspired by the skill of the musicians.

"A King is Born" was originally sung by Tom Ingles in the album "We Are One" by Integrity's Hosanna released in 1993. The chords are very simple actually (C--F-G- pattern), but the way the musicians played the music was amazing.

Abraham Laboriel was so fun to watch as he played and Justo Almario as well. I'm not sure if the guitarist was playing a gretsch electromatic at Musician's Friend or a epiphone but he did just right and played appropriately.

List of popular musicians for the song "A King is Born" from "We Are One" album.

Percussions: Alex Acuña
Drums: Carl Albrecht
Bass: Abraham Laboriel
Saxophone: Justo Almario
Keyboards: Tom Brooks
Guitars: Danny Bridgens (?)

A King Is Born (lyrics)

(Tom Ingles)

A King is born this day in Bethlehem, Hallelujah!

No crown is worn but angels worship Him, Halle, hallelujah!

Almighty God, so meek, so mild,

Salvation comes through this holy Child.

Chorus 1:

A King is born, (He is in the manger now)

A King is born,(humbly come and humbly bow)

A tiny Lord, (reaching out a tiny hand)

A King is born this day, in Bethlehem.

Verse 2:

His palace is lowly, His throne is made of hay, Hallelujah! (Halle, hallelujah)

The shepherds bow down to see His holy face, Halle, hallelujah!

Heaven is singing of peace on earth,

Filled with the wonder of this birth.

Chorus 1:

A King is born, (He is in the manger now)

A King is born,(humbly come and humbly bow)

A tiny Lord, (reaching out a tiny hand)

A King is born this day, in Bethlehem.

Bridge:

Come humbly and humbly bow;

He’s in the manger now (Repeat 3 times)

(Repeat Verse 1) (Repeat Chorus 1)

Chorus 2:

(Everybody praise His name)

A King is born, (We will never be the same)

A tiny Lord, (reaching out a mighty hand)

A King is born this day in Bethlehem!

This day in Bethlehem!

Manila Bake Christmas Goodies and Gift Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 23:54:14 PST

Christmas is just around the corner and if you're in search of a perfect and fresh Christmas giveaway or gift then try Manila Bake's Chrsitmas gift sets and goodies.

Tsokoloate Christmas Gift Set, Muscovado Cookies, Home Barista Gift Set and Cookies and Pastries Christmas Gift Set (clockwise from top left)

Macapuno Pandan Cake, Mango Cream Pie, Cupcakes and Muffins, and Holiday cookies (clockwise from top left)

Coffee Sampler gift set, Cinnamon Raisin Loaf, Bottled goodies gift set and Calamansi Pull apart Loaf (clockwise from top left)

Manila Bake is by Serye Cafe Filipino and is a bakery cafe located along Katipunan Avenue and just opened in July 2012. Their bakery offerings truly have the "homemade" quality and it means well-made and created with motherly care, with their motto being "Good bread comes from good baking."

Below are some of my personal favorites.

Shepherd's Pie a la Cubana (better than the one I tried in Tagaytay)

Champorado (their tsokolate struck the balance between dark chocolate lovers and milk chocolate fanatics)

Pineapple Pie

Mango Cream Pie (It's as yummy as it looks)

So instead of lining up in malls to buy your holiday giveaways and gifts, why not try something new - Manila Bake's Christmas goodies and gift sets.

Pacquiao vs Marquez 4 Live Via Satellite in SM Cinemas on December 9, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 02:05:33 PST

It's the fourth time that Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez will be facing each other and it would probably be the match that could settle disputes between the two camps. Below is the official press release of the featured match between Pacquiao and Marquez on December 9, 2012, live via satellite, in SM Cinemas.

Official Press Release:

SM Cinema features Pacquiao- Marquez 4 live via Satellite on December 9

The 4th Pacquiao-Marquez fight is, without a doubt, one of the biggest bouts of the year. In a sport where everything is unpredictable, where one punch can change everything, no one is sure to know of who has the upper hand in the 4th, and probably the decisive fight between Manny Pacquiao and the Mexican dynamo Juan Manuel Marquez.

Both men are considered among the greatest fighters in the history of boxing with Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao being the first eight-division world champion and the first to win the Lineal Championship in four different weight classes, making him a boxer of Muhammad Ali’s caliber. Juan Manuel Marquez III, on the other hand, is the greatest Mexican boxers of all-time for many analysts. He is the current WBO light-welterweight champion and the third Mexican-born boxer to become a four-division world champion, winning seven world titles in four different boxing weight classes.

The first fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, who at that time held both the WBA and IBF Featherweight titles, happened way back in 2004 at the MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas. Pacquiao knocked Márquez down three times in the first round, but the battle went the distance, the pair couldn't be separated by the judges and the fight ended in a draw after 12 rounds. The decision sparked controversy, which outraged both camps.

On March 15, 2008, a rematch called “Unfinished Business” was held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Pacquiao won via split decision which earned him the WBC Super Featherweight and The Ring Super Featherweight titles, making him the first Filipino and Asian to become a four-division world champion, a fighter who won world titles in four different weight divisions. “It was a very hard-fought fight and much more exciting than the first one," Marquez said.

Like the previous match, the decision of the judges spurred a 3rd bout which was held on November 12, 2011 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao won the fight via majority decision. Pacquiao’s victory was also controversial one.

Now it's time to shed doubt over who the best fighter is as both boxers are aiming for knockout. On December 9, the 4th fight will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Be one of the first to watch a fight that would most probably bring a closure to one of the greatest boxing rivalries in history!

Catch the 4th Pacquiao-Marquez fight live via satellite in any SM Cinema branch at 9:00am on December 9, 2012. Buy your ticket now and just add Php200 to get a hotdog sandwich, bottled water or juice and a limited edition Pacquiao-Marquez 4 Shirt.

To know more SM Cinema, visit their website at www.smcinema.com. You may also like SM Cinema on Facebook (facebook.com/smcinema) and follow them on Twitter (twitter.com/sm_cinema). To connect with IMAX on Facebook, follow facebook.com/imaxsmcinema and like them on Twitter.com/imax_smcinema.

Futureworld Dedication and Opening at SM City Masinag

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 07:25:16 PST

Two Saturdays ago, I had the great opportunity of officiating the dedication and official opening of Futureworld located at the 2F, Cyberzone of SM City Masinag, Marcos Highway in Antipolo City graced by Ms. Kelly Misa and Anton Del Rosario. This is the second branch opened by this newest player in technology gadgets and accessories which is also an Authorized Apple Reseller, their first being in Bicutan, and with plans to expand by opening branches in San Lazaro and Sta. Mesa in Manila.

FUTUREWORLD at SM City Masinag

Leading the prayer of dedication of FUTUREWORLD SM City Masinag

With SM City Masinag representative and Ms. Kelly Misa

Futureworld, under the trade name Futureworld One Philippines, understand the transformation of Filipino consumers to becoming tech driven, thus, they are carrying the complete line-up of Apple hardware and software, exclusively distributing Onanoff earphone organizers iOs compatible weighing scale and blood monitor Withings, Incipio cases, iBike, and organization accessories from Cocoon. They are definitely very unique especially in terms of their product offerings because they provide more than the usual products like memory cards, sanyo eneloop batteries and usual gadget connectors.

Pick your desired headphones. I like the one branded Marshall.

With Anton Del Rosario. You can view the other photos of the event here (Futureworld SM Masinag Launch)

One unique product I particularly like that I saw during the dedication and opening of Futureworld in SM City Masinag is the PowerBag which is a laptop bag that has a built in 6000 mAh battery (can fully charge your smartphone 6 times or your laptop once) that can power your gadgets while they're inside your bag when you're on-the-go.

This PowerBag costs PHP 6,990 and can carry a maximum of 17" laptop

The other PowerBag products

Futureworld's staff have all attended Apple-conducted trainings so they can provide thorough assistance and support to those who are new to Apple products. They even provide free trainings and seminars one of which is about being oriented with the OSx which I plan to attend this weekend so I can get well versed in using the MacBook Pro I got from this winning post for the PLDT Telpad Bloggers' Challenge.

Futureworld's location of branches:

FUTUREWORLD SM City Masinag, 2F Cyberzone
Marcos Highway, Antipolo City

FUTUREWORLD SM Bicutan, 2F Building B
Doña Soledad Ave., Bgy. Don Bosco, Bicutan, Prañaque City

You can visit www.Futureworld.com.ph for more information about their unique products and like Futureworld Philippines on Facebook.

Bloggers Wanted: $200 Amazon New Year's Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 21:24:22 PST

Hosted by Diva Fabulosa and Happy Home and Family

Event Date: January 4 - January 18
OPEN WORLDWIDE
For companies/ non bloggers/business owners who are interested in sponsoring an event, please send me an email at: admin at divafabulosa dot com
SIGN UP HERE

Heaven is for Real for Kids by Todd and Sonja Burpo

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 15:20:47 PST

Jeff's wife here signing in to leave a quick word about Thomas Nelson's Heaven is for Real (for Kids) book. I first heard about Heaven is for Kids by Todd and Sonja Burpo from an Aunt who lives in the States. She highly recommended for us to read it. It was said to be a true story of a kid who had a glimpse of heaven when he was severely sick 4 year old child. When I saw that this was one of the books available for us to review from Thomas Nelson, I gladly grabbed a hold of it.

"Heaven is for Real for Kids" by Todd and Sonja Burpo is especially made for kids. Illustration was by Wilson Ong.

Book Description:

Heaven is for real, and you are going to like it! Colton Burpo came back from his trip to heaven with a very important message: Jesus really, really loves children. In effort to reach even more families with this eternally significant story, this runaway bestseller is now told from Colton—kid to kids! Children will receive the same comfort and assurance that so many adults have received from the trade book. Beautifully illustrated, under Colton's direction, this book is uniquely written from a child for a child. Colton tells of his experiences in first person and comments on things that will be important to kids. A letter to parents is included to guide them in talking to their children about heaven. Scripture along with Q&A section with answers from the Bible are also included in the book.

Since I have not read what the adult counterpart of this book, I really did not have a lot of expectations. Except that it's for kids. So to add to our 7 year old, very eager reader's collection, I requested the eBook and he read it today after his afternoon nap from our iPad.

Our son loved it! But there were very serious and valid questions that came up. He asked his father and me, if it is at all true that people can see heaven and go back to earth. It's lovely that there is a portion in the book where Questions Kids Ask about Heaven is Real is dealt with and it includes an answer to that question.

The answer to that question from the book is: "Yes! God has allowed some people to see into heaven briefly. The Bible says isaiah, Daniel and the apostle John were all shown parts of heaven. The apostle Paul also talks about a man who visited the "third heaven," by he gives no name."

What really tugged my heart and got me to uncontrollable tears, that I almost ended up creating a floor fountain, was when Colton met his older sister in heaven. The sister she never knew he had. Apparently, his parents lost her to a miscarriage when her mother was still pregnant with her. Imagine the surprise in Colton's parents when he relayed this to his folks. The tears just welled up my eyes as the pain of the miscarriages we personally experienced six years ago came back. The hope of seeing our children (yes, we miscarried twice) in heaven gave my heart as the revelation came upon me that it needs to heal some more. I never thought that it would still be as painful now that I remember. But the tears of remembering them came with hope this time. It was not only my son who benefited from the book. It touched the very core of my heart too, an emotion I never thought that's still there.

Now, I'm not saying I'm totally believing Colton's experience being true. But given that each illustrated page came with a verse supporting Colton's account and remembrance of what heaven was like, I'm good with that. The kid's claims seem to support what the Bible says. In the event if their claims are false, then they're accountable to God for that.

Thank you, Thomas Nelson for the privilege to own and review this New York Times bestselling book, Heaven is for Real for Kids by Todd and Sonja Burpo.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com bloggers program.I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

A Place Called Blessing by Dr. John Trent

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 15:23:00 PST

A Place Called Blessing by Dr. John Trent was the perfect book to read after my wife and I were blessed by its predecessor, The Blessing.

To give you a backgrounder, here's the Book Description of A Place Called Blessing:

Five-year-old Josh and his two older brothers lose their parents in a drunk-driving accident. A series of foster homes and a shocking tragedy eventually separate them, leaving Josh alone, angry, and distrustful of most everyone. At age eighteen, Josh strikes out on his own to find work. With only a high school education and few life skills, he is one step away from homelessness when Providence brings him to a place where he finds much more than physical shelter. For the first time in his life, Josh receives unconditional love and something every human being craves, the gift of "the blessing."

Our family's principles on raising our child is widely influenced by the ministry of Focus on the Family, which the author is a partner of. Like "The Blessing," A Place Called Blessing is another book that is hard to put down, except when my son and husband play music together and use the vox vt20 from guitar center. I cannot help but feel for the Josh and life being unfair to him and his family. I do not have to be in Josh's shoes to feel for him.

A Place Called Blessing is a highly recommended book for parents. It zeroes in on the value of us, parents, being intentional as we bless our children. It is The Blessing in a story form. Everyone who wants to have a hand at parenting will benefit from this book.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com bloggers program.I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

The 2nd Singapore Math Learning Festival Organized by Galileo

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 02:11:50 PDT

Two weeks ago I was able to attend the Galileo Enrichment Learning Program's event Unlocking the Secrets to Singapore Math, the purpose of which is to not only introduce the topic but to give us a preview of the 2nd Singapore Math Learning Festival. I have been hearing about Singapore Math before but that was the first time I actually learned about what is it about.

Singapore Math focuses on developing critical thinking through mastery of foundational skills. It teaches students a systematic way of learning seemingly difficult math concepts through child-friendly terms and relatable experiences. It uses the C-P-A approach.

Singapore Math's C-P-A Approach

Concrete: manipulatives -->; Pictorial: visual models or drawings -->; Abstract: written numbers or symbols

This complements the K-12 curriculum, as it strengthens key concepts and provides opportunities to apply it in daily activities as well as in other subjects. The K-12 program, launched by DepEd this school year which started with the Grade 7 students and Kinder, is an initiative to give students opportunities to master essential skills and competencies by stretching and extending their learning years to the 12th grade. It focuses on depth rather than on breadth, giving them more time to realize the importance of each concept and connect it to more complex and higher learning.

During the event, I was surprised how Singapore Math makes mathematical concepts easy for young minds to understand. That is why as a father, I intend to enroll my son in Galileo's enrichment learning program for math to help him have a good foundation in mathematics so that he will enjoy the subject than endure it.

The 2nd Singapore Math Learning Festival will be held on February 9, 2013 at the Crown Plaza Hotel at Ortigas. The conference will focus on how Singapore Math can complement and provide supplementary learning to the implementation of the K-12 program, a new development of the Department of Education.

The conference will also feature a plenary lecture by Dr. Queena Lee-Chua (one of my former math professors in ADMU) – Math professor and multi-awarded educator – and her son Scott Chua, a multi-awarded student and a Carlos Palanca Awardee for Literature.

For more inquiries on 2nd Singapore Math Learning Festival, contact Galileo's head office at 845-1234 or send an email to info@galileoenrichment.com.