I wish I had a camera. On this cold December evening, as I was walking down Colorado Blvd, downtown Pasadena, I couldn’t help but notice a pale and thin looking man with sunken eyes. He was probably in his 40s but he looked like he was in his 60s. My eyes caught the markings all over his body. This is something that has always perplexed me. What in the world is the reason why some people put tattoos on their skins? This man’s tattoos are different. Almost all of his body is covered with it. His forehead, neck and arms have all kinds of designs and skulls and other symbols only he understands. I can almost guess that all other parts of his body are covered, too. However, as I was looking at him, one word tattooed on his right arm caught my attention. It was the word LOVE.
It was tempting to ask him why he had written that word. In the midst of all the confusing marks on his skin, love stood out. Did he get the tattoo because he was then in love? Was it something he had put so he is reminded of the power of love? Did he think that if he writes LOVE with his arm, he will be a loving man? I don’t know. My guess is as good as yours. However, my point is that I did see the word and it stood out.
Should I do the same? I know that it is common for people to decorate their homes with beautiful quotes of wisdom and even a biblical verse. Does putting a tattoo on our bodies or a decoration at home present who we really are? As I meditate about it, I came to realize that all of us write things everyday with our arms in much less pronounced ways. We may not have a “love” tattoo, but we do write love with our arms when we comfort a sobbing friend, hugging them with love and compassion. We write love with our arms when we get our hands dirty doing volunteer work cleaning up streets and parks. We write love with our arms when we are holding a big spoon stirring up pots of boiling chicken soup and serving them using large Styrofoam cups to homeless friends who have nowhere else to turn for food. We write love with our arms when we swing hammers and dig holes, building and repairing houses for families who need a place to call home.
Yet we write with more than our hands.
We write love with our ears when we sit in hospital rooms, listening carefully to another's story of pain, leaning towards them with eagerness to hear. We write love with our feet when we run for a cause that benefits the poor, the downtrodden and the zero of the society. We write love with our hands when we grab hold of that check and send a donation so that others may be fed and clothed. We write love with our heads when we open up the doors of learning to deserving students by supporting organizations that provide them mentoring and tutoring in schools where there are few role models. We write love with our lips when we whisper in prayer and intercede for their needs.
If you agree with this, then we are a strange people. In the midst of a world marked by tattoos of confusion and terror, our testimonies of humble service, peacemaking, and simplicity, though less pronounced, yet stands out as a bold sort of love written indelibly in our hearts.
Friends, we live in an ever-changing world, mingled with marks of selfishness and hopelessness. Our lives may not stand out as politicians and celebrities, but we can take the opportunity to have LOVE written in our hearts, though hidden, yet obvious to all who encounter us.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
How to Trust in God when you're going through a Difficult time
Natural disasters, job losses, cancer, stock market crash, family problems, stress… Seems like there’s always a long list of things that have gone wrong or things we don’t like. Our first reaction when something goes wrong is to worry and be afraid. We think things aren’t going to work out. We freak out. Trusting God shouldn’t be difficult for us Christians, but for some reason, it’s a tough thing to do. There’s a really good sign that says “I will handle all your problems today. - God”. So take a deep breath, stop your fears and worries for awhile and do the following practical steps to help you trust in God, especially when you don't understand or like what's happening.
Step 1 – Say aloud, “I believe in God.” If you don’t believe God exists, you can’t trust him. But He is there. Read the Bible faithfully to get to know who God is, and what He’s like. Start with the Book of Psalms. Stay focused on the Bible and what it says. It will help you to stay grounded, and not focused on all the awful things going on around you.
Step 2 – Believe in God's abilities. If we really believe in all of God’s abilities and powers, we will never be afraid or worried that something won’t work out. It stretches our own faith and belief in him, when we go through difficult times.
Step 3 - Believe in God's willingness to help you through the tough time. God doesn’t want you to stay in the tough time; he wants you to learn some lesson from it. Ask him what the lesson is, and to help you through it. His Holy Spirit is always there, to be called upon in any emergency. Psalm 50:15 says, “Call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” This may be God’s way of calling you to his side.
Step 4 - Believe God can and will work things out for good. Things are always the most difficult when we can’t see the other side of our troubles. We can’t see how it will work out. This really stretches our faith because all we can see are the difficult circumstances in front of us. Trusting God seems extremely difficult. God is calling us to believe what seems impossible. Ask him to help you believe.
Step 5 - Remember the good things God has done in the past. Count your blessings. The good things God has previously done remind us that he can still do good things again. If God provided money for you in the past, be assured he can provide money for you again. If God did something incredible for you once, he can do it again.
Step 6 - Whenever you're tempted to worry, take a deep breath and think of something that makes you happy. Keep doing this every time the worry comes back. This is the only way to stop chronic worrying. You can also memorize some verses that you can claim as you pray and believe in God’s promises for you: 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) – “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you”. And Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.”
(Adapted from eHow.com, published by the Philippine GCI web)
Step 1 – Say aloud, “I believe in God.” If you don’t believe God exists, you can’t trust him. But He is there. Read the Bible faithfully to get to know who God is, and what He’s like. Start with the Book of Psalms. Stay focused on the Bible and what it says. It will help you to stay grounded, and not focused on all the awful things going on around you.
Step 2 – Believe in God's abilities. If we really believe in all of God’s abilities and powers, we will never be afraid or worried that something won’t work out. It stretches our own faith and belief in him, when we go through difficult times.
Step 3 - Believe in God's willingness to help you through the tough time. God doesn’t want you to stay in the tough time; he wants you to learn some lesson from it. Ask him what the lesson is, and to help you through it. His Holy Spirit is always there, to be called upon in any emergency. Psalm 50:15 says, “Call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” This may be God’s way of calling you to his side.
Step 4 - Believe God can and will work things out for good. Things are always the most difficult when we can’t see the other side of our troubles. We can’t see how it will work out. This really stretches our faith because all we can see are the difficult circumstances in front of us. Trusting God seems extremely difficult. God is calling us to believe what seems impossible. Ask him to help you believe.
Step 5 - Remember the good things God has done in the past. Count your blessings. The good things God has previously done remind us that he can still do good things again. If God provided money for you in the past, be assured he can provide money for you again. If God did something incredible for you once, he can do it again.
Step 6 - Whenever you're tempted to worry, take a deep breath and think of something that makes you happy. Keep doing this every time the worry comes back. This is the only way to stop chronic worrying. You can also memorize some verses that you can claim as you pray and believe in God’s promises for you: 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) – “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you”. And Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.”
(Adapted from eHow.com, published by the Philippine GCI web)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Brush Fire!
Brush Fire
If you’ve never seen a brush fire up close, I can tell you, it’s really something to see. A few days ago we had a brush fire in the mountains less than a mile from us. It started as a small little fire at the bottom of a valley in a town next to ours. At first in our usual busy life, it’s something most of us didn’t really care about.
However, in just a day, the mountain close to us was on fire. I had absolutely no idea, but when I looked up north to the mountains from the back part of the house I saw flames burning up trees in just seconds. It was like tongues of fire dancing, like an invisible fire breathing dragon, angry and vehement aiming for total destruction. Because of the three digit temperature, the fire snaked through the ridges and valleys. Embers, like fireworks jumping from one tree to another.
Helicopters, airplanes, fire trucks – all the noise covers the city. I was not able to sleep the first night. As the temperature was so hot, our sliding door in our bedroom was opened to let air in... But it didn’t take long when the wind blew in our direction and filled our bedroom with thick smoke.
The conditions were just right for a fire – it was a dry and the temperatures were around 105 degrees. Although there wasn’t much wind, yet the fire devoured all the dry timber, grass and brush. It just kept going, working its way down and up the mountains mercilessly. The further up the hill it went, the more the air caught it, the bigger the fire got. Fire engines and police cars shut down several streets. My kids watched all of these from our rooftop. Their faces transfixed at the surreal sight.
As white and gray smoke blew over and filled our neighborhood, the orange and yellow flames ate up leaves and branches on all parts of the mountain ranges, whipping up onto the trees, getting as high as thirty feet tall, charring tree roots and turning several trees orange. We were not in serious danger, although we were ready to evacuate at the moments’ notice. But it was fascinating to watch up close. Two things stayed with me: first, the sound of the fire as it ate up the lush brush and tree covering. When you see wildfires on television, you don’t really hear the sound, don’t smell the smoke and don’t feel the heat. It was louder than I imagined with this kind of crackling sound – and second, how quickly the fire can move and how much momentum it gains in a very short period of time. I’m still amazed at how far it got up the mountain in a short time.
The saying, “spread like wild fire” has a whole new meaning for me now.
But there is another kind of fire that spread faster than this fire we saw in the mountains. I have to admit that I was very anxious as the head of the household of nine people with my mother in law (74 years old) and my mom (86 years old). So, I quickly sent an email to my yahoo group, church family and facebook friends asking for prayers. These are my high school and church friends living all over the world. In just a matter of minutes, I started receiving phone calls, emails and facebook notes from them. Everyone was offering prayers. It was amazing! I got messages from New Zealand, Hongkong, New York, the Philippines and Canada. Those who live a few miles away were offering to help us for possible evacuation. A High School friend (Medical Doctor) of mine who lives in Las Vegas even offered me to evacuate at his mom’s house in another city far from the fires. He did not know that there are 10 people in my household! Hahaha.
This fire that spread so quickly was a fire of different sort. A fire fueled by friendship and compassion. This is a fire that jumped from one continent to another. All I can say is that, when we go through real fire or fiery challenges in life, don’t forget that there are people out there who truly care. Reach out to them. When their “fire” is set ablaze, nothing can stop them. Their love which I believe is from the Great God, like fire, moves faster than any brush fire.
If you’ve never seen a brush fire up close, I can tell you, it’s really something to see. A few days ago we had a brush fire in the mountains less than a mile from us. It started as a small little fire at the bottom of a valley in a town next to ours. At first in our usual busy life, it’s something most of us didn’t really care about.
However, in just a day, the mountain close to us was on fire. I had absolutely no idea, but when I looked up north to the mountains from the back part of the house I saw flames burning up trees in just seconds. It was like tongues of fire dancing, like an invisible fire breathing dragon, angry and vehement aiming for total destruction. Because of the three digit temperature, the fire snaked through the ridges and valleys. Embers, like fireworks jumping from one tree to another.
Helicopters, airplanes, fire trucks – all the noise covers the city. I was not able to sleep the first night. As the temperature was so hot, our sliding door in our bedroom was opened to let air in... But it didn’t take long when the wind blew in our direction and filled our bedroom with thick smoke.
The conditions were just right for a fire – it was a dry and the temperatures were around 105 degrees. Although there wasn’t much wind, yet the fire devoured all the dry timber, grass and brush. It just kept going, working its way down and up the mountains mercilessly. The further up the hill it went, the more the air caught it, the bigger the fire got. Fire engines and police cars shut down several streets. My kids watched all of these from our rooftop. Their faces transfixed at the surreal sight.
As white and gray smoke blew over and filled our neighborhood, the orange and yellow flames ate up leaves and branches on all parts of the mountain ranges, whipping up onto the trees, getting as high as thirty feet tall, charring tree roots and turning several trees orange. We were not in serious danger, although we were ready to evacuate at the moments’ notice. But it was fascinating to watch up close. Two things stayed with me: first, the sound of the fire as it ate up the lush brush and tree covering. When you see wildfires on television, you don’t really hear the sound, don’t smell the smoke and don’t feel the heat. It was louder than I imagined with this kind of crackling sound – and second, how quickly the fire can move and how much momentum it gains in a very short period of time. I’m still amazed at how far it got up the mountain in a short time.
The saying, “spread like wild fire” has a whole new meaning for me now.
But there is another kind of fire that spread faster than this fire we saw in the mountains. I have to admit that I was very anxious as the head of the household of nine people with my mother in law (74 years old) and my mom (86 years old). So, I quickly sent an email to my yahoo group, church family and facebook friends asking for prayers. These are my high school and church friends living all over the world. In just a matter of minutes, I started receiving phone calls, emails and facebook notes from them. Everyone was offering prayers. It was amazing! I got messages from New Zealand, Hongkong, New York, the Philippines and Canada. Those who live a few miles away were offering to help us for possible evacuation. A High School friend (Medical Doctor) of mine who lives in Las Vegas even offered me to evacuate at his mom’s house in another city far from the fires. He did not know that there are 10 people in my household! Hahaha.
This fire that spread so quickly was a fire of different sort. A fire fueled by friendship and compassion. This is a fire that jumped from one continent to another. All I can say is that, when we go through real fire or fiery challenges in life, don’t forget that there are people out there who truly care. Reach out to them. When their “fire” is set ablaze, nothing can stop them. Their love which I believe is from the Great God, like fire, moves faster than any brush fire.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Excuses
Think for a moment. How do you live your life? Either you live it for yourself alone, or you live it to serve others.
As we live our lives, we are going to be confronted with whether we give our life for something good or something not so good.
How do you live your life? What is most important to you? What will it be—a career, a sport, a hobby, fame, wealth? None of these will have lasting significance. Here is what I learned, service is the pathway to real significance. It is through ministry that we discover the meaning of our lives. The Bible says, “Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body” (Romans 12:5 MSG).
As we serve together in God’s family, our lives take on eternal importance. Paul said, “I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less . . . because of what you are a part of” (1 Corinthians 12:14a, 19 MSG).
God wants to use you to make a difference in his world. He wants to work through you. What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it. Not how long you lived, but how you lived.
If you’re not involved in any service or ministry, think about these people. They did not use their physical circumstances as an excuse not to serve.
What kind of excuses we use? Consider these.
• Abraham was old,
• Jacob was insecure,
• Leah was unattractive,
• Joseph was abused,
• Moses stuttered,
• Gideon was poor,
• Samson was codependent,
• Rahab was immoral,
• David had an affair and all kinds of family problems,
• Elijah was suicidal,
• Jeremiah was depressed,
• Jonah was reluctant,
• Naomi was a widow,
• John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least,
• Peter was impulsive and hot-tempered,
• Martha worried a lot,
• The Samaritan woman had several failed marriages,
• Zacchaeus was unpopular,
• Thomas had doubts,
• Paul had poor health, and
• Timothy was timid.
* and you are....?
Wow, that is quite a variety of misfits! Yet, God used each of them in his service. He will use us, too, if we stop making excuses.
(inspired by a Rick Warren message}
As we live our lives, we are going to be confronted with whether we give our life for something good or something not so good.
How do you live your life? What is most important to you? What will it be—a career, a sport, a hobby, fame, wealth? None of these will have lasting significance. Here is what I learned, service is the pathway to real significance. It is through ministry that we discover the meaning of our lives. The Bible says, “Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body” (Romans 12:5 MSG).
As we serve together in God’s family, our lives take on eternal importance. Paul said, “I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less . . . because of what you are a part of” (1 Corinthians 12:14a, 19 MSG).
God wants to use you to make a difference in his world. He wants to work through you. What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it. Not how long you lived, but how you lived.
If you’re not involved in any service or ministry, think about these people. They did not use their physical circumstances as an excuse not to serve.
What kind of excuses we use? Consider these.
• Abraham was old,
• Jacob was insecure,
• Leah was unattractive,
• Joseph was abused,
• Moses stuttered,
• Gideon was poor,
• Samson was codependent,
• Rahab was immoral,
• David had an affair and all kinds of family problems,
• Elijah was suicidal,
• Jeremiah was depressed,
• Jonah was reluctant,
• Naomi was a widow,
• John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least,
• Peter was impulsive and hot-tempered,
• Martha worried a lot,
• The Samaritan woman had several failed marriages,
• Zacchaeus was unpopular,
• Thomas had doubts,
• Paul had poor health, and
• Timothy was timid.
* and you are....?
Wow, that is quite a variety of misfits! Yet, God used each of them in his service. He will use us, too, if we stop making excuses.
(inspired by a Rick Warren message}
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Bee Sting
A boy and his father were traveling in a car when a bee flew through the open window. The boy was so highly allergic to bee stings that both he and his father know that his life was in danger. As the boy frantically jumped and tried to avoid the agitated bee, the father calmly reached out and grabbed the bee. When he opened his hand, the bee began to fly again, terrifying the boy once again. The father holding up his hand with an implanted stinger, then said to the son, "Look son, his stinger is gone; he can't hurt you any longer."
As a bee loses its stinger when it stings, so death lost its sting when it stung Jesus. Death lost its sting when Jesus was pierced with those long nails that went through His wrist and feet.
Jesus died a cruel death in order to pay the penalty of our sin.
For the Bible tells us that, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." (John 3:16-17)
As a bee loses its stinger when it stings, so death lost its sting when it stung Jesus. Death lost its sting when Jesus was pierced with those long nails that went through His wrist and feet.
Jesus died a cruel death in order to pay the penalty of our sin.
For the Bible tells us that, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." (John 3:16-17)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
My Children
My oldest son Ben recently graduated from UCLA for his bachelor’s degree. He is in the process of looking for a job. It seems that he will end up working far from home. My second child, Carmel, has also finished a Licensed Vocational Nursing degree and is looking forward to finding a job in another state before she continues her studies. Abel is two years away from finishing his Civil Engineering degree. Hopefully he stays longer at home when he takes his graduate studies. In short, it is very possible that in two years time, three of my four children will be away from home.
Just like any parents, my wife and I are experiencing the fact that it is so difficult to let go. Our “babies” are leaving us! It was only like yesterday when we were all together. Memories of not long ago come to mind.
I remember the time when I used to take my kids to the rice fields back in the Philippines, jumping up and down on the haystack. I remember their laughs and giggles doing that. I remember when I used to carry them on my shoulder running around the house. I remember when I took Ben with me and climbed the highest mountain in the Philippines (Mt. Apo) in the island of Mindanao. It was a two day climb. Although he was only ten, yet he reached the top with other young children one hour ahead of us, older guys. I remember Carmel playing dress up with some friends. She and her friends transformed themselves into Snow White or Sleeping Beauty. Oh yes, I remember when she was just a toddler, she poured soup in her dress pocket! Carmel was so full of life and passion. I remember Abel when he was only two years old and reciting the Alphabet from Z to A after we taught him A-Z. I remember at church, members where having this game called, "Make Abel smile." Because at that time, it was so tough to make him smile! Of course, today, Abel has one of the most beautiful smile.
And now they are mature, dependable and so passionate about their love of the Lord. But letting go is still difficult. Good thing, David the youngest, is only 14 and will stay with us a few more years.
Through all those years, my children have been a part of our lives. They have been with us doing ministry. They serve with the worship team, summer camps, vacation bible schools and missions trip all over the world. My wife and I are very proud of them all. Of course, we give God all the glory. Friends with little children often ask us, “What do you teach your kids?” and “how do you teach them?”
As I look back, I think there are so many important values we share but one that I feel very important is commitment. I often asked myself, “What do we want them to be committed to?” “How do we teach commitment?”
I believe that the best way to teach commitment to our children is to show them our own commitment. While we are so far away from perfect, here are a few things we feel are important.
• Commit ourselves to knowing and loving God .
• Commit ourselves to loving and serving other people. This includes the love commitment my wife and I have for each other.
• Commit ourselves to spiritual growth through bible study, prayer, attending church, etc.
• Commit ourselves to sharing the good news.
Jesus knew He wouldn't be with the disciples in the flesh forever. He knew at the Last Supper that He would be hanging on a cross within a few hours. This is what He prayed: "Now I am departing the world; I am leaving them behind and coming to You. Holy Father, keep them and care for them" (John 17:11).
Lesson: We are not going to be with our children forever. Parenting is a season. It isn't going to last forever, but it's never too late to start leading. You may be a grandparent now, but you can still be a spiritual leader to those around you. You can echo Jesus' prayer, saying, "Father, before I depart the world, help me to impart godly truths to my children and grandchildren. Before they go on their own, guide me to be a good steward of those you put in my care. We give them back to you, knowing you have always and will always care for them."
Just like any parents, my wife and I are experiencing the fact that it is so difficult to let go. Our “babies” are leaving us! It was only like yesterday when we were all together. Memories of not long ago come to mind.
I remember the time when I used to take my kids to the rice fields back in the Philippines, jumping up and down on the haystack. I remember their laughs and giggles doing that. I remember when I used to carry them on my shoulder running around the house. I remember when I took Ben with me and climbed the highest mountain in the Philippines (Mt. Apo) in the island of Mindanao. It was a two day climb. Although he was only ten, yet he reached the top with other young children one hour ahead of us, older guys. I remember Carmel playing dress up with some friends. She and her friends transformed themselves into Snow White or Sleeping Beauty. Oh yes, I remember when she was just a toddler, she poured soup in her dress pocket! Carmel was so full of life and passion. I remember Abel when he was only two years old and reciting the Alphabet from Z to A after we taught him A-Z. I remember at church, members where having this game called, "Make Abel smile." Because at that time, it was so tough to make him smile! Of course, today, Abel has one of the most beautiful smile.
And now they are mature, dependable and so passionate about their love of the Lord. But letting go is still difficult. Good thing, David the youngest, is only 14 and will stay with us a few more years.
Through all those years, my children have been a part of our lives. They have been with us doing ministry. They serve with the worship team, summer camps, vacation bible schools and missions trip all over the world. My wife and I are very proud of them all. Of course, we give God all the glory. Friends with little children often ask us, “What do you teach your kids?” and “how do you teach them?”
As I look back, I think there are so many important values we share but one that I feel very important is commitment. I often asked myself, “What do we want them to be committed to?” “How do we teach commitment?”
I believe that the best way to teach commitment to our children is to show them our own commitment. While we are so far away from perfect, here are a few things we feel are important.
• Commit ourselves to knowing and loving God .
• Commit ourselves to loving and serving other people. This includes the love commitment my wife and I have for each other.
• Commit ourselves to spiritual growth through bible study, prayer, attending church, etc.
• Commit ourselves to sharing the good news.
Jesus knew He wouldn't be with the disciples in the flesh forever. He knew at the Last Supper that He would be hanging on a cross within a few hours. This is what He prayed: "Now I am departing the world; I am leaving them behind and coming to You. Holy Father, keep them and care for them" (John 17:11).
Lesson: We are not going to be with our children forever. Parenting is a season. It isn't going to last forever, but it's never too late to start leading. You may be a grandparent now, but you can still be a spiritual leader to those around you. You can echo Jesus' prayer, saying, "Father, before I depart the world, help me to impart godly truths to my children and grandchildren. Before they go on their own, guide me to be a good steward of those you put in my care. We give them back to you, knowing you have always and will always care for them."
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Worms? yuch!
Warning. This story can upset your stomach unless you like watching Man vs. Wild at Discovery Channel or Bizarre foods by Andrew Zimmern of Travel Channel. There is a story of a hungry man who lit a candle and sat down to eat a bowl of dates. The man took a bite of a date and saw a worm in it, so he threw the date away and selected another. He took a bite of another date, and it too, contained a worm. So, the man threw this date away as well. Concerned that all of the dates contained worms, the hungry man blew out the candle and quickly ate the rest of the dates.
Why am I sharing this story? It came to mind recently after I was talking to a friend of mine who was obviously so blinded in how he lives his life. How can I better describe it? Excessive. His is a life of “I don’t care.” It is a life of indifference. All he cares about is himself. I see him slowly being poisoned by his lifestyle and attitude. His smoking, drinking and other vices are starting to kill him. But he does not care.
As his friend, I sought to enlighten him. I tried sharing with him what life is about and how God desires for him to be healthy and happy. But as I tried to show him the “worms” in his life, he quickly shut me down. He said, he knows that he is living a dangerous life but he does not want to hear what I have to say. He was afraid that if he learns the whole truth, he cannot continue his lifestyle.
Hence, I remembered the story I just mentioned. He is like that man who prefers to eat in the dark so he would not see the worms. Isn’t that really sad?
People often choose to live in the darkness, in denial, rather than in the reality that light brings.
The Bible says that God is light. That’s a good thing! God is light in that He is holy and pure. As the book of James announces, He is the “Father of lights”…in whom there is no variation, darkness or shifting shadow.
Early on in the Biblical account, God separates light from darkness. He calls the light “good.” Throughout the Bible, darkness is not a good thing. On the cross, during the middle of the day, darkness encompassed the earth, demonstrating the bleakness of the power of sin that Jesus was conquering. Darkness is always a symbol of impurity, ignorance, being lost and evil. Now, that should be a clue to us about how we should live.
We are called by God to live in the light. We are to live in the light of Jesus, choosing to embrace truth, openness, forgiveness, courage and humility. Although we may try to hide from the exposure that God’s light brings to the darkness in our lives, it is light that brings healing. You know that there are areas of your life where God wants to shine.
Today, pray that you can live in His light. Don’t hide out in darkness! Let God turn on His light in and through you!
Why am I sharing this story? It came to mind recently after I was talking to a friend of mine who was obviously so blinded in how he lives his life. How can I better describe it? Excessive. His is a life of “I don’t care.” It is a life of indifference. All he cares about is himself. I see him slowly being poisoned by his lifestyle and attitude. His smoking, drinking and other vices are starting to kill him. But he does not care.
As his friend, I sought to enlighten him. I tried sharing with him what life is about and how God desires for him to be healthy and happy. But as I tried to show him the “worms” in his life, he quickly shut me down. He said, he knows that he is living a dangerous life but he does not want to hear what I have to say. He was afraid that if he learns the whole truth, he cannot continue his lifestyle.
Hence, I remembered the story I just mentioned. He is like that man who prefers to eat in the dark so he would not see the worms. Isn’t that really sad?
People often choose to live in the darkness, in denial, rather than in the reality that light brings.
The Bible says that God is light. That’s a good thing! God is light in that He is holy and pure. As the book of James announces, He is the “Father of lights”…in whom there is no variation, darkness or shifting shadow.
Early on in the Biblical account, God separates light from darkness. He calls the light “good.” Throughout the Bible, darkness is not a good thing. On the cross, during the middle of the day, darkness encompassed the earth, demonstrating the bleakness of the power of sin that Jesus was conquering. Darkness is always a symbol of impurity, ignorance, being lost and evil. Now, that should be a clue to us about how we should live.
We are called by God to live in the light. We are to live in the light of Jesus, choosing to embrace truth, openness, forgiveness, courage and humility. Although we may try to hide from the exposure that God’s light brings to the darkness in our lives, it is light that brings healing. You know that there are areas of your life where God wants to shine.
Today, pray that you can live in His light. Don’t hide out in darkness! Let God turn on His light in and through you!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
I Saw Jesus
She was the daughter of an Albanian grocer who at age 18 decided to work in the slums of Calcutta. She was known to pick up children in the garbage dumps with all kinds of possible diseases. When asked, where she gets her motivation, Mother Teresa answered, "I see Jesus in every human being. I say to myself, this is hungry Jesus, I must feed him. This is sick Jesus. This one has leprosy or gangrene...I serve because I love Jesus."
When I first read this quote, it totally changed my perspective in life. To be honest, I was such a self-righteous Christian years ago. When I drove downtown Los Angeles and saw the homeless living in cardboard boxes, I often looked at them with a judging “eye.” "Look at these people! They probably deserve it. I will not be surprised that most of these were drug addicts, criminals and just plain lazy people."
Frankly, those comments were my poor excuses for not doing anything to help, or even offer a prayer.
Mother Teresa’s philosophy of ministry gave me a totally different vision of ministry. Since then, my vision of ministry is Jesus. Let me explain.
Now that I have Mother Teresa’s vision, “I see Jesus in every human being,” I can confidently now say, I saw Jesus last week. He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt. He was up at the building we call our church; He was alone and working hard. For just a minute he looked a little like one of the people who regularly attend our church. But it was Jesus, I could tell by his smile.
I saw Jesus this morning. He was in my kitchen making breakfast for the family. For just a minute he looked like my wife. But it was Jesus, I could feel the love from his heart. I saw Jesus this afternoon. He was cutting the grass in the community where I live. He was smiling and waving at everyone who was driving down our street. It made me feel special even if it was only for a moment. For a minute, I thought it was just another person we paid to keep our community clean. But it was Jesus. No one else has that much joy.
I saw Jesus last night. He was sitting out in the street looking for someone to help him. For a minute he looked like just another homeless person. But it was Jesus. I could tell by the look of sincere suffering in his eyes. I see Jesus everywhere. Taking food to the sick, welcoming others to his home, being friendly to someone who needs love and for just a minute I think he's someone I know. The other day, I heard Jesus on the phone. He was in the hospital on bed, sick and feeling lonely, hoping for a friend to give him a visit.
Early this morning when I woke up, I proceeded to the bathroom as I do often. I look at the mirror and the thought came to me. How do I look like to people I meet?
When I first read this quote, it totally changed my perspective in life. To be honest, I was such a self-righteous Christian years ago. When I drove downtown Los Angeles and saw the homeless living in cardboard boxes, I often looked at them with a judging “eye.” "Look at these people! They probably deserve it. I will not be surprised that most of these were drug addicts, criminals and just plain lazy people."
Frankly, those comments were my poor excuses for not doing anything to help, or even offer a prayer.
Mother Teresa’s philosophy of ministry gave me a totally different vision of ministry. Since then, my vision of ministry is Jesus. Let me explain.
Now that I have Mother Teresa’s vision, “I see Jesus in every human being,” I can confidently now say, I saw Jesus last week. He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt. He was up at the building we call our church; He was alone and working hard. For just a minute he looked a little like one of the people who regularly attend our church. But it was Jesus, I could tell by his smile.
I saw Jesus this morning. He was in my kitchen making breakfast for the family. For just a minute he looked like my wife. But it was Jesus, I could feel the love from his heart. I saw Jesus this afternoon. He was cutting the grass in the community where I live. He was smiling and waving at everyone who was driving down our street. It made me feel special even if it was only for a moment. For a minute, I thought it was just another person we paid to keep our community clean. But it was Jesus. No one else has that much joy.
I saw Jesus last night. He was sitting out in the street looking for someone to help him. For a minute he looked like just another homeless person. But it was Jesus. I could tell by the look of sincere suffering in his eyes. I see Jesus everywhere. Taking food to the sick, welcoming others to his home, being friendly to someone who needs love and for just a minute I think he's someone I know. The other day, I heard Jesus on the phone. He was in the hospital on bed, sick and feeling lonely, hoping for a friend to give him a visit.
Early this morning when I woke up, I proceeded to the bathroom as I do often. I look at the mirror and the thought came to me. How do I look like to people I meet?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Carrot, Egg or Coffee?
From time to time I come across some inspiring stories. The story below has no known author but has made its rounds and inspired a number of people. If you have time, check it out:
_________________________________
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me, what do you see?" "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity..boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
_________________________________
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me, what do you see?" "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity..boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
What Limits You?
Did you know that when a captive elephant is young, the circus elephant handler will place a shackle around its leg and tie it on a peg a few feet deep. Other handlers tie it on a tree. The baby elephant will try pulling away from the peg or tree to escape but not successful. Each day, as the baby elephant tries to pull away, its mind is conditioned that it can never escape. The elephant is too small to pull away. The elephant has been conditioned to think that it can never pull away and escape if its legs are tied. As the elephant becomes full grown, it does not even try to pull away anymore because it has been programmed to hopelessness. What is shocking is that there was a story about full grown elephant that died in a circus fire. Its leg was tied by a thin rope attached to a six inch peg! So conditioned to its limitations that it would not even try to escape.
Think for a few moments: Is it possible that a “shackle” of some kind is tied around your leg? What is it that holds you back from experiencing the freedom to grow into a really successful person or fulfilling your dreams? Because you have tried so many times before and you were told you are “no good” or amount to “nothing” and now you feel that there is no hope for you. It might seem like you are tied to an unmovable tree.
I like to challenge you to consider instead, that the “thing” that holds you might only be a small stick in the ground. Do you know that if you become comfortable with your captivity, you may be just like an elephant that was trained to believe it could not break free.
All of us can be susceptible to this limitation. The limitation itself is a mirage but works powerfully on those who have been programmed to hopelessness. What are these limitations? These are belief systems we accepted that are totally based on deception and lies. We all grew up with guilt and shame. We all have people who told us when we were young that we don’t amount to anything. It is unfortunate that we listened and believed what they said. I challenge you to examine yourself. Remember what the scripture says? “The truth shall set you free.” None of us should be in shackles. We have actually been freed already. We just have to see the truth and believe it.
According to the Apostle Paul, the truth is that, by our relationship with Christ, we have been freed. The fact is that the old shackle around your ankle can no longer hold you, if you recognize that you are a new creation and are no longer a “slave to sin.” While Christ can and has miraculously changed lives and immediately “set captives free” from habits and addictions, for most of us, old habits die hard. Just like that grown up elephant, we feel that we are still shackled and tied to a tree. In reality, we are free. Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection has made it possible. In Christ, your old self is gone, your spirit has been made alive, the new has come, and freedom is within your reach.
"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin… In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." — Romans 6:6, 11
Think for a few moments: Is it possible that a “shackle” of some kind is tied around your leg? What is it that holds you back from experiencing the freedom to grow into a really successful person or fulfilling your dreams? Because you have tried so many times before and you were told you are “no good” or amount to “nothing” and now you feel that there is no hope for you. It might seem like you are tied to an unmovable tree.
I like to challenge you to consider instead, that the “thing” that holds you might only be a small stick in the ground. Do you know that if you become comfortable with your captivity, you may be just like an elephant that was trained to believe it could not break free.
All of us can be susceptible to this limitation. The limitation itself is a mirage but works powerfully on those who have been programmed to hopelessness. What are these limitations? These are belief systems we accepted that are totally based on deception and lies. We all grew up with guilt and shame. We all have people who told us when we were young that we don’t amount to anything. It is unfortunate that we listened and believed what they said. I challenge you to examine yourself. Remember what the scripture says? “The truth shall set you free.” None of us should be in shackles. We have actually been freed already. We just have to see the truth and believe it.
According to the Apostle Paul, the truth is that, by our relationship with Christ, we have been freed. The fact is that the old shackle around your ankle can no longer hold you, if you recognize that you are a new creation and are no longer a “slave to sin.” While Christ can and has miraculously changed lives and immediately “set captives free” from habits and addictions, for most of us, old habits die hard. Just like that grown up elephant, we feel that we are still shackled and tied to a tree. In reality, we are free. Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection has made it possible. In Christ, your old self is gone, your spirit has been made alive, the new has come, and freedom is within your reach.
"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin… In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." — Romans 6:6, 11
Monday, July 13, 2009
Time Traveler
My family enjoyed watching the TV series, “Heroes” for the past three seasons. We sometimes ask ourselves, “if you have some kind of superpower, what do you want it to be?” Interestingly, most of us wanted to be like Hiro (pronounced like Hero) Nakamura. He is that Japanese guy who can bend time and space. Of course, my kids would ask me why I want to be like Hiro. As I thought about it, I wondered, “wouldn’t we all wish we can travel in time so that we could fix some of the problems we caused or mistakes we made in the past?” I have to admit having "time traveling" power would be a good thing to have, because I would love to have some “rewinding,” if given the chance.
For example, I wish I can travel back in 1999, to the day I told my dad that he was insensitive and did not love my mom. While I cannot go through the details of why I said that, yet, I know that it was a very mean thing to say. The guilt haunted me since then and has caused me to lose sleep. My dad was 79 years old at that time and he was hard of hearing. He was a tough man but one who would not lift a finger to hurt someone. He was soft spoken yet funny. He was full of wisdom and truly cares for the disadvantage. He was actually a very good father to us six children and a loving husband to my mom. But when I said those mean words, I saw on his face deep sadness. Obviously, I hurt him deeply. Did he retaliate and get upset of me? No. He was just quiet and looked sad. Why did I ever say those hurting words when in reality he was such a good man? In fact, the last words he told me when I took them the Los Angeles airport on their way home to the Philippines was, “Bermie, I want you to take care of your mom. Love her as she is a good mother.” He was thinking of my mom's welfare even after he would be gone.
My dad died in the Philippines in 2004 and I never had the chance to talk to him and tell him how sorry I was and that I love him so dearly. How I wish I can travel back to that time in 1999 and put a cork in my mouth!
I wish I could go back to the times my closest friends needed me the most and I wasn't there for them. Maybe then they would understand how much they really mean to me. I wish I could go back to those times that I felt I was too important and too much “in demand” to spend significant time with my kids when they were small. Maybe then I wouldn’t feel like I missed so much of their growing up years.
Is there anyone out there who can show us how to travel in time? Perhaps we need someone to invent a time machine? I think we could all use one. We all have some cleaning up that we could do. Unfortunately, time machines don’t exist. Time travel is fiction. And what we really need is forgiveness.
Our Lord Jesus declares that once we come before Him and confess our sins, He wipes us totally clean. He actually moves our sin and brokenness far from His heart, and looks on us as though we had never sinned. It is almost like; Jesus travels into our past and forgives. Why not? After all He is the God of the past, present and future.
Now that is a totally different concept from our dream of “time traveling.” We don’t have to time travel to fix things on our own. God’s forgiveness leads to transformation of our hearts and lives by giving us a sense of freedom that goes beyond comparison. While “rewinding life” and “fixing” things” may do us good, we need forgiveness more! We need freedom, not regret!
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. —1 John 1:9
For example, I wish I can travel back in 1999, to the day I told my dad that he was insensitive and did not love my mom. While I cannot go through the details of why I said that, yet, I know that it was a very mean thing to say. The guilt haunted me since then and has caused me to lose sleep. My dad was 79 years old at that time and he was hard of hearing. He was a tough man but one who would not lift a finger to hurt someone. He was soft spoken yet funny. He was full of wisdom and truly cares for the disadvantage. He was actually a very good father to us six children and a loving husband to my mom. But when I said those mean words, I saw on his face deep sadness. Obviously, I hurt him deeply. Did he retaliate and get upset of me? No. He was just quiet and looked sad. Why did I ever say those hurting words when in reality he was such a good man? In fact, the last words he told me when I took them the Los Angeles airport on their way home to the Philippines was, “Bermie, I want you to take care of your mom. Love her as she is a good mother.” He was thinking of my mom's welfare even after he would be gone.
My dad died in the Philippines in 2004 and I never had the chance to talk to him and tell him how sorry I was and that I love him so dearly. How I wish I can travel back to that time in 1999 and put a cork in my mouth!
I wish I could go back to the times my closest friends needed me the most and I wasn't there for them. Maybe then they would understand how much they really mean to me. I wish I could go back to those times that I felt I was too important and too much “in demand” to spend significant time with my kids when they were small. Maybe then I wouldn’t feel like I missed so much of their growing up years.
Is there anyone out there who can show us how to travel in time? Perhaps we need someone to invent a time machine? I think we could all use one. We all have some cleaning up that we could do. Unfortunately, time machines don’t exist. Time travel is fiction. And what we really need is forgiveness.
Our Lord Jesus declares that once we come before Him and confess our sins, He wipes us totally clean. He actually moves our sin and brokenness far from His heart, and looks on us as though we had never sinned. It is almost like; Jesus travels into our past and forgives. Why not? After all He is the God of the past, present and future.
Now that is a totally different concept from our dream of “time traveling.” We don’t have to time travel to fix things on our own. God’s forgiveness leads to transformation of our hearts and lives by giving us a sense of freedom that goes beyond comparison. While “rewinding life” and “fixing” things” may do us good, we need forgiveness more! We need freedom, not regret!
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. —1 John 1:9
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Why I chose Nova Ember for my blog title
Not very many people hate their name. I have to be honest with you, I totally disliked my full name since I went to school. I was the fifth son of Ben and Verlantina. My parents were totally disappointed after the fourth son and they were wondering if they will take another risk and have another child. Oh well, they are the kind of parents who take risk. I am glad they did, otherwise, my cells will still be floating somewhere around the world.
And behold, my mom became pregnant! To show their optimism, they prepared girls' names, girls' clothes, etc... for me. To their surprise and disappointment, they were totally shocked when I came out. How was that as a welcome to the world, seeing your parents totally looking sad and frustrated? Oh yes, I was just a day old and I do remember how my parents look like. (LOL).
A few days after I was born, they still had no name for me. So, my Tatang (dad) went to the town hall and told the registrar to just name me from the month November. As the registrar was about to write my name, my dad said, "Wait!!! I think I can play around the word November and come up with something." After some scribbles on the piece of paper the Registrar gave him, he came up with "Bermevon." That became my name.
You don't know what torture means until you have a strange name like mine. From grade one to graduate studies, people were asking me, "what? what kind of name is that?" Worse, when I was in elementary, they kept asking me to spell it. I have been called, Bermayon, Bermoven, Enervon, Bermon, Bervon, Bernvon, Bermeron, etc... I remember so clearly when I was in my first grade. I was sharing a desk with another student. His name is Al. He could write his name much faster than I can! I liked his name better. Two letters. One syllable. No one asked him to spell his name. I was only 6 years old and I already knew what "Life is not fair" meant.
I tell you I was so tempted to change my name when I was interviewed for my USA citizenship application. The immigration officer asked me, "So, do you want a new name?" I couldn't believe it! Answer to my prayers! I can now totally become a new person! Goodbye Bermevon!
I was so close to becoming Tom Cruise but my dearest wife prevailed over me. She did not want to be married to Tom Cruise. I guess Bermevon was better looking. LOL.
And so, when I was trying to find a name for my blog, I found out that the month November was not available anymore. Hmmm. If Flickr is so famous and they removed one letter maybe I can add a letter to it. Novaember. It still sounds the same as November.
Without realizing it, I actually chose two words put together. Nova and Ember. Google asked for definition. Interestingly, I found out that the words are related. They are extreme opposites. Nova is a star that exploded. Imagine the energy and power of that. Ember is that small spark of fire in a coal or wood that is about to be extinguished. Although both words are extremes yet both contain fire and energy. I said to myself, "I like that." This is the story behind my blog title. And yes, my name is still Bermevon.
And behold, my mom became pregnant! To show their optimism, they prepared girls' names, girls' clothes, etc... for me. To their surprise and disappointment, they were totally shocked when I came out. How was that as a welcome to the world, seeing your parents totally looking sad and frustrated? Oh yes, I was just a day old and I do remember how my parents look like. (LOL).
A few days after I was born, they still had no name for me. So, my Tatang (dad) went to the town hall and told the registrar to just name me from the month November. As the registrar was about to write my name, my dad said, "Wait!!! I think I can play around the word November and come up with something." After some scribbles on the piece of paper the Registrar gave him, he came up with "Bermevon." That became my name.
You don't know what torture means until you have a strange name like mine. From grade one to graduate studies, people were asking me, "what? what kind of name is that?" Worse, when I was in elementary, they kept asking me to spell it. I have been called, Bermayon, Bermoven, Enervon, Bermon, Bervon, Bernvon, Bermeron, etc... I remember so clearly when I was in my first grade. I was sharing a desk with another student. His name is Al. He could write his name much faster than I can! I liked his name better. Two letters. One syllable. No one asked him to spell his name. I was only 6 years old and I already knew what "Life is not fair" meant.
I tell you I was so tempted to change my name when I was interviewed for my USA citizenship application. The immigration officer asked me, "So, do you want a new name?" I couldn't believe it! Answer to my prayers! I can now totally become a new person! Goodbye Bermevon!
I was so close to becoming Tom Cruise but my dearest wife prevailed over me. She did not want to be married to Tom Cruise. I guess Bermevon was better looking. LOL.
And so, when I was trying to find a name for my blog, I found out that the month November was not available anymore. Hmmm. If Flickr is so famous and they removed one letter maybe I can add a letter to it. Novaember. It still sounds the same as November.
Without realizing it, I actually chose two words put together. Nova and Ember. Google asked for definition. Interestingly, I found out that the words are related. They are extreme opposites. Nova is a star that exploded. Imagine the energy and power of that. Ember is that small spark of fire in a coal or wood that is about to be extinguished. Although both words are extremes yet both contain fire and energy. I said to myself, "I like that." This is the story behind my blog title. And yes, my name is still Bermevon.
Sicko
I won't forget the tough first three weeks of June 2009. I got sick from some kind of virus that lasted close to 20 days. Actually high fever and laryngitis kept me on bed for the first ten days. This triggered my bronchitis and kept me out of bed for the next 10 days due to chronic coughing.
It was a blessing that my wife was a good nurse. She took care of me well. A few times I was burning hot and shaking all over due to chills. She washed me to cool me down and kept reassuring me that I will be okay. I tell you, in times like these, it is a great blessing to have someone on your side who cares.
The discomfort, aches and pain were not the only things that bothered me. It was my impatience. I am a person who hates being bogged down on bed. Whenever I get sick, I feel guilty for not being able to do my usual responsibilities as pastor, father, husband, cook, etc. The only advantage this gives me is that it forces me to think, especially my relationship with God and my love ones. It is ironic that those 20 days of illness were in many ways one of my best times this year. I had deep personal conversations with my God. I think God knows me very well. He knows that sometimes, it is only in sickness that He is able to talk me... and me listening to Him.
Busyness in life can become a curse worse that sickness. We get too busy with our pursuit of career, earning a living and daily routine, forgetting our need for prayer, bible study and meditation. And when our minds are too focused on other things instead of God, we get derailed. I don't think God wants us to get sick. He loves us and invites us to take part in that beautiful relationship with Him (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). But if it takes getting sick to get our attention, then that is good for us. He certainly woke me up and re-focused me on what really matters in life. Him.
It was a blessing that my wife was a good nurse. She took care of me well. A few times I was burning hot and shaking all over due to chills. She washed me to cool me down and kept reassuring me that I will be okay. I tell you, in times like these, it is a great blessing to have someone on your side who cares.
The discomfort, aches and pain were not the only things that bothered me. It was my impatience. I am a person who hates being bogged down on bed. Whenever I get sick, I feel guilty for not being able to do my usual responsibilities as pastor, father, husband, cook, etc. The only advantage this gives me is that it forces me to think, especially my relationship with God and my love ones. It is ironic that those 20 days of illness were in many ways one of my best times this year. I had deep personal conversations with my God. I think God knows me very well. He knows that sometimes, it is only in sickness that He is able to talk me... and me listening to Him.
Busyness in life can become a curse worse that sickness. We get too busy with our pursuit of career, earning a living and daily routine, forgetting our need for prayer, bible study and meditation. And when our minds are too focused on other things instead of God, we get derailed. I don't think God wants us to get sick. He loves us and invites us to take part in that beautiful relationship with Him (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). But if it takes getting sick to get our attention, then that is good for us. He certainly woke me up and re-focused me on what really matters in life. Him.
25 Years!
I just got a call from my boss and he told me that I have reached my 25 years of service in our corporation (I mean, church!) I guess in my own busyness, I forgot how time flies. Twenty five years, whoa! I am really getting old. I was told that this is usually rare these days. Most employees move from one company to another in just a matter of five years. Worse, most CEO's stay only for an average of two years. I guess gone is the idea of loyalty. People think that if you stay more than seven years in a company, you are not daring and imaginative enough. They may be right. Perhaps I have not been daring enough. But what do you do if you love your job?
A friend of mine asked me one time an interesting question. "What if you are not a pastor as you are now, what job do want to be doing?" In a heartbeat, I said, "A chef." Not that I am a great cook. Mediocre at best. Although I have to admit, modesty aside, my family and friends do like my cooking. There is something about cooking that relaxes me. I don't mind cutting onions especially when I am dealing with a serious problem in church. Tears just come more easily. Or when I am having some body pains due to lack of sleep or stress, I can easily chew a jalapeno or eat kimchi. Although one time when I tried habanero, I understood what the word "spitfire" means. Best of all, cooking is an adventure. An adventure of the palate is like world travel. It is like a cultural journey to different parts of this globe. Greek food brings me right at the foot of Mt. Olympus. A phadtay noodle or a tom-kha guy soup, translates me into the heart of Bangkok. First time, I made some sushi and sashimi, I started speaking in tongues, that is... Nipponggo! Domo Arigatu! Hmmm, I am getting hungry... I guess it's time for me to travel to Mexico. I just love those Mexican tacos. Hasta la Vista!
...and by the way, I was told that I will receive a plaque and a watch for my services. What? I was hoping for a grill or a new knife set... just kidding.
A friend of mine asked me one time an interesting question. "What if you are not a pastor as you are now, what job do want to be doing?" In a heartbeat, I said, "A chef." Not that I am a great cook. Mediocre at best. Although I have to admit, modesty aside, my family and friends do like my cooking. There is something about cooking that relaxes me. I don't mind cutting onions especially when I am dealing with a serious problem in church. Tears just come more easily. Or when I am having some body pains due to lack of sleep or stress, I can easily chew a jalapeno or eat kimchi. Although one time when I tried habanero, I understood what the word "spitfire" means. Best of all, cooking is an adventure. An adventure of the palate is like world travel. It is like a cultural journey to different parts of this globe. Greek food brings me right at the foot of Mt. Olympus. A phadtay noodle or a tom-kha guy soup, translates me into the heart of Bangkok. First time, I made some sushi and sashimi, I started speaking in tongues, that is... Nipponggo! Domo Arigatu! Hmmm, I am getting hungry... I guess it's time for me to travel to Mexico. I just love those Mexican tacos. Hasta la Vista!
...and by the way, I was told that I will receive a plaque and a watch for my services. What? I was hoping for a grill or a new knife set... just kidding.
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