New Year 2013

It's a whole new year for us... Year 2012 has passed and it has been a very long year for all of us, we've been through a lot. Through ups and downs, what matters the most is where we are right now. We're here today facing another year ahead of us. Let's not count on the mischief of yesterdays, what is important is we survived through the struggles and hardships we faced last year and we are blessed because we're here now to start anew. 

Now it's 2013, we should be thankful and celebrate the gift of life. It's another year for us to hurdle and handle with a great heart and a warrior's spirit. No matter what this year brings, let's remain strong and never to lose our smile. We should always have faith and trust that everything will fall into place because with Him nothing can go wrong. Let us not forget that everything happens for a reason and someday everything will make perfect sense. Acceptance is very important for us to get going and we have to keep in mind that while there is life, there is hope.

Let's hope for the best this year. More chances, more opportunities, more space to grow. Let's seize the moment, carpe diem and perform always with magis. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013 guys!

Image sources:

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http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?um=1&hl=en&newwindow=1&sa=N&tbo=d&biw=1092&bih=514&tbm=isch&tbnid=8RJmIaR4zGD-KM:&imgrefurl=http://www.thetechnologycafe.com/happy-new-year-2013-from-the-technology-cafe/%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Btechnology-cafe%2B(The%2BTechnology%2BCafe%2B-%2BSocial%2BMedia%252C%2BTechnology%2BNews%2Band%2BReviews)&docid=auS4hHo2iAIhVM&imgurl=http://www.thetechnologycafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/new_year_2013_main.jpg&w=690&h=690&ei=LX7kUNTgGqiUiQfnk4EY&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=229&vpy=178&dur=55&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=94&ty=253&sig=111816295661176225979&page=1&tbnh=137&tbnw=145&start=0&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:0,i:118

SMP. Ano ka mo?

Christmas season is a time for sharing, a time for joy, a time of love and a time for peace. Happiness is one great thing about this season which everyone is supposed to have but not everyone gets. For some reasons, every people have a different definition of being HAPPY. Some people needs a lot or needs big things to make them happy but some only need those simple or little things in order for them to be happy.

Now, let me just share to you one reason why some people are not so happy during Christmas season. This is common to teenagers or young adults. These people are sad somehow because they are loveless or don't have any love life, in short, no girlfriend/boyfriend during the season. They feel they belong into the imaginary association which they abbreviate as SMP or "Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko." This thing started or one's been popularized from a TV commercial here in the Philippines few years back then. They'd think not having a partner at all is one of the coldest Christmas for them to have.

Few years ago I used to feel somehow a little the same as those people felt but as time have passed, I didn't feel the same way again.  It isn't supposed to be like that. I came to realize that as a young adult whether I have a partner or not, I always have all the reason to feel warm and loved during the season and that having a girlfriend would not define my happiness during Christmas time. I kept in mind that I am deeply loved by God and that He has blessed me with a lot of blessing in which I must count on. Rather than looking at what I don't have, I must look on to what I have and what is around me. My friends,  my family, and all those people who matter, I have all these people who loves and cares for me with all that I am and all that I'd be. Though were not rich, we don't have much, but at least we don't have none. Besides I have what is priceless, which matters the most, what those significant people have for me and what I have for them. We shared happiness, joy, peace and love which are enough for me to say that I am proudly still a member of SMP last Christmas BUT with a different meaning, "Samahan ng Masasaya ang Pasko." In fact, last Christmas was one of the best Christmas that I ever had. 

We must bear in minds and in our hearts the reason for this season, it's Him. Yes, it's our Lord Jesus Christ. Spread His LOVE, spread His word.

December 21, 2012

End of the World? I don't thinks so.

Many predictions about the end of the world were exposed but all of them were proven wrong, none of them came true. Some people were afraid though, some even panicked and prepared for it but some didn't, some just simply knows that no man shall be certain of it.  December 21, 2012 finally came and definitely it was not the end of the world. It was a fine Wednesday and life went on normally, classes went on, people worked just like the regular days and everything was ordinary. 
 
Well, this just goes to show that no one really knows exactly when or how this world ends and no one will ever know until that day finally comes. As what is said in the bible from Matthew 24:36-37 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." 

People shouldn't play gods because they're not God, whether the end of the world is today or tomorrow, no one knows but for sure that day will come. Our time here on earth is just our borrowed time from God. Life is short, we shouldn't waste time predicting those things as to when it happens but instead we should live life to the fullest, manifest His purpose for us here on earth, serve him well and just become always prepared for His second coming.

          Nothing is permanent on this world and we must remember that this not our home, our real home is there somewhere where our father has prepared for us - heaven. Let's not be too attached on earthly things, let's keep only what matters most and what is essential. Do what's right and do it for His glory, always.

[Notes on personal experience): It wasn't the end of the world but without a doubt it was the end of my very torturing day. Papers, prelims, orders, sleepless nights at and my annoying sweat - til next time..! Hahaha..xD Thank You Lord that I still survived that day and for helping me through it! =D]

PREPAREDNESS. How much are you prepared?

Whether in times of disaster or not, it is always best to be prepared than be sorry. Well, what do we prepare for in life? Quizzes, exams, recitations, recitals, contests, missions, first communion, speech, or life itself; life after school, life after marriage, or simply anything right? It depends on our priorities, aspirations, hopes, dreams, and so much more. 

We also prepare for our daily undertakings or upcoming events. For an instance, we prepare for coming storms or typhoons, or worse super typhoons. Speaking of which, it brings me back the memories of the unforgettable happenings that took place few days ago and the tragic episode almost a year back then. Who can forget last year's incident on December 16-17, 2011 when typhoon Sendong struck Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City and other various places? 

Who'd have thought that a signal number two storm could make that much damage not only to properties but to the lives of people as well? Whether it was only signal number two or higher, it only speaks of one thing: we lacked PREPARATION, we were not prepared. Death came like a thief in the night, only the thieves were prepared and the victims lie dead and helpless after their attack. 

Now let us not dwell on the damage that has been made, it has already been done and no matter what, "what's done is done" and we can never bring things back again. That incident taught us many lessons, lessons that were learned the hard way. Let's ponder on what Steven Cyros (Vice President and COO of FTF Technologies, Inc., a leader in the Disaster Preparedness Products, MRE’s, Canned Butter, Canned Cheese and other Shelf Stable Foods market) once said: Remember; when disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed.

Let us compare what had happened last December 4, 2012, when super typhoon Pablo struck Cagayan de Oro, from what had happened last year when Sendong hit our city. We can see that now we're better off by far than from last year's experience. We did the right thing this time. Although Pablo was of signal number three in our area, we have recorded zero casualties after the storm. It was an achievement for us for the record but more to that; it was a prize of being prepared ahead of time. Many lives were spared and though some were still greatly affected, at least they still have something to celebrate this Christmas, LIFE.

I for one have prepared enough for Pablo's coming. Together with my family, we took the necessary steps to safety. Like I’ve said earlier it’s better to be prepared than be sorry and I’d always keep in mind my scouting’s motto “Laging Handa” - once a scout, always a scout. During the moment we encountered Pablo, we still manage to have a peaceful sleep. Funny but we know to ourselves we’re ready and whatever happens we already have a plan for safety and that we’re good to go. As said in the bible “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” (Doctrine & Covenants 38:30)

We just hoped for the best but prepared for the worst. Thank God our prayers never gone unanswered and He blessed us with His grace and mercy.

A new day, a new life, a new hope He's given us. Keep moving forward. =)

-kevinwyethacera (^~,)

Image sources: 

http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?um=1&hl=en&newwindow=1&sa=N&tbo=d&biw=1092&bih=514&tbm=isch&tbnid=fKilHA0fikFf6M:&imgrefurl=http://enterprisegrcblog.wordpress.com/&docid=e5zGH6VCXwtGyM&imgurl=http://www.riskmanagementmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/preparedness.jpg&w=500&h=295&ei=iOPAUJDpKKSiigem7ICwDw&zoom=1

http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?start=300&hl=en&newwindow=1&sa=X&tbo=d&biw=1092&bih=514&tbm=isch&tbnid=ou2FthyE_lHEjM:&imgrefurl=http://www.rebodybuilding.com/2012/01/28/jump-start-your-day-by-exercising-in-the-morning/sunrise-running/&docid=fxYCDFQ9z3HnVM&imgurl=http://www.rebodybuilding.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/sunrise-running.jpg&w=550&h=367&ei=meXAUNOpAu2ViAfdvoHADw&zoom=1

Love

Just a thought about love.

Love is not like a sparkler, kapag wala nang spark, basta-basta na lang itinatapon. Hindi 'yan fireworks na pakatapos sindihan iiwan na lang pagkatapos sumabog. It's not like it's only as good as when it lights up and then after that, no more. Mawala man ang lahat, ito'y hindi maglalaho. Love never ceases in darkness, it lights up even in the paths of shadows. Love remains and is always there until brighter tomorrow comes.

True love is this:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

New International Version (NIV)

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

English Standard Version (ESV)

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; [a] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

New King James Version (NKJV)

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

Three versions but it only speaks of one thing, the truth that GOD is LOVE. The best love is the love that God demonstrated and still demonstrates to us, the love that He wants to tells us that we should follow. It's just found in the bible. He demonstrated great love when he died on the cross for us.

Still today He continues to love us. There can be no greater love than what He has done for us and what He still does for us, let His LOVE be our example and guide. Above all, let us not forget that 

Blogging - I finally did it

            There are times some things just come into my mind, things that are thought provoking and worth pondering on. It makes me realize things, rationalize, and think deeper.

            The first few times, I only regard them as just simply meditating or merely realizations but eventually I learned to appreciate my thoughts more and more, then I came to think of the "what if's..." What if I put them into writing? What if I collect them and publish them somewhere or somehow? These questions crossed my mind. I have heard many times about this “blogging” thing and one time during one of my Philosophy subjects before, my teacher encouraged us to blog since it is a good practice. This idea inspired me a bit and made me to start thinking of making my own blogs through my thoughts that were left unwritten. There was even a time when I’ve thought of writing down one of my thoughts however due to lack of time and effort, it just became a part of my memory that I can’t recall anymore. Somehow in the long run, I felt sorry for those thoughts gone with the wind unrecorded.

            As Martha Graham said “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”

            I'm already into writing long before but they are more of poems and essays. Now I see blogging as new and exciting way of expressing my thoughts. Through one of my major subject this semester, I was pushed not to linger only to the thought of blogging but also make it happen. I am now more driven to do blogging in a regular basis or more often than I am required to, as much as I want to because I’m interested to.