QT10027: 1 Peter 2: 9-10 Precious in the Sight of God

9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. 1 Peter 2:9-10

Looking for a job these days is no walk in the park, especially with the restrictions on foreign workers in certain industries. The IT industry, in particular, has become a fierce battleground for career seekers. We're up against a horde of fresh-faced graduates, armed to the teeth with their newly acquired skills and ready to take on the world. For those of us with more experience under our belts, the challenge is even greater, as employers often prefer the cost-effective option of hiring theoretically trained individuals over those with practical know-how. It's frustrating, but let's not dwell on that. Let's get back to the topic at hand. The struggle is real, my friends. It seems like the only option is to consider jobs outside of our field. But here's the thing: if I do apply and get chosen, I'll cherish that opportunity like no other. It's moments like these that remind me of my faith as a Christian.

Peter's letter (1 Peter 1) was a saddening reminder of the challenges faced by Christians, whom he referred to as "aliens" - individuals who are foreign residents or strangers. These scattered believers endured hardships and experienced rejection, yet Peter reassured them of their chosen status and their preciousness to God (1 Peter 2:4). As flawed human beings, it is natural for us to sometimes feel lost and lose hope. However, let us not dwell on these feelings too much. Instead, let us focus on the empowering words of Scripture: "He who believes in Him will not be disappointed." How reassuring it is to have a Father who cares for us deeply! And it is more humbling to be chosen by God. Embrace this confidence and let it guide our actions.

Let us embrace God's words! We are a chosen race after all, a royal priesthood. He has called us from darkness into His marvellous light. We were once not His people, but now we are! We have received mercy. Those words are really a great comfort. Another word of God came to mind. 

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? Matthew 6:26

Don't forget, birds don't work, yet God still feeds them. We're more precious than birds, right? 

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QT10025: Matt 5:16 - The Light that Shines

Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 5: 16 (NASB)

Good day to each and every one again. I just woke up, but I want to start the day with a daily devotion or what I always call quiet time verses. It's nice to start our day talking to the Lord or to meditate so invite you to open your Bible and read our verse for today. You might want to read the previous verses to grasp the very reason Jesus uttered these words for the beatitudes. Beatitudes in Orthodox pertains to patriarchs of the church which in the Bible, you will find it in the previous verses starting with the word "blessed" from verse 3 up to 11. If one of the "blessed" feels like it is for you then you are blessed, and you are one of the beatitudes.

My dearly beloved brethren. Celebrating Christmas 2022

Going back to our verse, the verse is like Jesus is talking to you. Well, if you are one of the beatitudes then Jesus is most likely talking to you. In KJV translation it goes like this:

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven

The verse teaches us beatitudes to serve as the light to others. The word "light" or "phos" in greek means to shine or make manifest. Most of the time phos mean heavenly light which can only mean the light that came from God. 

Light is the opposite of darkness and darkness pertains to confusion or ignorance and chaos. So, when God says we should be light to people in darkness that means for us to be their guide. There is a word that we must not ignore here, and it is with great importance that we do not overlook it. The word "must" in "Your light must shine before men....." is very important. "Must" means it is unavoidable or it is required. Like what I always say before, it is easy to be a Christian but Christianity is not easy specially when people persecute you or abuse your "goodness" to them - sometimes your old self wants to kick in and get even. But as a Christian, we all know that Christ lives in us: 

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. - Galatians 2: 20

Which means we are the mirror of Christianity or your Christian living. What others see in our life reflects not just us but Christianity. Just like when other nations see Filipinos, what do they always say about us? It may be negative or positive, but it reflects what most Filipinos do. So as Christians, we must be careful in what we do.

The reason I am saying this is, the verse teaches us that we must let our light shine to the world to the point they will see your good works which is supposedly the product of being in Christ. So, if they don't see Christ in your life that would be a problem. But if they see Christ in you, your life will be a living testimony to them, and you glorify our Father by this.

So that's it for now. Hope you are all blessed for today. God bless each of our beatitudes. If you have been blessed by this verse, please like and share to others as well. You are also welcomed to make a comment. God bless.

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How Great Thou Art

I would like to share this great song performed by Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill. A great and powerful performance and a great rendition of "How Great Thou Art". Hope you like it too.

According to Wikipedia: How Great Thou Art is a Christian hymn based on a Swedish poem written by Carl Gustav Boberg in Sweden in 1885.. It's been a favorite of most Christian singers and has been sung in different renditions. So far this is a new favorite for me.

You can watch the video here:

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QT10023: Psalm 23: 6 (Keep Dwelling on Him)

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Last Sunday, I was on my way to our old house to fetch some of our remaining stuffs when I had an accident. I always made sure to pray before I go on my way to wherever I go. I was on the highway that time and almost passing a branching road when a taxi starts swerving left and right. A pick-up truck was in front of me and in front of him was the swerving taxi. I immediately turned my hazard lights on and started slowing down while still paying attention to the pick-up truck in front of me. When the pick-up truck stopped, I just stopped nonchalantly. Suddenly, I heard a thud and the car shook, I knew I was hit by a vehicle behind me. I checked my side-mirror and saw a taxi. Well, if you are not aware, taxis here in Saudi Arabia has a habit of tailgating and it really is annoying and quite alarming when you are the one in front of them and you are in a highway.

Me, my youngest son Noah and our Chevy Cruze.

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Christianity and Multilevel Marketing

I've been researching about multilevel marketing and how Christians should feel about it or what the Bible has to say about it and I found nothing. So I looked over Christianity and Multilevel Marketing and found some interesting articles about it, some are opposing and some agrees with it. I tried to be open-minded regarding the matter while reading their article so here is what I've gathered. I hope you an open-mind as well while reading this article.

The Enrich Philisophy

One article says something about "The Enrich Philisophy" which says that all members of multilevel marketing would want to enrich themselves because most multilevel marketing business offer people a chance to enrich themselves and Christians get caught up in this idea too. I do not deny the fact that as a member we do want to enrich ourselves but if we look and see other people engaged in other businesses, let's say for example a restaurant or even a computer rental shop. I've been an owner of a computer rental shop before and I also use the same philosophy. I think of things to make my shop worth my client's time, make promotions and discounts to entice people to go to my shop. My mom had been an owner of mini-restaurant we call "turo-turo" in our country. We put up slogans and even give a few discounts to repeat customers. As I see it, all people engaged in businesses look up to enrich themselves too; however most business are limited for enrichment. Isn't it the very concept of business, enrich and empower the entrepreneur? If you are an entrepreneur, would you engage on a business if there is no promise of enrichment?

Time Consuming

Another one says that most people engaged in multilevel marketing would take most of their time. I think most people engaged on their own business would agree that when starting a business, it would take most of their time in enriching their businesses. Regardless of what business a person is engaged and not just people engaged in multilevel marketing business, they will make sure they'll put time and effort in making their business a successful one.

The Pyramid Scheme

The most common factor why people are avoiding multilevel marketing. One should beware of this scheme. What is a pyramid scheme? According to Wikepedia:

A successful pyramid scheme combines a fake yet seemingly credible business with a simple-to-understand yet sophisticated-sounding money-making formula which is used for profit. The essential idea is that a "con artist" Mr. X, makes only one payment. To start earning, Mr. X has to recruit others like him who will also make one payment each. Mr. X gets paid out of receipts from those new recruits. They then go on to recruit others. As each new recruit makes a payment, Mr. X gets a cut. He is thus promised exponential benefits as the "business" expands.

Such "businesses" seldom involve sales of real products or services to which a monetary value might be easily attached. However, sometimes the "payment" itself may be a non-cash valuable. To enhance credibility, most such scams are well equipped with fake referrals, testimonials, and information.

The flaw is that there is no end benefit. The money simply travels up the chain. Only the originator (sometimes called the "pharaoh") and a very few at the top levels of the pyramid make significant amounts of money. The amounts dwindle steeply down the pyramid slopes. Individuals at the bottom of the pyramid (those who subscribed to the plan, but were not able to recruit any followers themselves) end up with a deficit.

Basically, pyramid schemes are businesses that involves a recruitment in order to make profit. If the multilevel marketing offered to you tells you that in order to earn profit you have to recruit people then beware of this business. Although most MLMs involved real products, most of them may have fake testimonials or ineffective products. Check the credibility of the product, if you must. Check their certificates or credibility from reliable scientific organizations worldwide or locally if the product is only offered local.

It's not that I am tolerating people, specially Christians to join a multilevel marketing but if you think someone or a brother thinks you are engaged on an evil scheme, let them think of it. You don't need to fight or make an argument over the matter. Respect their beliefs because sometimes the more you defend yourself, the more heat goes into you and your business - don't let Satan be in your midst.

Before we leave, here are some pointers for all Christians entrepreneurs out there.

• Continue to be a disciplined and respectful Christian.
• Discipline your time, time for God is for Him only.
• Do not neglect your church responsibilities.  
• Be honest in promoting your product. Do not compromise by lying about your product's capability.
• Be more patient. In some ways, people will closely look into your activities in or out of church. May even disrespect you or just plainly ignore you. Be patient just continue to be a good Christian. You'll need a lot of this because Christians or not, some of them disprove of this business.
• If someone needs help, don't help them because you want them to be engaged in your business. Help them because they are your brothers/sisters and you love them.

If you have questions or suggestions regarding the matter, please feel free to comment or email me. God bless to all.

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QT10020: Proverbs 15: 1 (Calm Your Storm)

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

It is okay to get angry but instead of arguing with harsh words, it's best to have a calm and soft voice when dealing with people. One of our pastor once preached that even if you throw food to chickens, they'll turn away from it and that applies to us too. Even if you are saying something right, if you are harsh in delivering your words, people will back-out or ignore you at all.

Confronting people with anger or hatred always end up fighting but being calm can resolve a lot of things. It goes without saying this is also applicable, specially applicable to couples. One tip to couples, if your half is already angry, let him/her get angry and do not confront them with anger. They'll eventually calm as they realize your calmness if not you can always ask nicely - "Am I shouting at you? We can better resolve matters if we think calmly."

That's all for now. God bless from me and the rest of the gang (my family).

Just another wacky family outtake!

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QT10018: Eph 4: 26 (Be Angry BUT Do Not SIN)

Be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: - Eph 4: 26

This may be the hardest thing for a person to do; that is to get angry and not sin at the same time. The incident at the NAIA3 with Raymart Santiago and party vs Mon Tulfo has been a trend topic for almost a week now. After the said incident, an exchange of angered words were express by both sides. We do not know whose side is telling the truth but we all know that the fight started with anger.

Have you ever said something regretful to someone while you were angry at that person? It is not your fault if ever you have said it, the reason it came out is because it was in your heart. You mean to say things more when you are angry because you pour every thought and feelings whenever you are angry - most of the time it is hard to control.

But God actually allowed us to get angry but gave us a warning at the same time. In Ephesians 4: 26, it was said there "Be angry" but the warning said "and sin NOT". If both parties were able to get angry and talked things out with calmness then the fight never happened. Now after the video has gone viral, I've read a lot of rude comments against both parties which reflected negative to all of them. That's why in a war or battle, there is no winner - you are a winner if you can avoid it.

Now, the reason we tend to say regretful things whenever we are angry is because during our anger our heart gets weak. Physically and scientifically, anger can even kill you according to studies and that is because the heart couldn't take it. Spiritually, when we get angry our heart gets weak to temptations. We are tempted to say bad things or could even hurt people.

Lastly, the verse also tells us that we should not let the sun go down while anger is still in our hearts and is still unsettled. Forgiveness is the key. Remember if you take care of things, it grows be it love or anger so the more anger you keep in you heart, the more it grows just like what is currently happening with Raymart/Claudine vs Mon Tulfo now. If they were normal people, I believe it did not come to this resolution where they have to sue each other. 

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Tired but Happy!

Tiring day or should I say tiring month. Because of the deadline plus my wife's condition I wasn't able to have a complete rest everyday-I feel so restless. I am not frustrated just tired but I am glad and thankful to God that we were able to finish this week with so much achievements. First, to my work and then to my family.

We were able to open up a file at the King Abdulaziz University Hospital for my wife. King Abdulaziz University is a school for medical practitioners here in Jeddah or probably in the whole kingdom. It's a great blessing to be accepted at that hospital because we won't have to worry about any expenses anymore since it's all free. Prayers are really so powerful and I would like to thank all who prayed for my wife. She's doing great now - thank God.

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Saul or Paul?

Let me give you all a new series of reading material which I think will be useful for soul-searching people out there. Here is a Bible Study Tools that I personally studied myself. I hope you can all learn what I have learned as well.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Phil 4: 13

When you have decided to follow God, was life more easier for you? Or was it more difficult?

What I can say is that when I decided to follow God, I have a better understanding of why I experience sufferings, how I should solve it, what I need to solve it and whom I should ask for help. And in my opinion, I believe that I may have a different understanding and different approach in solving my problems if I have not followed God. One thing is certain, when I was an unbeliever and when I experience difficulties in life, I always felt alone and I always felt like I am against the world. It was hard for me to find strength when people around me have their own problems to settle and it made me feel very low of self-esteem and I had self-pity.

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QT10016: Hebrews 13: 5 (Reflections)

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  - Hebrews 13: 5

It's been a long time since I've blogged here at my Baul again. I've missed you guys. I've been busy lately and I have to let go of blogging for the mean time in order to finish my projects. Most of them are finished so here I am again. Now let me share you something about a reality that surrounds me right now - a reflection, my reflection.

Thanks to Dorisjoa for the image.

I

Having an inspirational themed blog doesn't mean that I am always inspired or even mean that  I am a strong person. It is true that when in difficulties, it is hard to thank God for the things happening around us. Difficulties come to everyone and Christians are not excempted. I've been through a lot lately but I am confident even when I struggle. I am confident that all things will still work together for good (Rom 8: 29).

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QT10015: 1 John 2: 5-6 (Dad, You're Jesus!)

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. - 1 John 2: 5-6 

Yesterday while I was mopping the floor, I asked Ize to stay on the sofa. He was quite bored so I decided to put the chairs in front of him and told him to pretend that he is on a boat. His boredom quickly subsided and got quite excited. He was watching me while I mop the front area of his "boat" and then he said "Dad, that's the water. Your stepping on the water." He was talking about the wet area that I've mopped. "Oh! You're walking on the water like Jesus!" I laughed and was happy that he remembers the stories shared to him on their Sunday School and the Christian cartoons he was watching on TBN - Smile of a Child.

The new Superman outfit. Ize pretending to be Superman.

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Debt-Free Christian Living

Proverbs 22:7 - The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower [is] servant to the lender.

Who among us is debt-free? Or rather who among us here is not dept-free?

Long time ago, people save money to buy house and lot for their future home but nowadays saving money for future home is hard. Now people often loan houses from big Real Estate businesses instead of renting a house which won’t be yours someday which is quite typical and looks quite more promising. A lot of great deals are offered but of course most of them are overpriced.

As a Christian, our debts are like the sins that we have made. And somehow, most of us become slaves to sin. [Romans 6:16 -- Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?] For example, if we loaned a money from a person, we regard their rules of payment with respect and utmost sincerity.

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QT-10006 - Romans 12:1

It has been a very busy month for me. So sorry about the delays, I promise to make it more often that I update my Quiet Time after my project is done. So here it is:

Romans 12

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Now this is another reason for us to stop smoking, drinking alcohol, drug abusing, etc... The Bible teaches us that if we love God and we want to serve God, let's present our bodies a living sacrifice to him - ACCEPTABLE unto God. Will God accept our body if we continue to destroy it by smoking, drinking alcohol or anything that abuse our health.

It's logical, God loves you and He doesn't want you to neglect your body. It's for our own good yet people are having a hard time doing this. My next QT will be a verse much related to this one.

God bless us always.

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Following My Followers

Natapos ko yung presentation ko kahapon with two-thumbs up. Hay salamat! It is really something when your work is really appreciated. And it means bigger if the one appreciating your work is in the same line of work - of course it means that he knows the hard work I did and how difficult my situation is as a lone programmer/analyst in a project. Team leader ako at ako lang ang member hehe!. Ngayong naka-quota ako, I'll try to rest my mind muna kaya heto ako blogging muna.

Yap! You read it right, nag-tagalog ako sa post na ito hehe! Not because I am tired of english, it's because TRIP ko eh! hehe! And I'd like to dedicate this post to all people who have followed my Baul - THANK YOU PO! I know kahit na medyo boring (actually, hindi nga medyo eh - ubod ng boring! hehe) ay nagpapasalamat ako ng lubusan dahil sa pag-click niyo ng Follow! Dahil diyan, follow ko rin kayo.

Okay, change topic muna tayo. This is about my Blog's transformation. Sabihin ko muna yung dahilan kung bakit nagbago ang Baul ni Noel. Sige, maghalo ako ng kaunting english. I first started this blog so that I can share my piece of mind through literature. Yes! I am a frustrated writer. Kahit na bako-bako ang english ko at maging ang tagalog ko ay improper pa hehe! Ewan ko vah! Medyo nagsisi ako nung ma-realize ko na I like literature pala kasi noon I get bored of this subject. Pero during my highschool days, when it comes to poetries, short stories (like Indarapatra and Sulayman, Biag ti Lam-ang) ay talagang medyo attentive ako, even during my college days. The rest of the topics in my English and Filipino subject ay tinulugan ko lang talaga - gaya ng pambalana, pantangi, verb, adjectives, predicate, panggalan, etc... Di ko akalaing kritikal yun sa paggawa ng mga literaturang kinahuhumalingan ko ngayon hehe!

Well, it's really hard to break habits specially in writing. Recently, I made an article for KaBlogs Journal about Education and a lot of things were edited, di naman ako nagalit or nagtampo - it is necessary and I am thankful kay Nebz (of Isla De Nebz) for doing the editing. Mas nagkaroon nga ng buhay hehe! "Don't worry, if ever I have another chance to write, sulat ulit ako Nebz. Thanks ulit sa edit".

I changed my Baul from tagalog to english because it is a requirement in some network affiliates that I have joined (they are traffic and money earning network affiliates like Adgitize, CMF Ads). By the way, if you are interested, sali kayo through my link ah hehe!. I happen to read a topic kasi, about how you can earn money from what you love to do in the internet and it happen to be blogging. Pero di yun ang main reason kung bakit ko ito binago. Of course, in order for me to learn I have to PRACTICE di ba? And most of my studies, specially Bible stuffs are in english.

Another transformation is from tagalog literatures to english essays - religious articles mostly. Ever since kasi na ma-assign ako to lead our church's young people (kasi nga young pa po ako at cute and cuddly - ano kaya kinalaman nun eh? Ang kafal daw!) ay na-realize ko na yung blog ko ay maaari ding mabasa ng mga kabataan, higit lalo ng mga taong hindi lubos na nakakakilala sa Panginoon. I try to teach those young students of mine that sharing your faith or sharing the word of God doesn't necessarily require you to be good in speaking. Pwede rin ito through your hobbies, like drawing coz I have this one student who loves drawing Anime stuffs like Naruto. Pwede rin through music, like Hillsongs, Casting Crowns, Noel, etc... (teka bakit ako nandoon eh hehe! - siyempre ako bida eh, akin itong blog na ito kaya walang papalag). Frustration ko rin kasing kumanta kaya lang yung music nafu-frustrate sa akin twing ako ay kakanta haha! I just remembered a comment long time ago, I was singing while playing the guitar - "Mag-gitara ka na lang pre! hehe!" - hanggang ngayon nasa hospital pa rin yung nag-comment, lantang-gulay na sa bugbog ko haha! (Just kidding!). So to summarize yung subject na ito, I used my blog to share the word of God - O di ba! I am hoping and praying that the gains I made from studying the word of God will also be a gain to all those who read my articles.

"I wish to be heard" - this is one of my reason before but now that people are listening, I try to make a sense of it. Even if people try to ignore or people can't accept (yet, maybe not this time) what I post here, with honesty and prayers I will continue to share God's word through this blog, faithfully. I am not saying na porke hindi word of God ang blog ng iba ay wala ng sense, it just happens na this is where I am making sense and I admit na I suck at some articles I did before lalo na yung mga literature. Again to shorten it, I blog where I can make sense so my followers can better undestand me.

Ang haba na, paano ko ba ito tatapusin? Siguro mag-part 2 na lang ako para madaling basahin. Bye! Oo nga pala before I go, here is something funny to look at before I go. Galing ito kay Roanne ng The Prodigal Daughter. 3D Farmville:

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Father's Provision: Tribute to All Fathers

This is a tribute to all fathers out there. Happy Father's Day.

"A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society" by Billy Graham.

===


1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Supplying the needs for the family is not an easy job, it is a very tough job. Parents, especially fathers, should not feel ashamed when they cannot give a child life’s essential.

The POOR PROVIDER

What might come as a surprise is that a man who offers his family MUCH MORE than the fundamentals can nevertheless be a poor provider. By giving in to every whim and materially spoiling his children or spouse, the household leader is not practicing good family management.

The WISE PROVIDER

A wise provider knows that boundaries are important in teaching loved ones self-control and discipline. Consequently, he will set limits that are in keeping with the Lord’s purpose for his family.

Mothers, sisters or women are known to be the emotional in the family. Usually, mothers are the one who provide first hand when it comes to emotional things even children’s personal needs.

But others failed to see the emotional provision a father can give.

• Fathers can offer a sense of belonging.

Parents build strong family ties by listening to their kids’ opinions and respecting their feelings. When that is the case, children know they have a safe haven from unpleasant circumstances—they feel security in a circle of people who love them unconditionally. It is like how God listens to our needs and respect what we deserve and as children of God (But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: - John 1:12), He continues to be faithful in providing us our need even if we are unfaithful to Him.

• Fathers can give their children a sense of worth.

So many boys and girls are growing up thinking they have no value. These kids try to compensate for their poor self-image through sex or drug use, but they end up even more disappointed. What a child needs is someone who will care for them someone that will make them feel special. And if they don't find it in their homes or their parents, they'll try to find it outside by being involve with frineds rather than their families. A good father involves himself with his children by bonding with his children (watch tv, movies with them, playing games, joining their children's hobbies, etc...) Anything that involves time or effort with their children makes them feel valued and this gives a sense of worth to them.

As children of God, how are we valued? How much worth are we to God? This is what the Bible tells us (Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? - Matt 6:26)

• Dads can provide a sense of confidence.

A father who expresses his support instills good self-worth and assurance in his children. Saying to sons and daughters,“I BELIEVE IN YOU NO MATTER WHAT THE OUTCOME” - letting them know that they are unconditionally loved and if the child achieves something “I AM SO PROUD OF YOU” they will be more confident to do their best. If they failed we can say “YOU’VE DONE YOUR BEST, IN GOD’S TIME YOU WILL ACHIEVE IT.” Doing this, even if the child fails, his or her sense of confidence will not waver. Because a good father is faithful and loves his children even if they fail. Like our God the Father that loves us eventhough we are unfaithful to him (For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. - Psalms 100:5)

If this is what our earthy father can provide, what more can we get from our Father in heaven?

"If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believeth." - Mark 9:23

Did You Know?

A child’s first image of God is his earthly father. We Christians spend a lot of time discussing ways to protect or improve our witness. We need not only to live our faith in front of co-workers and friends, but in the privacy of our home too. Let us show how Jesus works in us SPECIALLY when we are with our family. If we show forgiveness, patience, and acceptance then our children will expect to find those traits in the Lord.

== Author's Note:

Again, Happy Fathers Day to everyone. This is also a tribute to my late father. "Dad, I hope my words reached you as God have used me to share His words before you. I pray that I may see you there in heaven when it is my time."

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The Pride

Sometimes we deny the thought that God can help us or we can make it without Him. PRIDE - it can define you but it won't make you whole. It is not a goal instead it is a limit. It limits us to achieve something great and limits us to be a better person. Do not stop and say "I will not do this and put myself below others." With God on your side, He will lift you up and NO ONE can oppose you.

==
Just a simple thought I want to share to everyone about PRIDE.

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Parents, Choose TV Programs for your Kids

Last night, I decided to re-scan all our cable channels and re-pick all the english channels that we can watch. As a Christian parent of a 4-year old boy, it is my duty to pick the programs/channels for my child that will enable him (Ize) to gain some good lessons and I prefer it to be faith-based lessons. One of my most favorite free-channel for Ize is the TBN's Smile of a Child channel - it is a christian network. A lot of good cartoon shows can be seen in this channel (Actually, most of them are good and the rest are just boring but still good.)

After deleting all the unwanted channels which involves free adult related channels (you know what I mean). I decided to lock on the good channels and made Smile of Child Channel 1. It was during that time when Ize decided to sit with me so I tuned it to channel 1. The TV show involves a child and a dog. It is a rather old claymation so I thought it could be boring but I was amazed to hear my son calling the child's name and the dog's name. The boy's name was Davey and dog is Goliath (named after David and Goliath). So it seems he loves this show, so to my curiousity of why an old claymation tv show would interest my son, I decided to join him.

I am glad I did join him. The episode was about Davey, Goliath and Sally (Davey's sister) going to an abandoned mine. Davey ignored the danger signs and was trapped inside the cave. Even if I don't know if Ize can really understand me, I explained Ize about the danger sign and what Davey's mistake is. He just nods and continue to watch the show. He keeps on saying "wawa!" (kawawa in tagalog / pitiful in english ). I remembered as an adult, I can relate to this tv show as well. If we keep on ignoring God's warnings, the signs that he gave us - we'll get in trouble in the end. Now, while trapped in the cave, Davey realized his mistake - asked God for help and came the help he asked.

If we ever fell or trapped in Satan's schemes, do not ever feel sorry for yourself. There is a God that can help us when we are in need. And in order for us not to be trapped in Satan's scheme, don't ignore the warnings. Satan maybe a roaring lion but who can be against God.

I hope this TV show would be available for every child to see. In case you don't have it in your channel, it is available in DVDs already. I'm planning to purchase one after I get my bonus, I know it will be worth it. God bless you all.

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Are You a Kind Person?

"Mabait ka ba?"

(Are you a kind person?)

"Siyempre naman."

(Of course)

It is a very simple question that any person can answer. I thought, how about if I re-phrase it? A question that will give you the same output but have more thoughts in it.

"Mabait ka ba? Kung 'Oo' ang sagot mo, gusto mo bang balang-araw maging katulad mo ang anak mo o magiging anak mo?"

(Are you a kind person? If "Yes" is your answer, do you want your children to be like you or children to be?)

Then there is a question. I'm sure everyone will think about the mistakes they have done before they answer to this question and they might probably say - "Yes but not entirely like me!"

What's with that answer? It's like there's something hidden in it. I asked this same question to my wife and she did answer the same answer I said here. I asked this same question to myself and thought, do I want my son to be like me? Ahmmm. next question please.

Here is a thought. Home is still the best school for children and parents are the best teachers. "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." - Prov 22:6. Makes sense right?

Would you believe that most lessons learned by children came from parents? And most of those lessons are the things parents DON'T teach them. What I mean is lessons that we (parents) don't want or unknowingly teach them. How? In most cases, children's heroes were always there parents. They try to imitate them/us parents. Like my son when we had a baby visitor in our house, the baby was crying that time when he told me "I am Daddy". Then I asked him, who is he while pointing at the baby and then he answered "He is Ize." (that's my son's name). Then he lightly taps the chest of the baby and said "It's okay!". I laughed at what he just did. I did not teach him that but whenever he is hurt and cry, we (me and my wife) comfort him by saying "It's okay."

We (Parents) are their role models. So we should refrain from doing BAD things in front of them but to practice it - JUST DON'T DO IT! even when not in front of them.

The most important part of children's growth is their childhood. "Their mind is like a sponge." that's what my wife's doctor told me. So be it good or bad, they'll absorve it if you feed it to them so be careful what you feed them (I mean what you teach them or show them).

That is why their is a saying "Fruits don't fall far from it's tree."? Because people think that what you are always shows and eventually your children will learn from you. But I believe that people come to realize their mistakes and when they become parents they try not to let their children be like what they used to be. Thus, making them good parents and because of that practice they become good people.

So, "Are you a Kind Person?". For your children's sake, be one.

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By the way, before I end this article. I would like to thank God for his great blessings. I knew God will provide a way. On my previous article, I wrote about my boss not wanting to pay me for the month of March. I wrote him a letter - it's not a hate letter coz I know where it leads to. And I am glad I did it. He reconsidered everything and yesterday I just received my March salary with deductions. There shouldn't be any deductions but it is still better than not having any at all. Great blessings. Thank you God and thanks to all who prayed for us. God bless you all.

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Victorious!

It's been quite awhile since I posted an article. The reason is I am too busy, busy making myself busy hehe!

2010 Challenge

Year 2010 has been a challenging year for me and my family. Our company is currently facing a crisis that is affecting each of the employees. I am on a verge of resigning. One of my pinoy officemate already resigned and a few are on the hit list (24 people to be fired). I still don't know if I am included on their hit list but I heard from my boss (manager) that I am not included - thank God. I may be wanting an exit but definitely by not being fired. I always want a cheerful and happy exit hehe!

The Travel Expense

Two years ago, I was assigned in Amanah Obhor office. Since I don't own a car, traveling is quite expensive and very tiring. At first, I used to travel on a taxi but it cost too much (25 x 2 = 50SR/day) so I resorted to riding buses. The bus ride (2SR) goes from our Balad and passing my place up to Heraa and from there I ride a taxi (10SR), total of 12 x 2 = 24SR/day. By the way, I tried applying for a license but I failed once again because of my eye problem, I've faiiled thrice already. Dunno when I will try again - I hate rejections haha!

Challenge Part 2

Another challenge for me is when our salaries got delayed for almost 3 months. I was trying to save the money we have so we decided to go back to our Balad office. I thought it's better than not working at all. By the way, my home is just near our Balad office - I could walk if I want to but of course there is always a bus when I need one, only 2SR and I'm there.

Victory and Trial

We were paid for our Jan-Feb just last March 23 and after paying all the payables we end up with a 1000SR - Thank God there still much for us. The problem now is they don't want to pay the work I did in our Balad office - I told them I won't be in that situation if they have paid us on time but they kept telling me to understand what is happening to our company. I told them I understand pretty well the company's situation but they have to understand my situation as well. I know God will provide so I just accepted the fact that they can't be reasoned out anymore.

God has seen it!

If only for my family I would have been out already. But because God is with us, He already knew things will happen this way. I thank God for giving my wife a job. I don't want her to work but difficult times come and we can only rely on each other and God. God made provisions already and our answered prayer is a year advance.

God gave me His 4th Word

In commemorating Jesus' death, our church had a special gathering in which Jesus 7 Last Words were explained to everyone. I am blessed to explain the most intriguing 4th last word - "My God, my God, Why has thou forsaken me". I'll put the article I did here this week. But one thing I learned from his 4th word, his anguish in the cross can't be compared to the hardship I am facing right now and he became victorious. Jesus overcame death and has risen for me.

Ize's Happiness Brings Us (me and wife) Joy

I thank God for giving us the luxury of celebrating my son's birthday at Jollibee. His first, second and third birthday happened in our church and we just bought a cake and cooked pansit. Since he is old enough to appreciate birthday parties he became excited about his birthday celebration and is already full of anticipation. And because of his excitement and anticipation, we didn't want to hurt his feelings by cancelling his birthday celebration at Jollibee - instead we tried to chop-up a few hundred bucks from other expenses. It was worth it. It was a blessing already to see him laugh and smile on his special day - just the right age to celebrate with style.

We are victorious in facing these trials and we didn't do it by ourselves. God made it happen. Thank you dear Lord.

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Rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice. 

Philippians 4:4

Can you rejoice in times of trial?

Can you say "I praise you Oh Lord and thank you for all the blessings you have given us!" while you are in a time of great need?

Hard isn't it?

In 1 Thes 5:16 it says "Rejoice evermore.". Peter wrote this to encourage all the Christians. Mind you, he wrote this while he was in prison. I can't imagine how it feels to be inside a prison especially this days or here in a foreign country.

When was the last time you have rejoiced? I mean extreme happiness.

When we had our first born child - Ize.

When was the last time you rejoiced and thanked God after a great trial?

I rejoiced when my wife got out of the hospital after she was treated from PE (Pulmonary Embolism). I thanked God because we went out of the hospital, my wife feeling better and safe from harm and we didn't pay a dime. It happened I think 2 weeks after Ize's birth. She stayed on the hospital for a week and a few days.

Sadly, I admit that I have not rejoiced WHILE we are on that situation. I felt bothered, can't sleep and can't eat well as well but I never missed a prayer that time. She was almost at the brink of her death and all I could do was pray, I was only allowed 3 days leave while she was in ICU (Intensive Care Unit). It's a good thing my mother-in-law was with us. I hope and pray it won't happen again.

I am not like Peter who can rejoice while in prison nor like Paul who rejoices while being sick (skin disease) but I am always dependent to God. Currently, God is teaching me to rejoice while in a difficult situation - I am still learning.

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