Arlene Manocot's Blog, page 18
May 9, 2020
The Duterte Manifesto
The Duterte Manifesto: Mag aral mula sa mga banat at mga talumpati ni PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE is published by ABS-CBN Publishing. I got this book from the Big Bad Wolf Manila 2020 book sale for 20 pesos. If I remember correctly, 145 pesos is the original price of the book. It was part of the bundle of 5 books for 100 pesos I bought from ABS-CBN booth.
I read this book for just more than an hour. It was just short read, but a meaningful one. I know DU30 a little better now, before I didn't care whether he lose or win the 2016 Philippine election. I am glad that God appointed him as the president, and under this pandemic CoVid-19, he is our president. I pray for his good health and may he continue to seek guidance and wisdom from God in making every decision for our country and every Filipino.
Read this book and get to know our president a little better. I promise it is worth your time.
Veronika decides to die by Paulo Coelho
Veronika decides to die is my second book from the works of Paulo Coelho from box set The Deluxe Collection. The title is intriguing and relevant. I didn't hesitate to read it after the out of this world experience with the book The Alchemist.
I like Veronika. She is brave. People of society will call her eccentric, weird, or strange. She was mad for taking her own life. She was tired of sameness she experienced every day in her life. At the age of 24, she felt like she already at the end of whatever. She had enough of her life on earth.
What's the purpose of life if you feel like you had enough bullshit of people around you? All the pretensions and prejudice of this wicked world is something worth to be thrown and burned in hell. This world is crazy. And as if life isn't as crazy at is the author, Paulo Coelho, offers us an eccentric, spiritual, mystical view of who are the real mad man in this world full of pretensions and greed for temporal things this doomed world offers.
Vitriol is a significant term in the story of Veronika decides to die. Dr. Igor connoted the term 'vitriol' as bitterness in layman's term. He believes that this is the cause of depression and other mental health. And his unsolicited experiment to Veronika proved that the cure to this entity called vitriol is the awareness of death or awareness of life. It means that if a person is aware of the feeling or truest existence of death or life, a person with depression or other mental health will have a better chance of overcoming and defeating such dilemma.
Simply, bitterness begone. Let's be crazy and mad enough to live life to the fullest. Do not conform to the ways of this world. Do not submit to the wicked ways of this temporal reality. Be transformed and live your life according to His will!
Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."
I like Veronika. She is brave. People of society will call her eccentric, weird, or strange. She was mad for taking her own life. She was tired of sameness she experienced every day in her life. At the age of 24, she felt like she already at the end of whatever. She had enough of her life on earth.
What's the purpose of life if you feel like you had enough bullshit of people around you? All the pretensions and prejudice of this wicked world is something worth to be thrown and burned in hell. This world is crazy. And as if life isn't as crazy at is the author, Paulo Coelho, offers us an eccentric, spiritual, mystical view of who are the real mad man in this world full of pretensions and greed for temporal things this doomed world offers.
Vitriol is a significant term in the story of Veronika decides to die. Dr. Igor connoted the term 'vitriol' as bitterness in layman's term. He believes that this is the cause of depression and other mental health. And his unsolicited experiment to Veronika proved that the cure to this entity called vitriol is the awareness of death or awareness of life. It means that if a person is aware of the feeling or truest existence of death or life, a person with depression or other mental health will have a better chance of overcoming and defeating such dilemma.
Simply, bitterness begone. Let's be crazy and mad enough to live life to the fullest. Do not conform to the ways of this world. Do not submit to the wicked ways of this temporal reality. Be transformed and live your life according to His will!
Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."
April 26, 2020
He found me when I was loosing myself (the end)
I continued attending the Sunday service. Aside from the usual Sunday worship service, there were other Church activities during weekdays. Other activities were announced during the Sunday service, we were encouraged to attend our respective group designation. There were group for women, youth, and also prayer meeting during Fridays. I once attended a prayer meeting. I didn't have the slightest idea of what would happen, but one thing I was sure of, we were going to pray, and that was because it was called prayer meeting. Wasn't it obvious?
I attended the prayer meeting. I was nervous. I arrived on time thinking that I didn't want to have any conversation with other people. I just wanted to reserve my seat and listen or pray or whatever I must do during the meeting. I didn't intend to meet and greet others, it was never easy for me to do that. It always felt like all hell break loose in my mind when I met strangers.
The prayer meeting started late. While I was waiting, there were only three of us and a woman whom I knew during my childhood days and tried her best to engage me in a conversation. Mostly, she was the one who did the talking. She tried to show me thru her stories how blessed she was, how wonderful her family was. I listened to her patiently while I tried to put on the appropriate expression on my face on everything that she said.
I arrived 7:30 in the evening, but the prayer meeting started 8 or 8:30 the most. There was a lecture about a story from the New Testament. I remember something about Bethpage from the discussion of the Bishop, I am not even sure. At the end of the lecture, we prayed by partner and some solo. I was with a partner and I was nervous, as always. She was kind enough to pray for me, and I didn't pray for her. Why? Because I didn't know how to or more like I was afraid that others would hear my prayer and discover how ugly the way I pray. After she prayed for me, I told her I would go home though I knew that the prayer meeting had not yet reached its conclusion. Others were still praying, but I was determined to leave. I felt insecure. That was the first and last time I attended the prayer meeting.
After that incident in the prayer meeting, I still continue attending the church. There were times that I missed the Sunday service because of my graduate studies. I listened to the message every Sunday and felt blessed every day. I knew I was on the right track. God wanted me to be where I was during those time.
During those times when I felt satisfied with my faith in and relationship with Him, there was a friend of mine who kept on insisting that I attend their D-group. Discipleship group or D-group is like a Bible study meeting. I rejected him a few times, but eventually gave in because he was so persistent. I also started to seek for more. More of Him.
It was a couples' D-group. A group composed of less and not more than ten, they were welcoming and accommodating, but I felt a little out of place since I was the only single in the group. I learned a lot from the discussion and looked forward to attend a D-group. I attended twice if I remember correctly. But eventually, I stopped attending D-group session. I was not comfortable that I was the only single in the group.
Few months had passed and that same friend of mine nagged me about attending just one service of the church he and his wife was attending to. Again, he kept on bugging me, but this time I didn't give in. I was busy with my graduate studies and already attending a church why I would bother going to other churches.
One day, at the end of my last semester in my graduate studies and that was November 2019, I just decided to grant my friend's request, I attended one service on a Sunday morning. After listening to a live-stream service from the main church, I was blessed. I was convicted. Since then, everything was never the same. I was never the same.
While I was getting acquainted with my new local church, adoration and praises would not cease coming out of my mind and heart. They just overflowed. I was able to compile them in a book that I just recently released on my birthday this year. I feel blessed. God never left me. In my trying times, He was there with me, always. He provided kind human beings to support and understand me. I am forever thankful and grateful. I am saved. I am redeemed.
And good news! I belong now to an all girls D-group for singles.
This is the book I mentioned. Click the photo if you want a copy.
~the end~
I attended the prayer meeting. I was nervous. I arrived on time thinking that I didn't want to have any conversation with other people. I just wanted to reserve my seat and listen or pray or whatever I must do during the meeting. I didn't intend to meet and greet others, it was never easy for me to do that. It always felt like all hell break loose in my mind when I met strangers.
The prayer meeting started late. While I was waiting, there were only three of us and a woman whom I knew during my childhood days and tried her best to engage me in a conversation. Mostly, she was the one who did the talking. She tried to show me thru her stories how blessed she was, how wonderful her family was. I listened to her patiently while I tried to put on the appropriate expression on my face on everything that she said.
I arrived 7:30 in the evening, but the prayer meeting started 8 or 8:30 the most. There was a lecture about a story from the New Testament. I remember something about Bethpage from the discussion of the Bishop, I am not even sure. At the end of the lecture, we prayed by partner and some solo. I was with a partner and I was nervous, as always. She was kind enough to pray for me, and I didn't pray for her. Why? Because I didn't know how to or more like I was afraid that others would hear my prayer and discover how ugly the way I pray. After she prayed for me, I told her I would go home though I knew that the prayer meeting had not yet reached its conclusion. Others were still praying, but I was determined to leave. I felt insecure. That was the first and last time I attended the prayer meeting.
After that incident in the prayer meeting, I still continue attending the church. There were times that I missed the Sunday service because of my graduate studies. I listened to the message every Sunday and felt blessed every day. I knew I was on the right track. God wanted me to be where I was during those time.
During those times when I felt satisfied with my faith in and relationship with Him, there was a friend of mine who kept on insisting that I attend their D-group. Discipleship group or D-group is like a Bible study meeting. I rejected him a few times, but eventually gave in because he was so persistent. I also started to seek for more. More of Him.
It was a couples' D-group. A group composed of less and not more than ten, they were welcoming and accommodating, but I felt a little out of place since I was the only single in the group. I learned a lot from the discussion and looked forward to attend a D-group. I attended twice if I remember correctly. But eventually, I stopped attending D-group session. I was not comfortable that I was the only single in the group.
Few months had passed and that same friend of mine nagged me about attending just one service of the church he and his wife was attending to. Again, he kept on bugging me, but this time I didn't give in. I was busy with my graduate studies and already attending a church why I would bother going to other churches.
One day, at the end of my last semester in my graduate studies and that was November 2019, I just decided to grant my friend's request, I attended one service on a Sunday morning. After listening to a live-stream service from the main church, I was blessed. I was convicted. Since then, everything was never the same. I was never the same.
While I was getting acquainted with my new local church, adoration and praises would not cease coming out of my mind and heart. They just overflowed. I was able to compile them in a book that I just recently released on my birthday this year. I feel blessed. God never left me. In my trying times, He was there with me, always. He provided kind human beings to support and understand me. I am forever thankful and grateful. I am saved. I am redeemed.
And good news! I belong now to an all girls D-group for singles.
This is the book I mentioned. Click the photo if you want a copy.
~the end~
He found me when I was loosing myself (Part 5)
I continued attending the Sunday service. Aside from the usual Sunday worship service, there were other Church activities during weekdays. Other activities were announced during the Sunday service, we were encouraged to attend our respective group designation. There were group for women, youth, and also prayer meeting during Fridays. I once attended a prayer meeting. I didn't have the slightest idea of what would happen, but one thing I was sure of, we were going to pray, and that was because it was called prayer meeting. Wasn't it obvious?
I attended the prayer meeting. I was nervous. I arrived on time thinking that I didn't want to have any conversation with other people. I just wanted to reserve my seat and listen or pray or whatever I must do during the meeting. I didn't intend to meet and greet others, it was never easy for me to do that. It always felt like all hell break loose in my mind when I met strangers.
The prayer meeting started late. While I was waiting, there were only three of us and a woman whom I knew during my childhood days and tried her best to engage me in a conversation. Mostly, she was the one who did the talking. She tried to show me thru her stories how blessed she was, how wonderful her family was. I listened to her patiently while I tried to put on the appropriate expression on my face on everything that she said.
I arrived 7:30 in the evening, but the prayer meeting started 8 or 8:30 the most. There was a lecture about a story from the New Testament. I remember something about Bethpage from the discussion of the Bishop, I am not even sure. At the end of the lecture, we prayed by partner and some solo. I was with a partner and I was nervous, as always. She was kind enough to pray for me, and I didn't pray for her. Why? Because I didn't know how to or more like I was afraid that others would hear my prayer and discover how ugly the way I pray. After she prayed for me, I told her I would go home though I knew that the prayer meeting had not yet reached its conclusion. Others were still praying, but I was determined to leave. I felt insecure. That was the first and last time I attended the prayer meeting.
~end of part 5~
I attended the prayer meeting. I was nervous. I arrived on time thinking that I didn't want to have any conversation with other people. I just wanted to reserve my seat and listen or pray or whatever I must do during the meeting. I didn't intend to meet and greet others, it was never easy for me to do that. It always felt like all hell break loose in my mind when I met strangers.
The prayer meeting started late. While I was waiting, there were only three of us and a woman whom I knew during my childhood days and tried her best to engage me in a conversation. Mostly, she was the one who did the talking. She tried to show me thru her stories how blessed she was, how wonderful her family was. I listened to her patiently while I tried to put on the appropriate expression on my face on everything that she said.
I arrived 7:30 in the evening, but the prayer meeting started 8 or 8:30 the most. There was a lecture about a story from the New Testament. I remember something about Bethpage from the discussion of the Bishop, I am not even sure. At the end of the lecture, we prayed by partner and some solo. I was with a partner and I was nervous, as always. She was kind enough to pray for me, and I didn't pray for her. Why? Because I didn't know how to or more like I was afraid that others would hear my prayer and discover how ugly the way I pray. After she prayed for me, I told her I would go home though I knew that the prayer meeting had not yet reached its conclusion. Others were still praying, but I was determined to leave. I felt insecure. That was the first and last time I attended the prayer meeting.
~end of part 5~April 22, 2020
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
I have always been intrigued by the works of Paulo Coelho. I have always been seeing posts about his books in some of the Facebook group pages I belong. Most of the books are raving about how good his books are. It was only during the Big Bad Wolf Manila 2020 I was able to purchase a copy of his books. I bought The Deluxe Collection with 12 of his books. It was such a joy that I finally got hold a copy of his books.
During the fourth week of Enhanced Community Quarantine or ECQ in Luzon due to CoVid-19, I decided to unpack the book set. It was another moment of happiness for me. I like books, and I like them more when they are brand new and freshly unpacked from their protective seal.
The Deluxe Collection consists the following works by Mr. Coelho:
The Alchemist
Veronika Decides to Die
The Zahir
The Valkyries
The Witch of Portobello
The Pilgrimage
By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept
Eleven Minutes
The Devil and Miss Prym
The Fifth Mountain
I was thinking what book should I start to with. After taking some moments, I decided to follow the order of the books, by how it was arranged in the box. I began reading with The Alchemist, which is also his most famous work based on how readers from the Facebook group page fan about.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Compelling, Spiritual, and Nostalgic. These three words definitely describe my experience as I read the book. It is compelling, demanding to be read, to be paid attention to. The philosophy behind the theme of the book is something that I also strongly believe in. It feels nostalgic that I had the same thoughts with the book's theme or maybe same with the writer. As I grew up and became an adult, I decided to tuck in that belief under the sheets of my forgotten or forced to be forgotten dreams. I believe in destiny, in God's given purpose in my life. More so, I believe in God. I thought He is just an entity to be believe in, someone that needs to be recognized so I will not received His wrath. I realized that my perspective and knowledge is just a speck of His true nature. I was missing a lot of who is God when I had not yet decided to seek Him more and desire for an intimate relationship with Him.
Reading The Alchemist gave a little boost in me of how amazing my God is, the Almighty God I am serving. I'd like the conspiracy of the universe. It is not black magic, it is not cult. It simply as it meant to be, that the universe will conspire to favor you, if you honestly and sincerely dream a dream and risk everything for that dream, it will even conspire to fulfill that dream of yours, if only if you truly desire it with all your heart and if it's anchored to God's original plan to your life. No matter where you are, no matter what happens as long you put your trust and faith to God, He will guide you to that path as you fulfill your purpose in life.
The shepherd sought for his treasure in the story, he met people who were able to help him to fulfill his dream in the long run. It did not happen overnight, it took years, a long journey to fulfill his dream, to find his treasure. Along the journey he was able to meet the love of his life and discover that love is not taking possession of what is yours, rather it is letting go. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also is a significant line in the story. It has been mentioned for quite few times in the book and it is very familiar to me because it is something that can also be found in the Bible. It was mentioned twice from Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:34. I love how this Bible verse was entirely the very clue to the shepherd where he can find his treasure. Have a heart that listens to God's plan in your life. A heart that is not deceitful, does not seek evil. Instead, a heart that is pure, made possible by Christ through the Holy Spirit. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.
May we all fulfill our God's given purpose in this life. God bless strong heart!
During the fourth week of Enhanced Community Quarantine or ECQ in Luzon due to CoVid-19, I decided to unpack the book set. It was another moment of happiness for me. I like books, and I like them more when they are brand new and freshly unpacked from their protective seal.
The Deluxe Collection consists the following works by Mr. Coelho:
The Alchemist
Veronika Decides to Die
The Zahir
The Valkyries
The Witch of Portobello
The Pilgrimage
By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept
Eleven Minutes
The Devil and Miss Prym
The Fifth Mountain
I was thinking what book should I start to with. After taking some moments, I decided to follow the order of the books, by how it was arranged in the box. I began reading with The Alchemist, which is also his most famous work based on how readers from the Facebook group page fan about.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Compelling, Spiritual, and Nostalgic. These three words definitely describe my experience as I read the book. It is compelling, demanding to be read, to be paid attention to. The philosophy behind the theme of the book is something that I also strongly believe in. It feels nostalgic that I had the same thoughts with the book's theme or maybe same with the writer. As I grew up and became an adult, I decided to tuck in that belief under the sheets of my forgotten or forced to be forgotten dreams. I believe in destiny, in God's given purpose in my life. More so, I believe in God. I thought He is just an entity to be believe in, someone that needs to be recognized so I will not received His wrath. I realized that my perspective and knowledge is just a speck of His true nature. I was missing a lot of who is God when I had not yet decided to seek Him more and desire for an intimate relationship with Him.
Reading The Alchemist gave a little boost in me of how amazing my God is, the Almighty God I am serving. I'd like the conspiracy of the universe. It is not black magic, it is not cult. It simply as it meant to be, that the universe will conspire to favor you, if you honestly and sincerely dream a dream and risk everything for that dream, it will even conspire to fulfill that dream of yours, if only if you truly desire it with all your heart and if it's anchored to God's original plan to your life. No matter where you are, no matter what happens as long you put your trust and faith to God, He will guide you to that path as you fulfill your purpose in life.
The shepherd sought for his treasure in the story, he met people who were able to help him to fulfill his dream in the long run. It did not happen overnight, it took years, a long journey to fulfill his dream, to find his treasure. Along the journey he was able to meet the love of his life and discover that love is not taking possession of what is yours, rather it is letting go. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also is a significant line in the story. It has been mentioned for quite few times in the book and it is very familiar to me because it is something that can also be found in the Bible. It was mentioned twice from Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:34. I love how this Bible verse was entirely the very clue to the shepherd where he can find his treasure. Have a heart that listens to God's plan in your life. A heart that is not deceitful, does not seek evil. Instead, a heart that is pure, made possible by Christ through the Holy Spirit. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.
May we all fulfill our God's given purpose in this life. God bless strong heart!
April 20, 2020
He found me when I was loosing myself (Part 4)
My mother had invited me many times to attend a Sunday service to the church she had been attending to, and I always declined her offer thinking I was busy and it would just get in the way of my plans. I was satisfied with my relationship with God. I believed in Him. I read Bible from time to time. I bought Christian-based books. I was self-proclaimed Christian though He was never my priority. He was just on the sideline of my life. I was at liberty to include Him in my day to day life in my own convenience. I thought that was enough.
When everything fell apart, I realized how I was a jerk with that kind of mindset. I was ashamed and guilty of what I had done, of what I had been doing in my life. I lived my life as if it's my own, as if I didn't owe Him my life, as if I had made everything possible with my own strength and will alone. I was the center of my world. When my mother invited me again to attend a Sunday service, I accepted it. I was taking chances. If it was only Him who could heal me, take away the pain, the guilt, and the shame that I felt, then I was willing to take the chances and I had nothing to lose anyway. I was lost anyway.
I started going to every Sunday service and I desired to have a complete attendance even though I was attending classes of my post graduate studies every Saturday and Sunday. I was determined to always write notes about the message. Most of the time, I always cried during the worship. I couldn't help it. Tears were just there, and after I cried I just felt a little better. I was regularly attending the Sunday service, and I came to like the new routine in my life. I decided to get baptize knowing that if I do it means that I would surrender my life to Jesus and He'll be the center of my life. It means that everything I do, I do it for Him, for His glory. I thought attending a church would be a burden, but it was not.
It was April when I was also volunteered in the Sunday's school during one summer vacation. I was not how to teach in a Sunday school and I was afraid that I might not be able to teach the true message of Christ. But with God's grace I was able to finish that week. Surprisingly, I enjoyed teaching the kids even it was tiring, I still got joy from it.
When everything fell apart, I realized how I was a jerk with that kind of mindset. I was ashamed and guilty of what I had done, of what I had been doing in my life. I lived my life as if it's my own, as if I didn't owe Him my life, as if I had made everything possible with my own strength and will alone. I was the center of my world. When my mother invited me again to attend a Sunday service, I accepted it. I was taking chances. If it was only Him who could heal me, take away the pain, the guilt, and the shame that I felt, then I was willing to take the chances and I had nothing to lose anyway. I was lost anyway.
I started going to every Sunday service and I desired to have a complete attendance even though I was attending classes of my post graduate studies every Saturday and Sunday. I was determined to always write notes about the message. Most of the time, I always cried during the worship. I couldn't help it. Tears were just there, and after I cried I just felt a little better. I was regularly attending the Sunday service, and I came to like the new routine in my life. I decided to get baptize knowing that if I do it means that I would surrender my life to Jesus and He'll be the center of my life. It means that everything I do, I do it for Him, for His glory. I thought attending a church would be a burden, but it was not.
It was April when I was also volunteered in the Sunday's school during one summer vacation. I was not how to teach in a Sunday school and I was afraid that I might not be able to teach the true message of Christ. But with God's grace I was able to finish that week. Surprisingly, I enjoyed teaching the kids even it was tiring, I still got joy from it.
April 17, 2020
Books of hope, peace, and joy during EECQ
Enhanced Community Quarantine was implemented in March 2020, and it is already April. The first week of ECQ was exciting and felt liberating from the usual and occasional toxic life I had at work. As we went on the first week Luzon's ECQ, I acquainted myself with my family about the updates on CoViD-19 by regularly watching news on TV, but we got tired of the news. They were just repeated every single day in every news program and the continuous increase of CoViD-19 patient did not make us feel any better. I stopped turning on the TV and diverted my watching time to social media which was not really the best diversion I needed during those time. I even subscribed to Netflix to watch k-drama, Ghibli movies and documentary films, so I could have other options online during this ECQ. Watching Netflix and reading manhua/manga went on until the third of ECQ. It was on the fourth week ECQ that I decided to stop depending on online entertainment, I needed to get a hold of myself I was turning into a 'netizen' anytime soon if I God didn't intervene with my unhealthy routine. Re-calibration happened, I did some gardening after watching how on Youtube and getting free seeds from the office of City Agriculture of City of Santa Rosa through the office of our barangay; I compiled my prose and poems and published an e-book on my birthday; and I got back with my to be read books, there are few of them.
Here are some of the books that I already read. These are good companions during this trying times. They will bring hope, joy, peace, and assurance in this time of uncertainties especially now that ECQ is extended until April 30.
1. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
It is a classic literature. This book will remind you on what really matters the most in life. The most important things in life cannot be seen by our naked eyes, it is only through our heart. Yet, we have to make it sure that our hearts are anchored to the truth. Because if not, our hearts can be more deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). Only Him can make our hearts holy, always consult to Him in a form a prayer to see what's really important in the life that we are trying live on.
2. Love (Selected Quotations) by Paulo Coelho
The author of this is known for his works as inspirational, life-changing, and eye-opener. I fell in love with compelling quotes from the different works of Paulo Coelho. They are spiritual and nostalgic. This book will give you that extra kick you need to believe in hope that can only be found in love.
3. Fresh Start: The New You Begins Today by Joel Osteen
It is a Christian-based book. Fresh Start will give you a head start to living a life where God is the center of it, or for some, it will take you back to your Father if you are in the path where you struggle alone. This book re-route you back to your Creator. It is both spiritual and practical. Aside from text referenced from the Bible, it offers practical application in the Appendix part where it discusses different action plan on how to further deepen your faith and your intimate relationship with your Maker.
4. The Power of I AM by Joel Osteen
This is the book I just recently finished and I really love the message of this book. Just like any other book of Osteen, this one is also Christian-based. It talks about how a declaration of your faith can transform your day to day life into a restful, peaceful, and a purposeful one. Life is not easy, but God does not want us to carry the burden of living in this sinful world. He wants to help you, to support you. You just have to surrender them all to Him. Just always remember who you and whose you are. You are the child of the Most High God. You are who He says you are. The book, The Power of I Am, will definitely remind you of who and whose you are. In this time of crisis, we have to remember who we are and whose we are.
What's next to my reading list?These are part of my TBR list, Paulo Coelho's The Deluxe Collection. Total is 12 books to read from PC. I am also currently reading Atomic Habits by James Clear in its e-book format.
Now, it's your turn.
What other books can you recommend to bring hope, peace, and joy during EECQ?
P.S. Bible is the best recommendation.
Here are some of the books that I already read. These are good companions during this trying times. They will bring hope, joy, peace, and assurance in this time of uncertainties especially now that ECQ is extended until April 30.1. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
It is a classic literature. This book will remind you on what really matters the most in life. The most important things in life cannot be seen by our naked eyes, it is only through our heart. Yet, we have to make it sure that our hearts are anchored to the truth. Because if not, our hearts can be more deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). Only Him can make our hearts holy, always consult to Him in a form a prayer to see what's really important in the life that we are trying live on.2. Love (Selected Quotations) by Paulo Coelho
The author of this is known for his works as inspirational, life-changing, and eye-opener. I fell in love with compelling quotes from the different works of Paulo Coelho. They are spiritual and nostalgic. This book will give you that extra kick you need to believe in hope that can only be found in love.3. Fresh Start: The New You Begins Today by Joel Osteen
It is a Christian-based book. Fresh Start will give you a head start to living a life where God is the center of it, or for some, it will take you back to your Father if you are in the path where you struggle alone. This book re-route you back to your Creator. It is both spiritual and practical. Aside from text referenced from the Bible, it offers practical application in the Appendix part where it discusses different action plan on how to further deepen your faith and your intimate relationship with your Maker. 4. The Power of I AM by Joel Osteen
This is the book I just recently finished and I really love the message of this book. Just like any other book of Osteen, this one is also Christian-based. It talks about how a declaration of your faith can transform your day to day life into a restful, peaceful, and a purposeful one. Life is not easy, but God does not want us to carry the burden of living in this sinful world. He wants to help you, to support you. You just have to surrender them all to Him. Just always remember who you and whose you are. You are the child of the Most High God. You are who He says you are. The book, The Power of I Am, will definitely remind you of who and whose you are. In this time of crisis, we have to remember who we are and whose we are.What's next to my reading list?These are part of my TBR list, Paulo Coelho's The Deluxe Collection. Total is 12 books to read from PC. I am also currently reading Atomic Habits by James Clear in its e-book format.
Now, it's your turn.
What other books can you recommend to bring hope, peace, and joy during EECQ?
P.S. Bible is the best recommendation.
April 13, 2020
He found me: prose and poetry of being lost and found in times of CoVid-19
Surprise!!!
I just released a book on Amazon.You can get an e-book copy for less than a dollar. This book started to be written last year, 2019. You may get a glimpse of the story behind of this book through my blog post series He found me when I was loosing myself.
And right now, our minds are already acquainted that Enhanced Community Quarantine or ECQ in Luzon is extended until April 30. Either we get bitter about it or make the most out of this extended ECQ.
Holy week just recently ended. Have you reflected of the course of your life? Have you already found your purpose? Have you realized the true essence of life? In this time of crisis, how do we see life in this unique and unprecedented situation due to pandemic CoVid-19? May you find insights as you continue to seek the truth, just like what I lost and found as I wrote my new book. My experience in writing this book brought me to the truth. The truth that can only be found in Jesus Christ after loosing yourself. I have hopes that this book will inspire people to move closer to Him.
What the book blurb says?
You can't stop me.I will keep on moving forward.You can't shut me out.I will let my voice out.You can't tell me what I am.You have no right anyway.I am what I am.That's the truth you can never change.
What's in the book cover?
Get your copy on Amazon buy clicking this link: He found me.
See you! Stay safe and healthy! God bless everyone!
I just released a book on Amazon.You can get an e-book copy for less than a dollar. This book started to be written last year, 2019. You may get a glimpse of the story behind of this book through my blog post series He found me when I was loosing myself.
And right now, our minds are already acquainted that Enhanced Community Quarantine or ECQ in Luzon is extended until April 30. Either we get bitter about it or make the most out of this extended ECQ.
Holy week just recently ended. Have you reflected of the course of your life? Have you already found your purpose? Have you realized the true essence of life? In this time of crisis, how do we see life in this unique and unprecedented situation due to pandemic CoVid-19? May you find insights as you continue to seek the truth, just like what I lost and found as I wrote my new book. My experience in writing this book brought me to the truth. The truth that can only be found in Jesus Christ after loosing yourself. I have hopes that this book will inspire people to move closer to Him.
What the book blurb says?
You can't stop me.I will keep on moving forward.You can't shut me out.I will let my voice out.You can't tell me what I am.You have no right anyway.I am what I am.That's the truth you can never change.
What's in the book cover?
Get your copy on Amazon buy clicking this link: He found me.
See you! Stay safe and healthy! God bless everyone!
April 11, 2020
He found me when I was loosing myself (Part 3)
The seats of the persons who seek for professional help gradually went empty. They were coming in and going out of door. I heard a loud cry from inside the room during those waiting moments. It was a constraint and painful cry. I felt his pain. He was the guy who was in cue with his grandmother. I even met a teacher while waiting for my turn. She was a teacher in elementary level. She was there with her son. It was game addiction that led them to seeking professional help. I was hesitant to engage in any conversation with her because she might know someone in the high school where I was teaching. But seemed to be unaffected of the danger it my cause to my situation. I had thoughts that she might gossip about me with her co-teachers and I feared for my reputation as a teacher even though I badly wanted to resign. My mother freely continue her conversation with the teacher I had no intention of joining them, yet my mother kept on talking with her until she asked whether I was still a student or working. I didn't how I would respond, and I didn't want to lie. My mother didn't answer for me, and the woman seemed to be anticipating for an answer from me, so I gave in and told her the truth. I worked at school and as a teacher. She was surprised, and asked how I coped up with my situation. I explained to her that I had an ST or student-teacher. I was very thankful that I had an ST during those time. He saved me a lot.
My turn to see the doctor came up and I was feeling cold. I was not sure if it was because I was nervous or it was the just air conditioner of the hospital working on my body temperature. I was the last person in the line. It was just I and my mother. I entered the room alone. I didn't ask my mother to come with me since she didn't also volunteer. I thought entering the room alone was a better option. The doctor sat on a chair behind her table. The room's motif was all white. I sat on a chair in front of her table. There was a little distance between us.
The doctor asked me how I felt. I couldn't talk properly, I kept on stuttering due to the cold I felt from the air conditioner. I told her how I felt sad, I didn't want my job, I always cried, I was very sensitive, that there was a student who committed suicide at school and people kept on dying around our area of residence, and I also told her about my father, how he used to get drunk and hurt my mom, turn our house into chaos, then after doing that he would just leave us at home. The doctor told me she understood me. She knew that what I was going through was tough. She also asked me I was into drugs or alcohol, I answered no right away. She prescribed a medicine for me, an anti-depressant, and reminded me that I should eat or drink chocolate, coffee, soda or anything similar to these food. But there was one thing that I didn't tell to the doctor. I wonder if I had told her about it, would I return for the next appointment?
I took the prescribed medicine every day in the morning for two weeks. It was making me feel better. My emotions were not overflowing whenever I had taken the medicine. I was getting numb. I lost the desire to talk or engage in any conversation. I cooped up in the school's library since I refrained myself from any human interaction. I had a feeling that the medicine would work best if I avoid any potential encounter with anyone.
April 7, 2020
A love story
I was in deep thought,
when someone gave me a broth.
I was confused and surprised.
I prayed it would not be my demise.
I declined with his offer,
but he insisted improper.
He fished a spoonful of soup,
and it just looked like a poop.
I struggled with his action,
and forced me the portion.
He grabbed me on my jaw,
and glared at me in awe.
I felt chills through his stares,
and I could see all his cares.
Was it sadness that I saw?
Like his soul had been sold.
I just felt pity for him,
I saw his sorrows in teem.
He was a neglected boy,
who never received a toy.
Sometimes he was beaten up,
and wouldn’t let him be by his pop.
Because of a failed given task,
he tried to put a smile as a mask.
He worked hard in the farm,
as if it would work like a charm.
Pleasing his parents made him fool,
hatred started to deepen like a pool.
His effort was wasted,
it was underappreciated.
Before he realized it,
he was already in a pit.
His life drastically changed,
as if he was freed from a cage.
He lived his life restlessly,
and treated life hopelessly.
One night he committed,
a sin that should be convicted.
He escaped like a fugitive,
and lived a life in secretive.
He got married with a girl,
who had experienced twist and twirl.
His past seemed to be trivial,
she didn’t care the slayer’s arrival.
She was happy to find someone,
who would stand for her as a man.
But she was deceived by her illusion,
and realized he was a disillusion.
A year passed and she bore a child.
Two years passed, he became a dead child.
She once thought it was the price.
Of the deed he had done out of cries.
I saw tears falling down,
from his old face in a frown,
He resorted to violence,
and forgot his innocence.
I wondered if he did repentance,
because he was given a second chance.
Well, he seemed to be repentant,
and tried to focus on what was important.
~Rethaf and Rethom. Yearning for the One. (p.57)
when someone gave me a broth.
I was confused and surprised.
I prayed it would not be my demise.
I declined with his offer,
but he insisted improper.
He fished a spoonful of soup,
and it just looked like a poop.
I struggled with his action,
and forced me the portion.
He grabbed me on my jaw,
and glared at me in awe.
I felt chills through his stares,
and I could see all his cares.
Was it sadness that I saw?
Like his soul had been sold.
I just felt pity for him,
I saw his sorrows in teem.
He was a neglected boy,
who never received a toy.
Sometimes he was beaten up,
and wouldn’t let him be by his pop.
Because of a failed given task,
he tried to put a smile as a mask.
He worked hard in the farm,
as if it would work like a charm.
Pleasing his parents made him fool,
hatred started to deepen like a pool.
His effort was wasted,
it was underappreciated.
Before he realized it,
he was already in a pit.
His life drastically changed,
as if he was freed from a cage.
He lived his life restlessly,
and treated life hopelessly.
One night he committed,
a sin that should be convicted.
He escaped like a fugitive,
and lived a life in secretive.
He got married with a girl,
who had experienced twist and twirl.
His past seemed to be trivial,
she didn’t care the slayer’s arrival.
She was happy to find someone,
who would stand for her as a man.
But she was deceived by her illusion,
and realized he was a disillusion.
A year passed and she bore a child.
Two years passed, he became a dead child.
She once thought it was the price.
Of the deed he had done out of cries.
I saw tears falling down,
from his old face in a frown,
He resorted to violence,
and forgot his innocence.
I wondered if he did repentance,
because he was given a second chance.
Well, he seemed to be repentant,
and tried to focus on what was important.
~Rethaf and Rethom. Yearning for the One. (p.57)
