Yuppies? Nah.

God's delay is not a denial. He's working it out for you're good. Have faith and be thankful.

Has been seriously thinking about getting a full-time corporate job, sending out resumes here and there, fingers crossed without appearing too cocky in front of the panel. With the limited time that I have in accessing the web, I have resorted to sending batches of online cvs with the hope that at least one of them would call or send a message. And someone did but I found out I have to work for seven straight days per week, which is not acceptable for me because I AM NOT A ROBOT. I know my limitations - physically and mentally - and I know it is not God's best. So here I am waiting, enjoying the free time that I have left, fervently praying for his will, while making sure that I am still being productive at the same time. There would be a lot of things - and people - to miss once I got a job: been there, done that. Priorities are still being set, catching up with people, praying that ties will not be broken by time and distance. Thank You for the things you've been teaching me lately, and I do hope I would be more teachable and self-controlled with my decisions.

"For I know the plans I have for you..." says He.

Blameless, When All Comes To An End

If everything is Yours, I can let it go...it was never mine to hold. (Psalm 24:1)

To whom much is given, much is expected. When blessings pour out, one can't help but look up to the heavens and say our own amens. But do we lift them up for offerings or do we keep them as our own? Do we pray for the gifts then forget about the giver?

If to live a blameless life is not our end, then what is the point of calling out to God?

Praying for more grace to hate sin.

Born alongside Shakespeare, I guess

Hm. Nice.

"Our primary calling as followers of Christ is by him, to him, and for him. First and foremost we are called to Someone (God), not to something (such as motherhood, politics, or teaching) or to somewhere (such as the inner city or Outer Mongolia)."

-O.S. Guiness

Humility Is, Um, Is...

Reposting from a blog. Something worth sharing, I think.

Humility is one of those “I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it” kind of things…..and it’s often wielded as a club in the hands of people who refuse to endure sound doctrine, who are quick to accuse others, who stand firmly on God’s written Word, of being Pharisees. So this morning, I’ve done a word study of the Greek word #5013tapeinoo, which is found in the New Testament verses listed below. Per Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D. The Complete Word Study New Testament, it means to depress; fig. To humiliate (in condition or heart):--abase, bring low, humble (self). It is from the base word #5011, tapeinos, tap-i-nos’; of uncert. Der.; depressed, i.e. (fig) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition):--base, cast down, humble, of low degree (estate), lowly.

Several things stand out to me as I read these verses:
(1) Humility is a vertical relational concept, with the humble viewing the other as being higher than himself, and not demanding his "rights".
(2) Our proper attitude of such relationship is first and foremost, to recognize that God is higher than ourselves. The key proof of walking humbly with God is obedience to His commandments, as was modeled by Jesus Himself when He became obedient unto death on the cross.
(3) Humility is also to be shown in our relationships with our brethren (“with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,” Ephesians 4:2.), and obedience to the servant leaders in the church, who must themselves know how to humble themselves so as to not lord it over the flock.
(4) We are instructed to humble ourselves, of our own volition. This is not a “holy suggestion", but a requirement for entering the kingdom of heaven.
(5) Our attitude is to be that of little children, who trust their parents and intuitively recognize the power differentiation between themselves and adults. The hymn “Trust and Obey” pretty much sums it up.
(6) If we will humble ourselves, God will lift us up. Voluntary humility is proof that we believe Him, and are yielding to His indwelling Spirit, to do the good works that distinguish Christians as lights on a hill in this dark world.
(7) Believing God's Word and proclaiming it in lieu of one's "honest opinion" is a humble exercise, if the Word is rightly divided and the goal is to seek the other's best interests, rejoicing in the truth. Because this is the way a child demonstrates trust in what his parent has said.

“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:10 NASB)

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11 NASB)

“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.” (Matthew 18:2-5 KJV)

“The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:11-14 NASB)

“Have I committed an offense in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?” (2 Corinthians 11:7 KJV)

“And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.” (2 Corinthians 12:21 KJV)

“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8 KJV)

“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Philippians 4:12 KJV)

“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:1-7 NASB)

“Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;” (Luke 3:5 KJV)

If by Amy Carmichael

If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvarylove.

If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not feel far more for the grieved Savior than for my worried self when troublesome things occur, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can rebuke without a pang, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If my attitude be one of fear, not faith, about one who has disappointed me; if I say, "Just what I expected" if a fall occurs, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "You do not understand," or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other's highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love...

If I hold on to choices of any kind, just because they are my choice, then I know nothing of Calvary love...

If I myself dominate myself, if my thoughts revolve round myself, if I am so occupied with myself I rarely have "a heart at leisure from itself," then I know nothing of Calvary love...

If my interest in the work of others is cool; if I think in terms of my own special work; if the burdens of others are not my burdens too, and their joys mine, then I know nothing of Calvary love...

If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If.

119. 9. 11.

How can a young man keep his way pure?

By living according to your word.

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Let's Take This To The Streets

They called me 'ineng' and asked for their picture to be taken so the mistress of the guy on the right could receive a copy.

Waiting for their parents to arrive.

They said that the best time to catch fish is the day after rainfall. They caught a whole net full of tilapia afterwards.

I'm not really a fan of Harbor Square and salty air. But this one reminds me of a sweaty afternoon spent with fellow photographers, all huddling their tripods in an almost view-less area of the bay, where friendly fishermen, vendors and security guards abound. Thank You for an overcast sky and a beautiful day.

Week 5. Photojournalism and Landscape Photography. Hello to Arlene Briones and Aldrich Lim who taught us today.

The Staggering Question

Taken from My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

"...Do I really believe that God will do in me what I cannot do? The degree of hopelessness I have for others comes from never realizing that God has done anything for me. Is my own personal experience such a wonderful realization of God’s power and might that I can never have a sense of hopelessness for anyone else I see?..."

His grace sustains.

A good question for a good - and drizzle-filled - morning.

Mark Mancina Is A Genius

Freddie Highmore, you made me cry. Great movie, greater soundtrack.

Track Listing:
1. Main Title - Mark Mancina 2. Bach / Break - Steve Erdody and Jonathan Rhys Meyers 3. Moondance - Featuring Jonathan Rhys Meyers 4. This Time - Jonathan Rhys Meyers 5. Bari Improv - Kaki King 6. Ritual Dance - Kaki King 7. Raise It Up - Jamia Simone Nash and Impact Repertory Theater 8. Dueling Guitars - Heitor Pereira and Doug Smith 9. Elgar / Something Inside - Steve Erdody and Jonathan Rhys Meyers 10. August's Rhapsody - Featuring Freddie Highmore - Mark Mancina 11. Someday - John Legend 12. King Of The Earth - John Ondrasik 13. God Bless The Child - Chris Botti and Paula Cole 14. La Bamba - Leon Thomas III 15. Moondance - Chris Botti

We Have A Map Of The Piano

One of the best songs ever. From Wicker Park's official soundtrack.

Kitlens + Pat + Angel's Burger + A Bit Of Photoshop and Bam!

Portrait shots, first hand. Might go back to street but I like this set. Thanks Pat!

I Was Like, Suuuure. *wink*

I'm an offspring to a dysfunctional family. I love it. And that's my mom and tita, by the way.

It's A Triple Double Celebration (Not a typo)

Nins and Abby so happy. Oh, it rhymed. Cool.

The Crew, with a budget of P100 each, not necessarily limited to burgers but of course some overate. I think this is the first 'stopover' for the night. (When you're with these people, you would find yourself stopping over somewhere for at least 3-4 times, for no particular reason. Trust me, I know.)

Have no idea what they're talking about. With the look in Jethro's face and Janu's pout, I don't think I want to know. And that's Jiggy and Queenie on the other end.

Me, Sammy and Nins. The camera focuses too slow for some reason so I opted to just stay on ground. The two hit the jackpot and jumped on time. Lucky.

They're Oreos. And they're wicked. Thank you for the Sisons who welcome us into their beautiful house and offered us with wonderful treats (ok i'm being generous now with my words but it was definitely a night well spent).

May 22, 2010. Dinner time. Still El Niño.

It was a grand night of food, laughter, and randomness. In celebration of Jiggy's upcoming birthday, my birthday and graduation that occurred weeks ago, and Janu's graduation as well, the three of us decided to spend our time and not-so-well-earned money on our friends, who by the way we missed hanging out with for the last few months. Awesome? yea.

Franz offers this ridiculously big burger - which costs ridiculously pricey as well - but every bite was worth it, based from experience. The girls headed first to the place, then ate our dinner as we waited for the guys. To see us together again was great, and I definitely missed those moments where we could only eat pancit canton and isaw and watch bootlegs of End of the Spear and Up. I miss pokerslap, Pretty Woman, videoke, pizza, late-night conversations, the post-late-night conversations, the prayers and other things that I associated with this group. I pray that as we all begin another chapter of our lives, no matter how small or big it is, we would all stick together all for His glory. That times like this may not be as often anymore but I believe God will find ways and time for our fellowship.

Samantha Anne Muriel Danguilan
Johanna Mignon Santos
Queenie Joy Rebucas
Johanna Lise Silva
Marianne Aleli Danguilan
Abby Sison
Roy Antonio
BJ Saavedra
Jethro Peñaloza
Jan Wilfred dela Cruz
Pat dela Torre
AJ Gonzales
and whoever name is not mentioned here but deserves to be here,

i love you and i hope i'll see you soon. God bless. =)

Imagine Native

Luckily that day, I was able to 'hang out' (technically you don't really hang out with senior photographers. It's just a term I use to sound cool. What you do is listen - or pretend to, if you're not in the mood to learn.) with one of my favorite live photographers, Toto Villaruel. And he's just a year older than I am. Great.

Oasis garden and resort. This is just a glimpse of it.

Hello, bride. You must be feeling really lucky right now. I'm happy for you. I don't know you but God bless your life.

That's Kuya and Jason DeG. Yeah, The Jason Deg. Thanks for having me test your reflector, it sure was a blast.

Week 4 of my Imagine Nation - Purpose Driven Photographer Workshop and so far, everything is running smoothly. I haven't learned this much since college algebra, but yeah, I understand that once in a while human brain must be exercised. Terms like flash compensation, broad lighting, Kelvin haven't reached my vocabulary until this class. There's so much to learn, so much to explore, in the world of photography: it's up to you if you want to remain in the safety of studio lights or discover the harsh reality of the streets (that is, without any help from your trusted gears). I still don't know which category I see myself in in the future, though glimpses of glamour, events and street photography has been a comfort zone for me lately. I trust God will lead me where He would find me useful, and right now I am confident that it is His will for me to pursue this passion of mine. Lord lead the way. Let me capture Your grace. I might now know things now but all will be revealed in Your time. My finger is ready for the shutter.

An Encounter

No, they're not doing the Illuminati sign. They're just praying for prosperity and wealth.

Pastor Pabs praying over the participants.

Pastor Paul with Aivan, Jasper and Kim. Spotted at Trinoma after the event.

My favorite ates: Roanne, Roselle and Jiggy.

Me, Leons, Jigs and Pat.


Photos taken during the Encounter God Retreat last May 14 - 15.

Glad Like Gladi

I super idolized this girl, young and free and principled. Oh, she’s a lot, actually, and this page isn’t enough to brag about her awe-inspiring self. She has taught me so much about life and I am always thankful to GOD for giving me a friend like her. i always tell her that she has inspired me so much and that she has made me appreciate life's imperfection, i love how she termed it "dysfunctional". i am waiting (and very much excited) to see her name in the bookshelves of National Bookstore (or sa fully-booked) because i know she has what i takes to affect people's lives. Thank you for singing Alanis’ songs for me, I love your voice. I love everything about you!

Dearest Gladi,
I was surprised to know that i'm included in that list of yours, of people who have somehow made an impression (whether good or bad) in your life. Yes, life is dysfunctional, and the more God's grace is magnified. I hope I could see you again in the future, maybe visit you in your hometown, take a tour of the nearby beaches (Laiya and Virgin Beach is good, I heard). I miss those long conversations on random days, just sharing our dreams and our hearts. Life, for me, has changed a lot since those times and it's all for the best. I bet you still pine for Og Mandino's and Paulo Coelho's books. I'm thinking of crazy haircuts i want to try and i want you to see it haha. I miss Cindy, Ajames, Kuya Li, Anto, Kuya Wei, Alvin, Gabo, and all those people we used to hang out with. We all moved on, I guess. But thank you blogspot for making it seem as if you're still here. love you and God bless. =)


check out Gladi's blog here.

Stargirl

I Miss You.

A Dash of Imagination and A Pinch of Life

Damn Pretty

"ms rica do u have any beauty tips? :))

Eat right, sleep well at night, exercise, laugh, love, be yourself and be confident about it, and all these are only achievable by the grace of God."

...which just reminds me of this passage...

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

from Mrs. Bonifacio's Tumblr account.