For the past 21 years, God has been teaching me so many things about how to live this life. Most often than not, I would always willingly choose the hard way to learn. I really do not know why. Maybe because it's the only way I prefer or another reason might be it's the only way to learn some lessons OR it's because I am such a hard-headed person. I am not quite sure of my reason. This post is only about two things: Thanksgiving and Pinpointing. I entitled this "Our birthday Celebration" because I have a twin sister. I am not lying. I really do have a twin sister. How is that possible? I really do not know but you are more than welcome to look for her on Facebook.
This is a futile attempt to express my thanks to God and to everyone who invested in my life. This is futile because this will never be enough to acknowledge every effort that God placed in pursuing me all the days of my life. Another reason would be because this post could only reach most of the people who helped me but not all.
Nevertheless, let's start with the thanksgiving part.
God - You are awesome. Majestic and forever in control and sovereign over my life. You never get tired of pursuing me every single day and every single moment I fail to represent You - you never fail to give me a chance. Thank you for passionately loving me despite my struggles and my stupid reasons to justify them. We both know how undeserving I am to receive the things that you have given me but you still chose to give it anyway. Thank you for saving me by dying on the Cross and giving me a new life by conquering death. Thank you for reminding me to always put my hope on your Son, Jesus. Thank you because you didn't just save my soul - but you also redeemed my life here on earth. I could have been somewhere else but you rescued me from a self-centred life and told me how I would enjoy this life if You're the one who's running it. Thank you because it is finished. Living in a world full of performances and desperation for validation makes it almost impossible for man to live freely - but this is nothing to You. Thank you for reminding me that if You saved me from eternal death - you can save me from anything that this world has to offer. You are my God, my Lord, Father, and Saviour.
Family - I would never ask for more. I have an understanding and wise father; a caring and thoughtful mother; generous, supportive, funny, unique, intelligent, out-of-this-world siblings. I will never be where I am today apart from God using you to raise me up. People would always wonder where I got my way of speaking and my way if thinking on matters of life. Ultimately it all came from God, but you are God's expression of His love for me here on earth.
Papa - Thank you because you always tell me that you got my back. No matter what. I will always be in awe of the wisdom that God has given you. Thank you for really making me remember that who I am is much more important than what I can do.
Mama - Thank you for never getting tired of looking after me. Thank you for fighting for me when I was still in your womb and still fighting for me as I grow up. Thank you for making sure that I have taken care of myself while I am in my dorm.
Kuya Edward - Thank you for being so supportive and generous. I will treasure our small but serious talks over FB and in person. I am so blessed to have brother like you.
Kuya Cris - Thank you for making sure that I weigh my decisions properly. Thank you for making breakfast whenever you visit us at home. I am honoured to have a brother like you.
Ate Loi - Thank you for making sure that I have an ate to talk to whenever I need an advise. Thank you for the supply of shirts and polo shirts. I really appreciate it. God knows how thankful I am to have sister like you.
Patt - Thank you for bearing with my stubbornness and hard-headedness. Thank you for reminding me that I will never go wrong in giving. Thank you for protecting me from girls. Sounds funny but its true.
Every lesson, every moment of discipline, encouragement, provision, sharing of wisdom, etc. I have treasured it in my heart. I may have forgotten most of it but the lessons are embedded in my life. If I would be given a chance to enter this world for the second time, I would want to be part of this same family and live my life with you. Go through the same trials, learn the same lessons, and thank God for the same family. Thank you for never giving up on me and keeping up with my silly and irrational decisions in life. Thank you for believing in the calling that God has for me - whatever it is. I love all of you.
Friends - Victory Metro East People, Victory Galleria, CA4, ABSC, ABCD, FCS, Dekada, etc. I cannot thank you all one by one but given the chance - I would. VME People, God knows how much I miss the thriving atmosphere with you guys. I long to see you guys again. To my Kuya's and Ate's, you know who you are, thank you for making an effort in maintaining our relationship and making sure that I am walking pure and holy before God. To my brad and sis, thanks for your prayers and reminders, it's a privilege to share my life with you. CA4 People, it's not an accident that I belong in this section - in this school family. We have so many things to do - but I am still looking forward to that day that we can all just stare at the skies and the stars. Answer our what if's and maybe's. ABSC, You are one of the most unexpected thing that happened to me this academic year. You guys are God's Christmas, birthday and graduation gift to me. Thank you for keeping up with my seriousness and workaholic lifestyle. ABCD, I thank God for this small and intimate family that we have. FCS, yes, I have never forgotten my Alma Mater. May you be an avenue where people would surrender their lives to Jesus. Dekada, both students and alumni, again, you are one of the most unexpected things that I received this year. I never thought I would find a group aside from church wherein I can share Jesus.
Pinpointing.
Let's proceed with that one lesson: It's not about me.
It's not about thanking people through this blogpost and getting likes, views, shares, etc. It's not about getting the attention of people. It's not about appreciative messages addressed to me (or to us). It's not even about publicity. But why in the world am I writing this? Because it's not about me.
I invite you to ponder these thoughts with me. This is an old school thought but it doesn't mean it's no longer important.
I have struggled with this "itch" in my heart every single day - especially every time we celebrate our birthday. The desire to celebrate my birthday on my own terms. I always fall on that lie that my birthday could have been better if I have done something better; I could have felt better if I have received much attention or a number of greetings; it could have been better if I received this and that. I always experience it, not just during our birthday, but every single day. It's just that some weird "amplification" happens during our birthday. I have thought about it. Why do I feel this? Why do I suddenly feel extra-special than others? Maybe it's the effect of culture. "Happy birthday! Enjoy YOUR day!" Nothing wrong with this greeting. It is a fact. This is my day - the day I was born. However, it's not a valid reason see ourselves as extra-special people than others. Celebrating our birthday is not an excuse to become selfish.
If my (our) birthday is not about me (us), then what (who) is it all about? Simple, Jesus. No more and no less.
You are more than welcome to close the window after I gave my answer. For those who kept on browsing, thank you.
If Jesus is at the centre of our lives, everything on its periphery only has one function: to reflect. I call it "Pinpointing".
Let your life pinpoint the Person who really is the reason behind every celebration of your life. Our birthdays are worth celebrating because its worth is founded on Jesus. You may find the idea very religious and spiritual but the truth is, we are trying to find a replacement of Jesus in our hearts. We look for opportunities to get away with the idea of Jesus. We reason out. We justify our actions. We even use the day of our birth as an opportunity to celebrate "me" and not Him. If Jesus is not the main reason why we celebrate our birthday, what makes it special? Let me say this upfront. My birthday is not about me, it's about God's faithfulness and goodness to my life. The purpose of celebrating this 21st birthday is to remind my heart of God's faithfulness - which in times of hardships and trials, I tend to forget. We are so caught up with having the things we want that we forget that simple idea: Oo nga pala, buhay ako. His faithfulness is shown in my family, friends, school and many other things that I have no space to write about.
Whenever we celebrate birthdays, I hope we know the reason why we even celebrate it. As you greet people, remember what God has done in your life through this person and don't forget to thank God.
Modesty aside, if you find my posts inspiring, amazing or even eye-opening - there is only one purpose to that and that is for you to know and experience Jesus in your life more. This post, my words, my writings are all useless if I was not able to pinpoint you the Person who gave meaning to my life. If I was born for the sole purpose of giving glory and honour to God, I think it should also be the same reason why I should celebrate my birthday. Every year. As long as I live.
Before writing this blog entry, I got reminded of this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E
Happy Birthday! Enjoy His' Day!
This is a futile attempt to express my thanks to God and to everyone who invested in my life. This is futile because this will never be enough to acknowledge every effort that God placed in pursuing me all the days of my life. Another reason would be because this post could only reach most of the people who helped me but not all.
Nevertheless, let's start with the thanksgiving part.
God - You are awesome. Majestic and forever in control and sovereign over my life. You never get tired of pursuing me every single day and every single moment I fail to represent You - you never fail to give me a chance. Thank you for passionately loving me despite my struggles and my stupid reasons to justify them. We both know how undeserving I am to receive the things that you have given me but you still chose to give it anyway. Thank you for saving me by dying on the Cross and giving me a new life by conquering death. Thank you for reminding me to always put my hope on your Son, Jesus. Thank you because you didn't just save my soul - but you also redeemed my life here on earth. I could have been somewhere else but you rescued me from a self-centred life and told me how I would enjoy this life if You're the one who's running it. Thank you because it is finished. Living in a world full of performances and desperation for validation makes it almost impossible for man to live freely - but this is nothing to You. Thank you for reminding me that if You saved me from eternal death - you can save me from anything that this world has to offer. You are my God, my Lord, Father, and Saviour.
Family - I would never ask for more. I have an understanding and wise father; a caring and thoughtful mother; generous, supportive, funny, unique, intelligent, out-of-this-world siblings. I will never be where I am today apart from God using you to raise me up. People would always wonder where I got my way of speaking and my way if thinking on matters of life. Ultimately it all came from God, but you are God's expression of His love for me here on earth.
Papa - Thank you because you always tell me that you got my back. No matter what. I will always be in awe of the wisdom that God has given you. Thank you for really making me remember that who I am is much more important than what I can do.
Mama - Thank you for never getting tired of looking after me. Thank you for fighting for me when I was still in your womb and still fighting for me as I grow up. Thank you for making sure that I have taken care of myself while I am in my dorm.
Kuya Edward - Thank you for being so supportive and generous. I will treasure our small but serious talks over FB and in person. I am so blessed to have brother like you.
Kuya Cris - Thank you for making sure that I weigh my decisions properly. Thank you for making breakfast whenever you visit us at home. I am honoured to have a brother like you.
Ate Loi - Thank you for making sure that I have an ate to talk to whenever I need an advise. Thank you for the supply of shirts and polo shirts. I really appreciate it. God knows how thankful I am to have sister like you.
Patt - Thank you for bearing with my stubbornness and hard-headedness. Thank you for reminding me that I will never go wrong in giving. Thank you for protecting me from girls. Sounds funny but its true.
Every lesson, every moment of discipline, encouragement, provision, sharing of wisdom, etc. I have treasured it in my heart. I may have forgotten most of it but the lessons are embedded in my life. If I would be given a chance to enter this world for the second time, I would want to be part of this same family and live my life with you. Go through the same trials, learn the same lessons, and thank God for the same family. Thank you for never giving up on me and keeping up with my silly and irrational decisions in life. Thank you for believing in the calling that God has for me - whatever it is. I love all of you.
Friends - Victory Metro East People, Victory Galleria, CA4, ABSC, ABCD, FCS, Dekada, etc. I cannot thank you all one by one but given the chance - I would. VME People, God knows how much I miss the thriving atmosphere with you guys. I long to see you guys again. To my Kuya's and Ate's, you know who you are, thank you for making an effort in maintaining our relationship and making sure that I am walking pure and holy before God. To my brad and sis, thanks for your prayers and reminders, it's a privilege to share my life with you. CA4 People, it's not an accident that I belong in this section - in this school family. We have so many things to do - but I am still looking forward to that day that we can all just stare at the skies and the stars. Answer our what if's and maybe's. ABSC, You are one of the most unexpected thing that happened to me this academic year. You guys are God's Christmas, birthday and graduation gift to me. Thank you for keeping up with my seriousness and workaholic lifestyle. ABCD, I thank God for this small and intimate family that we have. FCS, yes, I have never forgotten my Alma Mater. May you be an avenue where people would surrender their lives to Jesus. Dekada, both students and alumni, again, you are one of the most unexpected things that I received this year. I never thought I would find a group aside from church wherein I can share Jesus.
Pinpointing.
Let's proceed with that one lesson: It's not about me.
It's not about thanking people through this blogpost and getting likes, views, shares, etc. It's not about getting the attention of people. It's not about appreciative messages addressed to me (or to us). It's not even about publicity. But why in the world am I writing this? Because it's not about me.
I invite you to ponder these thoughts with me. This is an old school thought but it doesn't mean it's no longer important.
I have struggled with this "itch" in my heart every single day - especially every time we celebrate our birthday. The desire to celebrate my birthday on my own terms. I always fall on that lie that my birthday could have been better if I have done something better; I could have felt better if I have received much attention or a number of greetings; it could have been better if I received this and that. I always experience it, not just during our birthday, but every single day. It's just that some weird "amplification" happens during our birthday. I have thought about it. Why do I feel this? Why do I suddenly feel extra-special than others? Maybe it's the effect of culture. "Happy birthday! Enjoy YOUR day!" Nothing wrong with this greeting. It is a fact. This is my day - the day I was born. However, it's not a valid reason see ourselves as extra-special people than others. Celebrating our birthday is not an excuse to become selfish.
If my (our) birthday is not about me (us), then what (who) is it all about? Simple, Jesus. No more and no less.
You are more than welcome to close the window after I gave my answer. For those who kept on browsing, thank you.
If Jesus is at the centre of our lives, everything on its periphery only has one function: to reflect. I call it "Pinpointing".
Let your life pinpoint the Person who really is the reason behind every celebration of your life. Our birthdays are worth celebrating because its worth is founded on Jesus. You may find the idea very religious and spiritual but the truth is, we are trying to find a replacement of Jesus in our hearts. We look for opportunities to get away with the idea of Jesus. We reason out. We justify our actions. We even use the day of our birth as an opportunity to celebrate "me" and not Him. If Jesus is not the main reason why we celebrate our birthday, what makes it special? Let me say this upfront. My birthday is not about me, it's about God's faithfulness and goodness to my life. The purpose of celebrating this 21st birthday is to remind my heart of God's faithfulness - which in times of hardships and trials, I tend to forget. We are so caught up with having the things we want that we forget that simple idea: Oo nga pala, buhay ako. His faithfulness is shown in my family, friends, school and many other things that I have no space to write about.
Whenever we celebrate birthdays, I hope we know the reason why we even celebrate it. As you greet people, remember what God has done in your life through this person and don't forget to thank God.
Modesty aside, if you find my posts inspiring, amazing or even eye-opening - there is only one purpose to that and that is for you to know and experience Jesus in your life more. This post, my words, my writings are all useless if I was not able to pinpoint you the Person who gave meaning to my life. If I was born for the sole purpose of giving glory and honour to God, I think it should also be the same reason why I should celebrate my birthday. Every year. As long as I live.
Before writing this blog entry, I got reminded of this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E
Happy Birthday! Enjoy His' Day!
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