Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe
Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence
Don't give major time to minor people
Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him [1 Cor. 2:9]
Do one thing that scares you every day
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results
Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies
Tell me who your friends are, and I'll tell you who you are
A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same
Guys are like shopping for designer bags on E-bay, if it's too good to be true they're probably fake
Slow and steady wins the race
After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music
Can miles truly separate you from friends... If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?
I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love
No one should ever 'complete you' or be your 'other half' because falling in love includes two whole individuals
It is always better to love than to be right (GAT quote)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
CA-GAT 09
I've been sitting here for awhile trying to come up with something witty, or trying to compress all the lessons and memories we all shared into one short note. It was then that I realized that I shouldn't be writing something like a summary, not only because it's almost impossible to put into words how incredibly unforgettable GAT was, but because our great adventure never truly ends. Even though this was stated numerous times throughout those short but sweet 15 days, it only hit me now that our individual great adventures REALLY still have yet to begin.
Just a short 8 months ago I'd say I hit rock bottom; the skies were dark, no birds chirping, and no sun to brighten up my day. I can officially say that GAT was exactly what I needed to understand why God let me get that far down. Everything happens for a reason. I experienced every worship for a reason, sat through every session and workshop for a reason, just like how I met every single one of *you for a reason. I can happily say that the skies are back to beautiful blues and the sun is shining brighter than ever...and the birds are chirping to the tune of One Desire, haha.
I think my "word of the year" is Hope. Be prepared to be tested, be prepared to act with courage, be prepared to be uncomfortable, and be prepared to accept failure...but throughout it all, never give up hope.
Rather than trying to inspire you with a note, I pray that I can both give and receive inspiration from you all in the coming weeks, months, and years while serving our God. GAT was something else...something special, something meaningful...something that can really only be called a miracle. So Thank You 'CAGAT'ers...for being perfect pieces to my puzzle...a part of my God given miracle.
Kudos to each and every one of you
And with that, MGBP!
I've been sitting here for awhile trying to come up with something witty, or trying to compress all the lessons and memories we all shared into one short note. It was then that I realized that I shouldn't be writing something like a summary, not only because it's almost impossible to put into words how incredibly unforgettable GAT was, but because our great adventure never truly ends. Even though this was stated numerous times throughout those short but sweet 15 days, it only hit me now that our individual great adventures REALLY still have yet to begin.
Just a short 8 months ago I'd say I hit rock bottom; the skies were dark, no birds chirping, and no sun to brighten up my day. I can officially say that GAT was exactly what I needed to understand why God let me get that far down. Everything happens for a reason. I experienced every worship for a reason, sat through every session and workshop for a reason, just like how I met every single one of *you for a reason. I can happily say that the skies are back to beautiful blues and the sun is shining brighter than ever...and the birds are chirping to the tune of One Desire, haha.
I think my "word of the year" is Hope. Be prepared to be tested, be prepared to act with courage, be prepared to be uncomfortable, and be prepared to accept failure...but throughout it all, never give up hope.
Rather than trying to inspire you with a note, I pray that I can both give and receive inspiration from you all in the coming weeks, months, and years while serving our God. GAT was something else...something special, something meaningful...something that can really only be called a miracle. So Thank You 'CAGAT'ers...for being perfect pieces to my puzzle...a part of my God given miracle.
Kudos to each and every one of you
And with that, MGBP!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
I’m not by any means an avid reader, but I do very much enjoy a good inspirational book. Last night I started the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge as suggested by a good friend (Love you ev!). Only two chapters in and I’m already hooked.
Women basically have three core desires:
1) To be romanced
2) To play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure
3) To unveil beauty
Chapter 1: The Heart of a Woman
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life,” [Prov. 4:23]
“Every woman I’ve ever met feels it – something deeper than just the sense of failing at what she does. An underlying, gut feeling of failing at who she is. I am not enough, and, I am too much at the same time. Not pretty enough, not thin enough, not kind enough, not gracious enough, not disciplined enough. But too emotional, too needy, too sensitive, too strong, too opinionated, too messy”
“We desire to possess a beauty that is worth pursuing, worth fighting for, a beauty that is core to who we truly are. We want beauty that can be seen; beauty that can be felt; beauty that affects others; a beauty all our own to unveil”
Chapter 2: What Eve Alone Can Tell
Eve is the crescendo, the final, astonishing work of God. Woman is God’s finishing touch, his piece de resistance! There is a reason why we all yearn for the same thing, why tales as old as time exist… of a princess and her prince charming, like in Cinderella, Pretty Woman, etc. We should not be ashamed as women to yearn and desire these things because it is how we were designed.
“Rather than asking, what should a woman do- what is her role? It would be far more helpful to ask, what IS a woman- what is her design? And why did God place Woman in our midst?”
Beauty invites: Women, just like a piece of beautiful music, is captivating. It invites you in, commands your attention, and makes you want to look deeper.
Beauty nourishes: Our bodies are sacred and our bodies nourish the soul and nourish our children. The flesh is not a ‘bad’ thing.
Beauty comforts: A simple smile or an act of love comforts us when we need it most. In our darkest times, find the beauty in every little thing for comfort.
Beauty inspires: When you are in the presence of a great woman, it inspires you to better yourself. As said in As Good As It Gets, “You make me want to be a better man”…beauty inspires.
Beauty is transcendent: It is our most immediate experience of eternal. It reminds us that “there is a glory calling to you”.
“One of the deepest ways a woman bears the image of God is in her mystery”. Mystery as in, something to be explored. “You cannot simply have me. You must seek me, pursue me. I won’t let you in unless I know you love me”. Just like God, we yearn to be known. And just like God, we yearn to be sought after. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart,” [Jer. 29:13]. A woman is not something to be solved, but a vast wonder to be enjoyed.
“Beauty is an essence that is given to every woman at her creation”
Women basically have three core desires:
1) To be romanced
2) To play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure
3) To unveil beauty
Chapter 1: The Heart of a Woman
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life,” [Prov. 4:23]
“Every woman I’ve ever met feels it – something deeper than just the sense of failing at what she does. An underlying, gut feeling of failing at who she is. I am not enough, and, I am too much at the same time. Not pretty enough, not thin enough, not kind enough, not gracious enough, not disciplined enough. But too emotional, too needy, too sensitive, too strong, too opinionated, too messy”
“We desire to possess a beauty that is worth pursuing, worth fighting for, a beauty that is core to who we truly are. We want beauty that can be seen; beauty that can be felt; beauty that affects others; a beauty all our own to unveil”
Chapter 2: What Eve Alone Can Tell
Eve is the crescendo, the final, astonishing work of God. Woman is God’s finishing touch, his piece de resistance! There is a reason why we all yearn for the same thing, why tales as old as time exist… of a princess and her prince charming, like in Cinderella, Pretty Woman, etc. We should not be ashamed as women to yearn and desire these things because it is how we were designed.
“Rather than asking, what should a woman do- what is her role? It would be far more helpful to ask, what IS a woman- what is her design? And why did God place Woman in our midst?”
Beauty invites: Women, just like a piece of beautiful music, is captivating. It invites you in, commands your attention, and makes you want to look deeper.
Beauty nourishes: Our bodies are sacred and our bodies nourish the soul and nourish our children. The flesh is not a ‘bad’ thing.
Beauty comforts: A simple smile or an act of love comforts us when we need it most. In our darkest times, find the beauty in every little thing for comfort.
Beauty inspires: When you are in the presence of a great woman, it inspires you to better yourself. As said in As Good As It Gets, “You make me want to be a better man”…beauty inspires.
Beauty is transcendent: It is our most immediate experience of eternal. It reminds us that “there is a glory calling to you”.
“One of the deepest ways a woman bears the image of God is in her mystery”. Mystery as in, something to be explored. “You cannot simply have me. You must seek me, pursue me. I won’t let you in unless I know you love me”. Just like God, we yearn to be known. And just like God, we yearn to be sought after. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart,” [Jer. 29:13]. A woman is not something to be solved, but a vast wonder to be enjoyed.
“Beauty is an essence that is given to every woman at her creation”
Monday, August 10, 2009
It's only been about an hour and I'm already having crazy withdrawal symptoms.
I miss the trio
I miss the loverboys
I miss BBG (big boned gay aka figglypoo aka FIGGATRON)
I miss the FT-dubz
I just miss everyone
These past two weeks have been indescribable.
It's one of those experiences where pictures and words wouldn't even come close to doing it justice.
God truly is great
I miss the trio
I miss the loverboys
I miss BBG (big boned gay aka figglypoo aka FIGGATRON)
I miss the FT-dubz
I just miss everyone
These past two weeks have been indescribable.
It's one of those experiences where pictures and words wouldn't even come close to doing it justice.
God truly is great
Friday, July 24, 2009
Philippines update #4
Itinerary for GAT
GAT; Great Adventure Tour
GK; Gawad Kalinga (This is the name of the entire organization)
ANCOP; ANswering the Cry Of the Poor
YFC; Youth For Christ
SHOUT; Summer HOUse Training
Total of 14 days, beginning Monday July 27
Activities will be divided into 3 categories:
1) Strength/Self
2) Love/Society/Others
3) Self-control/Family
July 27 (CFC Center, Ortigas) - YFC Coordination Meeting, Mass, Welcome Party
Strength/Self
July 28 (Manila) - Amazing Race Manila
July 29-31 (Tagaytay) - SHOUT, Adventure camp, Silent retreat
Love/Society/Others
August 1 (Manila) - YFC Program Immersion
August 2&3 (Bataan & Zambales) - Love Road Trip
Self-Control/Family
August 4-6 (Nueva Ecija) - GK Immersion (this is the build)
August 7 (Pangasinan) - Visiting Our Lady of Manaoag
August 8&9 (Hundred Islands, literally a hundred tiny islands in Pangasinan) - Rest and Recreation
August 10 (Manila) - Shopping & Closing Party
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Philippines update #3
Just got back from Boracay with Martina. Beautiful island. I shouldn't even try to describe it because I wouldn't do it justice.
Picture this...
Ocean, beach, $10 massage, Jonah's Shake (Pineapple/Mango), and my favourite song Cruisin' playing on the iPod
Can you say woooooooooooooooooooooow
haha
It's Wednesday at around 530PM and GAT starts on Monday at 3 but meetup is at 8am that morning. GAT is the Great Adventure Tour, which is the main reason I'm in the Philippines.
I got to ride a tricycle (not the kind you're imaging, like the ones with training wheels for kids haha). Here they just call it a tric (pronounced trike). It's basically a motorcycle connected to another compartment with seats so people can sit in it. They're used here like taxis basically. I got to ride it twice in Boracay, but they say it's much more dangerous here in Manila since they're more careless.
Stuff is so cheap here, but then again pay is so much less too. My cousin Martina and I were discussing minimum wage differences between the Philippines and Canada. Speaking in terms of Pesos, people here earn about 300-400 pesos minimum wage per DAY, while people in Canada earn $9/hr which is 360 pesos per HOUR. Crazy.
Our dog here is bella. She's great. Fat. Cute. We would say she is "ma lambing", which means she's very sweet and cuddly. She's sitting beside me as I type.
I'm brushing up on my Tagalog woohoo. I've been trying to use it as much as I can in public.
In Boracay I met a friend of my cousin named MARIA ISABEL. They call her Isa, which is the obvious choice. Why my parents chose to add a "Y" to the end of my name is still a mystery. I guess because it sounds more native filipino, like the names people had a long while back. This girl is so independent; she's a PR Manager at the Shangrila Hotel in Boracay, 28 years old, pretty, smart, lives in the Hotel with a BEAUTIFUL room facing the beach and ocean. Too bad she's quitting after only a couple weeks working there.
I'm dark. Hella dark. And it's only been a week.
Okay maybe i'm exaggerating a bit but I feel like i'm roasting in the heat sometimes.
I've been doing a lot of walking and portion sizes aren't huge here like they are in Canada, and you know what they say, "it's all about portion control". Sooo sorry to disappoint some of you, but I probably won't be a giant dark balloon when I get back. Probably just dark. haha
Til next time =)
DEUCES!
Just got back from Boracay with Martina. Beautiful island. I shouldn't even try to describe it because I wouldn't do it justice.
Picture this...
Ocean, beach, $10 massage, Jonah's Shake (Pineapple/Mango), and my favourite song Cruisin' playing on the iPod
Can you say woooooooooooooooooooooow
haha
It's Wednesday at around 530PM and GAT starts on Monday at 3 but meetup is at 8am that morning. GAT is the Great Adventure Tour, which is the main reason I'm in the Philippines.
I got to ride a tricycle (not the kind you're imaging, like the ones with training wheels for kids haha). Here they just call it a tric (pronounced trike). It's basically a motorcycle connected to another compartment with seats so people can sit in it. They're used here like taxis basically. I got to ride it twice in Boracay, but they say it's much more dangerous here in Manila since they're more careless.
Stuff is so cheap here, but then again pay is so much less too. My cousin Martina and I were discussing minimum wage differences between the Philippines and Canada. Speaking in terms of Pesos, people here earn about 300-400 pesos minimum wage per DAY, while people in Canada earn $9/hr which is 360 pesos per HOUR. Crazy.
Our dog here is bella. She's great. Fat. Cute. We would say she is "ma lambing", which means she's very sweet and cuddly. She's sitting beside me as I type.
I'm brushing up on my Tagalog woohoo. I've been trying to use it as much as I can in public.
In Boracay I met a friend of my cousin named MARIA ISABEL. They call her Isa, which is the obvious choice. Why my parents chose to add a "Y" to the end of my name is still a mystery. I guess because it sounds more native filipino, like the names people had a long while back. This girl is so independent; she's a PR Manager at the Shangrila Hotel in Boracay, 28 years old, pretty, smart, lives in the Hotel with a BEAUTIFUL room facing the beach and ocean. Too bad she's quitting after only a couple weeks working there.
I'm dark. Hella dark. And it's only been a week.
Okay maybe i'm exaggerating a bit but I feel like i'm roasting in the heat sometimes.
I've been doing a lot of walking and portion sizes aren't huge here like they are in Canada, and you know what they say, "it's all about portion control". Sooo sorry to disappoint some of you, but I probably won't be a giant dark balloon when I get back. Probably just dark. haha
Til next time =)
DEUCES!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Philippines update #2
I don't think people will recognize me when I come back, I'll be darker and fatter. haha I had chicken joy (or is it chick n' joy?) from Jollibee. I have Chow King and Lapids left to try. All the other places I can pass on.
It's been a few days and I'm still not used to the HEAT! It's so humid, no wonder people take two showers a day.
In one day I witnessed 3 accidents. With that said however, people believe that "If you can drive in Manila, you can drive anywhere". I think it's true, they're hella good drivers here! Some Jeepney drivers are careless but for a place where road rules almost don't exist (Wearing seatbelts, staying in the lanes, etc.) people do very well. Traffic is an everyday occurance but I like it here, don't ask me why.
It's really sad to have it be 'normal' here for little kids to beg for food or money. It's not even like how people beg for money in Toronto on the sidewalks. These kids are 3, 4, 5 years old walking in between cars on the road tapping your glass (and usually being ignored). It's really sad.
On a complete opposite note, I'm also not used to having help around...maids. I leave my room and later come back with my room and bed fixed. I go to the kitchen, sit down, and have every meal prepared for me, never having to get up. I can be in one room, call the maids with the phone and ask them to bring me something. Instead of getting Jollibee delivery (since they apparently prioritize walk-ins over delivery service, so your food comes with disclaimers like; "Disclaimer: your food may be in a different condition" or "Disclaimer: your ice cream may be melted") so we send the maids out to get the food instead. It's a nice feeling, and it's good that they're not treated poorly because the help we get is amazing.
In a couple hours my cousin Martina and I leave for Boracay. It's a big tourist spot. We're staying at my Tito Kim's hotel (he's Kuya Kim for those of you who know him, he has a show and I call him the Filipino version of The Crocodile Hunter). He won't be there, but he booked us a room facing the beach! My parents have never been there so I'm lucky I have the chance and means to visit. The only downside is that the airport we're going to is 2 hours away from where we're staying because the usual airport that people use in Boracay is closed.
Anyway it's 4:30am (12 hour time difference b/w here and Toronto so I'm still a bit jetlagged)
Laaater!
I don't think people will recognize me when I come back, I'll be darker and fatter. haha I had chicken joy (or is it chick n' joy?) from Jollibee. I have Chow King and Lapids left to try. All the other places I can pass on.
It's been a few days and I'm still not used to the HEAT! It's so humid, no wonder people take two showers a day.
In one day I witnessed 3 accidents. With that said however, people believe that "If you can drive in Manila, you can drive anywhere". I think it's true, they're hella good drivers here! Some Jeepney drivers are careless but for a place where road rules almost don't exist (Wearing seatbelts, staying in the lanes, etc.) people do very well. Traffic is an everyday occurance but I like it here, don't ask me why.
It's really sad to have it be 'normal' here for little kids to beg for food or money. It's not even like how people beg for money in Toronto on the sidewalks. These kids are 3, 4, 5 years old walking in between cars on the road tapping your glass (and usually being ignored). It's really sad.
On a complete opposite note, I'm also not used to having help around...maids. I leave my room and later come back with my room and bed fixed. I go to the kitchen, sit down, and have every meal prepared for me, never having to get up. I can be in one room, call the maids with the phone and ask them to bring me something. Instead of getting Jollibee delivery (since they apparently prioritize walk-ins over delivery service, so your food comes with disclaimers like; "Disclaimer: your food may be in a different condition" or "Disclaimer: your ice cream may be melted") so we send the maids out to get the food instead. It's a nice feeling, and it's good that they're not treated poorly because the help we get is amazing.
In a couple hours my cousin Martina and I leave for Boracay. It's a big tourist spot. We're staying at my Tito Kim's hotel (he's Kuya Kim for those of you who know him, he has a show and I call him the Filipino version of The Crocodile Hunter). He won't be there, but he booked us a room facing the beach! My parents have never been there so I'm lucky I have the chance and means to visit. The only downside is that the airport we're going to is 2 hours away from where we're staying because the usual airport that people use in Boracay is closed.
Anyway it's 4:30am (12 hour time difference b/w here and Toronto so I'm still a bit jetlagged)
Laaater!
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