LIFE GOES ON

A very special gift

I have long been wanting to share this gift that I got from my bible study. However, the fear of being caught in an awkward situation keeps on holding me back. I am afraid that people will get bored when I read this to them or worse, even think of me as a weirdo.

But I believe this gift is too special to be kept. So here I am, sharing this to whoever happens to drop by my blog. It is quite long and text heavy, but I assure you that it is an easy read. You will definitely feel happy after, so I do hope that you would take time to read this entry until the end. If you like, you may also share this to your loved ones. ;-)

Part 1: True Story, both Familiar and Unfamiliar

This is a story that has changed the lives of millions around the world. Some of its parts will be familiar while some will be new. But the good thing about this story is that it really happened. I did not make this up. It is about the Most High God. He is more powerful than governments, economies, philosophies and natural forces.

Part 2: Created for a Relationship with God

2.1 Creator

He made everything we do not see like angels, demons and spirits. He also made everything we see like the sky, the sea, trees, animals, the earth and all is in it. Finally, He made man and woman and put them in a beautiful garden.

2.2 God and Man in Relationship

He told the man and woman, “You can eat of any fruit of any tree in this garden. It is all yours, except for that one tree. If you eat from that tree, you will die.” And they had a good friendship with God.

Part 3: People are Separated from God

3.1 Fall of the Devil

But remember I told you that God created angels? Well there was this one angel who was very beautiful and powerful. He became proud and wanted to be the Most High God. But God said, “There can only be one Most High God, and that is Me.” So God took this angel and threw him out of heaven, along with one-third of the angels who were with him. This beautiful angel is now known as the Devil and the angels with him are known as demons.

3.2 Disobeying

The Devil went to the woman and tempted her to eat of the tree. The woman took some of the fruit and ate. She gave some to her husband, and he ate too.

3.3 Consequences

They disobeyed God’s command. They sinned and there were major consequences to this.

• God cast the man and the woman out of the garden, and their relationship with God was cut.
• This was where all the problems of man started: disrespect, misunderstandings, disease, disaster, etc.
• Also, man could no longer live forever. Everyone would die once, and that is the eternal punishment for sin.

3.4 The Offense

They offended the infinite justice and holiness of God. And so now, only infinite forgiveness could save them.

Part 4: People Cannot Come Back to God

4.1 Ten Sacred Rules

Time passed and the people multiplied. Then God told His people, “I give you now ten sacred rules. These good rules will teach you how to relate to God and to people. Obey them.”

4.2 Sacrifices

But even though there were only ten rules, the people could not do them. They still sinned. But God loved them anyway. So He said, “Here is something you can do. Take the blood of a perfect animal and spill it. If you spill the blood of a perfect animal, you will be forgiven. Because without the shedding of blood, there can be no forgiveness of sin.”

4.3 Religion Does Not Get Infinite Forgiveness

So the people agreed and they did that. But over time, it became an empty ritual or repetitive religion to them. So God was angry and said, “Do you think that religion can get you infinite forgiveness? I have had enough of your sacrifices!”

Part 5: Jesus Come to Earth

5.1 God Sends Jesus

But God loved them anyway. So at just the right time, God sent His Son, Jesus. He was a great man. Everybody loved Him.

5.2 Great Teacher

He was very wise. He taught the people exactly how to get infinite forgiveness. No one ever taught like Him.

5.3 Powerful Giver

He was also very powerful. He did countless miracles. It was especially powerful when He gave infinite forgiveness to people.

5.4 Corrupt Politician

One time, a large crowd gathered around Him. There was a certain politician who wanted to see Jesus. Let me ask you, do you like corrupt politicians? Of course not! Well, the people hated this certain politician because he was corrupt. Also, he was very short, so he could not look over the crowd to see Jesus. So this man ran ahead of the crowd and climbed up the tree. Jesus saw the man and said, “You there, in the tree! Come down. Let us eat together. I want to be your friend.” The man could not believe it. He hurried down and prepared a meal for Jesus. During the meal, the man stood up and said, “I can not believe that You and I are friends now. I am so happy! Look, I give half of my goods to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will return what I owe fourfold.” Jesus said, “That is infinite forgiveness inside you, my friend.”

5.5 Paralytic on a Bed

Another time, some men brought a paralytic on a bed to Jesus. But the crowd was so large that they could not enter the house that Jesus was teaching in. So they got up on the roof and removed the titles. The men lowered their paralytic friend down to Jesus. When Jesus saw this, He looked at the man and said, “Your sins are forgiven, now and forever.” The people were shocked and asked Jesus, “Can You really forgive sins?” Jesus answered, “Yes, I can. I have the right to give infinite forgiveness. Let me show you. “Then He told the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.” The paralytic stood up, took his bed and went home.” Everybody was amazed by what they saw.

5.6 Friend is Revived

There was another time that one of Jesus’ friends died. This made Jesus very sad. He went to his friend’s tomb and the people were mourning. Jesus said to the family, “I can give infinite forgiveness, so that you don’t have to die anymore. “He had the tomb opened and said, “Friend! Come out! Then the man who had been dead, came out alive!”

Part 6: Jesus, the Perfect Sacrifice

6.1 Some were Jealous

So everybody loved Jesus. But some people were jealous of Jesus. These were the religious leaders. They hatched a plan to arrest Jesus and crucify Him. They succeeded. So they arrested Him, beat Him and then crucify Him: which is when you take two planks of wood and nail a man to it.

6.2 Jesus’ Perfect Blood

There on the cross, Jesus’ perfect blood was spilled. And when God saw that, He said, “That is the sacrifice. That is what will get infinite forgiveness.”

6.3 Thief on the Cross

And this infinite forgiveness is very effective. In fact, there were two robbers crucified alongside Jesus. One of them told Him, “If You are the great Hero, save Yourself and save us as well.” But the other robber said, “What are you saying? We are here because we have sinned, but this Man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you enter into Your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “Your sins are forgiven, now and forever. Today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Part 7: Jesus’ Resurrection and Promised Return

7.1 Resurrection

They all died, Jesus’ friends buried Him in a tomb. Then after three days, something amazing happened. Jesus rose from the dead, proving that everything He said was true, proving that He could really give infinite forgiveness. And this same Jesus said that He would be coming back. He said he would soon judge the world and make all things right.

7.2 Return

So like the people in the stories, please accept infinite forgiveness. Hold on to it, enjoy it, and love it! Because when the time comes for Jesus’ return, infinite forgiveness will save your life. Not only that, but infinite forgiveness has many wonderful implications for life right now. Just think of the people in the stories, and how they were blessed.

7.3 Invite

Do you want infinite forgiveness? Jesus said that infinite forgiveness is a gift.

Part 8: How to Receive Infinite Forgiveness

8.1 Gift Illustration

Here, I have a gift for you, but you don’t take it. For whatever reason, you say:

• I am shy
• I think I can buy that on my own
• I am too busy to care
• I do not know it is free

For whatever reason, you do not take it. Would this be yours? It is the same with infinite forgiveness. So you tell me, how does one receive infinite forgiveness?

8.2 Letting Go

Now, you cannot receive a gift if your hands are full. Some of us have our hands so full of guilt that we cannot receive the gift. It is required to drop that guilt. Some of us do not value the gift enough, so we are busy playing with lesser pleasures like family, studies, career, or friends. These are legitimate and good, but the value of infinite forgiveness is far greater.

8.3 Personal Experience

I have personally received this gift. My sins are forgiven, past, present and future. When I die, I am sure that I am going to be with Jesus in heaven, and it is not because I am religious. You can have that also. You can go to Jesus in prayer right now and ask for the gift of infinite forgiveness. You can say something like this:

Jesus, I am a sinner. I have offended Your holiness so I deserve punishment and death. But you died for my sins and offer me infinite forgiveness. You say it is a gift, please give it to me! I need it. Come into my heart, be my Hero and my King. Thank you for giving me now, infinite forgiveness and eternal life. You are the best thing that could ever happen to me, and I agree to joyfully follow You as I read the Bible. Amen.

8.4 Assurance of Salvation

Jesus said that all those who ask will receive. Did you ask for infinite forgiveness? Jesus said He would give it to you. Would he lie to you? So what have you received now?

That is right!

You have infinite forgiveness right now, just like in the stories. If at anytime you would die, you would be with Him in Paradise. What do you think of that?

Maturing in Faith

I just turned 24 eight days ago. As much as I wanted to grandiosely celebrate my birthday with my family and friends, I opted to make merry by attending a 3-day retreat in Tagaytay. Yes, have fun in a retreat! Why not? After all, it is the Lenten Season, and I know this time is best spent with God who provided me with all the blessings for the past 23 years of my life.

It was the same retreat that I attended last year, but with different yet equally inspirational retreat masters, who discussed the topics shown in the picture below.

Tarpaulin welcoming the attendees of the Lenten Retreat

Statue of an angel standing outside the retreat house

As I write this blog entry, I do not wish to uplift myself and appear holy. I am but an ordinary individual, and like everyone else, I sin (a lot). It is just that despite being busy like most young adults, I know I it is important to regularly recollect God’s past favors. At the end of the day, it is not the things that I hear from masses/services that would strengthen my faith, but my personal relationship with Him.

I cannot expect Him to instill His holiness in me in  just a short once-in-a-lifetime-transaction. I know I should live more by the Spirit and less by the flesh moment-by-moment. Therefore, I must grab every chance that I could spend with Him without hesitation.

What I experienced in that 3-day retreat was too rich to be explained with just words, so I am sharing some pics that could give a clearer glimpse of what happened.

The green candle that I lighted when we passed by St. Peter Parish  Commonwealth

Eucharistic Celebration celebrated by Bp. Teodoro Bacani

Awarding of the token of appreciation to Bp. Raul Martirez

Posing with Tito Millard who invited me to join the retreat

Photo op with Bp. Raul Martirez

99-year-old Former Senator Helen Benitez

Angels’ Hills Chapel where we held all the masses

Bp. Pablo David lecturing about Maturing in Faith

Statue of the Annunciation

Way of the Cross before sunset

Photo op with Bp. Pablo David after dinner

Chocolate cakes given to Bp. David for his birthday

Roaming around the area where the cottages are

Statue of the Virgin Mary found near the entrance of the retreat house

Strolling while everyone’s siesta-ing

The only young adult among the pool of retreatants

Eucharistic Celebration with Fr. Glen Gomez as the celebrant

Pink Sisters’ Convent

My prayer petition (a.k.a. birthday wishes)

Touring around the convent’s park

Tito Millard while writing his prayer petition

Daily Prayer and Reflections Book where the group picture of last year’s retreatants could be found

Yearly birthday letter from Ateneo

Group picture of this year’s retreatants

Upon coming back from the retreat, I had a dinner with my family. It was a simple party that turned into a great celebration, because after 10 years, my mom and I were reunited with my dad.

Cupcakes baked by my cousin, Mariel.

Shining bright like a diamond as I blow my birthday candle

Saying my birthday wishes

Gift that I got from my Tita Larcy

A frame with her favorite picture of me

Some say that at 24 I am still young, while some say otherwise. As much as I would like to believe the former idea and fantasize about being carefree, I know behaving more responsibly now could give me a better sense of empowerment. By being responsible, I do not mean just being diligent with work but also being serious about strengthening my relationship with God.

Focus

People have strong reservations about dangerous weapons like bows and arrows, guns, and swords. However, movies such as Hunger Games, Tomb Raider, and Zorro turned them into something interesting, something that most people would wanna get hooked into.

Who wouldn’t want to bring the action star in them and appear like a hero anyway?

Gone are the days when women just sigh with adoration as men take control of the weapons. Today, even young girls already get used to holding them as they practice protecting themselves or use them in their sports.

Inspired by Katniss Everdeen, Lara Croft, and Elena Montero, I found the guts to try target shooting, archery, and fencing myself.

Archery at Gandiva Cafe

Target Shooting at Armscor Makati

Fencing at Goldland Millenia Suites

All of these sports need a lot of strength and focus. Shooting at a mark or targeting my opponent requires me to summon all my strength and be in full control of my actions.

I am glad for not missing the chance of getting in full gear as I hold manly weapons. None of the sports I mentioned is as easy as I thought, but they are definitely empowering and worth trying!

Keep calm and be fit

With all the awesome new restaurants and food nowadays, it is easy to set aside being healthy. This plus busyness at work and laziness attack, I can easily excuse myself from getting fit, keep on saying tomorrow, and be consistent in saying so from then on.

Fortunately, I overcame the temptation to be a couch potato and decided to find terrific ways to get into shape and make good use of each of my muscle group.

I started with home videos since they are accessible and cheap, but I eventually ended up hitting different gyms and trying different workouts. I am not a fitness expert, but I will try to give tidbits about the activities that I have tried the past few months.

Barre 3 – a slow-paced class that combines the grace of the ballet barre with the wisdom of yoga and the strength of Pilates (http://www.barre3.com/what-is-barre3)

Location: The Spa 2nd Floor Eastwood Mall (inside Richmonde Hotel) Eastwood City Bagumbayan, Quezon City

Contact No.: 709-6868

Antigravity Aerial Yoga Fitness – an hour-long class that is much like the usual yoga but involves aerial silks and exercises that require one to defy gravity (http://www.igobeyondyoga.com/)

Location: Beyond Yoga 3F Il Terrazo, Tomas Morato Avenue Corner Scout Madrinian St., Q.C.

Contact No.: 921-6070

Pole Dancing – a daring class that requires tremendous strength, endurance and flexibility as one performs acrobatic tricks with a vertical pole. It also teaches a bit of striptease dance for added sexiness in the workout (http://polecatsmanila.com/)

Location: Polecats Manila 22nd Floor, Strata 100, F. Ortigas Jr. Road (formerly Emerald), Ortigas, Pasig City

Contact No: 0917-700-7653

Urban Rebound – an upbeat group class that leaves one gasping for breath and really heats up the body through dancing. It requires participants to wear the Kangoo Shoes, a low impact rebound sports shoes that make one sweat and lose pounds faster (http://www.gymftx.com/ftx-yoga-and-dance/ftx-urban-rebound/)

Location: FTX (Fitness Exchange) Unit 202, Three Salcedo Place, Tordesillas Street, Makati City

Contact Nos: 0916-270-1177, 822- 3311

Cirqfit – a personalized workout that combines weights, plyometrics, kettlebell, burpees and a lot more exercises. It is conducted in different exercise zones where one can work on a routine for 20 to 45 minutes (http://www.gymftx.com)

Location: FTX (Fitness Exchange) Unit 202, Three Salcedo Place, Tordesillas Street, Makati City

Contact Nos: 0916-270-1177, 822- 3311

In my continuous search for new fitness pursuits, I realized that working with a group of people is way better because I learn a lot and find consistent motivators in them. After all, it is about the company, they say.

Paying in advance or getting workout packages is also advisable because it forces me to defy boundaries — wake-up early, travel miles, and strive hard for my desired body shape.

Now that I have been used to these adrenaline-inducing activities, I search for the high whenever I can. I change my workouts regularly or try to train harder than what I usually do to keep me challenged. Even if I am tired from work, I still take time to workout 30 minutes before finally resting or doing other things at home.

The start of the year poses an even greater challenge to set positive health goals like eating healthier, drinking more water, having more energy, building immunity, having more mental alertness and concentration or becoming stronger.

I realized that living once requires me to value my endurance, body strength, and mental focus. Now is the right time to work off the extra pounds I gained during the countless times that I ate like there’s no tomorrow. Yes, seriously! I have to get to the point where I have to love my body and myself enough to take care of it every minute of my life.