My blueprint in CELINE

NOTE: This is not a speech. Hahaha..
November 2009 ~ July 2012

My blueprint in CELINE

Working in Celine Marketing Corporation has been a learning experience. I was in a position of Brand Associate Trainee under Celine Local Shoes: R&D and Merchandising. What do I do? Well I try to keep up with the trends, train my eyes on spotting good shoes from bad. I come up with a batch of local shoes for Celine brand. I monitor my “babies” (shoes) and feed them as they become healthy (or get sick, sad to say). I wouldn’t mention anymore the intricate descriptions of my job as to shorten it. Bottomline, I revolve around shoes and shoes and endless shoes everyday of my working life.

Sounds fun isn’t it?  On a moment there, yes it is. You get to work with fashionable or talented people and be inspired. You get to be ahead and involved in the creation of a trend. You get to know the newest merchandise before it gets to the market. You get to design the kind of shoes that you like and let the market buy it afterwards. You get to choose the kind of materials, style, cut and comfort;  leather, satin, suede, snake skin; sandals, slides, pumps, gladiator;  stilettoes, wedges, platforms, chunky heels;  low-cut, mid-cut, high-cut; you name it, I’ll develop it!  It feels like Imelda-Marcos-turned-into-a-designer!  You get to feel elated when your shoe creations start growing.  Plus the perks, you get to have free shoes and employee sale items!

On the other side, if you are assuming that I have a lot of shoes, well, I don't know if around 30 pairs of it could be considered a lot.  But they're all in my closet sleeping!  Since I started seeing shoes each and everyday, my appetite for them became lesser and lesser!  I was more interested in creating shoes than wearing them!  And so, yeah, for my co-workers who's very observant, I am always to be found wearing flats (sandals or ballerinas) that's easy to stroll around with; sometimes even just flip flops O.o

Working there for 2.75 years (yep, 0.75 years calculated hehe) really made me a happy person no matter how busy work may be, as I enjoyed my job and was fulfilled with my vision during the time I applied. My vision was to climb the corporate ladder and be able to contribute in the industry. I even remember asking the company President, Mrs. Vicky Chan, if job rotation was possible. Yes, I wanted to learn every bits and pieces and be successful in the field of fashion! And before I forget, my thesis was all about shoes as well!  I made a Collapsible Heeled Shoe!  So there it is.. Shoes since college until July 2012.

Year 2011, I started experiencing a vision shift.  It felt like as if my primary purpose of working was fading away.  To sum up in one statement, I felt burdened towards the social welfare.  Looks far, isn't it?  I didn't plan for it to happen.  It sort of just came knocking in my heart, and as much as I tried ignoring it, there was no peace.  It felt like I wanted to achieve something which I still don't know what or how.  Talk about quarter-life crisis!  For a period of time, I was frozen and felt a drag in my work.

During those moments, God talked to me through the following verses:

Col 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

Eph 6: 5-6 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.

One thing is clear.  The "heart" was mentioned consistently.  In everything, the heart should be the drive towards our actions and goals.  The heart should be heard or there would be no drive at all with the things you do.  BUT in line with this, in your heart, there, God should be, as the Master of your life, as He is our Creator and Designer of everything!  Only by then will you be able to work out of purpose and joy beyond what the daily duty calls of.   Work for money, but be sure to spend it wisely.  Work for your family, but be sure to treasure your family beyond work.  Work for success, but be sure to use your success to empower others.   In everything, there should be purpose which drives us far beyond our capabilities.  It is the purpose where you'll see God working in you and through you!

I believe God led me in Celine to experience the fulfillment that I was searching before, and to really appreciate all the learnings and trials that came along the way. It was a stepping stone that took a lot of effort and hard work. Trainings, contributions, and enlightenment from my boss, Mam Joy Chan-Tan, and my co-workers (you know who you ALL are). Relationships built with people that’ll be treasured in immeasurable ways. Most importantly, it was a journey that brought me to another new vision that I have right now.  Even though it is still unclear, I am at peace that I am one step closer to finding out His purpose for me.  God indeed kept His promise of being with me, and I know through my journey ahead, where He now calls me, He will always be by my side :)

Please take note again that this entry is not a speech! hehe..  Regards to everyone! :) 

Prinze; In Memories

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." ~ Mark Twain

After 13 years of having a close companion at home, the time has finally come to say goodbye..

 

After bath; 2 y.o.

      Prinze was a Japanese Spitz breed with a little mix of Poodle.  He stayed with us for 13 years, having a fighting spirit to endure his health problems that almost caused his life, twice.  I remember one time when he was so sick he couldn't manage to walk.  Prinze was around his teenage years back then. One day, he gathered all his strength to climb up the stairs until he fainted. We figured he was trying to reach us, sort of letting us know about his state.


       Last May 14, 2012, Prinze already took his final breath. It was of old-age. Last few months prior, he was doing nothing except lying down, eating, and sleeping.  He merely couldn't walk that long as we need to carry him every now and then for his number 1 and 2.  He was blinded as well with cataract which is common amongst old dogs.

Sleeping on my bedside; 3 y.o.

   
     Prinze was like no any other dogs.  He may looked so friendly and adorable yet many of my friends called him a monster :)) He's so smart; a guard-dog built in a playdog's body.  He would often sprint fearlessly towards strangers, sometimes leaving shallow wound marks on them hehe.  Even if he was on leash, he can manage to break free!  Then would later cough out and cutely gasped for a breath of air :)

      When Prinze was young, he would always go up to my room and sleep beside my bed.  He would then wake me up on 6am for me to open my door so he could go down and pee.  I was so irritated that even on weekends, I still need to wake up early just to let him down!  I finally trained him not to sleep in my room until he got used to it :( how i missed those nights.

At the kitchen dubbed as Lolo Prinze; 5 y.o.

       Prinze likes to stay in our kitchen as the floor tiles were colder.  There was a swing door that leads to our garden where he was trained to pee and poop.  What's so cute is that he learned to push the door on his own! He would stand about 3-4 feet away from the door, lighting up his momentum, eyeing on the door as he instantly runs and pushes through! After his business is done, he would then call us to open up by scratching the swing door with his nails O.o

      Whenever Prinze did something wrong, like peeing inside the house, we would just call out his name.  He already knew why.  We'll ask him to come.  He will slowly walk towards the spot with his head down.  As we raise our hands to give him a little discipline, he would start trembling even before our palm reaches him.  Then with his big brown eyes, he would try to look up with his head down, sort of saying "i'm sorry".  Those were the days when he was still young :)



Groomed Prinze; 6 y.o.

      Speaking of young, when we first got him from a friend, he was so small and fearful.  He wouldn't want us to carry nor touch him.  As we drive home for his first day with us, he got out of our car and tried running away as fast as he could.  I was running after him with bare feet during that rainy day!  Thank God there were passersby across the street to block his way.  He hid under a small tree, shaking, and we got him out.  I carried him inside our house, dried him up as he stayed in our den.  I frequently visit him there, played games with him, until that evening, he quickly trusted me first amongst my family members.  He would be following me wherever I go! Up and down no matter how many times!  That went on for days :)

Senior Prinze; 12 y.o.


    There were many good memories that our companion had left us.  Today, I'm at peace that he is now in a better place.  It pains me to feel the loss of a great companion, yet Prinze will always remain with us that help built this house a better home.. :)


Prinze happy...



https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.457199067627853.135144.100000132919569&type=1
 



Disobedience

“Delayed obedience is disobedience.”  A friend once shared to me this striking phrase.  Now it’s sinking in me on how I as well have delayed my obedience to God.  

I’ve thought about it, with a lot of considerations in mind.  I’ve prayed about it for months and was finally certain that God wanted me to do this.  I came to a point almost accomplishing the task; like all planets were really aligned for this to happen, yet I was held back, due to that “almost” factor.  And so it got delayed until I said to myself that prolonging it wouldn’t be that bad.  I’ll get to stay longer in my comfort zone and enjoy the pleasure it offers.  After all, I’m still uncertain what’s next.  And so I made plans; big plans that would compensate my current state.  I’ve missed out a lot of commitments due to that.  Almost everything was going well; almost except my heart.  Deep inside, it still troubled me that I kept on setting aside God’s voice.  

There was a night that I cried to God confessing my disobedience.  I poured out everything to Him for I know I’ve sinned on delaying to obey.  That maybe my sincerest prayer committing to God the big plans I made – whether it pushes through or not, it’s all in His hands.  I was half-hearted all throughout the planning.   But after praying, I felt a different kind of peace, like God forgave me and that He allowed me to embrace and enjoy my current state while I still can.  Now more than before, I was excited for that big plan of mine.

Time is joyously nearing for that plan to happen.  Yet one day, the unexpected occur.   Last night, I found out that someone in my family was verbally diagnosed with malignant tumor in his thyroid needing for a surgery.   I was speechless for a moment primarily to the concern of the medical result and secondly on the effect it’ll make crushing down the big plan.  Is this God’s answer to my last sincerest prayer?  After expecting so much from that plan, now it's already vague.  Maybe He really wanted me to obey ASAP to the extent of this.   

Maybe He wanted me to learn many things: to obey Him on time for God is always on time, to consult Him first before planning instead of planning then surrendering (the latter way can be disappointing especially when God answers no after you’ve already made plans), and to learn to accept God’s answer for He is the Sovereign God, All-knowing, Perfect in His timing.   

Thinking about it now, I know I have no right to question the fall down of the big plans for I remember praying to God surrendering it all in His hands.  I know God is guiding us through this time.  And I definitely learned many things from this!  Unexpected things do happen.  Looking at the brighter side, I know God will open new doors for me.  I hope I’m now ready to say “It’s Time”.

Deadlines

Found this video from a random "craftist" blogger :)  You'll be amazed how kids could be so creative -- thinking outside the box :)

My 3 Sparkles this Season!

I.  FOOD!! - Who would deny that food is one of the most important element to spark up one's season?!  No matter how slim I may be, never underestimate my appetite for good food! :D Below are some of the delectable dishes that I've had this season:




Rub Ribs & Bbq

No frills American grub. Ribs, Wings, Rings, Fish, Chips and a lot more!
https://www.facebook.com/RUBRibsBBQ#!/RUBRibsBBQ?sk=wall

 

Dry Rubbed US Beef




Baby Back Ribs Family Brunch!

 


Fried Oreos with Vanilla Ice Cream

 

FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.





Lugang Cafe

"Lugang Café is the home of truly authentic Taiwanese and Cantonese dishes and more!  Cozy up in our warm interiors and get the best service from our friendly staff. Cap the day off with friends and loved ones over our special coffee-Relax, unwind, savor, experience."
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lugang-Cafe/195092840524714#!/pages/Lugang-Cafe/195092840524714?sk=info





Silk Melon with Dried Baby Shrimps

 

Taiwanese Stewed Minced Pork



Broccoli Sauté With Garlic



Black Pearls and Coconut with Fresh Fruits



FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.

Melo's

In 1987 Carmelo Santiago established Melo’s, the first restaurant in the Philippines to offer Certified Angus Beef, his personal favorite. Twenty years later, Melo’s is now known as one of the best places to savor authentic Wagyu beef, a delicacy that is all the rage in today’s global culinary scene.
http://www.melosteaks.com/



Pumpkin Soup

Wagyu Beef with Steamed Rice :)



Halibut (Canadian Fish) with Salsa Verde





Grilled Lambchops in Cranberry Mint Sauce

FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.






The Frazzled Cook

The Mancuyas and the Lees have come up with this unique and homey restaurant that will surely please your taste buds!

A restaurant put together with the mission of serving good comfort food with a cozy homey ambiance.

http://www.thefrazzledcook.com/

 




FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.


Annapolis Seafood Palace Restaurant

Good choices of sumptuous Chinese cuisine
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Annapolis-Seafood-Palace-Restaurant/105056946195808


Well, this season is not only about filling in the stomach.  More than the food and parties, it's the companionship that matters, making it more enjoyable.  As such, my next sparkle would be the people :)

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II. RELATIONSHIPS - People are priceless.  No matter how extravagant the gifts we may give or receive, it is nothing as to compare with the relationships built through time.





JEC TECH Crew @ Rub







OFG Joint Cell @ Max's Restaurant

 





家庭 @ Melo's





Too bad I don't have pictures with my relatives this year and was unable to see my blockmates, HS Amigas, and other friends this December :( 

Weeks before Christmas day, I was literally feeling down and depress.  For one, we were required to exert extra effort at work as peak season really demands a lot of time and energy.  Most of my days and weekends are spent at the store trying to sell as many shoes and items as I can.  I felt down, that instead of spending and cherishing this season with my loved ones, I was stuck on the call of duty.

Secondly, I can't help but be devastated by the number of bad news happening around this December -- that which includes the death and destruction of certain locals and areas by Sendong, the sudden critical condition of a certain gal who was supposed to get married last December 18, the mother of an old friend who has cancer, and my dear sis-in-Christ who was also depressed by some particular issues.  Looking around, what could the meaning of Christmas be if all these are happening right now?

Yes, I was feeling so exhausted and depressed that I couldn't feel the spirit of Christmas to the point of getting cold to God, Himself... 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

III. JESUS.. - But then again, ultimately it all boils down to Jesus as my best sparkle this season.  How did I get back on track?  Thanks to Jesus who is constantly guiding me.

Usually we celebrate Christmas because of the birth of Christ.  What we fail to consider is the whole picture..  Why is there Christmas?  Was it to give us a one-time, big-time event annually?  Was it just to gather all people on this specific occasion?  Was it to sell more shoes? Indeed it works!  But kidding aside, I know it's something much more than shoes, food, events and parties, gifts, even much more than the birth of Christ itself. 



Jesus Christ Born in a Manger



We can never stop on the thought that Jesus was born during Christmas.  In fact, I've read articles that December was unlikely the month that Jesus was actually born (that would mean more research to me so I could blog about it soon)!  The point of the matter I guess lies on this annual reminder about who Jesus really is. 

Jesus came that we may have life abundantly.  Jesus came to show us how to live in this world.  Jesus came to teach us about the true nature of God.  Jesus came to serve the people, to be persecuted and to ultimately die on the Cross for our sins.  Jesus came for you and me.

One thing I definitely learned this year, was that all things here on Earth are just TOOLS.  Gifts are tools to show people we care.  Events and programs are tools to consolidate people at a particular time.  Work is a tool for providence and for building social networks.  Money are tools used to help nurture our self and the welfare of others.  The list goes on.  That's why when we embrace this earthly tools, we may lose focus on the heart of the matter.  We may be drifted by the so called "Christmas Rush" that we may fail to see The One.

So how did I get back on track?  Jesus told me to slow down.  To appreciate the little things.  To not expect what I would be getting this season but what I would be giving.  To see nothing else but Him in every situation I was facing.

Looking back, I praise God for not being sick in the midst of my 13-day straight work (was just after that I got cough and colds O.o).  I praise God for the ability to sell around a hundred pairs of shoe in a week  :P  (as i said to myself before that Sales isn't my field).  I praise God that I was able to get to know the Sales People from my assigned store, to know about their lives and connect with them.  I praise God that I've had the experience dealing with different kinds of customer.  I praise God that despite of the "panic buying" of shoppers I witnessed daily, He comforted me to be still and stand my feet on His grounds.

As for the devastating news around us, these will continue until God knows when.  Maybe we've been celebrating Christmas in the wrong way.  Or maybe we've been living life the way it wasn't created to be.  Isn't it ironic how we begin to see and care after we experience tragedies?  No matter what the reason is, I know these exist to remind us the great power of contentment and faith in Jesus Christ;  to appreciate what we have;  and for us to present (v.) ourselves as a present (n.) for other people -- not only during December but everyday of our lives. 

Happy Holidays! :)

LOVE (III)

This entry is inspired once again by the book “the good and beautiful GOD” by James Bryan Smith. I’d just like to share that having this book is an answered prayer. Before stepping foot at the latest SMX Book Fair, I prayed to God hoping that He may reveal more of Himself to me through the books that I’ll be buying. True enough, timely counsel has consistently been given to me by God through this book, more than what I’ve imagined getting. My previous entry, A New V.M., was also inspired by a timely counsel from this reading. I hope to blog more of it if time permits.

A month ago, I find myself wrestling with thoughts about the word LOVE. I pondered about the society’s definition, on how that 143 word has been rampantly “clouding the nines” everywhere. The way I see it, love has been said if there’s a mutual connection at least between two persons, or in the case of none, if one feels strongly for the other. So what about the case of the other? Can that other still say 143 to the one given that there’s no mutual connection?

Honestly, I’m a kind of person who doesn’t easily say those sparkling words. If you would really know me, my head is often on top of my heart. Then I started thinking if it is God who I’d be telling it to, will I be at ease? I once surveyed in FB: “can you directly tell God, I Love You?” and to my surprise, I got too many yes and of course! feedback. I was like “Wow, really? As in honestly ah?” We are sinners, unworthy for God’s love so as to say I love You to God. Everytime I think about how God truly loves us; unconditionally and sacrificially, it makes me creep down, the feeling of wanting to hide from Him; we’re like a blot of ink in a pure white background. Just imagine that picture, don’t you want so much to cover that ink stain from the scene? Shameful.

The poem below I’m about to share comes from the book I mentioned on top. It revived me with a new and teary perspective. Love. God. 2 different definitions but 1 in nature. (Please bear with this lengthy entry)



LOVE (III)

Love bade me welcome, yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-ey’d Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack’d any thing.


“A guest,” I answer’d, “worthy to be here”;
Love said, “You shall be he.”
“I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah my dear,
I cannot look on thee.”
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
“Who made the eyes but I?”


“Truth, Lord, but I have marr’d them; let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.”
“And know you not,” says Love, “who bore the blame?”
“My dear, then I will serve.”
“You must sit down,” says Love, “and taste my meat.”
So I did sit and eat.



This poem was made by a 17th century pastor named George Herbert. Since the poem is quite old and the language is difficult, James Bryan Smith explained what the poem means (at least to him) in an attempt to offer some insights into it.






Pp104-107 ***********






• Love bade me welcome. Right away Herbert tells us bout the nature of God – Love (I John 4:8). Through out the poem, you can substitute the word love with God. “God bade me welcome.” God invites us in.


• Yet my soul drew back. But what is the soul’s response? When God draws near – really near – it is natural and even right for us to draw back. After all, God is holy and righteous.


• Guilty of dust and sin. Herbert tells us why we draw back; he never says we are anything other than guilty. You and I all know in our hearts that we have failed, that we have fallen short of God countless times, and we draw back because we are guilty.


• But quick-ey’d Love. Herbert describes God’s sight as such. God sees us fully and completely. He watches us, yes, but with the eyes of love and compassion.


• Observing me grow slack / From my first entrance in. Growing slack, in the 17th century, meant hesitation. Do you see the movement? God invites us in, but we draw back. God knows why – we feel guilty. So what does God do?


• Drew nearer to me. God comes closer. He sees us falter and steps towards us. Even as we faint and fall away, God draws closer to us.


• Sweetly questioning. Here begins a kind of gentle argument. God draws near and asks us a question. With my earning-favor narrative well in place, I am sure God will ask, “Why have you sinned so much?” But it is not so.


• If I lack’d any thing. God’s first question is not, “What do you have to say for yourself, you rotten sinner?” but rather, “What do you lack? Do you need something?”


• “A guest,” I answer’d, “worthy to be here.” We lack a sense of being worthy. Most of us feel unworthy before God. (my thoughts: I’m guilty of this)


• Love said, “You shall be he.” Love responds to our doubts about our worthiness by saying, “You are worthy. You are because I say you are. You are because of my love for you.” Augustine once wrote, “By loving us, God makes us lovable.” Our worthiness will never be merited, achieved or earned. It is given to us as a gift, and a gift can only be received.


• “I, the unkind, ungrateful? ah my dear,/ I cannot look on thee.” But we have a hard time receiving gifts. After all, the whole world runs on merit, on earning what we get.


• Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,/ “Who made the eyes but I?” This is a shocking image. Can you imagine God smiling – about anything? About you? Look at God’s marvelous response: “Who made your eyes – wasn’t it me?” We say, “God, I am unworthy to look at you,” and God replies, “Can’t you understand that those eyes, the ones you can’t lift up to me – I made them!”


• “Truth, Lord, but I have marr’d them.” “Yes,” we answer. “But [there is always a ‘but’] I have marr’d them. Herbert is saying, “Yes, you made my eyes, God, but I have not used them rightly. I have looked on things I should not have; I have marred them by my own actions.”


• “Let my shame / Go where it doth deserve.” Once again, the poor soul argues. It is here in the poem that the soul cries out not for mercy but for justice: “I am not worthy – give me not what I want but what I deserve.”


• “And know you not,” says Love, “who bore the blame?” When we reach this important place, God steps in and says, “I will not disagree. You have failed. And you deserve to be punished for it. But – pay attention to this – do you not know who bore the blame?” God is saying, “Jesus bore the blame. My Son took your shame and you bear it no more.”



We need to stop here for a moment. Sometimes people talk about God’s love as being this cosmic good feeling toward all people with no regard for justice, as though sin were no big deal. This is why many do not think of themselves as sinners. God says, “Your sin is real. The penalty is death. But my Son, Jesus, took the blame. He nailed your sins to his cross. He is the judge judged in our place.’ ”

 • “My dear, then I will serve.” Quite often the message of grace makes us feel guilty, instead of making us feel joyful and free. And there are many preachers who preach with that effect in mind: “Don’t you know, young man, that Jesus died for you – don’t you feel guilty about that?” and the intended response is, “Yes, yes I do. I’m sorry, Lord. I promise to do better. I’ll try harder to do better – I promise! I’ll even die on a mission field for you. Just give me a command, and I’ll do it. I owe you, God.”


• “You must sit down,” says Love, “and taste my meat.” In response God says, “Sit down. Rest here. Feast with me. Be with me. Enjoy my presence, and let me serve you first. I don’t need you to serve me. I don’t need you for anything. I made you because I love you, and what I really want is to be with you. My deepest desire is not that you go off to try to serve me, but that you would let me love you.” (my thoughts: wow.. this part struck me the most)


• So I did sit and eat. This is what God wants most of all. He wants to serve us, to see us feast and rejoice in his goodness. One day we will serve others, but only as a response to God’s love, not motivated by guilt.



**********



How humbling the poem, noh? I mean the fact that we want to return the favor to God out of guilt has pride in it, like we can’t accept the grace that’s been given as a gift, like we want to prove ourselves to God because we see how unworthy we are, instead of seeing how gracious and good God is. Everything here on Earth, everything we do in our lives; all really is not about us.


God is truly amazing. As much as I love poetry, this poem will always be embedded in my soul to remind me of God’s unfailing love. May we be reminded always. Only when we start to understand the true loving nature of God will we only start serving others out of love as well :)



A New V.M.

 He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind”; and, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  ~ Luke 10: 27

This is the principle of the greatest commandment of God: LOVE.  Yet many times, we fail to see Its deepest nature: SELF-SACRIFICING.

It’s been long since I last wrote my entry.  I’ve been pre-occupied with many things and thoughts that brought me both closer and farther from God.  Given now with the current struggle, I had to recompose myself outside the margins of God, I thought.  For a couple of sleepless nights, my heart was hard, enough to shut God silent.  Until few hours ago, I opened my book entitled “the good and beautiful GOD”, earnestly searching for comfort and when finally found cried honest tears once again…

In the book, I learned the nature of GOD as Self-Sacrificing.  Going back to the verses on top, God’s greatest commandment was all about LOVE.  I think that’s the chief purpose of why we are created, to fulfill that meaningful duty.  And Its deepest nature?  I could have said Unconditional.  Yet only God has the capacity to possess that nature.  What comes next after that, I believe, is Self-Sacrificing.

“God, who is completely free, chose willingly to enter into our world as a vulnerable child and to endure insult, torture and execution as an adult.  God did not have to do this.  If Athanasius is right in saying that the only way to solve the human problem (corruption, alienation from God, loss of the image of God) was by God stepping in Himself, that still does not mean that God had to do it.  There is nothing that compelled God to save us in this way.  In choosing to save us in this manner, God risked unrequited love.”  pp 138-139

We often wonder why God allowed His Son, Jesus Christ, to undergo the most brutal and shameful death just to forgive us of our sins.  God being omnipotent, couldn’t He just snap His fingers and instantly grant forgiveness without the need to sacrifice His Son?  These have been one of the common distorted views of most people, including Christians.  Yet from the passage above, one can draw the true nature of God being Self-Sacrificial; not just that He sacrificed His Son which may entail coldness from his part, but rather God Himself, chose to save us by entering our world through a perfect human body, Jesus.  It is that God and Jesus (and the Holy Spirit) are one in entity.  God Himself, our Creator, our Redeemer.  Most of all, the last bold sentence struck me.  Where He created Love to be the most precious thing, He risked being unloved by coming to Earth to offer Himself in vulnerability to His creation, submitting Himself completely in His very creation that rejected Him – revealing His love in the most powerful manner possible – Self-sacrifice!

Is there a point sinking in you already?  Self-sacrifice.  I’ve read that this applies more to the spiritual leaders that God has called to step up.  Selflessness.  Serving instead of being served.  There will be a lot of spiritual attacks, specifically aiming emotional baggage that will discourage many spiritual leaders and be weary.  We just cannot settle for the human reasoning of ‘selected indifference’ to comfort us.  We need to battle the spiritual attacks by the feeding of God’s Word.  Only then will we see things according to His perspective and will.  No matter how tiring or fed-up you may be, no matter how weak and hard sacrifice may seem, and no matter how discouraged you are from nonreciprocating care, I am now reminded that God Himself, the One whom I serve, chose to undergo the highest form of all sacrifice because He loved us.  And we in our small moments of sacrifice, feel something of what God feels (freedom, release, exhilaration, purpose, meaning), if only for a few moments. 

I wondered why God gave me a new and different vision mission lately.  Deep within me, I know this is the valuable and lasting essence in our God-given life, no matter what our ministries are.  Ask me what that vision is?  Press HOME in your keyboard and refer to the top most verses again :)