Ninong Dolphy

I was privileged to have given a chance to write a tribute for Ninong Dolphy (lower left corner) through Inquirer last month, so I am posting a copy of the article here. My friend, Jill Lejano also shared her own encounter with the Comedy King (At LVN, upper right corner). Thanks, Pam Pastor, for this opportunity!

Inquirer Article posted last July 14, 2012.

Note: You may open the photo link in a new window to view a larger copy.

To God be the glory!

2011 Highlights

God definitely blessed me again this year. He has been so faithful and loving.

As I look back through my Facebook, planner and phone calendar, I can't stop thanking HIM for all the blessings and blessings-in-disguise. I am just so amazed on how gracious He is despite all my short-comings.

This year, God made sure that we're together in every step and decision I make, He made sure that everything I do would be pleasing to His sight, He made sure that I give importance to things with eternal value, He made sure that I realize what's important for Him, He made sure that I get to appreciate the simple things in life, He made sure that I learn to value every relationship He's giving me, He made sure that my faith in Him becomes stronger and unshakable...

I can just keep on talking on how God made sure He's with me this year. He made sure I become a person who knows that this life is all about HIM. So many revelations overwhelmed me and I thank Him for keeping me sane.

He gave me lots of new great friends and some old friends He allowed to stay, He gave me a new career which I know is just a preparation for His greater plans for me, He gave me an opportunity to lead people to follow Him which hurt and challenged me at times yet His plan to mold my character was fulfilled through it. Oh... I am just amazed with this great God.

Above all the blessings and lessons this year, I thank God for revealing how a great Father & Provider He is to me. Indeed, I am secured in Him! Thank You, Jesus, for 2011!

It's hard to choose highlights since I had many events and things to be thankful for but still I tried...

JANUARY:
My 1st Prayer & Fasting (Corporate), Victory Weekend (Participant; whole family), Training for Victory (Johnru & I enrolled)

FEBRUARY:
Johnru's Kiddie Bday Party, Victory Caloocan's Weekly Outreach Programs, Jeffrey's Vacation, Chinese New Year with Hannah & family

MARCH:
Design Project, SOFA (Interior Design) Workshop, BalikBayan Relatives & Friends (fr. US, Canada & CDO)

APRIL:
Started leading Victory Group & One-2-One's, Joined KIDS Ministry, God's revelation through Matthew Chapter 6 (made this year more wonderful and satisfying)

               ^v.30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
                   ^v.33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

MAY:
Home-based Job Interview & Orientation, Parents to CDO (I learned more house chores), Mom & Dad's Anniversary, Blog entry featured by OMF Literature, chikkas with Ags again after 3 yrs. (Sorry! I have to include this. hihi! *blush*)

JUNE:
Gave a Testimony for Leaders' Convergence, Outing with Nieto family, Prayer & Fasting

JULY:
Victory Weekend (Counselor), Mommy's Bday, PLV Team, VCF Ubelt's Singles' Night

AUGUST:
Home-based job Started, Dad to CDO for Lola's operation (Safe Flight & Successful Operation), Won a free book from OMF for sharing a Tweet/Quote

SEPTEMBER:
Met Jericho R. (appreciate simple things! *blush*), Parents' Interview for Immigrant Visa, BalikBayans (attended a funeral & enjoyed a short vacation)

OCTOBER:
Training for Victory (Parents; Recognition), Youth Leaders' Meeting, My Surprise Birthday Party (Lead by Team Gulat), More Birthday Treats & Surprises

NOVEMBER:
Prayer & Fasting/ Victory Weekend (Counselor), Worship Night (thanked God for His faithfulness for 2011), God's healing power for Mommy, Daddy's Bday, Another Home-based Job, Opportunity to design for LifeBox, Ten Days Mission (so unexpected)

DECEMBER: Ten Days Mission Sponsors (friends), Parents' Visa, Leaders & Volunteers' Appreciation Night, Victory Group's Christmas Party, Noche Buena with Family, Christmas Day


Thank You, Lord, for every single day of my 2011! I spent these days with family, relatives, great friends & acquaintances... each day was special as God planned it to be! Looking forward to more Blessings, Surprises and Revelations for 2012!!! :)


To God be the glory!

Purpose

I was chatting with a friend few hours ago and as we were discussing about issues and disagreements in life and Church, he asked me, "Kayo po, what is your purpose bilang Christian??? pwede po bang malaman" ("How about you, May I know your purpose as a Christian?").


That question made me wonder and ask other friends this survey question, "What is your purpose as a person/ Christian?" (around 2 'til 3 in the morning via Facebook, Yahoo Messenger & SMS). Some chose not to answer, some said that their brain is not functioning anymore, some said they're busy and some took my question seriously. With their permission, I'm sharing their answers here:

Sarah Abigail: "mainly to make sure other people know about God and what Jesus did."


Jay Primo: "live, be a role model in a good way."

Amanda: "Hmm... I'm not a hundred percent sure on what my PURPOSE is. I never thought about it really. I just know I have goals and that I want to see them through."

Dennis: "ahmmmm... to love & be loved."

Gold: "First thing that came to mind is my role in this life. I know that I am being prepared to put up a school one day. To serve in the field of education with high hopes of contributing higher level of learning for our children. In the process, there are a lot of situation where unknowingly my weaknesses and strengths inspire people. I just try to walk with my faith all the time."
Additonal comment: "Nobody have asked me that question before..."

Jay: "To be used by God as a blessing... one way or another."

Fhe: "Practically as a normal person iisipin mo to have a normal life, simple lang, basta masaya. To help, to be good and syempre makilala mo na may Diyos. Mahirap mabuhay ng walang takot sa Diyos. For sure nagkagulo na mundo." ("Practically as a normal person you will think of having a normal life, simple yet happy. To help, to be good and of course to know that there is God. It's hard to live without fear in God. For sure it'll be a chaotic world.")

Ryan: "hmm... To love and serve the Lord."

Debbie: "To be able to use my abilities/ talent/ resources to help others and be a blessing as well."

Peter: "A person to direct them on what needs to be done at work and in life; as a Christian, to lead them to God towards the right way, to the truth and to the life."

Of course, before asking them, I first gave an answer to my friend's question.

Joice: "Ay ako? (Oh, me?) My purpose as a Christian is to honor God in everything I do and to spread the gospel to others. The good news that God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die for all my sins and resurrected to give me salvation. That's my main purpose so pag may mga kaguluhan sa paligid ko na hindi ko maintindihan at mga argumento sa paligid... I always go back to my purpose. (That's my main purpose so if there's any conflicts and arguments which I don't understand... I always go back to my purpose.)"

How about you? Care to share your purpose?

This Bible verse might help you answer... Romans 11:36 - For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.