Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon - Alabang starts its Christian Life Program August 3 Friday. This is a series of talk on God and life. Join now and get connected...
Visit www.lingkodclp.blogspot.com now online.Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Change versus Transformation
Change versus Transformation
(Grow Up!)
Have you ever observed how a caterpillar transforms into becoming a beautiful butterfly?
During my childhood days, a time came when our santol (tropical fruit) tree inside our backyard was infested with caterpillars. On my part, I tried killing some of it, thinking that they are just worms crawling and trying to eat and kill my favorite tree. But it was a completely futile effort. I stopped when I felt a certain feeling of pity whenever I kill and see green blood oozing from their bodies. That image crept into my mind and haunted me for I am guilty of taking their lives mercilessly. I noticed day after day, that the leaves of our tree slowly disappear until it is completely barren. Now there is nothing for them to eat. One day, I was surprised to see cocoons hanging on its branches. I tried to open one but there was nothing. I asked my mom about it and she told me to just leave them alone. I was curious as to what will happen to them and for the first time; I saw life slowly leaving the little cocoons. Beautiful butterflies filled our backyard and set a marvelous explosion of colors.
I thought at first that change is the same with transformation. The caterpillar changed into a butterfly, but it is a change of complete transformation. The old is no longer the same with the new. When we cut the grasses, it will still grow. You only changed its outward appearance but its roots are still the same. Changing our bad ways can also be the same with this because it can be only on the surface. The old ways can still appear. But when we change within, or a complete change of heart and mind, the old is replaced with the new, therefore a radical change sets in. The word radical came from the latin word “radic” which means roots. When one came to know Christ and applies His teaching into his or her life, a new person is revealed. It is the death of the old and the birth of the new. As the lyrics of the song goes, “yea my life is hidden in Christ, death no longer rules over me.” The real measure of change is not just on the surface level but a change within, a complete transformation of the heart and mind. When that happens, others will just notice it automatically and may inspire them to transform as well.
When the transformers transformed from cars into real life living robots with the ability to speak and think on their own, their old selves were no longer the same with the new. Likewise, when we transformed from toddlers to young children with the ability to understand and reason out, we are no longer the same as our old self. And as we grow older when we begin to think that we do not let circumstances to become masters of our life and instead allow God to help us control and do something with our situation, then we are no longer the same with the old. Change is difficult because it allows us to get hurt and even become disappointed. But it is also an opportunity for us to know a different person within. Being satisfied within our comfort zones have the tendency of limiting our progress. We can only discover our new self if we allow it to be tested and face new challenges. Transformation is an act of moving out of our cocoons; either self-imposed or imposed by others. But we cannot simply get out from that cocoon without knowing that he or she has to get out. The caterpillar knew itself very well. It knew that it has to undergo a certain procedure for it to become something new. Otherwise it would have just remained a caterpillar all the rest of its life. A toddler knew that at a certain point it has to get out of his crib, otherwise he may find himself uncomfortable by staying within the limited size of his crib. He needs to expand his universe and he can’t do it by just being satisfied staying within his comfort zone.
The first step of transformation is knowing oneself. Who are you?
It is an honest assessment of who we really are.
Sometimes we may not know ourselves to the point that we may think that we, ourselves personally are strangers. How can we change if we don’t know what to change or why we need to change? It is the act of questioning that will reveal the answer.
Finally, allowing God and the Holy Spirit to give us the courage and wisdom to know and enable us to act and implement this transformation.
Knowing God’s word is great and greatest when applied to reality.
Grow up! : )
God bless,
Yel
Alnp-alabang
(Grow Up!)
Have you ever observed how a caterpillar transforms into becoming a beautiful butterfly?
During my childhood days, a time came when our santol (tropical fruit) tree inside our backyard was infested with caterpillars. On my part, I tried killing some of it, thinking that they are just worms crawling and trying to eat and kill my favorite tree. But it was a completely futile effort. I stopped when I felt a certain feeling of pity whenever I kill and see green blood oozing from their bodies. That image crept into my mind and haunted me for I am guilty of taking their lives mercilessly. I noticed day after day, that the leaves of our tree slowly disappear until it is completely barren. Now there is nothing for them to eat. One day, I was surprised to see cocoons hanging on its branches. I tried to open one but there was nothing. I asked my mom about it and she told me to just leave them alone. I was curious as to what will happen to them and for the first time; I saw life slowly leaving the little cocoons. Beautiful butterflies filled our backyard and set a marvelous explosion of colors.
I thought at first that change is the same with transformation. The caterpillar changed into a butterfly, but it is a change of complete transformation. The old is no longer the same with the new. When we cut the grasses, it will still grow. You only changed its outward appearance but its roots are still the same. Changing our bad ways can also be the same with this because it can be only on the surface. The old ways can still appear. But when we change within, or a complete change of heart and mind, the old is replaced with the new, therefore a radical change sets in. The word radical came from the latin word “radic” which means roots. When one came to know Christ and applies His teaching into his or her life, a new person is revealed. It is the death of the old and the birth of the new. As the lyrics of the song goes, “yea my life is hidden in Christ, death no longer rules over me.” The real measure of change is not just on the surface level but a change within, a complete transformation of the heart and mind. When that happens, others will just notice it automatically and may inspire them to transform as well.
When the transformers transformed from cars into real life living robots with the ability to speak and think on their own, their old selves were no longer the same with the new. Likewise, when we transformed from toddlers to young children with the ability to understand and reason out, we are no longer the same as our old self. And as we grow older when we begin to think that we do not let circumstances to become masters of our life and instead allow God to help us control and do something with our situation, then we are no longer the same with the old. Change is difficult because it allows us to get hurt and even become disappointed. But it is also an opportunity for us to know a different person within. Being satisfied within our comfort zones have the tendency of limiting our progress. We can only discover our new self if we allow it to be tested and face new challenges. Transformation is an act of moving out of our cocoons; either self-imposed or imposed by others. But we cannot simply get out from that cocoon without knowing that he or she has to get out. The caterpillar knew itself very well. It knew that it has to undergo a certain procedure for it to become something new. Otherwise it would have just remained a caterpillar all the rest of its life. A toddler knew that at a certain point it has to get out of his crib, otherwise he may find himself uncomfortable by staying within the limited size of his crib. He needs to expand his universe and he can’t do it by just being satisfied staying within his comfort zone.
The first step of transformation is knowing oneself. Who are you?
It is an honest assessment of who we really are.
Sometimes we may not know ourselves to the point that we may think that we, ourselves personally are strangers. How can we change if we don’t know what to change or why we need to change? It is the act of questioning that will reveal the answer.
Finally, allowing God and the Holy Spirit to give us the courage and wisdom to know and enable us to act and implement this transformation.
Knowing God’s word is great and greatest when applied to reality.
Grow up! : )
God bless,
Yel
Alnp-alabang
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Litte Lulu
Little Lulu
I am sharing to you a story about my favorite pamangkin (neice). It all started when she was a baby, the first time I saw her, my whole world started to change. She is the daughter of my cousin, Ate Ailene. She is my cousin on my mom’s side. I don’t know how or why but little lulu simply captured my heart, the first time I saw her. She was a few hours old then, when she reached out and gently held tight my hand. My stone cold heart started to crash that very moment. Being a frat man during my law student days, I was trained to become cold and somewhat violent. Ready to fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. I disciplined my nephews somewhat strictly. With my hands always ready to spunk their little hands at an instant when they did something wrong.
Little Lulu’s hands simply melted my heart and freed me from my inner shackles with her sincere love. God sent lulu or her complete name luisa which means light in Spanish to enlighten and straighten my path and my family as well. She will be turning 8 this August and I am just glad that I met her. By the way her dad left them when she was still in her mother’s womb. Their dad abandoned them. Lulu had been our sweet little baby since then. Until now, I still wonder why her real dad can afford not to even see her or enjoy spending time with her. I know and that God will support and protect her family. Her mom was able to send all the three of them to school and provide a decent house and meal for them. On my family’s part, we are doing our best to assist them in ways that we could.
Problems may come our way but God will strengthen us and help us conquer this challenge. The bible says “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Which also means, “you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”
God bless,
Yel
Alnp-alabang
I am sharing to you a story about my favorite pamangkin (neice). It all started when she was a baby, the first time I saw her, my whole world started to change. She is the daughter of my cousin, Ate Ailene. She is my cousin on my mom’s side. I don’t know how or why but little lulu simply captured my heart, the first time I saw her. She was a few hours old then, when she reached out and gently held tight my hand. My stone cold heart started to crash that very moment. Being a frat man during my law student days, I was trained to become cold and somewhat violent. Ready to fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. I disciplined my nephews somewhat strictly. With my hands always ready to spunk their little hands at an instant when they did something wrong.
Little Lulu’s hands simply melted my heart and freed me from my inner shackles with her sincere love. God sent lulu or her complete name luisa which means light in Spanish to enlighten and straighten my path and my family as well. She will be turning 8 this August and I am just glad that I met her. By the way her dad left them when she was still in her mother’s womb. Their dad abandoned them. Lulu had been our sweet little baby since then. Until now, I still wonder why her real dad can afford not to even see her or enjoy spending time with her. I know and that God will support and protect her family. Her mom was able to send all the three of them to school and provide a decent house and meal for them. On my family’s part, we are doing our best to assist them in ways that we could.
Problems may come our way but God will strengthen us and help us conquer this challenge. The bible says “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Which also means, “you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”
God bless,
Yel
Alnp-alabang
Friday, July 13, 2007
Dying to Live
Dying to Live
I went to mass at Greenbelt chapel in Makati last Monday and was inspired by the homily of the priest. He shared a story about dying to accomplish something before we can finally enjoy our life. Dying to finish studies and then dying to get married - dying to have a child - dying to enjoy our life when our child or children grow up - dying to retire from our present work and then finally dying….
The homily is simple but striking. When will you finally live? Is it when we are able to accomplish our goals or now, wherever we are, whatever our present status is. Choosing to live is a decision, yet we sometimes forget and finally become sorry when we get old and do not have the opportunity to accomplish the things that we want to because it has already passed by. This is so because we choose of dying for something and forget to live in the present. Let each day count and thank God for each new day.
Savor today as if it is one of the most special day of our lives.
Have a nice day.
God bless,
Yel
Alnp-alabang
I went to mass at Greenbelt chapel in Makati last Monday and was inspired by the homily of the priest. He shared a story about dying to accomplish something before we can finally enjoy our life. Dying to finish studies and then dying to get married - dying to have a child - dying to enjoy our life when our child or children grow up - dying to retire from our present work and then finally dying….
The homily is simple but striking. When will you finally live? Is it when we are able to accomplish our goals or now, wherever we are, whatever our present status is. Choosing to live is a decision, yet we sometimes forget and finally become sorry when we get old and do not have the opportunity to accomplish the things that we want to because it has already passed by. This is so because we choose of dying for something and forget to live in the present. Let each day count and thank God for each new day.
Savor today as if it is one of the most special day of our lives.
Have a nice day.
God bless,
Yel
Alnp-alabang
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Lapag Brothers on "Hobbies, Toys and Games"
Favorite cartoon series:
Ariel: Ritchie Rich
Dan: Super Friends, Flying House and Voltes V
Dom: X-Men, Ninja Turtles
Eric: X-Men
Kicks: Transformers, G.I. Joe
Red: Transformers, Voltron, Justice League Unlimited
Favorite cartoon character/s:
Ariel: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Dan: Spiderman
Dom: Spiderman, Spawn
Eric: Spawn
Kicks: Spiderman
Red: Justice League
Favorite toy/s:
Ariel: Mechanical tools
Dan: Game and Watch
Dom: Ninja Turtle and Lego
Eric: RC Tamiya
Kicks: G.I. Joe Cobra Commander aircraft
Red: Lego
Favorite childhood game:
Ariel: Patintero
Dan: Patintero
Dom: Syato
Eric: Taya taya
Kicks: Sipa
Red: Syato
Favorite "Family Computer" game/s:
Ariel: Pacman
Dan: Mario Brothers
Dom: Contra, Mario Brothers and Battle City
Eric: Iceberg
Kicks: Contra, Battle Toads
Red: Bomber Man and Battle City
Favorite childhood book:
Ariel: David and Goliath
Dan: Dog of Flanders
Dom: Three Investigators
Eric: Flying House
Kicks: Jack and The Beanstalk
Red: Choose your own Adventure, Animal Farm
Collection during childhood:
Ariel: coins and rocks
Dan: Game and Watch
Dom: Marvel and Image comics, stamps and NBA cards
Eric: NBA cards
Kicks: Marvel comics and NBA cards
Red: Key Chains and Wine Strirrers
Childhood hobbies:
Ariel: skateboarding
Dan: playing
Dom: drawing
Eric: cycling
Kicks: biking
Red: drawing
Ariel: Ritchie Rich
Dan: Super Friends, Flying House and Voltes V
Dom: X-Men, Ninja Turtles
Eric: X-Men
Kicks: Transformers, G.I. Joe
Red: Transformers, Voltron, Justice League Unlimited
Favorite cartoon character/s:
Ariel: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Dan: Spiderman
Dom: Spiderman, Spawn
Eric: Spawn
Kicks: Spiderman
Red: Justice League
Favorite toy/s:
Ariel: Mechanical tools
Dan: Game and Watch
Dom: Ninja Turtle and Lego
Eric: RC Tamiya
Kicks: G.I. Joe Cobra Commander aircraft
Red: Lego
Favorite childhood game:
Ariel: Patintero
Dan: Patintero
Dom: Syato
Eric: Taya taya
Kicks: Sipa
Red: Syato
Favorite "Family Computer" game/s:
Ariel: Pacman
Dan: Mario Brothers
Dom: Contra, Mario Brothers and Battle City
Eric: Iceberg
Kicks: Contra, Battle Toads
Red: Bomber Man and Battle City
Favorite childhood book:
Ariel: David and Goliath
Dan: Dog of Flanders
Dom: Three Investigators
Eric: Flying House
Kicks: Jack and The Beanstalk
Red: Choose your own Adventure, Animal Farm
Collection during childhood:
Ariel: coins and rocks
Dan: Game and Watch
Dom: Marvel and Image comics, stamps and NBA cards
Eric: NBA cards
Kicks: Marvel comics and NBA cards
Red: Key Chains and Wine Strirrers
Childhood hobbies:
Ariel: skateboarding
Dan: playing
Dom: drawing
Eric: cycling
Kicks: biking
Red: drawing
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