A Year of Great Spiritual Awakening

God came closer to me this year!

At last I finally had the chance to post here again in spite of that maternal discipline from my technological addiction. Anyway, it’s one day to go before New Year. Sigh… How could this year pass by that fast? I admit that nothing has changed much except my relationship with God. It’s been almost two semesters since I joined Victory Christian Fellowship. It really improved my relationship with God and my knowledge of Him. I even experienced new challenges that proved how strong I am as a Christian. A lot of things changed within me. I’m now outspoken on my views about God which I seldom do before. I’m now feeling that God is upgrading me as His instrument in sharing His good news. I’m not perfect but still, I’m struggling to drive my evil force away. I really thank God for giving this opportunity to me. Thus, I look forward to make that relationship stronger in spite of many hindrances.

Aside from discovering the true Christian in me, I also started reading the Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren. I know that a lot of you out there have already read that wonderful book. I have started reading it last month but I failed to continue after the seventh day due to world pressures. Am I weak? I have to say yes, somehow. Two days after Christmas my senses ignited again so I started reading, giving myself a second chance. I even used a notebook to jot down important notes that I believe can help me while I share with others my view of God. I posed a strict policy to myself that I’ll just read one chapter a day so I can have time to reflect on it. I’ve heard others who finished reading it because they read two or more chapters a day. For me, that wouldn’t be effective. I recall a time when our philosophy teacher challenged us to defend God with him on the “God is not a good God” side. It’s a real shame that none of us managed to defend God and just drowned on the reasoning skills of our professor. I wish I knew God even more on that time. I must have defended him and won. But past is past and we learn from it. I’ll just continue to be a sinner who was chosen to be one of God’s instrument, letting Him mold me into my purpose in life.

Hmm… What very significant change would this upcoming year have in my life? I hope it’s an awesome one… part of the purpose God wanted for me. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!!!

The Greatest Values in Life

The greatest handicap – FEAR

The best day – TODAY

Hardest thing to do – TO BEGIN

Easiest thing to do – FINDING FAULTS

Most useless asset – PRIDE

Most useful asset – HUMILITY

The greatest mistake – GIVING UP

The greatest stumbling block – EGOTISM

The greatest comfort – WORK WELL DONE

Most disagreeable person – THE COMPLAINER

Worst bankruptcy – LOSS OF SELF-ESTEEM

Greatest need – COMMON SENSE

Meanest feeling – REGRET AT SOMEONE’S SUCCESS

Best gift – FORGIVENESS

The hardest way and most painful to accept – DEFEAT

The greatest moment – DEATH

The greatest knowledge – GOD

The greatest thing – LOVE

The greatest success in the world – FULFILLMENT AND PEACE OF MIND


I got this bunch of virtues from the 2001 issue of my high-school journal. I don’t know where these were excerpted. It’s just indicated that they’re compiled. However, they’re really worth carried inside everyone’s pocket and be shared with others.

All About Smile

First, A Brief Astrology of Smiles:

Brightest Smile – ARIES, March 21 - April 20

Warmest Smile – TAURUS, April 21 - May 21

Quicksilver Smile – GEMINI, May 22 – June 21

Romantic Smile – CANCER, June 22 – July 23

Biggest Smile – LEO, July 24 – August 23

Gentlest Smile – VIRGO, August 24 – Sept. 23

Most Beautiful Smile – LIBRA, Sept. 24 – Oct. 23

Mysterious Smile – SCORPIO, Oct. 24 – Nov. 22

Heartbreaking Smile – SAGITTARIUS, Nov. 23 – Dec. 21

Undaunted Smile – CAPRICORN, Dec. 22 – Jan. 20

Inspiring Smile – AQUARIUS, Jan. 21 – Feb. 19

Dreamiest Smile - PISCES, Feb. 20 - March 20


Here I am again with my fascination in astrology. But believe me. I don't rely my life on it. I just use it for fun. But you must admit. You also find it thrilling. I can't find a web reference for this list. I jut got this from a greeting booklet entitled Smile (Brownie, © Greetings, Inc., USA). It's good to know that Librans like me have the most beautiful smile. A lot of websites that discuss about Libran character justify it. Well, enough of the bragging. Let's get to the topic.

Always start your day with a smile. It gives physical and psychological benefits. It takes 17 muscles to smile . . . 43 muscles to frown. In short, smiling requires less effort. Smile exercises the corners of the mouth and airs the gums. According writer Mark Twain, "Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." So this means that the wrinkle pattern of elders indicate how cheerful they were. A smile can say "I love you" without a single word. Smile, and the world smiles with you . . . Cry, and you cry alone. But maybe, you can find a shoulder to cry on. I just remembered an appropriate song for this topic: Just A Smile by Barbie Almalbis.

Remember . . . SMILE! :)

Uninvited Celebrant

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in very part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.

I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation.

The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face......... and I wanted to be with them and share their table. In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years they all closed their doors to me.

Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a great time.

To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying : "Santa Claus, Santa Claus"... as if the party were in his honor!

At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other ; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and .... do you know .... no one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me.

What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one ? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me.

I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all you heart. I want to share something with you.

As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party.

I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation, will be left outside. Do you know how you can answer this invitation?

It is by extending it to others whom you care for...
I'll be waiting for all of you to attend my party this year...

See you soon .... I love you !

-Jesus-

I wonder who wrote this beautiful dialogue. It lets me realize the true meaning of Christmas. Every Christmas, we share the laughter with one another. But we almost forget that this celebration is really made for Jesus. Forgive us, Lord Jesus, that we always fail to show our love for you. May we celebrate this Christmas season with Your spirit and goodwill.