LENTEN MESSAGE

Ponder on this...

In one of my conversations with God I told him I want a comfortable life, free of hassles - where I don’t need to worry about tomorrow. I told him about my needs and not to mention my wants. I even confided my fear of aging without finding the love of my life. And the list goes on. Then He said, “Almost all your heart’s desires are of worldly meaning, you don’t need my blessing to have them. All you need to do is work and in time you will have even more”. And then He continued by saying “I made the world as your playground, you can do and have whatever it is that pleases you but not to the detriment of any entity, living or non-living, if you can do that then peace can start with you.” All of a sudden I felt like a superhero with Spiderman echoing the words “with great power comes great responsibility”. I moved on by saying, “Lord, would it be too much to ask for someone to love? He looked at me and said “Why do you worry about ending up with someone or not? When you look around and see beyond sight, you may recognize the value of love in everything that your eyes witness. The sun rises up everyday to give life to all living things. Rain pours down to water the earth and prevents it from drying. The clouds serve as cover for my children living in the desert. Even the ants that give burning itch, though small, were created for a purpose – they are a constant reminder that no man is an island and that in unison there is strength.” As I listened to God, my face went red. I never felt more embarrassed. He continued by saying “When was the last time you woke up and thanked Me for the air that you breathe? When you landed a top rank, it was not luck, I helped you out. I gave you eloquence during your interview in the same way I helped Aaron to act as Moses’ emissary. Well you got the job didn’t you? But you didn’t even light a candle for that nor proclaim my glory. You kept it to yourself like an arrogant man. Then you left your post and blame Me for not granting you a perfect job? I provided you with the best I ever could but unless you be grateful for the love I have shown, you are unworthy for greater things. Show me you can be responsible in taking care of yourself and I will not deny you of a perfect partner. Do you think your pain pass me by unnoticed? I can see right through you but I would rather have you alone as of the moment than let you go through living in loneliness with somebody you don’t really need”. In that instant, I felt an arrow just pierced through my heart. “Do you have any idea how many hearts and souls get broken everyday?” he continued, “When it comes to matters of the heart, humanity succumbs to their emotional needs rendering them imprudent. As if the ultimate goal in life is to marry and have kids. Well how many of them got married, had kids then left? Their children grew up and committed the same mistakes their parents did. They never learn. And the cycle goes on. I made a covenant with your forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that I will forever be in the midst of those who call me. Hear me then, I am the God who can do wonders throughout the ages and my stream is always greater than your scarcity. My only appeal is this, do not let the earth corrupt your innocence; you don’t have to lose it, it just needs to be maintained. Material investment will not guarantee entrance to my kingdom and only the wise will know this. I love you, and I am the only one who can love you unconditionally.” I wept. I just wept. His words are too deep and great for my diminutive mind and understanding. After that conversation with God, I know that the coming days will be a lot clearer to me. And for all of my shortcomings, I say Thank You Lord, because YOU NEVER REALLY LEFT ME……

P.S. To Jesus: Once upon a time I nailed you on the cross, so for the sake of your sorrowful passion and death, I can truly celebrate LIFE now….

…Thanks to GOD

One day, I was kinda gloomy because of what had happened to my sister back in the Philippines (she was robbed in Manila). I was really feeling so down. I didn’t understand myself. I didn’t know what to do. My mind was totally blank that time. I went to the office with no direction what to do. I just sat down in front of my computer waiting for a message from them. Just at that moment, I received this message from a friend. It really struck me the most, especially with the situation. I was really happy to receive it. The message goes this way….


Hello God,
I called this morning to talk a little while,
I need a friend who’ll listen to my anxiety and trial.
You see, I can’t quite make it through a day just making it in my own…

I need Your love to guide me, so I’ll never feel alone.
I want to ask You to please keep my family safe and sound.
Come and fill their lives with confidence for whatever fate they’re bound.
Give me faith, Dear God, to face each hour throughout the day,
And not to worry over things I can’t change in any way.

I thank You, God, for being home and listening to my call,
For giving me such good advice when I stumble and fall.
Your number, oh God, is the only one that answers everytime.
I never get a busy signal, never had to pay a dime.
So thank You, God, for listening to my troubles and my sorrow.
Good morning, God, I love You too, and I’ll call again tomorrow!


Such a wonderful message. I was relieved that time. I felt enlightened and so light. All my worries were gone and were replaced by hope and faith. Thanks to my friend who forwarded the message. So if you feel down, just remember this message and meditate on it. Have a good time everyone!

You can also visit me in my other sites:
http://eternallyyours-tax.blogspot.com
http://d-role-model.blogspot.com

…HaPpY mOtHeR’s DaY tO aLL mOmS

Can you imagine the sacrifices she made for her offsprings? Have you thought of her importance? Have you thanked your mom for her unending efforts to raise you in the right path? Have you discovered her continuous support and eternal care for her children? Have you seen her love to everyone, especially for her children, that she even wanted to give her life to them? Have you detected her generosity towards everyone, more to her kids? Have you found her endless struggles to uphold security for her youngsters? Have you observed her perpetual devotion to her families? Have you treated your mom with high regard or the other way around? Have you observed that she's very willing to sacrifice and give her life for you?

Friends, we only have one mother. We may have many friends but only one mom. We are not what and who we are now if without our mom. We wouldn't even be in this world if without her. We are nothing. So, she is worth thanking a million times. She deserves them. If you weren't able to do so, do it now before it's too late. Let's say, "thank you and I love you, mom, together."

To all mothers out there, congratulations for a job well done. Thank you all for you endless efforts for us. You are our inspirations! We love you all. Happy mother's day to all of you!!!

http://eternallyyours-tax.blogspot.com
http://d-role-model.blogspot.com

…tO mY eVeR-sUpPoRtIvE & rEsPoNsIbLe PARENTS

To my parents back home, this is for you, you are one of my inspirations. I labor hardly for you and for our family, as a whole. I am very proud to tell the world about you, to let them know how happy I am to have you. You are worth a thousand thanks! Even words are not enough to express my salutations to both of you.

It’s just that I badly miss them, especially when we talked about them with my adult students, last night during my class. I was kinda sad but I didn’t show to them. I do miss them, maybe because I am such a family-oriented person. Every time we talk about family, brothers or sisters, they always come to my mind. Miss you all so much!

My parents are just simple. They are only worried about the future of their children, our tomorrow. They are so concerned about it. They even always forgot about themselves, their own needs. They only focused on us. Such a responsible parents! I am so elevated to have such a lofty parents. (We really are). They did their best to educate us, that we can have a brilliant future, at the expense of sacrificing their own basic needs. Thanks for your care, Ma and Pa. I love you. We love you so much.

I honestly make this to let other people know, especially the parents out there, that POVERTY IS NOT A HINDRANCE TO SUCCESS. Only that if there’s a will, there’s always a way! They totally believe in this. They never let poverty barricade in achieving our bright future. It’s never a barrier, they strongly believe. We were all studying, five of us and without stopping even in the mid of difficulties. And now we harness the fruits of their labor, our labor. We are not what we are now if without them. Without their sacrifices, efforts and exertions, we wouldn’t have attained what we have right now. We owe you all these. Thanks a lot.

In spite of the hardships we encountered along the way, we were still able to survive. We have fought a good fight. As long as you have a strong will to do it, ample of courage to face challenges, a good deal of perseverance to persist until the end, sufficient enthusiasm, adequate forbearance, and a strong faith to the ONE above, there’s nothing impossible. And here we are now. Proud to say we survived, endured and outlived all the pains we encountered along the way.

Just wanna express my warmest thanks to all the people who in one way or another helped us in attaining our aims and goals in life. We are so grateful to all of you. We couldn’t be this successful if without you all. Most of all, to my dear parents, thank you and thank you so much to your unending support. Highest regard and thanks to the ONE above, whatever you believe HIM to be, thanks a lot. Ma and Pa, thanks for being always there for us. We love you! See you soon.

…LoNeLy No MoRe

Since I celebrated my 25th birthday here, I am lonely no more. Wanna know why? Considerably, I got a present from my colleague, a glass-like aquarium with two fishes in it. They are my ultimate companions now at home. I don’t feel sad anymore.

Kinda strange but in truth factual. I do talk to them. I am really happy this time that I have someone to talk to in my house. If I feel like talking, I just sit down in front of my computer table at home and talk to them. Aside from that, before going to work, I also talk to them as well as upon arriving. I kinda like asking them whether they are alright or something. I do treat them as members of my family. Before going to bed, too, I do the same. I also talk to them. Sometimes they are no longer moving, I guess they were already sleeping during those times, around 9:30 pm.

Well, thanks to the concern of my colleague, Doris. I have someone with me now. I ain’t lonely anymore.

…nO bLoWiNg Of CaNdLeS

As we filled the room with enjoyment and laughter, we felt tired and so hot, that we even called the assistant to turn on the air conditioner. We rested from dancing. This time, it’s the instant to light the candles and slice the cake they bought for me. A grateful heart is talking to you. Thanks a lot.

Such a good-looking cake they prepared. T’was a chocolate cake. Perfectly decorated. I do appreciate all of you, guys. They lit the candles for me. The big candle opened like petals of flowers, with candles on each, such a beautiful one.

We danced around the tables as we sung HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG. We were like primary students turning around. I missed those times, acting like a kid in front of my family. I wasn’t able to blow the candles, ‘coz they were already out when we stopped dancing. I seriously sliced the cake and served them one by one. We delighted eating the cake and they, too, enjoyed putting icing on my face. T’was really a wondrous moment, worthy to be remembered.

We started singing and dancing again few minutes later. Then, we parted ways a short while after. I, in truth, was truly happy in that moment. Thanks for that feeling. I thanked all of them as we went home. Guys, you are one of a kind. Thanks for the acceptance. I do value that. Take care always and see you soon.

…bIrThDaY – tHe RePeAt

As I was making this one, I couldn’t help but laugh ‘coz it sounds like a concert, the repeat. Hahahaha! Yet, it is truly factual. I did have other celebration the night after my birthday. I did consider my friends here to be very important, too. But they are not somewhat related to the school, I mean the company. So I didn’t want them to be with the first celebration, with my colleagues and students.

I was kinda shy to these people for I was late in going to the restaurant. I did a special speech training for an hour for those who were not able to come the other week. I came there at 7:00pm, right after my class, but we agreed to meet at 6:00. I told them about it, though. But I still felt shy about it. I don’t want them to wait for me for that long. I got no choice, anyway.

One picked me up at school for I don’t know how to get there. thanks Jim for that. When we came in, they were of course, there waiting for us. I did ask for an apology. Sorry for that guys. But they did understand the situation. I just told them to order ahead of time, so that when we would come, we would start eating right away. Yes, they did. They are all smart and professional. That’s one thing I like with this group. Thanks for joining me in my time of happiness. Greatly appreciated.

We did have a nice chat as we enjoyed the food. Some cracked jokes while we were eating and we all laughed. We truly had a great time together. We shared our experiences and so on.

I just wanna express my warmest and heartfelt gratitude to all of these people; Stephen (a Canadian guy, foreign teacher in the teacher’s college here), thank you for spending your precious moment with me. I know you are pretty busy, too. But you did come. Thanks a lot. To Jim, for picking me up and for arranging for the event, my contact person. Thanks a lot for the sensitivity. To Linda, my great adviser, thanks for the wonderful thoughts you’ve shared to me. To Wendy, thanks for being such a nice friend, just think positive as we always say it. Last but not the least, to Sarah, thanks for being there and for always being there. I highly valued your presence last night. Thank you so much guys.

"Friendship is a strong and habitual inclination in two persons to promote the good and happiness of one another." --Eustace Budgell

…oNe Of A kInD

My friends handed me a special, very exceptional birthday card with their signatures on it. It is bought from the US. Wendy had a business trip there and in Canada for several times before. So they gave me one.

It's my first time to receive a birthday card from other countries. Christmas cards I did. But birthday card, that was the first. It’s one of a kind experience. It’s really beautiful. It talks about friendship. This is what it says, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Special people are like flowers in the garden of life.” That’s in the front page. What it says inside is, “You always seem to go out of your own way to make other people feel special. That’s one of the things I like best in you.”

I was touched as I read it. Thank you so much everyone. It made my day so special, as well as my feelings. In addition to that, I was indeed very happy. Words may not be enough to express it. Thanks a million times.

…gIfTs I rEcEiVeD

I couldn’t imagine why they were able to have a such wondrous presents for me. They have no time. I made it a point not to tell them in advance so that they won’t bother to buy some. But I was amazed. They made it in just less than an hour. My boss phoned them an hour before dinner and told them the restaurant. Yes, they came with their respective presents. They entered the room and greeted me HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY and wished me the best in life and here in China as they handed their gifts. I was filled with gratefulness and thanked them one by one.

Amazing gifts amused my eyes and diverted my feelings, for I was a little sad reminiscing those times I had with my family during this time. I truly appreciate the thoughtfulness of these people around me here. With my students, too, they are indeed worth calling, true and real friends. Thanks for the friendship you are offering.
I was filled with laughter as I opened each
of their presents. They, too enjoyed watching me opening them and capturing pictures at the same time. They also explained why they planned to buy them as I tore the wrappers. I couldn’t put in words what I felt that time. Indescribable! Well, thanks to all of you. I am in truth happy for your gifts. I just don’t know how to give back the kindness you showed me. I just wish you the best in your state of life, too. May all your labors be fruitful and successful. Thanks a lot.

…OnLiNe GrEeTiNgS

This is what I was just expecting from my family and friends back home. And they did. A lot of them did. With my friendster account, many tried their best to greet me on my special day, no matter how busy they were, they really spent time just to send their greetings to me. Highly valued guys! I do appreciate your efforts.

With my facebook account, quite a few spent their precious time just to greet me that time. Thanks to all of you people. I just couldn’t reply you all at the same time, ‘coz I am also a little busy. I am just going to tell you, I do appreciate what you did. Thanks for that.

With my yahoo account, e-mail and my messenger, super many of them greeted me. Since I wasn’t online for the entire day, I just opened this morning. A lot of offline messages from my dear family members and friends. E-mails also were sent that day, but I just read them today. To all of those who are so concern about me and truly remember my special day, it’s an honor to have you all. I am so lucky to have you, so precious and dear to me. Thanks for you comments and greetings. I just wish and pray that you are also happy everyday just like what you wished for me. Thank you so much everyone. Let’s pray for one another. Have a good time everyone!

My mobile phone also was very busy beeping. Many, too tried to greet me through my phone. Others even called me up just to express their sentiments. Very well fellas, thanks a lot. Take care always.

…tHoUgHtFuL PaLs

Thanks to my sponsors! LOL. My colleagues bought me some presents. They do find time to look for one and gave me this afternoon. There’s just one present I found so peculiar. Amazing! I couldn’t imagine ‘coz I never heard of this before.

When she handed over her present, she told me that I should be careful in opening it. It’s fragile she said. So I slowly opened the gift, tore its wrapper and opened the box. I saw a glass covered with somewhat foil and there’s water inside. As I picked it up. There are two fishes in side. Pretty small. It’s totally covered. I innocently asked, “How will I feed them?” They answered, no, no need to feed them. They won’t die for four or even five months. They added, I only have to put it in a cold place. No sunshine at all.

People, thanks a lot for that. I do appreciate them. Once again, I gratefully thank you.

…DiNnEr AnD KTV

That’s my ultimate plan before when I would celebrate my birthday here. Somewhat no other choices. Well tonight, we are going to dinner and KTV. I invited all our staffs and all my adult students, for I suppose to have a class with them tonight. So we are going to have our class in KTV, joke. We will enjoy once in a while. They agreed, too. So no problem at all. They also like the idea.

So, my boss called the place in advance. Then he also phoned all my adult students and reminded them again and told them the place. So, see you all later, guys! Let’s enjoy and have fun. Thanks for being with me as I celebrate my happy moment. Let’s have a good time. Let’s party!

…I dIdN’t ExPeCt

Well, as I announced to my colleagues that this day is my birthday, they were all surprised. They were shouting and blaming each other, for one has remembered but somebody said it’s not yet. So they were laughing and saying a lot of things but I couldn’t understand. They really didn’t expect that.

Someone actually asked me about it few days ago, but I didn’t answer yet. She asked whether it would be this month or on June, but somebody interrupted. Then, I wasn’t able to tell. So they were really surprised today.

They went home early in the morning. I was left alone in the office. I was a little sad. So I went home, too after few minutes. And when I came back in the afternoon, they weren’t in the office yet. Kinda strange ‘coz usually, they will arrive earlier than me. Only to find out, they bought some presents for me. I was so elated. Thanks for them. I somehow forget my loneliness and homesickness. I feel I’m at home with my friends. Thanks a lot! I cordially appreciate your efforts to comfort me. Thanks you very much.

…YoU aRe CoRdIaLLY iNvItEd

As I celebrate my 25th birthday today, I am inviting everyone to celebrate with me. Join me as I blow the candles and take wishes. Wish me a happy, progressive, healthy, strong, and a long life. That I may survive through all the hurdles that may come my way.

It’s my silver birth anniversary, 25 years of existence and survival here in this battlefield, we call earth. I have fought a good fight, as St. Paul said, combating all the hassles that I met along the way. Thanks to all the people who in one way or another gave me a hand as I go on my way each day. Thanks a lot to all of you.

With this special day, come and join me in my happiness. Let’s forget our troubles. Set them aside and be free from them. For a short moment, let’s be happy and celebrate this such a special day. Let’s go to dinner together and KTV afterwards. Let’s have fun this day. Let’s be happy! Thanks a lot.

… tHaNkS I mEt YoU

About three weeks ago, I met a lot of out going friends in my place. I am really happy in their company. They are all good and easy going friends. I am so fortunate I met them. They are real friends. Thanks a lot for the friendship. I highly appreciate that.

Last night, we had a grand dinner together. I met another new friend, Saus, I hope I made the correct spelling, their classmate in university. They are indeed very successful in their states of life. I can barely see it in their status now in the society. They are all good speakers of English, too. They have a good command of the language. Really great at their age, ‘coz as I know, only the new generations are studying English here. They are a few of the exemption! They are veritably clever, as I observed. They are in truth fortunate and successful.

In the same way, I am very open to them. I feel I am accepted. I do belong. Thanks for that feeling. I showed one to my flat after our dinner, which is not what I used to do with some of my friends. But with them, I feel so open. I am too flattered that they like to be with me, too. He helped me solve with the water problem in my flat. I was really grateful to him. Jim, thanks a lot. We had a great chat before he went home.

To everyone, be true and be what and who you are, and you will find people to understand you. And value them as you value your life. Take care of your friends.

…LeT iT gO

Why is it hard to let go someone who is so dear to you? Why is it painful to do so? Why is it hard to accept it where in fact it’s a reality of life? Have you encountered some? What did you do?

Since we are just travelers here in this life, people just come and go. Others stay with you for a while, then go. Some stay for quite a long time, but eventually go. Still some stay seemly forever, yet finally they go. Others don’t even stay, they just pass by. It might be hard to accept it but let’s face it. It’s life’s reality. We have to learn to let go and move on. We can’t hold on to everything, since we are just passing by.

What should we do, then? We should always treasure and harness the time that we are still together with them. Make it remarkable at all times. Say sorry to those you wronged, thank you to those who had done great things to your life, I love you to those you truly love and care, to your family and friends. Let them feel it. It’s not too late yet. You might not have another chance to do it. Don’t be so timid, don’t be afraid to do it. Just do it. That’s why I really do. To my Mama, Papa, my only sister, my brothers, all my relatives and friends, and all those who in one way or another have been a part of my life, I say sorry, thank you and I love you all. I wish you the best. God bless us all.

…LoBsTeR

After my tiresome day, my classes – speech training for those who are going to take part in the regional battle, I was invited by my student’s mom, who I personally know through the English corner, to eat lobster somewhere. T’was 8:50 pm then that time. I said it’s my pleasure. As we were walking towards the place, she also phoned another friend, an English teacher and at the same time, the owner of the school, a language center, too.

As we were near the lobster restaurant, the teacher was already there standing outside the restaurant. She looks familiar, I said. Only to find out, she’s the one I met last winter on the playground of her school, as I was playing snow with my senior high students. Her school is just beside ours. So we were glad to meet personally again, for we kept seeing each other ‘coz we’re just neighbors. We really had a groovy time while we were eating dumplings, luscious lobster and chestnuts. Such a wondrous moment! Thank you so much for that, I highly appreciate it. See you next time. ‘Til we meet again.

…OuR sEcUrItY

I was surprised upon receiving offline messages from a friend of mine, as I opened my computer, telling me that there were also police officers came to their school. I asked her for what. She answered all about security situations in her place.

China is going to host the 29th Olympic Games this year. Due to this, they are checking the security around. They indeed prepared a lot. I am just glad to know that we are so secured here. Police men are in truth doing their respective responsibilities. What a nice feeling! Thanks men! Keep up the good work.

…LiU’aN eMbRaCeD mE tWiCe

Liu’an is one of the most promising cities of Anhui Province, where Jean, my best friend and ultimate partner here, is residing and at the same time teaching as of the moment. Such a gorgeous and benevolent fellow! Thanks for knowing her. I’ve been to this city twice before and I can truly say, it’s also a fantastic and progressive city, one must not forget to visit to.

My first visit was with Mary, another Filipino teacher here. That was National Holiday, after we arrived from our 3-day tour in Huangshan. We roamed around the city, to its resplendent park, highly developed one, surrounded by water, ate in a great restaurant, went shopping and bought some souvenirs. I stayed there overnight. The following day, I went back to my place. T’was indeed a corking experience. I enjoyed a lot with my best friends. We perfectly had a howling time together.

Last Christmas was the second. Their company organized a speech contest and, of course, headed by Jean. They invited me to be one of their foreign judges. Since we were not working that time, I absolutely said yes after confirming everything that I could have a 3-day holiday. There were eight judges during the contest, four of which are Chinese and the others are foreigners. I did enjoy the event. I’ve learned a lot. I was totally amused by the performances of the students. I greatly saluted Jean for such a successful event, for a job well done. The company actually booked a hotel for the foreign judges, but we didn’t stayed there for we also had to celebrate Christmas with some other Filipinos and other foreign friends in Hefei, who were waiting for us. So, we left after a wonderful dinner.

I heartily thanked Jean for such a wondrous experience I’ve had as well as to her supportive boss, Searching, a Singaporean, my earnest thanks to all of you for the trust and for giving me the chance to go through such a great event. I didn’t experience being a judge of a speech contest in the Philippines. So I really felt elated and honored. Once again, thanks for everything.

…BoTtOmS uP

In the middle of the day, enjoying my off, I received a call. A Chinese teacher, telling me that the parents of my student invited us, all teachers to a dinner. She asked me if I would be available in the evening and told me it’s okay if I would not come. I responded that there’s no problem. She added that she’s going to meet me at the school at 5:00 pm. But later in that afternoon, she texted me that parents moved the time for they are working, so she’s going to pick me up at 5:30. I was sleeping when I received the message, though.

The time came and we went to the restaurant together. It’s just five minutes walk from our school. We arrived there earlier and we proceeded to the reserved section. I still have time to take photos around. We had a great chat before they arrived. A little while later, our student arrived and we asked her where her parents were. She replied they're at the parking lot. Then they came and started ordering. Both of her parents can’t speak English, as expected, good that my colleagues were there to translate for me.

Food was served a short while afterwards. Cheers and bottoms up, the father invited me as he gave me a glass full of beer. I had no choice. It’s a Chinese practice to drink first before eating and we’re not used to that. We usually drink in the mid of eating or even after. I felt something strange inside. I knew it’s because of the beer. Then we started savoring the mouth-watering food, absolutely delicious. I was actually sweating due to the beer and ate no rice yet. My colleagues asked me if I was alright, I just pointed my stomach and they understood what I meant and I asked for rice.

Cheers and bottoms up came every now and then. My colleagues explained to my student’s father that I am still young and not used to drinking. He was expecting that foreigners are good at drinking because of what he has experienced with a German guy. What a pity for me!

I was stuffed. I ate a lot to somehow reduce the effect of the beer. Everybody also was. The food really is very tasty. As a whole, Chinese food is so luscious. My head is falling, I felt. I still have one glass left. The father wanted me to finish it before we would go. I slowly consume it and ate some more. At long last, I made it. Then we left. I really was 85% drunk. If we stayed longer and ordered more beer, I might not be able to go home alone. I was just fortunate that he understood. And I was very happy because they were truly friendly. Thank you for the bang-up dinner.