A strong belief and knowledge that something we desire to happen will soon come to pass will keep us going, faith will keep us going. Faith is the substance of things hope for and the evidence of things not seen. Faith is believing rather than just hoping; it’s understanding rather than just listening. God’s Word said that faith can move a mountain. Mt. Makiling?

Faith can move the Mountain of Disbelief and the Mountain of Discouragement. Sometimes, discouragements will burden our hearts and make us doubt but if we have faith, those discouragements will serve as stepping stones in reaching our dreams. We would believe in the things that we think is unattainable and impossible; we would say yes to all the opportunities that will knock on our doors and with the right motivation, God will surely give us the desires of our heart. Without a doubt, God will!

Great success starts with a single step it all starts with our faith but without works, our faith is useless, our faith is dead. Faith plus works plus God equals nothing is impossible. Faith is not just a belief it’s a strong desire that can surely affect our lives, it’s one of the most important elements that helps mold our personality, it’s not just a word churches usually use; it should be in everyone’s heart; it is the foundation of a dream that can turn to reality.

As a little girl, Samantha had always been the best in school and ranked first in all her academics, her intelligence was recognized by her father, Mr. John Walter at the age of six. Mr. John loved Samantha so much and would do anything for her, he gave her all the attention. Samantha loved and appreciated her father but as a little girl, she longed for her mother’s affection too. “Daddy, where’s Mommy? I miss her so much.” little Samantha asked. “Mommy is in heaven now, with God. I know she misses us too.” Mr. John answered. “Why did God take Mommy away from us?” She asked again. “I don’t know Sammy…” a drop of tear fell from Mr. John’s eyes and he continued. “Don’t worry, I promise… Daddy will never leave you, God will not take Daddy away from you…because…God loves you.” He uttered those words as he tucked Samantha to bed. “Daddy, God loves me…” She kept this in mind and closed her eyes.

That same night, swift slants of sharp rain audibly rang like a charge of spear-points on the roof of their small house, thunder bolts boomed overhead and all the lights were shut down. Mr. John arose and rushed downstairs to get a candle, a small amount of light shone that led him to Samantha’s room. He gazed at his little angel’s face then placed the candle on the table near the window; he reclined beside Samantha and immediately fell asleep. The fearsome storm continued its rage, the wind blew, the curtains flew, the small amount of light from the candle was no more rather a huge light from a burning curtain.

The flame spread like perfume, smoke started to fill up the room, the room was all covered with fire, it was like hell when Samantha finally woke up.“Daddy! Please wake up!” She shouted. Mr. John was terrified, he didn’t know what to do, there was no way out except for that little hole up in the ceiling that led to their attic. Samantha shriek for help but it was useless, Mr. John had to make the choice. “Sammy, everything will be okay. Just follow what I say.” He kissed her forehead then lifted Samantha and said “Place your feet on my shoulders, see that hole over there? You need to reach for it and keep your self safe there, find a way…” Samantha interrupted “No!” She grasped his father’s hand and cried “Daddy, you…promised me….you will never leave me.” Mr. John’s voice was weak when he uttered “Daddy will never leave you, I will always be here.” He pointed at Samantha’s chest. “In you heart, sweetie. Look, we don’t have much time.” Finally Samantha reached the hole as she took a glimpse at her father. She saw Mr. John knelt in the midst of the burning room with his hands lifted together, whispering a prayer. Tears fell from Samantha’s eyes and prayed “God, don’t take my Daddy away from me…”

Two days after the fire, Samantha woke up in the hospital. She burst out of tears and cried her heart out; she knew that her father was gone, that God had taken her Daddy away from her. She was so dismayed; hatred and disbelief filled her heart. Samantha ended up in an orphanage; Sister Precious took care of her along with fifteen other children. Sister Precious encouraged her to strive hard. “You’re a smart kid, Samantha. Seek and someday you’ll find what you’ve been looking for.” Sister Precious reminded this to her every time. Samantha was still depressed but she didn’t want things to remain like that, she wanted to voice out her thoughts; become successful, wealthy, powerful and influential. She wanted to find real happiness.

Through her efforts, Samantha accomplished her goals at the age of twenty nine. She had finished her studies, got an excellent job, earned a lot of money and became powerful. She was surely living the American Dream but in the depths of her heart, something needed fulfillment. She tried to satisfy herself through indulging in whatever seemed available; she even wrote books criticizing Christianity and God, books that influenced thousands of people into Atheism and disbelief and took part in activities that brought blasphemy to God’s name. She did these things because she thought that it would make her happy, that through all these she could find the happiness she had been thirsty for. Success, fame, influence, power and wealth did not make her happy rather it made her emptier and alone.

Samantha couldn’t believe that an old woman just phoned her and said those words. Guilty as ever, she looked at herself in the bathroom mirror, she stepped outside the conference hall and rode her black Honda. She gathered her thoughts into a nutshell and found herself beside the beach. Samantha cried everything to God. “I’ve done everything I could but it seems that everything is useless, I still can’t find the happiness I’ve been searching for. It’s just, I can’t understand why You have to take them away from me but now, I realize… who am I to question You? You know what’s best, forgive me.”, an odd feeling of peace and joy filled her heart after all the words she needed to say was uttered. “You are a smart kid, dear Samantha. I think you’ve found what you’ve been looking for.”

I find the site ‘attractive’ so I immediately subscribed.

Here’s one of the messages/emails that the site sent me. It’s very interesting…One of the many proofs that God exists.

ENJOY!

“Sha(or whosoever),

See this email I just sent you, that you’re reading
right now?  This email is proof of the existence of God.

Yeah, I know, that sounds crazy.  But I’m not asking you
to believe anything just yet, until you see the evidence for
yourself.  All I ask is that you refrain from disbelieving
while I show you my proof.  It only takes a minute to convey,
but it speaks to one of the most important questions of all
time.

So how is this email proof of the existence of God?

This email you’re reading contains letters, words and
sentences.  It contains a message that means something.
As long as you can read English, you can understand what
I’m saying.

You can do all kinds of things with this email.  You
can read it on your computer screen.  You can print it out on
your printer.  You can read it out loud to a friend who’s in
the same room as you are.  You can call your friend and read it
to her over the telephone.  You can save it as a Microsoft
WORD document.  You can forward it to someone via email, or you
can post it on a website.

Regardless of how you copy it or where you send it,
the information remains the same.  My email contains a message.
It contains information in the form of language.  The message
is independent of the medium it is sent in.

Messages are not matter, even though they can be carried
by matter (like printing this email on a piece of paper).

Messages are not energy even though they can be carried
by energy (like the sound of my voice.)

Messages are immaterial.  Information is itself a unique
kind of entity.  It can be stored and transmitted and copied
in many forms, but the meaning still stays the same.

Messages can be in English, French or Chinese.
Or Morse Code.  Or mating calls of birds.  Or the Internet.
Or radio or television.  Or computer programs or architect
blueprints or stone carvings.  Every cell in your body
contains a message encoded in DNA, representing a complete
plan for you.

OK, so what does this have to do with God?

It’s very simple.  Messages, languages, and coded
information ONLY come from a mind.  A mind that
agrees on an alphabet and a meaning of words and
sentences.  A mind that expresses both desire and
intent.

Whether I use the simplest possible explanation,
such as the one I’m giving you here, or if we analyze
language with advanced mathematics and engineering
communication theory, we can say this with total
confidence:

“Messages, languages and coded information never,
ever come from anything else besides a mind.
No one has ever produced a single example of a message
that did not come from a mind.”

Nature can create fascinating patterns – snowflakes,
sand dunes, crystals, stalagmites and stalactites. Tornadoes
and turbulence and cloud formations.

But non-living things cannot create language. They
*cannot* create codes.  Rocks cannot think and they
cannot talk.  And they cannot create information.

It is believed by some that life on planet earth arose
accidentally from the “primordial soup,” the early ocean which
produced enzymes and eventually RNA, DNA, and primitive cells.

But there is still a problem with this theory: It fails to
answer the question, ‘Where did the information come from?’

DNA is not merely a molecule. Nor is it simply a “pattern.”
Yes, it contains chemicals and proteins, but those chemicals
are arranged to form an intricate language, in the exact same way
that English and Chinese and HTML are languages.

DNA has a four-letter alphabet, and structures very similar
to words, sentences and paragraphs. With very precise
instructions and systems that check for errors and correct them.

To the person who says that life arose naturally,
you need only ask: “Where did the information come from?
Show me just ONE example of a language that didn’t come
from a mind.”

As simple as this question is, I’ve personally presented it
in public presentations and Internet discussion forums for
more than four years.  I’ve addressed more than 100,000 people,
including hostile, skeptical audiences who insist that
life arose without the assistance of God.

But to a person, none of them have ever been able to
explain where the information came from.  This riddle is
“So simple any child can understand; so complex, no atheist
can solve.”

You can hear or read the full presentation on this topic at
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=LFiZR&m=mpkuVQZOwTjn&b=qFgC5.AGgcwnMVGDUucqiA

Watch it on video:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=LFiZR&m=mpkuVQZOwTjn&b=tHV1NNhctcsG.yphyBhtzA

Matter and energy have to come from somewhere.  Everyone can
agree on that.  But information has to come from somewhere, too!

Information is separate entity, fully on par with matter and
energy.  And information can only come from a mind.  If books
and poems and TV shows come from human intelligence, then all
living things inevitably came from a superintelligence.

Every word you hear, every sentence you speak, every
dog that barks, every song you sing, every email you read,
every packet of information that zings across the Internet,
is proof of the existence of God.  Because information
and language always originate in a mind.

In the beginning were words and language.

In the Beginning was Information.

When we consider the mystery of life – where it came from
and how this miracle is possible – do we not at the same time
ask the question where it is going, and what its purpose is?

Respectfully Submitted,

Perry Marshall”

I’LL BE POSTING SOON…

“Hey, how are you sweetie? I know we’ve been together for some time now and I really had a lot of fun with you… but I don’t think we could still be together.”

I replied.

“What do you mean? We were happy, weren’t we? So…You just don’t like me anymore.”

Summer texted back.

“It’s not because I don’t like you, I don’t wanna be with you. Of course I still like you..that’s why I don’t wanna be with you.It’s a complicated emotion.”

“I still wanna be with you but I don’t have a choice, I’ll be leaving soon. Sorry, I didn’t know it was this soon.”

I hate it when I get caught off guard by the passing of time. I’m so pissed off by my emotions… traveling in and out of my thoughts and gently sinking within the depths of my soul.

Summer continued. “I don’t want us to hope for something we know won’t work.I don’t want you to wait for me to come back, I want you to enjoy what the future awaits you. And if I come back, I know… we’ll still be great friends.”

I replied.

“You’re right.Thanks for everything,don’t worry…I’ll give the next season a chance.”

I’ve been waiting all my life and I started searching.

But still, I haven’t found IT.

the IT that I know I should find,

the IT that I know I will soon find.

SUMMER IS WAVING GOOD BYE ALREADY!

SOB!

Everyone has their own beliefs and principles. Beliefs that serve as our guidelines in every decision we make and principles that help manifest the person we really are. The way you think, speak, laugh, smile, sing, dance, sleep, sit, eat, walk, cry, admire, attack, play, tease, etc. may differ from someone else just like your beliefs.We all have different beliefs and most of the time it cause redundant arguments, huge debates and a lot of disagreements among intelligent and pretty much aware people. It seems that everyone is trying to prove that what they believe in is true through all those scientific/historical/biblical evidences and explanations.

I know that we Christians have real conviction and we are all educated human beings but how can we prove them wrong? How can we assure that the things we believe in is TRUE?

Upon hearing the not-so-good news from a comrade, temporary sadness takes a journey through the roads of my open mind and gently sweeps away the gleeful spirit which dwelleth in my innocent soul.  My summer is ending fast and unexpected! I want to sob my heart out for irresponsibly spending my time in front of this television-like-thingy but I can’t.

My inevitable body is too tired to regret now perhaps too heavy to even take a leap like I always do during PE.  I’ve gained some weight (again) but I don’t really mind as long as I’m photogenic and capable of editing photos, I know I’ll look pretty! Well, I only have ten days left this summer, what the hell should I do?

1. Take shots of your face every now and then

I’m not vain, I’m just spending time with my vanity (did I use the right term?). And I need pictures for my facebook and friendster accounts.

2. Play online games like an addict

I love Grand Chase even though many find it korni (my Elesis is now level 29 and my Arme is level 17). I also miss playing Gun Bound.

3. Have a food trip

Tokyo Cafe is the best place.  Salad!

4. Just relax and spend time with fellow intercessors

The youth of our church. Cute no?

5. Write what you want to write

SCRIBBLES

SCRIBBLES

SCRIBBLES

DOODLES

DOODLES

So far, these five things will do. I hope the last ten days of my summer will be a blast.

Love,

Shariz ‘The one sitting in front of this television-like-thingy everyday’

As I was surfing the net for Christian graphics, I saw this photo.

I know. You’ve seen photos like this too, in TV shows, commercials, billboards, internet and many churches, right? Well, this is how they portray what Jesus Christ, the Son of God looked like and maybe that’s what you believe too. Tell you what, this is not what Jesus Christ looked like. Artists portray Him as a pale-faced, long-haired, effeminate hippy, this is nothing but wild imagination. If you read the Bible, you’ll see that there was never an exact physical description of Christ given but the closest description given was in Isiah 53:2.

“For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.“

Jesus Christ was ordinary-looking.

So… basically, there was nothing physically attractive about Him, Jesus was ordinary-looking. In the New Testament, the mob that came to arrest Jesus could not tell him apart from the other disciples; that’s why Judas had to point him out.

Jesus Christ was not pale and skinny.

Jesus Christ was a Carpenter. Back then, there were no mechanical equipments, power tools, digging tools, etc.. Meaning the Lord had done a lot of strenuous physical labor, His appearance would have been that of a tanned, muscular, physically-fit young man not like the photos we see.

Jesus Christ did not have a long hair

Most religious artists portray Christ with long hair. The man in the Shroud of Turin also has long hair. But did Jesus have long hair? Definitely no. In 1 Corinthians 11:14, Paul wrote, “if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him.” It’s quite unthinkable that Paul would have made such a statement if Jesus Christ had long hair. How could anything about The Lord be called disgraceful?

So, there you go! Nobody knows what Jesus Christ really looked like but for sure, Jesus looks very far from the photos we see all over the place and we should definitely prevent ourselves from idolatrous worship of those images and pictures.

Romans 1:23 “And change the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image make like the corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”

Reading different books makes me really curious about things and challenges me to do more researching whenever my principles and beliefs are in doubt. Masaya magbasa pero nakakatamad.

Let me do the honor of cutting the ribbon and pen-ing the list of some of the projects to y’all.

NUMEROW UNO.NAMBER WAN!

I was actually responsible enough to take care of my super kulit brother, Renzo and also my inquisitive-in-a-bad-way, little cousin, Josh for four consecutive days! I call this Project TC(Take Care).

NUMEROW DOS.NAMBER TOO!

For every vacation, like Summer… I usually wake up at twelve o’ clock to three thirty in the afternoon(12-3pm) but guess what? Now, I wake up at ten in the morning! I call this Project Morning. C’mon! That’s a huge improvement, right? Let me hear the crowd’s applause! Yehey!

NUMEROW TRES.NAMBER TRE!

I willingly decontaminate my irritating crib more than often, I call this Project CR. For the past days, I humble myself NOT(am proud) to say that Project CR(Clean Room) is on progress (DAILY)!

NUMEROW KUWATRU.NAMBER POR!

I even extended my kawang gawa outside the four corners of our house! We (Jerdz and I) call it Project BC. I only had one chance to pursue Project BC (Backyard Cleaning) for Mr. Rainy droplets and Ms. Stormy Clouds are always on the loose every now and then BUT loud and clear, I can shout to the neighborhood…”I have this urge to do more BC stuff! Who’s lazy now?!”

NUMEROW LIMA.NAMBER PAYB!

I went to Santa Rosa to have a sleep over at Namo’s Residence. TEAR-ISH! Baby Sha is finally growing up! Huhuhu. LOL. I had a lot of fun in this Project SO(Sleep Over). All I did was ihaw, ihaw, ihaw, ihaw, ihaw, ihaw, and ihaw.

So, there you have it? Five of the projects I did that somehow hinder me from blogging… anyway, I’m back!

MOVING ON…

I got home from church unquestionably tired, I went to my room and rested. Minutes later, I decided to somehow rinse my hands with alcohol(I had a lot of ink doodle on my hands kasi). I couldn’t find the alcohol so I got pissed off. I don’t know why I was so desperate to get my hands on that alcohol(the alcohol I’m referring here is the Isopropyl Alcohol, the disinfectant and antiseptic one).

It amazes me that every time I wander around, I see people who are very much addicted to alcoholic beverages and surprisingly almost 90% of those people I see are kinda broke, they’re somehow poor. Alcoholic beverage smells bad and it doesn’t taste good, so… Why do people drink alcohol?

Here’ some facts about ALCOHOL:

Alcohol affects your brain. Drinking alcohol leads to a loss of coordination, poor judgment, slowed reflexes, distorted vision, memory lapses, and even blackouts.

Alcohol affects your body. Alcohol can damage every organ in your body. It is absorbed directly into your bloodstream and can increase your risk for a variety of life-threatening diseases, including cancer.

Alcohol affects your self-control. Alcohol depresses your central nervous system, lowers your inhibitions, and impairs your judgment. Drinking can lead to risky behaviors, including having unprotected sex. This may expose you to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases or cause unwanted pregnancy.

Alcohol can kill you. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can lead to coma or even death. Also, in 2004, 36 percent of traffic deaths of 16- to 20-year-olds were alcohol-related. That equates to the deaths of 2,115 people in this age group alone.

Alcohol can hurt you–even if you’re not the one drinking. If you’re around people who are drinking, you have an increased risk of being seriously injured, involved in car crashes, or affected by violence. At the very least, you may have to deal with people who are sick, out of control, or unable to take care of themselves.

Stop being stupid. Stop drinking alcohol.

We all had fun! It was a party worth the HIKE! We had a terrific place to chill out, to play games and to take pictures! Everybody enjoyed the pool although some stayed inside the room playing with their laptops. Adik tlga eh!

TRIVIA: Si Julius ang pinaka-macho! *drools*

Joana accidentaly(KUNO) spit on Patrick. EWW!

The girls!:D

Peace up!:)

Striking the YUCKY pose.

Racing.. haha..

Best, Trina, Aly.. Pushing their butts to the pool.

Ready?

The next victim..

Basta, it was fun!:)