Christianity

Christianity; what does in mean to you? What do you think about that word? What comes to your mind whenever you hear that word? What persons or things come to your mind when you hear that word? Do you also like other person that thinks that a Christian word means that it’s a religion? Well I cannot blame them. Many people really believed that the word Christian means that it is a religion. Many people are saying that Christian people are different from the other. It’s true that Christian people are really different because their lives are dedicated to Jesus Christ.

But what other people don’t know is that the word Christian is deeper than what they think it is. It’s not just a religion. Yes, the word Christian is a name of a religion. But for us Christians, it’s not. We can say that because the word Christianity is not a matter of religion but it’s a matter of relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s the real meaning of the word Christian. It’s not what the people think it is.

We Christians are always open to other people. Note that when we get the word Christ in the word Christian, the remaining letters are: i, a, n. Do you know what it means? It simply means that, without Christ, I am nothing! Isn’t it true? Can you do something without Him (Christ)? Of course not! We can never do something without Him! He is the only One Who can do anything, not us.

That’s what the word Christian means. It’s not just a religion. As long as your god is Jesus Christ, we are one! Because Jesus Christ will always treat His children fairly and equally. He is always a good judge and a loving Father.

I’m hoping that someday, people will know the real meaning of the word Christian because it’s really important to know that real meaning of the word. But of course, being a Christian is always a good life. I can say that Christians have nice and good lives because even if we are persecuted, we are not abandoned. We are pressed, but we are not crushed. We are struck down but not destroyed. That’s the message of the song, “I’m Trading”.

Christianity is not just a word. But it carries the word of Jesus Christ. Because when you say that you are a Christian, then it means that you have already accepted Him (Christ) as your personal savior and Lord. No matter what race you belong, as long as you have accepted His free gift of salvation, we are one! And of course, you are a Christian! That’s what Christianity means. It’s not a matter of religion, but it’s a matter of relationship with God, as what I said, a while ago.

But if you are really a Christian, you have to put it into action. Because they other people say that, “action, speaks louder than words”. It’s not easy to be a Christian, I tell you. But you have complete peace with Jesus Christ.

A love affair with MV Doulos and Books

MV Doulos is a ship wherein we can find lots of beautiful books. It is where we can find lots of books that are very affordable. Last February 13, 2007, we went to MV Doulos. It’s already my third time to went there. Actually, the youth of our church, including me, already went to MV Doulos. And we went there twice. It was really enjoyable in MV Doulos. When we went there, we were in the conference hall. We were having a praise and worship conference. It was a very nice experience!

Just like I said a while ago, last February 13, 2007, the students in UP including me, went to MV Doulos. It was at that time that I bought two books.

I thought at first that MV Doulos is just a ship all about books and other stuffs. But what I didn’t expected was that the people aboard are Christians! And in fact, they are also dedicating their lives to God! I didn’t expect that the people in there are on board because it’s their job! But it’s not! They are there because they are offering what they are doing to God. And it’s very nice to know that they’re not doing it for themselves but for God! Isn’t it great? I really thought at first that MV Doulos is just somewhat a library! It’s just a place full of books. But it’s more than that, it is a place where people are put together to serve Jesus Christ and help Him draw people back to Him.

When we went there, I bought two books entitled, “The Peacemaker” by Lori Copeland and “Future Leader” by Viv Thomas. Both books are nice! The “The Peacemaker”, is a nice book! It tells about a story of a girl who is taking revenge! And she learned that it’s not good to take revenge on somebody because God is the only One Who can handle that matter. And it’s a good lesson isn’t it? While the “Future Leader”, is talking about being a good future leader. And I have already picked up lots of lessons in that book. And it’s very nice to have something for you out from your hard work. Because the money I spent for the books are my savings. Because mostly, when I save money, I’m not the one who is going to use the money. But at that time, I was the one who benefited on the money. There are lots of books in MV Doulos that I liked. But I lack money so I can’t buy all I want. But it’s still an experience for me to be able to have a chance in going to MV Doulos. Their books really have lots of moral lessons in life. There are lots of books that can help you to have a better life. It’s like wisdom for the way.

Next year, MV Doulos will no longer come here in the Philippines. They say maybe four years from now. Because they will still have to, it’s like a renovation because the ship is so old. But anyway, I’m still looking forward to the day wherein I can go to MV Doulos again.

Global Warming!!!

Look around you; can you see the difference? Did you notice the change in our surroundings? Or it’s just that you don’t care? Look closely to our surroundings; is there
a change? Yes, there is! And the change in our surroundings right now is dangerous. It can affect all of us. But there is a problem. People are not aware of the changes in or surroundings and its bad effects. Or maybe they are already aware but they are just taking it for granted. People are not taking any action to solve this problem.
Global warming! That’s the problem right now! And it’s getting worse! And if we don’t get rid of this right away, it will become worst! The world is facing a problem that is hard to solve. But we all know that there’s no problem that cannot be solved. As we all know, global warming is the main issue that the country is facing right now.
Last week, we watched a film entitled “An Inconvenient Truth”. That film was really something that will wake people up from deep slumber. It’s something worth remembering.
When I was still young, I’m already aware of global warming. They say that our ozone layer is having a very big hole in it. And I was confused. If the ozone layer is having a hole, then it’s easier for the heat from the sun to go out in space. But what I didn’t know was that it is protecting us from the heat of the sun. And they also said that the ice and the glaciers in other countries are already melting. Then I said to myself that, “If the ice are melting, then its good so that other places will not suffer of to much cold.” But when I watched film I learned that ice serves as a mirror for the heat of the sun so that it would be release in space as infrared radiation. And I learned that if the ice and glaciers were going to melt, it would result to rise of water level. And when the water level will overflow! If that happens, it will be the end of us all! It’s scary to think isn’t it? It’s very dangerous if that happens. And if we don’t do something, we will surely suffer.
But there are ways for us to prevent global warming. We can always contribute to hinder global warming in our own little way. Little things that we do is always a big help to prevent this problem. It’s really very important for us to solve this problem because not only us will suffer, but also the future generation. And it will be unfair to the next generation because they are the ones who will suffer the consequences of our bad activities.
We can still solve this problem if we will just cooperate and help each other. This problem is not only our country’s problem, but it’s for the whole world’s problem. We must all help in solving ”Global warming!”

Street Children

When you hear the word street children, what usually comes into to your mind? Do you think that they are the rugby boys? Or do you think that they are the children who are bothering you because of asking money? Yes they are out there in the streets calling for justice and dreaming of having a comfortable life! When you see them, do feel sorry for them? Or maybe you are avoiding them because they might steal something from you? Why don’t you put yourself in their place? Why don’t you see for yourself the situation that they are in? Many people say that children are the hope for our country. But how can they be the hope of our country if they are already hopeless? They already think of themselves as nothing! I know that street children are really that bad. They are just influenced by teenagers that are also influenced by the wicked world. They are thinking of themselves that there’s no hope for them to have a new, and peaceful life. They are having a hard time in having a dream for themselves. They are lost! They need our help! But are we helping them? We are afraid to help them because we think that they are wicked. But don’t you know that they have also feelings? They are just hiding their fear because if they show their fear, they are not going to be accepted in a group. And besides, they think that when they show their fear, they are not in within a place. I know that deep inside their hearts, they are also afraid, but they manage not to show it. They are just hiding their fear.

Women and children are just associated to each other, because both of them are treated as second-class. Children are also helpless because they are not yet expose to the world and what is it all about. And if they are already expose to the world, they are going to be influence by the wicked world. The same with the women, children are also treated as minors. Just like I wrote above, how can they be the hope for our country if they, themselves lack hope? How can they be the future leaders if they are not guided the way for them to be a leader? Isn’t unfair for the children’s part to have a life like that, wherein they are wasting their time of doing nothing? Wasting their time doing some things that will destroy their lives?

Everyday, we can see lots of children walking along the streets bring with them a sack to look for garbage that can still be use, so that they can sell it. Look at their hands! There hands are supposed to be holding a pencil. Look at their feet! Their feet are supposed to wear school shoes. Their life must have an importance because they are the hope of our country. They are supposed to be in school! In school! Where they can learn a lot for their future!

Why are women treated as second-class?

Last March 8, we celebrated the women’s month. This is an important celebration because it is like refreshment to our minds that women are important in our nation. Actually all of us came from women!

But why are they treated as second-class? Why are they treated cruelly? Why are they treated as an object that is controlled by men?! Women are not treated equally with men. Don’t they know that women are also important?! They have let the women live a life wherein they are helpless, and not cared of. I can say this because I’m also a woman!

This morning, we watched a video during our reading class entitled, “Sex Trafficking: We’re so Syndicated Ma’am.” It tells about the abuse of women today. Trafficking is recruiting women and blackmailing them to go to other countries and have a wonderful work and big salary. But upon reaching there, they are forced to work as prostitute. Isn’t it unfair? They are only dreaming of having a good life for their family! They went in that country to work and have a big salary for their family. But why are they treated like this? Why?!!!!!!

It’s because of money! Sex Trafficking is the most common business right now. In this business men are playing. But what kind of toys are they playing? You’re right! Women! They are playing the women! It’s a very hard in the part of a woman to be treated like that! They are just doing it for their family but why?! I know that that’s the most common question of women right now? Why are we like this? Why are we in this situation that we are helpless? Women are crying out for justice! They should be treated equally to men! It’s unfair! It’s unfair! They should be treated gently! They should be treated with love. They should also experience the feeling of being the superior for something. Women must be trusted with something that is a challenge.

I can really say that we, women, are strong! We are not weak! We can do things that men can do! We can also achieve things that are hard for men to achieve. We women are brave and industrious. Suppose the husband is too lazy to work for the family, who take risks for the family to be able to eat everyday? Who finds a way for the family to eat three times a day? Who is suffering for the pressures and the problems of the children? Isn’t it the women? Isn’t it that they’re the ones who are taking the lead of carrying the burdens and sufferings of the children? Who is doing everything for the family to be together and taking care of the family? And who is the light of the family? Isn’t it the women?

Why don’t we scan ourselves and find out if we ourselves are also respecting women? And we must also learn to give more respect to our mother, because we owe our life to her.

I have a best friend

Friendship is a kind of relationship in this world. I can really say that having friends will give color to your life. Can you imagine living in a world without friends? It’s very boring isn’t it? I can’t see myself without any friend at all. Honestly, I’m a very friendly person. But I’m shy to make friends. But anyway, I still have lots of friends. But of course I’m making it sure that they are all good influence.

There are many kinds of friends in this world. Not all friends are good. I have already experienced in having a friend, but that friend left me when I was in the lowest part of the world. It hurts of course!

There are those friends that are good-weathered only. To the point, they are the persons who are there because you when you have something in which you can give to them. There are also friends that will be there because you are happy. But there are also friends that will never leave you even if you’re in the lowest part of the world.

I have a friend in which I can really say that He is a true friend. I mean, not just a friend, but He is my best friend. He never left me when I needed Him. I can always rely to Him whenever I needed someone to rely on to. I don’t know if He is also your friend, but I’m sure about this that He is a true friend.

I also had another friend. Her name is Rosa. We were best friends since grade four. She is a good friend because she’s there whenever I needed her. I know that she’s my best friend and she knows that too. She is always ready to listen whenever I needed someone to talk to. And of course, I’m also ready to listen to her. In fairness I knew her better than her mother. I know her feelings, her manners, and the negative side of her and many more. The same with her too! She knows me very well. We are always there for each other. We never leave each other.

I’m really thankful to God that He sent us in the same school. I know that our friendship will still face a lot challenges. Just like now, we are facing a new challenge. We are in different sections right now and we seldom talk to each other. I’m afraid that the ax of our friendship will become dull. What if that would happen? What will happen to our friendship? Will it be broken up? No!!!! I won’t allow that to happen! Because we understand to each other. We know that we seldom talk to each other but when we talk just a little while, it seems that we’ve never talk so long.

I’m always hoping that she won’t change her attitude towards me because I will never change towards her. I’m hoping that until now, she still considers me as her best friend.

Who is God?

God is everything to me. He is the one that is always there whenever I need Him. I’m really safe in His arms. I don’t know if people know Him for Who He is in there lives. Isn’t it nice to think that there is someone Who will never leave no matter what happens? And that whatever problem you have He can always help you? It’s very nice to think isn’t it? God is always there to defend us when we are oppress isn’t it? He always helps us to recover when we fail. Even if we sin against Him, yet He looks at us with love. Isn’t that amazing for such a person like that? Aren’t we lucky for having a father, a friend, a savior like Him? Even if we sinned against Him, yet He suffered for us and He never sinned! He conquered the crown for us! We are the ones who got the prize! God was the one who suffered the penalty for our sins; and when He rose, we are the ones who receive the price of His salvation. I bet there’s no man that has kind heart that would dare to suffer for someone else’s sin. And yet He sacrificed Himself for us.

For me God is always be the best best friend that I’ll ever have. Where can you find such a friend that is willing to die and to sacrifice everything just for you? Where can you find such a friend that always wants the best for you? He loves us so much that’s why He sacrificed Himself for us. How can we be so greedy of not offering our life to Him and yet He’s the one who is always there whenever we need Him? It’s our only way to thank Him for what He has done in our lives. Even if we offer our whole life to Him, that won’t be enough to thank Him. But at least we had our way of thanking Him.

So we must allow Him to be our personal Savior and Lord and we must give our lives as a living sacrifice to Him. My life right now is devoted to Him. Everything I do is always for His glory. It’s because I love Him so much and I will always remain in His love forever. I can’t spend my life in doing things that are not for His glory.

And right now I’m doing my best to please Him, but of course with His help. That’s what the word Christian means. Notice that when you get the word Christ, the remaining letters are ian. This simply means that without Christ I am nothing. Isn’t it true? It’s really true that without Him we can never live life.

I’m hoping that someday people will really know Him for who He really is in our lives. I’m really asking God the permission to help Him in bringing people back to Him. All we ask in Him is for ourselves. Why don’t we try to ask His permission to help Him in bringing people back to Him? You in your life, have you done this?

Different Kind of Experience

Hi! I am a student of the University of the Philippines. And I’m very proud of my school. In short, I’m proud to be a Upian. I know that I’m in a good school, because my school is very famous. When I was still in elementary, I already want to study in UP. Maybe because it’s just near to my school. They say that UP is a very strict school. And the lessons are very hard. But I still give in.

ast March 11, 2005, was the entrance exam at UP High. I don’t know if I’m ready at that time. I was scheduled during the afternoon test. When I arrived at UP, I was from the retreat at that time. I really lack sleep the night before the test because it was our retreat. We went to Eco-Tech and there have bonding together. I really enjoyed at that time. In the morning, while we were having a lecture we were really sleepy. We were given an early lunch so we can prepare for the test at UP. I was already nervous because I’m going to take the test. But before I leaf the lecture room, I suddenly opened my Bible to a certain verse and there God told me that “If you ask for something, you must believe that you can have it.” I was really shocked at that time because I didn’t expect that God would tell that verse. My nervousness lessened. After lunch we went to UP High School. Thanks to God that He guided me during the test. I was able to concentrate in the test and I was able to finish it all. After the test, I went home and when I arrived home, I immediately went to bed.

And now here comes March 20, 2005! I was very nervous because we are going to find out the result of the test. When I arrived in UP, I was very shock to find out that I passed the test! My teachers are very happy for me! Maybe they are happier than me. Especially teacher Gracel. She really hugged me when she found out that I passed the test. That was a very happy day for me. Because I know that it’s really God’s plan for me to study in UP.

And now, I’m already in UP and I never realized how happy it is to be in UP. It’s very enjoyable in UP. Despite the hectic schedules, hard lessons, and many more, it’s still enjoyable. I really can’t believe that I entered here in UP. It was a very unforgettable experience to take the test in UP.

Right now, I’m just enjoying my life of being a Upian! Even though that there are very scary situations in UP. Especially the card day and the periodical test. But anyway, I’m still enjoying lots of activities here in UP.

For me the best High School for me is UP. Because it is where I found freedom and more enjoyment. And now I’m here in UP enjoying everyday with the school that I’m very proud of.