When I Say I’m a Christian
Posted by: frutypop on: November 9, 2009
Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin’.”
I’m whispering “I was lost,
“That is why I chose this way.”
When I say…”I am a Christian”
don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
and need someone to be my guide.
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on.
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
and cannot ever pay the debt.
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are too visible
but God believes I’m worth it.
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
which is why I seek His name.
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner
Who received God’s good grace, somehow!
—————
Thanks to my best bud, Ramil, for the heads up!
Of God and Superhumans
Posted by: frutypop on: October 12, 2009
- In: God
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We are not super humans.
This is one of the things one would realize while serving God for a long time within a ministry. We get tired and frustrated and eventually start to hate one another. This happens even among leaders.
I am blessed to have my cousins in the ministry with me. I’ve always been proud of them. But then came this rift between me and one of my closest. I guess we both hid bitterness and frustrations–maybe for different reasons. We were both stressed out and thought bad things about each other… and other people.
Last night, forgiveness came. I made up with a cousin and we texted the whole night and agreed we are both so AMPAW (synonym of WEAK and HELPLESS) and realized we only really need to be strong in the Lord. We both know God is in control of circumstances.
When I sent him the first text, I told him I have nothing to be proud of in front of God but I have a responsibility as a part of this ministry to let him know what I will have to go through. I was expecting a cold reply. But I wanted to let him know that I never ever lost respect for him just as he may have thought. And indeed I got the cold reply. But minutes later, he sends the same message, but added a few more lines of text about his realizations. And there came forgiveness fresh from the oven.
I have a lot of questions going on right now. Things like “when will this turbulence inside me end?” and “who among all these people surrounding me are my true friends?” But there are those people you know are there for you and will always be in your list of the TRUEST. They are those with whom you may have a rift or a gap with from time to time but you know will never leave that list.
We go through different circumstances in life. We don’t know what really goes inside each and every other person we encounter. I am going through a difficult one right now.
We are mere humans. We don’t have super powers that let us be invisible when our enemies come or fly to where no one can reach us when we want to isolate ourselves or turn into sand when we wish to hide.
We get nervous, angry, stressed, frustrated, cold, bitter, and every feeling else that every other human feels. The Bible itself tells us we are not to be exempted from all these things that have to do with living in this world.
The thing that God revealed to me is that when we feel these things, we don’t have to suppress them inside of us to keep our beautiful Christianly package. We were designed to express and in expression, comes the control that comes from the Spirit. We will explode if we keep these feelings to ourselves and eventually find it hard to seek control.
My cousin gave me this verse last night: 1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
It is difficult being human. Much more if you’re a Christian human. But the thing that we must always bear in mind is that we are mere humans and God is God. He has everything beyond the limits of our weak human capacity.
Forgiveness came. Hopefully, my own peace of mind is next.
The Thing About Dogs and Goodbyes
Posted by: frutypop on: September 1, 2009
This is my baby dog, Barak. He just looks really big but he’s about 4 months old. He is one of the four babies of his mommie dog Whoopie. Last week we had to give him away.
I took this photo the night before he had to go. We gave him to one of our churchmates who also loves dogs. I talked to him while he slept and pat him on the forehead. I told him it hurts for us to do this but he was becoming very big too easily and he had tripped my dad flat on the floor about three times already. My dad has been recovering from stroke and he still has a hard time walking straight. Plus, Barak is one really noisy dog!
But I love him dearly. And so does my mom and dad. My dad nearly even backed out from relinquishing Barak’s ownership.
But looking at the big picture, giving him away would be so much better for all of us. The only thing we made sure of was that he was going to be given to a family who would love him just the same.
His mom missed him the first few days because she had this habit of whispering something to his ears, probably inviting him to stop playing and start eating, whenever its chow time. She probably had to make a lot of adjustments when he was suddenly gone. She was obviously sad. But a few days after, she was okay again.
I miss him. But I am going to see him again in a few weeks.
Having to give up something so precious to me for a better situation taught me valuable lessons:
1. Love is all about looking beyond the flaws and imperfections . – Barak is not ugly but he definitely was a hyper, eardrum-breaking dog. And yet we loved him for who he is– just a cute little dog doing the normal things that he does.
2. Life is all about moving on. -I moved on when Barak left. So did my parents. So did his mom. So did Barak. That’s just how life is. We move on in different ways but that is making sure we don’t step on anyone’s rights or hurting anyone intentionally I guess.
I thank God for these simple special moments that allow me to think… and learn.
Posted by Wordmobi
EDDIE AKO!
Posted by: frutypop on: August 20, 2009
Brother Eddie C. Villanueva is one of the nation’s leading church leaders who has touched the lives of many Filipinos here and abroad as Spiritual Director and President of Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church and Chairman of the nation-wide Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM).
Beyond spiritual commitments
But Bro. Eddie is beyond his spiritual preoccupations.
Apart from being a deeply spiritual man with strong moral convictions and high ethical principles, he is most of all a Filipino who loves his country and his people and a man who is committed to leading the transformation of the Philippines into a prosperous and respectable nation through the Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement which he also heads.
Bro. Eddie believes that pursuing nation transformation is a logical extension of his spiritual crusades. He is Chancellor of Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation (JILCF), Inc. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of International Bible Society-Philippines. Apart from these, he is the Chairman of the International Christian Solidarity on Religious Freedom, a global coalition of Christian churches fighting for religious equality and freedom for all nations of the world. He is also Vice-Chairman of the Executive Council of Christ for Asia (formerly Charismatic Fellowship of Asia, CFA) based in Bangkok, Thailand.
It is clear that Bro. Eddie, while pursuing his spiritual mandate has succeeded in shifting his focus to the affairs of the nation particularly on moral and ethical aspects. He has a national view and perspective.
Multimedia practitioner
Recognizing the value of media to reach out and spread the Word and help transform the nation, Bro. Eddie serves as the President and Chairman of ZOE Broadcasting Network, the franchise holder and licensee to operate VHF Channel 11 and UHF Channel 33. He also hosts the TV show, “Jesus the Healer”, aired over ZOE TV 11/ GMA 7, and “Diyos at Bayan”, also over ZOE TV 11/ GMA 7. He likewise hosts a radio program, “Tinig sa Itaas”, over DZJV 1458 based in Calamba, Laguna.
Bro. Eddie also leverages on the power of the print media. He writes a column for Abante and Abante-Tonite tabloids and for monthly publications in Hong Kong and Taiwan. He is the author of two books, “Find It! Straight From The Word” and “Surest Covenant”, and contributed articles to two books, “Legacy”, published by Church Strengthening Ministries and “This Is My Story”, published by Cityland Foundation, Inc.
Academic achiever
Bro. Eddie’s national involvement extends also to the academe. He is the longest-sitting member of the Board of Regents of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). Previous to this appointment, he was a faculty member of the Department of Economics and Finance of the Philippine College of Commerce (now PUP) from 1969 to 1972. Therefore he knows the intricacies of the Philippine economy. He also knows the dynamicss of business and trade beyond his academic exposure. He himself also engaged in business. He was General Manager of Agape Trading Company in 1976-1977. He was also Export Manager of Maran Export Industries in 1973-1975.
In recognition of his achievements, Bro. Eddie has been the recipient of various international and local honors and citations. He holds a Doctorate Degree in Divinity from Promise Christian University in Los Angeles, California (2008).
He has also received various honorary degrees:
Doctor of Education Management from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (2003)
Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities from Bulacan State University (2003);
Doctor of Divinity from Christian International (CI) based in Sta. Rosa Beach, Florida (1997);
Doctor of Divinity from Vision Christian College in Romana, California (1995);
Doctor of Divinity from Thailand Bible Seminary (1994).
Bro. Eddie was voted worldwide as “Pastor of the Year” in 1988 by Dr. George Otis’ High Adventure Ministries. He was Ordained Minister of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (1979) by Dr. Michael Mckinney of the Victory in Christ Church and International Ministries based in California.
Recipient of various citations
Aside from these, he was also given the “EDSA People Power Freedom Award” for ZOE TV 11 as the only TV Station consistent in standing for Truth, Justice, and Righteousness during People Power 2 (2001) and the “Gintong Ama” (Golden Father) Award from the Golden Mother and Father Foundation (1996).
Bro. Eddie has also completed various special studies: Integrated Bible Course, Harvestime International Institute (1987-1988); Morris Cerullo School of Evangelism, Philippine International Convention Center (1984); Special Studies, Rhema Correspondence Bible Training Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, (1983); Basic and Advanced Bible Courses under Dr. E.W. Kenyon (1979-1980); Complete Bible Course, Daoud Correspondence School (1978); 14th Managers’ Course, University of the Philippines-ISSI (1977); Dr. Billy Graham School of Evangelism, Philippine International Convention Center (1977); Regular and Advanced Speech Courses, Speech Training Center (1970).
Humble but illustrious beginning
What was the basic educational background of Bro. Eddie? Bro. Eddie completed tertiary education at the Philippine College of Commerce (PCC), now PUP, where he was a student leader and consistent academic scholar. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Economics and minor in Finance, in 1969. He was adjudged PCC’s “Best Debater of the Year” (SY 1967-1968).
Bro. Eddie was born on October 6, 1946 in Bocaue, Bulacan to parents Joaquin T. Villanueva and Maria Cruz Villanueva, both now deceased. The elder Villanueva was a former Olympic sprinter who represented the Philippines in the Far Eastern Games for four consecutive years in the 1920s.
He was immersed in both student and labor movements in the 1970’s. He joined the progressive segments of society which opposed military dictatorship. He fought local landgrabbers in Bulacan. He was jailed for his political beliefs and participation in various mass actions.
Bro. Eddie is married to Adoracion Jose Villanueva, who holds a Doctorate in Theology from Promise Christian University in Los Angeles, California, USA. She is currently Executive Director of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide and President/Director of Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation, Inc.
The Villanuevas have four children, all achievers in their own right.
Eduardo “Jon-Jon” J. Villanueva Jr., 37, the incumbent Mayor of Bocaue, Bulacan, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Governance from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, 34, a third-term Member, House of Representatives, Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party-list, graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business Management from Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA and holds a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Economics from the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
Eleanor “Joni” Villanueva-Tugna, 32, is currently Vice President for Programming of ZOE TV-11 and Director for Administration of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide, holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines in Diliman.
Edelisha “Jovi” J. Villanueva, 26, is a Youth Advocate and Educator and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, Major in Social Science, from the Philippine Normal University (PNU).
Rich in things, Poor in Soul.
Posted by: frutypop on: August 11, 2009
When I was young, I wanted to be so rich so I could be a doctor and heal sick people. It has never happened. I went to law school. I wanted to be a lawyer so I can stand up on behalf of people in need. In the middle of it, I quit. I realized that money isn’t the central need in helping sick people or standing up for those who are in need. I just need to be strong and sincere and to have faith in God and myself and in people, and then I know I can make a great deal of difference.
It saddens me that most of our so-called leaders have lost what it takes to really help. They are probably strong. They have the money to help. But then most of them have lost the sincerity, empathy, and faith in their own people. All they have are their formidable beliefs in themselves (aka overconfidence) and in what they can do and yet all they can deliver are empty promises and loads of wrong motives. They are like bubbles. Pretty to look at but are mere air. Most of all, they lack fear of the Lord. In fact, they lack it so much that they are unashamed to be so lavishly extravagant while their fellowmen lie in dire poverty.
I guess that poverty in itself cannot be called horrendous. What is more despicable is when in the midst of it, those who have the capacity and responsibility to alleviate it spend more time going some place else–in the guise of an official trip–partying, eating, and drinking, and being merry… and just losing their soul.
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)
Oh well, eat and drink and be merry, for tomorrow… hmmm… (Isaiah 22:13)
Wait till they all lose their strength and are drained of breath… Would people feel sorry for them? Or would they rejoice… and eat and drink and be merry?
We’ll see…
Sleeeeeep
Posted by: frutypop on: July 29, 2009
- In: All things human| Family| God
- 1 Comment
Lately i’ve been lacking sleep. It’s like each time I wake up in the morning, I’d find myself blurting out “That was it?” I’d usually have to drag myself out of bed because my back just seems to want to stick to it the whole day.
My parents have just been really sweet. Mom prepares my lunch to take to the office each day except Fridays. And there are mornings when I’d hear them just outside my room asking out loud if they should be waking me up or not yet. They just completely understand how tired I am.
And sure enough, I am tired. Not to mention I seem to get easily depressed by some things. But the one thing that keeps me going is how I know God has something beautiful in store for me and the people I care about… And even my dogs… each day. The strength he provides is extraordinary. His grace is so immense.
Though it is sometimes hard to get up coz my body just makes it so, my heart and soul is always grateful for another new day to experience God’s goodness.
And I can sleep with peace… Knowing God watches over me and is wrapping up another surprise when I wake up.
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Blogging From My Mobi
Posted by: frutypop on: July 28, 2009
This is really fun! I was able to install the Wordmobi WordPress client on my phone and now I’m testing it. Now I can blog right at my fingertips haha!
I think this is cool. I can maximize the use of my phone and manage my blogs wherever there’s wifi. I’m loving it! I have yet to learn how to post images and other things though.
I also just installed Tweets60, a Twitter client on my mobile and i’m enjoying it lots too.
Okay, this getting to be quite a long post for a test blog entry…
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36 Christian Ways to Reduce Stress
Posted by: frutypop on: June 17, 2009
1. Pray
2. Learn to praise God wherever you are and whatever the circumstance.
3. Go to bed on time and get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say “No,” to projects/activities that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and un-clutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K. M. S. (Keep Mouth Shut.) This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough exercise.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a podcast while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write thoughts and inspirations down.
22. Everyday, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until its time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good “Thank you Jesus!”
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before or that you always forget to thank God about.
Attitude
Posted by: frutypop on: June 10, 2009
by Rev. Chuck Swindoll
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say, or do.
It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.
We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.
I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.
IT’S NOT IN THE GUITAR
Posted by: frutypop on: June 2, 2009
- In: God| Uncategorized
- 1 Comment
Last Sunday, we trained a bunch of youngsters who wanted to join the Worship Arts Ministry. We had a number of excited young people who wanted to learn how to play the guitar and drums, dance, and sing.
I’ve been part of the ministry since I was very young. At one time, I was even the youngest in the team. Eventually, more people got involved and the party people grew in number. It has become so much more fun!
On the second week of May, our church was finally able to put up a satellite service in one of the hardest-to-reach barrios in our town. A family volunteered to turn their home terrace into the temporary church and there have been about close-to-a-hundred attendees since we started. There are also new equipment that have been raised for the glory of God. One of our friends donated his drum set too.
Everyone is excited about our new outreach—even if there’s so much work to do and lots of sacrifices to make. The small sacrifices include having to get drenched in the rain sometimes, taking some of the instruments back & forth, or back riding on the motorcycle sitting sideways because you’re wearing a skirt and having to bear that not-very-comfy position for the whole 10-Km ride (because you forgot your pants in the bag you left with mom). And then, there are the bigger sacrifices—really big ones.
When we came face-to-face with the youth—with all the squirming anticipation in their eyes—we also had to come to our own realizations about our personal service to God.
HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE WE WERE THAT EXCITED ABOUT BEING IN THE MINISTRY WE WERE CALLED FOR?
I go to practice every Saturday, prepare lineups when I’m assigned to lead worship, jam with the musicians until we perfect the songs and shifts, go out bonding right after and happily go home to prepare for the next day’s Worship Service.
We are excited to commune with God, yes, but most probably not as we were when we first started. Whether we admit it or not, there are many things about what we do every weekend that have become routines for most of us.
Being in the ministry for this long–from being the youngest to now standing as one of their “ate’s”—has surely toughened me up. I have become fierce enough to talk about mistakes and other things to my younger (and even older) friends. Being a servant of God certainly brings out the toughie in you.
When it was my turn to talk, I shared with the youth some of the things we need to survive the “ministry challenge”. I told them it’s as simple as keeping these 3 things HIGH: IQ (Intelligence quotient), EQ (Emotional Quotient), WQ (Worship Quotient)
A high IQ means a high level of skills. We have to keep trying to get better as time progresses. This is trying to be excellent in the craft you have chosen or enhancing the talent God has given you.
A high EQ means being tough… no matter how discouraging the situations are or what people say in front of or behind you. It also means being open to corrections… no matter HOW the corrections were delivered to you (’cause it’s not always going to be in the nicest way).
A high WQ means remembering to look up–that we are not playing these instruments or singing or dancing just for the sake of doing these things or to become very popular with our peers. We are doing these to WORSHIP THE KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS.
Facing these new “ministers” allowed me to look back to how I was when I was in the same boat as they are now. I want to be just as charged up as they are. We had a great time with them. We laughed together, joked around, and shared what we know.
My team mates and I love to have fun and enjoy our moments together but we have been through so much and known one another so well throughout these years. This is how this new team will probably be in the years to come.
I pray that they keep it up no matter what happens, now knowing that serving God is the greatest calling ever… and the most fun too! It’s not in the guitar or drums or voice or the moves—It’s always what’s in the heart. It’s always about having a heart that is always enthusiastic to worship God.
Just like them, we “oldies” (and I don’t mean in “age”) still have lots to learn ourselves in our Christian walk—things that have to do with how to get along well with our brothers and sisters—but it always helps to go back to the basics and remember that everything begins with the love of God.
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Verse of the Day
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3“[Love] If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flame […]
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