Inspiriation from Blog Hopping

I was blog hopping yesterday when I came across Carey's blog. Carey is a 50 year old retired fire fighter/emt/peace officer. The title of his first post did not quite interest me but what caught my attention was this so I scrolled down and read the entry. At first I thought it was just "another blog" but after I've read the post I knew it was extraordinary. Carey was also a cancer survivor and is recently working as a volunteer chaplain helping crime victims and victims of disasters. I asked him if I could repost his entry and he willingly said yes, so read on and be inspired.

Cramming For Finals

I was never one to attend to my studies as I should have while attending school. I had a tendency to procrastinate and ended up many times cramming for my exams. I would have been a better student and received better grades had I prepared myself well before my tests and assignments. I had far more potential than my grades indicated and had know one to blame but myself. I do not want to repeat this scenario in my Christian walk. I want to study to show myself approved and do my best in the Lord's service. I desire more than mediocrity and want to take advantage of the precious finite amount of time I have on this earth. Service to our Lord and Savior is the highest calling and we should have a keen desire to be the best we can be as His ambassadors. This Turning Point Ministry devotional addresses this well.

Every time a particular young boy went to his playmate's house, he noticed his friend's grandmother studying her Bible. Finally one day he asked,"Why is your grandmother always reading that Bible?' His friend answered," I don't know, but I think she is cramming for her finals."
In reality, that grandmother was doing exactly what we, as Christians, should all do: preparing for whatever task God had for her by studying His Word.
More often than not, it is the journey rather than the destination that matters most in life; for it is the lessons learned, the trials endured, and the truths discovered that mold our character and prepare us for that destination. If we desire more than a mediocre life, we must prepare in more than a mediocre way. "Winging it" doesn't bring about the best results, so we would do well to use the time God has given us along the way to prepare for what's ahead.

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Luke 12:40

If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six hours sharpening my ax. Abraham Lincoln

Kung Fu Fighting

Everybody was kung-fu fighting
Those cats were fast as lightning
In fact it was a little bit frightning
But they fought with expert timing

Last Saturday we watched our most-awaited film ~~ Kung Fu Panda.
We were already there at the theater 30 minutes before the movie starts, we were so excited, we bought lots of food which we didn't finished eating until the end of the movie. Everybody inside the theater really enjoyed because we can hear lots of laughs and giggles.

The story is about a fat panda who aspires to be a kung fu warrior. By believing in his dream he became a respected kung fu warrior in his own special way.

I love pandas and I always dream of having one ehehe so I was really fascinated by this film. The story was great and I learned a lot from it. "Belive in yourself, "it is special because you believe it is special, there are no secret ingredients," "there are no accidents" are just some of the inspiring lines from the movie.

The movie also featured voices of famous actors and actresses like Jack Black as Po (the panda), Dustin Hoffman as Shifu (the red panda), Angelina Jolie as Tigress, Jackie Chan as Monkey, Seth Rogen as Mantis, Lucy Liu as Viper and David Cross as Crane.

It also received positive feedback from critics and movie reviews so I'm sure this will be a hit!

Stubborn Love

Stubborn Love

Caught again. Your faithless friend.
Don't You ever tire of hearing
What a fool I've been?
Guess I should pray,
But what can I say?
Oh, it hurts to know the hundred times
I've caused You pain.

The "forgive me" sounds so empty
When I never change.
Yet You stay and say, "I love you still,"
Forgiving me time and time again.


CHORUS:
It's Your stubborn love
That never lets go of me.
I don't understand how You can stay -
Perfect love embracing the worst in me
How I long for Your stubborn love.


Funny me.
Just couldn't see
Even long before I knew You,
You were loving me.
Sometimes I cry -
You must cry, too
when You see the broken promises
I've made to you.
I keep saying that I'll trust You
Though I seldom do.
Yet You stay and say You love me still,
Knowing some day I'll be like You.


CHORUS:

It's Your stubborn love
That never lets go of me.
I don't understand how You can stay -
Perfect love embracing the worst in me.
And You never let me go -
I believe I finally know
I can't live without Your stubborn love!

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Hearing this song and watching the video I found on youtube nearly made me cry (at the office). I remember my sins and how God gave His Son to save me. I remembered how many times I've asked for forgiveness for my repeated sins, yet God showed me His unconditional love. I remembered the times I'm crying out and saying I'll change but I never did. I'm ashamed to look back on those broken promises..I tried to walk away..but God draws me near, embracing me and loving me still. It's true, God loved me stubbornly and I can't live without His stubborn love.

God's Love is extravagant

I made this video on one true media..and I love the song!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel I'm moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in the secret place
Cause Your love is extravagant

Chorus:
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again

Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel I'm moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in the secret place
Your love is extravagant

I want to JUMP to Bahamas

JUMPER - a recent science fiction film that I watched on Robinson's mall theater.
- directed by Doug Liman, starred Hayden Christensen, Jamie Bell and Samuel L. Jackson
- its trailer I saw after I've already watched the movie
- interesting plot
- expensive sci-fi movie
- many great places shown in the movie
- nice graphics
- received mostly negative reviews


When I saw this movie as a next attraction on movie theaters, I was so eager to watch it. I was curious and excited on the character's adventures. With its tag line, "Anywhere is possible," it has drawn people to the theaters. But critics gave backward reviews about the film.
According to James Hannaham, "Jumper tells us that Americans fantasize about getting rich by stealing and going everywhere they want without restrictions; that they are materialistic, disrespect foreign antiquities, and remain blind to their own and to world history." Yes, I totally agree with his statement. I haven't learned any values from the movie. Each one of us has somehow dreamed to be a jumper, the movies gave us the idea that if we can go anywhere we want, we can have and be whatever we want. Samuel Jackson's character was supposed to be "the good" character for me, except that they brutally kill jumpers. Since jumpers steal and destroy, they must be eliminated and as what Jackson always say, "only God can have those powers." But in the end, the jumpers still won the battle and managed to dump Jackson some place he can't even picture out where.
"It doesn't help that the performances are bland (particularly those of Christensen and Bilson) and that what comes out of their mouths is uninspired," said Claudia Puig from USA Today. I've also noticed that Christensen showed little emotions. He was not really that surprised or frightened when he teleported the first time. I never felt for the characters, I wasn't overwhelmed, I wasn't touched. Another critic from The Hollywood Reporter said that all the state-of-the-art visual effects in the world can't compensate for spotty plotting and bland characters that prevent an intriguing premise from going the distance. Wesley Morris commented, "But what can you do with Hayden Christensen? He's as close as we have to an android actor. It's all a chore for him. He never looks sufficiently scared, impressed, or surprised by any of this."
There are so many questions that haven't been answered on the film, like why do they have the ability to teleport around the world? Why is there a war between jumpers and paladins? What will now happen to Roland and to all other paladins? If they're planning to answer these questions on part 2 of Jumper, they better look into all the criticisms the movie got and make a better sci-fi movie next time.
Anyway, I still enjoyed the movie though. I still somehow dreamed to jump from Iloilo to Bahamas haha :)

The gift

Have you ever received a gift? Is it the most special gift you ever received? Here's a song about "a gift," a very special gift, an answer to a prayer, a gift you wouldn't want to loose, a gift you want to thank God for everyday.

winter snow is falling down
children laughing all around
lights are turning on
like a fairy tale come true

sitting by the fire we made
you're the answer when i prayed
i would find someone
and baby i found you

all i want is to hold you forever
all i need is you more every day
you saved my heart
from being broken apart
you gave your love away
and i'm thankful every day
for the gift

watching as you softly sleep
what i'd give if i could keep
just this moment
if only time stood still

but the colors fade away
and the years will make us grey
but baby in my eyes
you'll still be beautiful

all i want is to hold you forever
all i need is you more every day
you saved my heart
from being broken apart
you gave your love away
and i'm thankful every day
for the gift

all i want is to hold you forever
all i need is you more every day
you saved my heart
from being broken apart
you gave your love away
i can't find the words to say
that i'm thankful every day
for the gift

Take good care of your gifts!
Happy heart's month :)

A collection of Diecast models

Fantastic Flyers is a website that offers diecast collectible aircrafts and vehicles. It has a wide range of products from from the leading manufacturers of diecast models.

It's models are from Corgi, Witty, Armour Collection by Franlin Mint, IXO, Model Power, Postage stamp planes, Showcase collection, Forces of Valor, Hobby Masters, Highway 61, Yat Ming and many others.

They also have a complete line of Space Voyagers Adventure sets from Space 1999, UFO, Stingray, Supercar and Rocket XL5.

Check out this interesting site and shop for your favorite collectibles.
There are special products on sale this February.

I am Legend

It is the year 2012. In the ruins of New York city. Robert Neville, a scientist, is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and perhaps the world. 3 years ago, a cure for supposed to be cure for cancer was discovered but became a biochemical disease. For three years, Neville has faithfully sent out daily radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. But he is not alone. Together with his dog, Samantha, Neville's every move is watched by blood thirsty zombies, the victims of the plague -- The Infected -- who lurk in the shadows. Neville is driven by only one remaining mission: to find a way to reverse the effects of the virus using his own immune blood. But he knows he is outnumbered... and quickly running out of time.

The story of this movie is really very interesting. Really nice movie. I can't find the right words to describe it. It was terrifying, yet inspiring. Sad, yet victorious. Hopeless, yet full of faith.
The story taught me to hope, to listen, to believe, to have faith, to persevere, to trust and to be determined.
Great Movie. I recommend you watch it and prepare for a heart-pounding, yet heart-warming story.

Imagine Me Without You

As long as stars shine down from heaven
And the rivers run into the sea
Til the end of time forever
You’re the only love I’ll need

In my life you’re all that matters
In my eyes the only truth I see
When my hopes and dreams have shattered
You’re the one that’s there for me

When I found you I was blessed
And I will never leave you, I need you

Chorus:
Imagine me without you
I’d be lost and so confused
I wouldn’t last a day, I’d be afraid
Without you there to see me through

Imagine me without you
Lord, you know it’s just impossible
Because of you, it’s all brand new
My life is now worthwhile
I can’t imagine me without you

When you caught me I was falling
You’re love lifted me back on my feet
It was like you heard me calling
And you rush to set me free

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The song above is by Jaci Velasquez. I love the lyrics of the song because it tells us our dependence to God and that we are nothing without Him in our lives.

Lord, I can't imagine me without You
I don't want to be far from You
always draw me near
into your loving arms
Life won't be complete without You

Happy New Year!

It's year 2008!!! We had a blast! lots of food and fireworks wohoo!!!! I really enjoyed celebrating New Year's Eve with my family.
We had our family devotion after lunch on the 31st because my brother is going back to the city. He wasn't able to spend new year's eve with us because of his work. Anyway, I called him at 12 midnight so we could greet him a happy new year.
There were lots of fireworks and firecrackers from our neighbors too. Our table was also full, my stomach was about to burst because I couldn't stop eating!!! bad bad me.
Me and my sister slept at around 2am already. We texted my mom's friend from a radio station so she could greet us on air!hehehe :)
My little brother woke me up at 9am to eat breakfast. It's year 2008, I was thinking what memorable things I could do to remember the first day of the year.
Well after breakfast, I washed the plates and took a bath because my mom's cousin and her husband just arrived. They were massage experts and they are blind. They are a blessed couple, though they are handicapped, God has given them special skills to inspire others. My aunt is even pregnant with their 2nd baby, so adorable. Oh how I long to have a whole-body massage. I went to the market to buy "pao de arco," but most stalls are closed. Good thing I found one drugstore open. My boyfriend fetched me at the drugstore, so I encouraged him to have a massage too. He was thankful that i insisted ;)
The massage was perfect, I told my aunt that i'll visit her some time in their center. It was the best new year's gift ;)
After that, we went to my bf's house and ate lunch and a delicious chocolate cake! Then he had to pack his things because he still have work that night. After I accompanied him at the terminal, I went home to catch some sleep.
I couldn't touch water after the massage so our kitchen was quite messy until I woke up at 6pm to wash the dishes and clean the house.
I had to sleep early that night because I had to work the next day.
My new year was really great!
Year 2007 is now behind us and we have to look forward for all the things God has prepared for us this 2008. Let's thank God always and praise Him for His love and grace.