An encouragement

Just want to share this... An encouragement for the family of believers... For all the faithful servants of the Lord...

I shared this with the volunteers and leaders of Connect during our Prayer Meeting (August 9, 2009).

DEVOTION: 1 Corinthians 15:58

“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 labour in the Lord is not in vain.”

I’m sure we all experience being discouraged; when we feel we are not appreciated, when we feel we are unimportant and when we feel that what we do is insignificant. I’m sure we all experience being disappointed when people fail to recognize our work, our efforts, sacrifices, and all that.

Question: Why do you think we feel that way?
Answer: Because we want to hear something good about ourselves (or a feedback), we want to be affirmed that we're doing a great job, etc...

Kahit ano pa ang maisip natin na reason, it is clear in our passage na dapat steady lang tayo- stand firm at walang anuman o sinuman ang may karapatan na i-distract tayo sa ating work- Let nothing move you.

Bakit kaya sinabi ni Paul yon?

I think, alam kasi nya na natural sa tao ang tumingin sa tao at ma-disappoint. He knows that we will be disappointed when we focus on people instead of God.

As we read in our passage- Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. Ano po ba yung “work of the Lord”? I hope we are not thinking exclusively that the “work for the Lord” ay ministry lang.

See the following passages:
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." -Colossians 3:17

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." -Colossians 3:23-24


"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." -1 Corinthians 10:31

We read that hindi lang ang pag-serve sa church/ministry ang “work for/of the Lord” kasama rin dun yung: work natin (office), mga gawin sa bahay, and also yung service natin for other people (relationships).

Let's say sa office- If your boss, immediate supervisor or even your colleague fail to notice a job well done, or probably your employer is mistreating you, go lang! So long as you are doing things right, continue doing so because the Lord is pleased! Work as if working for the Lord. I can still remember yung sinabi ni Rick Warren sa PDL- Work becomes worship when we dedicate it to God and perform it with an awareness of His presence.
Sa bahay- if your parent, kapatid, or board mate fail to appreciate you (or let’s say fail to voice out their appreciation to you) and all you do, go lang! Do it as if you are doing it for the Lord.
Sa ibang tao (relationship with ministry partners, friends, loved one, etc)- when they fail to say “thank you” or “I am blessed by you” or “I love you”, when they fail to make you feel important or when they fail to notice what you do (may it be something big or small), go lang! Continue serving them as if you are serving God. And again, yung application ng consider others better than yourself - do not be selfish and self-centered preaching ni Pstr BJ Yu.

When we do that, yung we are always, as in all the time aware and consumed by His presence- nothing could go wrong as we will be walking humbly and in accordance with His will and grace. We will sin less, we will have peace and enjoy the comfort being very close to Him. When that happens, people will see the difference in us, being a child of God, they will probably be curious about the power working in us. Tapos God will be pleased; He will be honored and glorified with our lives and with what we do. And like what Pstr Jojo Lacanilao always say- When God is pleased/glorified, things happen!

As what Paul said--
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." -Galatians 6:9-10

Same with what our passage tells us today- because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain, we have the assurance that what we do here on earth does not (and will not, ever) go unnoticed by God and at the proper time He will reward us!

If we truly believe that Christ has won ultimate victory (at the Cross) that must affect the way we live right now...


Let us not be discouraged over an apparent lack of results or positve feedbacks that we will stop doing what we do (as a group/ministry or as individuals).

Do good that we have the opportunity to do, knowing that our work will have eternal results.

Her Death: An Eye Opener

"Ngayon ganap ang hirap sa mundo
Unawa ang kailangan ng tao
Ang pagmamahal sa kapwa'y ilaan
Isa lang ang ugat na ating pinagmulan
Tayong lahat ay magkakalahi
Sa unos at agos ay huwag padadala

Panahon na (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)
Ng pagkakaisa (bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kahit ito (sa atin Siya'y nagmamahal)
Ay hirap at dusa
Magkaisa (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)
At magsama (bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kapit-kamay (sa atin Siya'y nagmamahal)
Sa bagong pag-asa

Ngayon may pag-asang natatanaw
May bagong araw, bagong umaga
Pagmamahal ng Diyos, isipin mo tuwina

Magkaisa (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)
At magsama (bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kapit-kamay (sa atin Siya'y nagmamahal)
Sa bagong pag-asa"

Nailibing na si Tita Cory...

I just want to say-- her death indeed has been an eye opener and a wake up call for me... And probably sa lahat, I just don't know kung sa anong paraan yung sa iba pero para sa akin binuhay ng pagkamatay ni Tita Cory yung pagka-Pilipino ko na pilit binubura ng kultura na nasa harapan ko -partikular sa pinagtatrabahuhan ko (please note though that I have nothing against my employer and I'm proud to be a part this company, ibang issue naman ito). Simula nang magtrabaho ako sa call center, na pang-gabi ang schedule, para bang nawalan na ako ng paki-alam sa nangyayari sa bansa, yes I find myself praying for my country sometimes pero iba ang "binuhay" sa akin ni Tita Cory-- yung spirit of nationalism.

I realized na para akong bini-brainwash ng "culture" na kinalalagyan ko when I had my first day of training at work; na ang nakapresent sa amin ay kultura ng Amerika-- how they live, their history, what the people are like sa iba-ibang part ng States, and all that... And it seems nagkaroon ng Americanized effect sa akin yon.

At nahihiya akong aminin ang mga bagay na ito... Sobrang nakakahiya bilang isang Pilipino na Kristyano na naging wapakels ako nitong mga nakalipas na ilang taon... Nakakalungkot ang pangyayari, na kailangan pang may mamatay bago ako (tayo) matauhan but I believe it is never too late... And so I really thank God for this wake up call.

So I will make it a point to be more involved; in a sense that I would spend time reading and listening to the news and what's going on around me/us and most importantly pray for my country... The Lord remains in control and faithful!

"... If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." -2 Chronicles 7:14

A thank you note

It is always a privilege serving YOU, our Lord, our Master... And we give YOU all the credit for the success of CONNECT's call center agents' day last July 25, 2009.

Thank You Lord for answering our prayers!

- For a very good weather!
- For bringing about 60 people (composed of 70% call center pips, 25 no-call center young professionals and 5% college students).
- For Your message through Kuya Kevin Sanders
- For Your provision for food, materials, etc
- For Connect Volunteers' hearts ready to serve
- For our church, our pastors and our district who helped us out in preaparation
- For everything Lord, indeed it was from You and for You!

I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everybody--

John, it is a privilege working with you, serving the Lord with you, enjoying what we do kahit na sobrang nakakapagod. Basta, alam mo na yun!

Kuya Abe, our "Mr. Chairman" na ever patient sa aming lahat. Salamat sa walang sawang support, sa mga encouraging words and sa lagat ng prayers.

Raya, my dearest sister na kahit busyness sa school and work nakuha pa ring mag-form ng Connect-Worship team. Salamat sa effort. And I say again-- your work for the Lord is not in vain! I praise God for you.

Ate Leah, our ever dearest lead usher. Praise God for your gift na napakalaking tulong sa ating ministry. Thank you for stepping up. Thank you rin for assisting Kuya Kevin sa pagbenta ng book nya.

Julie, thank you sa laptop at sa pag-man ng ating registration. Thank you sa lahat ng effort to be the frontliner of our agents' day.

Janet, super proud and thank You Lord for your solo... As in, nakakatuwa at nakaka-bless! Thank you po for stepping up and coming out of your "shell".

Oliv, very very proud of you! Thank you for your willingness to be "left alone" in hosting. Keep it up dear!

Jv, I know nabitin ka because you had to leave and I know sobrang na-disappoint ka dahil "sana hndi ka na lang umalis" ang nadatnan mo sa pinuntahan mo... Pero bro, oks lang yun! Salamat sa effort mo, the Lord is pleased, I'm sure of that! Salamat sa effort in doing the script and designing the shirt for Kuya Kevin. Next time ulet!

Mich, hindi mo lang alam how proud I am of you na kasama ka sa worship team ng Connect! Galing-galing, praise God! Salamat sa heart mo in serving Him and in offering your gift para sa ministry.

Marc, naging NR and silent mode ka during our meetings pero malaking contribution pa rin yung pagiging back up singer mo for the worship team. So salamat kapatid.

Christy, nakaka-bless ang testimony! Thank you for sharing! Thank you for your willingness and your heart to serve the Lord. Salamat din sa laptop mo. Hehe.

Ate Marj, super-duper thank you sa lahat ng assistance during our preparation period. Thank you for all the things na tinuro mo sa akin in terms of requesting things we needed and all that. Salamat po talaga!

Pastor Jojo Lacanilao, thank you for your support sa amin sa Connect. Salamat po sa pagreremind sa amin to stick with our church and district's mission and visison and core values. Thank you rin po sa prayers!

Special thanks to Ms. LJ Salceda and Kuya Lem (of DZAS) for promoting our event in their show (Pinoy Espesyyal).

And of course, Kuya Kevin Sanders for promoting it in his blogsite, facebook, email blast and all. Thank you for allowing God to use you in the call center ministry kahit sa ganitong paraan lang. We hope to have you back! Hehe.

... And again, I give back all glory to God! All for His glory!

(sana wala akong nakalimutang pasalamatan)

Wrong guy

Instant message ko kay Don Claver during our Tuesday shift...

Rajsh: woody
Woody: binibini ano yun?
Rajsh: ganda daw ng kuha ko
Rajsh: salamat
Rajsh: pang model daw
Rajsh: lol
Rajsh: hahahaha
Rajsh: salamat boi
Rajsh: apir!
Rajsh: ay kaso
Rajsh: si morris pala kumuha sa akin
Rajsh: hahahaha
Rajsh: lol
Woody: loko oo nga hahahaha
Woody: wrong guy hehehe
Rajsh: and you're about to take credit pare!
Rajsh: hahahaha

Thank you kay Morris for taking this picture and sorry kung kay Rudy ako nag-thank you una... Thanks din kay Carl na nag-assist at salamat sa camera ni Woody! Hahaha! Ayun meron ka pa din palang part Woody-boi! Just want to share... Naaliw daw ako...

Sorry naman, feeling artista ba? Nyahaha... Ü

For his special day...

Happy new year to my one and only beloved...
I love you more and more!

Changes

July really is a busy-as-a-bee month for me. Aside from doing my task for our agents's day on the 25th medyo windang ako sa ilang pagbabago sa office.

I was moved from Prime Fulfillmet to HE Fulfillment function. It was a bit saddening... And I have been crying about it for days now. But little by little, the Lord's been revealing to me His purpose-- why all of a sudden may ganitong changes, and I could not help but rejoice. Indeed His ways are always perfect.

I will be posting a more detalied post about the "revelation" next time.

On a lighter note, I want to say-- I am missing my old team mates! Here's our last picture together before parting ways...

(From L-R boys: Morris, Ron and Rudy. Girls: ate Vans, Aish, Dona, Ms. Cathy, Katrina, Lilac, Rajsh, Phoebe and Isczie is missing pala!)

Actually wala namang parting ways na naganap geographically (hehe), since same floor and same department naman kami. Medyo pinag-watak-watak lang ang Team Montiel. Haaayy... I miss you guys. At hindi ako magsasawang puntahan kayo sa post nyo para mangulit, manghingi ng food (lol) at makipag-kwentuhan.

Thank you Ms. Cathy sa pag-open pa rin ng chat room for us... At in fairness, naiyak din ako sa text mo! Salamat ng marami sa pag-treat sa team, sa encouragement to do good and not be sad kahit napalipat ako mag-solo... Haaayyy... Basta, thank you! Looking forward na makasama ulet kami ni John sa badminton one of these days!

Dona, this is the first time na nagakahiwalay tayo since we transferred here at Research... Wala lang! Alam mo na yun. Kainis pero alaws naman ako magagawa. You know how much it means to me having you close (may ganun?!). Check it out! Ikaw ang pinaka-frend ko dito, you know. Hahaha!

Rudy, ang don claver ng team, ikaw na ang magkaro'n ng hacienda... Hahaha! Mabait na bata yan! Never ko narinig magalit, well kahit pala bad trip na parang hindi pa rin. Mabuhay ang mga taga-Bacolod! Apir! At oist, promoted dito ang blog mo ha!

Lilac, kahit minsan nakakainis ka... Love ka pa rin namin! Haha! Bunso ka ng team eh... Madalas ka kasi mag-whine! Hihihi... Pero never naman namin hahayaang pagsalitaan ka ng iba ng hindi maganda, lalo na yung mga epal mode sa tabi-tabi. Nyehe. I will never forget the: cheka lang, chipaz and umaygad mode mo! At ang mga lines na- "wala akong pera" and yung "penge food!" Wahaha!

Ate Vans, super very patient... Kahit may pagaka-animalistic kung asarin ka ng mga pips. Salamat for being very nice sa aming lahat. Salamat sa food at sa lahat ng assistance, dedication mo sa work mo. Go, go, go lang!

Isczie (pronounced as "ishee". Arte kasi ng spelling eh!), salamat sa mga pag-share mo sa akin ng mga resulta ng desparate moments ni cousin a.k.a FOOD! Wahaha... Salamat din sa na naku-kwento ko sayo mga kilig moments ko at kinikilig ka rin! Hahaha! Pero nagbago ka na ngayon--- lagi ka ng naka-hood! Tapos lagi ka pang naka-DND. Hehehe. La lang!

Morris, ang bunso naming lalaki sa team. Salamat din sa fwendship. Salamat sa words of affirmation mo sa aking pagbo-blog. Yeah! Sana makasama ka uli namin sa Connect.

Aish, very beautiful... Kaya sabi ko nga sa'yo: no profanity na girl! Ganda-ganda eh... Hehe! Congrats sa promotion mo... I miss you more kasi you are far-far away from the other side of the 24th floor. Hehehe! Adik... Salamat sa mga CR-chika moments and all that!

Phoebe, super hyper and ingay! And very adik, adik ang productivity! Mahilig yan si PB manghing ng mga pangangailangan nya- perdible, kendi, pony tail, nail cutter, biscuits, tweazer, etc... Alam ko na nga ireregalo ko sa kanya sa bday nya eh! Hahaha! Peace!

Katching, super sweet, nice and very dedicated sa trabaho nya. I am so proud of you (anak ba kita? hehe!). Continue lang to do good! Kasi you make us, your old team mates very proud. And nga pala ate "I love you!" Penge money... Hahaha!

Ron, last but not the least si TL! Salamat sa pagtitiyaga sa kakulitan namin! Sa pagtayong second "tatay" namin nung nasa tate si boss Mike. Salamat din sa dedication sa work, maasahan ka boi! Check it out (sabihin mo na naman hndi related?!)...

And to my new team...

Team Sukhani

I'm looking forward na mag-grow pa as a Research Associate with you (seryoso yun ha!). Kahit nahihirapan pa ako sa HE function. Salamat sa assistance nyo and sa pag-welcome sa aming mga newbies (*wink-wink*).

Ayun lang!

Connect's Agents of Change

Connect's Agents of Change (C.A.C.) - Our Bible Study/Growth group.

We are almost through in studying the Gospel of John and we praise God for all the lessons He taught us sa loob ng mahigit isang taon. So much of the "greater level of faith"! And yeah, He is not yet finished in teaching us more and more about Him!

Our new study series will begin on August 15, 2009. If you're available you can join us every Saturday 6pm at Greenhills Christian Fellowship worship center in Ortigas.