Quit thinking quitting

Hello guys! For good vibes, I hope this will inspire your day and motivates you more to become the best version of you today. There are times that we will be confronted with challenges, especially when we are doing big things. I pray that this will strengthen, even more, not to budge, and if giving up crosses your mind.

Quit thinking quitting; go ahead going for something you believe worth chasing.

You have something in mind interesting. Achieving it gives you some goosebumps. Although there may be tough challenges to make it happen, the foreseeable benefits are just so captivating.

You made the first step, although you know it’s a long journey that you will take. And you are uncertain; what’s the surrounding condition that awaits along the way. You are so focused on the target goal at the end of your journey and very conscious of every milestone set along the way. You tried hard to dodge peripheral disruption and exercise due diligence working on the task at hand. You put in the work skillfully and started well with just a few minor hitches.

At halfway appears the cloud that shadowed your direction, moving forward. The way is getting dimmer, but the goal is still visible. You gear up and steer your way ahead. Aware of the developing situation, you summon your inner strength and package skills heading through the challenging path. Refocus your attention on the journey’s roadmap.

You’ve got in the middle of the storm, and darkness surrounds you. Nothing in sight, from the west to the east, from the south to the north, is all darkness. All you know, you have traveled more than halfway and in the right direction. The ferocious challenge is slowly wearing you down; you seem to have exhausted all your strength. All available resources lost their effectiveness. You can not see the goal at the end any longer.  But in your mind, still sticks is the roadmap of your journey and the prize at the end.

You are at a standstill for quite long; there is no clear sight of the day. There are not many options available. Making a deep sigh and thinking of a decision seriously. Quitting and pursuing is competing in your mind. But quitting is equal to nothing while pursuing has a chance of achieving. Quit thinking quitting; go ahead going for something you believe worth chasing. Don’t stop believing; heroes of faith are those that are willing to test the realm of impossibilities.

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Does an old-fashioned relationship still thrive among Millennials?

Have you ever wondered how time brings changes to almost everything? No formula yet invented to keep the time on the stand-still to mitigate the changes it brings forth. Even human behavior changes from time to time, generation to generation. That keeps us wondering if the old-fashioned relationship still thrives in today’s generation, the Millennials.

The essence of a relationship; 

An old-fashioned relationship has a very solid element of love. The bond between couples is strong to stand against adversities and trials. Breaking up in the old-fashioned relationship doesn’t come easily, and commitment is hard to get either. The courting period requires a lot of effort and time to know each other. Nurturing relationships the old-fashioned way goes beyond the couple, extending up to the immediate family. Whereas, the millennials that are accustomed to instant gratification. Growing up in a culture that allows quick access to almost anything and available anytime.

There is 24/7 ready to eat foods, open 24 hours merchandise stores, transportation, communication, and so many others, even dating-site and on-call dating partners. The technology ushers them to a very fluid life contingent on their needs of the moment. Millennials live with so many variables that strong commitment to a relationship is hard to come by, and almost always love is not the core, but rather, pleasure and companionship

The value of a relationship; 

Getting into a relationship the old-fashioned way is an epic event in the life of the couple. They stay faithful to their partner and cherish their relationship always. Excitement is always on the belly of the couple when they come together, and old-fashioned dating is a formal activity with parental consent. While the new generation is more like picking from the menu list. A casual acquaintance can easily lead to a quick dating appointment.

Dating has become the favorite pastime and trivial activity among the millennials. More often, they don’t even care to know more about their dating partner. The date is for the sake of dating. The relationship is easy to get and easier to let go of. It is called “relationship with no label”.

Treatment of their relationship partner;

An old-fashioned couple treats their partner with empathy, they are more considerate and flexible to keep the relationship stronger. Particularly, old-fashioned men are gentler with their partners. An old-fashioned couple doesn’t conceal their relationship from people around them. Whereas, millennials tend to be more self-centered.

They are more focused on their gratification and they think less about their partner’s concern. Yes, everybody is egocentric, it’s human nature to be concerned first and foremost about self. But alas! If your apathy destroys your relationship trivially, you will run-out of relationships easily. Humans are not made to survive alone on an island, we are meant to live in a community, with a right companion.

Observations mentioned above are a general perception, I must submit there’s always an exception. I cannot guess what fraction of 100 the exception if you can find some. The answer to the question, “does an old-fashioned relationship still thrive among the Millennials?” is for everybody’s take.

Seven last words of Jesus

The Third Words

John 19:26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “woman, here is your son,”and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”  

Reflection:

This was one of the few times when Jesus displayed vividly his human character. Although he is God, he willingly took up human nature. He is immortal but here he was agonizing to death, gasping for each breath. Nevertheless, it didn’t skip from his attention some of his faithful followers along with his mother bravely huddled at the foot of the cross weary about his situation. Upon seeing them, it dawned on him the aftermath of the situation. He called out his beloved disciple and his mother and told them; “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”  

In our current culture, it may be downgrading or offensive to address our mother as ‘woman’. But Jesus carefully used the appropriate word to address his mother for the particular situation. He was going beyond the filial connection unto formal public consideration, giving testimony that has the effect of the Jewish’ family law. It was essential in Jewish’ family law to address his mother in a formal manner and language on his oral public testament.

Jesus Christ displayed his loving and merciful nature in showing his care for the welfare of his mother and disciples. He entrusted them to care for each other. It’s extraordinary for anyone agonizing to death physically and emotionally to give superior concern for others. 

Prayer

Lord, we seek for your mercy and strength as we continue to contend with the COVID 19 pandemic. The crisis that it has brought out has adversely affected everyone worldwide. Same as when you showed concern for your beloved mother and disciples, we pray that you fight for us to hasten the end of the COVID 19 pandemic. Please empower and protect our COVID 19 warriors, make their every effort successful. This we pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Seven last words of Jesus

The Second Words

Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Reflection:

Jesus Christ was hanging at the Cross along with two convicted criminals by his left and right, but the concentration of punishment was centered on him. He was the target of public outcry and mockery. One of the crucified criminals had mocked him too; “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

It illustrates two contrast the world has always have. Two contradicting actions of persons on the verge of their demise. At the gate of their death, the two criminals must have been nurturing a raging emotion and seeing Jesus between them as an avenue to let loose.

The first criminal representing the stubborn cynical desperate person, hurled insults at Jesus, joining the multitude of his mockers and arrogant tormentors. Took the popular side and the perceived power broker hoping he can gain favor.

While the other criminal representing the humble, repentant, open-minded, and hopeful person, acknowledged his sin and sought compassion. He was remorseful and chose the truth and acknowledged his weaknesses and limitations. He became one of Jesus’ believers.

Jesus Christ hanging at the cross between them was gracious and merciful as he is; expressed compassion and pronounced assurance to his believer-“today you will be with me in paradise.”

Jesus points to Paradise as being in the eternal dimension. Eternity is our final destination, and there is another place other than Paradise called Hades. Paradise is the residence of Jesus Christ faithful followers and believers. While Hades is the place reserved for his nemesis.

Prayer

Lord, we humbly come before you, seated at your throne at the right hand of the Father, on behalf of our nation and the world. We pray for forgiveness of every sin that we have committed. The mockery and blasphemy that our nation has brought to your holy name, forgive us.

We pray for our government leaders who truly work for the betterment of our country and people. To our President and his loyal supporters, please enshrine them with your wisdom and strength, keep them away from harm. Lord, please bring healing to those who are sick and protect our COVID 19 warriors, In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

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Seven last words of Jesus

The first words

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”
Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

Reflection:

Wow! A display of the supernatural character of Jesus Christ amid crisis. It’s extraordinary to release forgiveness to your oppressors in the middle of the struggle. The enemies were ruthless and barbaric who did not merit an ounce of benevolence. They were covetous lovers of fame and power insecure of their social standing and authority which led them to bring Jesus to judgment. A bunch of mindless mislead mockers who acted as the jury and shouted crucify him. A platoon of full armored soldiers who inflected savagery hung him on the cross and mangled his body.

The natural way when you’re vested with power and authority for a mission to save people is to clear the way and demolish every adversary. But Jesus Christ did the supernatural way, he chose to reconcile with reality and released forgiveness, then rested to the Father Almighty.

Hanging on the cross agonizing from severe pain, his mind, soul, and spirit were still stifled on his purpose. He was sent by the Father to love, to redeem, and to save, hence, he uttered the words, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

There are three noticeable thoughts from the statement;

  1. Invocation:  Father – Jesus invoked his authority. (Father you have sent me with a mission order).
  2. Petition: Forgive them – Jesus complied with his mission. (Here I am in the middle of my mission as mandated).
  3. Justification: For they do not know what they are doing – Father they’re innocent, they acted unwittingly, the judge decided out of pressure, the high priests were blinded by their insecurities, the soldiers were just following orders, and the masses were deceived.

Relative to our present situation:

The world is in severe crisis due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Our government particularly the President is vested with power and authority to lead the people in resolving the crisis. Our government actions and programs up to the implementation phase are doing very well, far above par compared to the other countries around the world. It even gets praise from other world leaders.

Unfortunately, from our surroundings, there are government adversaries similar to Pharisees in Jewish council blinded by their insecurities and love of power. Some people were deceived and pressured due to poverty, they dread when there’s nothing to dread, and few who mindlessly mock our government authority, uttering the ruin of the President. And among them are the icons of traditional politicians masquerading as leaders sitting at their throne of power and influence. They are self blindfold stubborn brats that don’t merit any benefits from the government.

The President is very gracious in leading the government actions in resolving the crisis arising from the COVID 19 pandemic. He set aside politics, a bit tolerant of critics and patient to defiant. Although his tongue is stinky, his actions were very calculated and factual. His mind is focused on the success of the government efforts against COVID 19 sidetracking adversaries. Just like Jesus did, “Focus on the Job”. God bless our Nation Philippines.

Prayer:

Almighty Father, the world is in crisis due to Covid 19 pandemic, but nothing skips from your sovereign authority and omnipotence. Nowhere anyone or anything can flee from your presence. You are the ultimate creator, you perceive every little detail of everything.

We beseech you oh God, heal the world from the COVID 19 pandemic, especially our country, the Philippines. Please guide our leaders in their fight against COVID 19 pandemic and search the heart of our people especially those uncooperative. Apply your righteous power in every way that our COVID 19 warriors are undertaking to defeat the pandemic. Put on your protective shield unto our front line warriors. Empower the medical researchers and scientists to produce medicine and vaccines for COVID 19 disease. Strengthen the logistical support for the battle against the COVID 19 pandemic.

Almighty God, please set the world free from COVID 19 disease especially the Philippines. Make Davao City the epicenter of your healing power, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, and Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio as the vessel of your mercy and grace, your power flow through them. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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