PAALALA LANG KAIBIGAN

Isang paalala para sa akin at para sa aking mga mahal na kaibigan na di maunawaan kung bakit pinahintulot ng Dakilang Maylikha ang mga kaganapan na di inaasahan - mapait, masakit, madilim na mga panahong ayaw nating balikan. Dalangin kong mapagtagumpayan nating lahat ito at matutunang Sya ang may hawak ng lahat ng buhay, pangyayari, at kinabukasan.

Kaibigan, anuman ang iyong pinagdadaanan,

Nawa’y iyong pakatandaan at isa-alang-alang,

Mahal ka ni HESUS, di ka Nya iiwan,

Batid Nyang lahat, handa ka Nyang tulungan.

Sa lahat ng pagsubok, Sya’y ating sandigan,

Pagkat maawain Sya, mapagmahal at puno ng kahabagan,

Sa krus ng kalbaryo, ito’y Kanyang pinatunayan,

Pasakit, pang-aapi, mga sakripisyo lahat Nya’y pinasan.

Manampalataya’t manalig sa Kanyang kapangyarihan,

Angkinin ang tagumpay, buhay na may kasaganaan,

Kay Hesus ituon, buong puso, isip at kalakasan,

Sya’y sapat, di ka mabibigo at di ka magkukulang.  

Pagpalain ka ni Hesus Mahal kong kaibigan...

by gpmendoza April 2009

April Praise List

I observed that every month has a different story to tell. For this month, a lot of people bid goodbye for varied reasons and this is not what I consider a “thanksgiving/praise list” as I really hate farewells and goodbyes.  As a saying goes, "Every parting is a form of death, as every reunion is a type of heaven.  ~Tryon Edwards."  However, what can I do if they are destined to leave? I do not know if the people who left will still return though they promised they will.  Nonetheless, I can just pray for them and cherish the memories we both shared together.  More so, I believe all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to HIS purpose.

"LEAVE" - another term for resign, migrate, work abroad

1. My house helper who stayed with me for 1 yr and 5 months resigned. She’s well loved by my kiddos.  She’s kind, a good cook, jolly, I could say that she’s the best helper I had since I started hiring one. We have a good relationship. She left because she decided that she will finish her studies in Palawan.
2. Our Chief Operating Officer who stayed with the company for a year and decided to resign whose parents in Australia were confined in the hospital for long period and he needs to be around for them. So far, he’s been the best CEO I ever had. He’s an Australian, workaholic but has a balanced life with family, OC in terms of work but reasonable, not everyone likes him but I like his management style. He also molded me to become a more responsible manager, person and employee. He’s shown me “management by walking around.” He taught me a lot of things I never learned from my previous bosses.  He was able to give more benefits though we are on care and maintenance scheme.
3. Sargado Family, a dear friend of Mare’ Pare left for Australia for good. Though we rarely see each other due to our own busyness in life, I still love and enjoy my memories with Christian friends such as them.  They are part of my life as they used to be around when I was newly married then.  They will be missed even more because my kids will no longer experience playing with their baby Christan Zach.
4. Lastly, my hubby left also for work again and be away for 8 months.  Such a long vacation (5 months) yet a short stay to make more memories and fun moments together with Sam and Ceana.

As there were departures, there were also new comers and they are the new CEO and COO in our company. We are going to start again our mine operation in Palawan.  The former is a Russian while the latter is French. This is another great opportunity to meet new people with different culture, background, personality and character, yet new challenges and adjustments to make as they have varying management styles.  Anyways, thank you Lord for you have a purpose on those who are leaving and new people coming in!

Talking about "leaving", the main message I recalled that portrays the story of departure and reunion is the life of Jesus.  After Jesus was crucified, paid the penalties of our sins, Jesus resurrected after 3 days and went to heaven. He promised to return when the right time comes and bring to heaven all that are HIS.  While HIS children are patiently waiting for His return and He promised Holy Spirit to be with us, be our Counselor and our guide. The truth is, Jesus has not really said goodbye. Jesus is still with us through the Holy Spirit. He is Immanuel. What a great promise!

Again, I thank God for the books I was able to finish this month. These are:

1. Uncommon Beauty by Cynthia Heald – Several names of women were mentioned in the book and they were so inspiring. I just pray that the characters in them will also manifest in my life.  
2. Book of Numbers – I can so relate to the story of Israelites who are so full of complaints despite God’s provision, faithfulness and loving character.  At times, I am like one of the Israelites. I complain of so many things and disregard all the goodness of the Lord. I tend to forget where I came from, like Israelites who always forget that they were redeemed from slavery in Egypt.  They are not grateful, satisfied and contented of what the Lord did to them. Instead of reaching the promised land in 7 days, took them 40 years to reach the land because of their disobedience and complaining attitude.  I pray that I will always be grateful and be obedient to God’s will for my life.
3. Started book of Luke – While this month highlights the holy week, I got interested reading again Jesus' life in the book of Luke. I admire the life of Elizabeth (Mother of John the Baptist) and Mary (Mother of Jesus) for they are truly blessed as women of God.  I believe that there are blessed woman nowadays similar to Mary’s and Elizabeth's life.  I also desire to be like them as the Lord molds me and changes me to be the woman He wants me to be. 

Another item to thank God for are the free foods!!! Like the manna and quail!!! J

In the office, we had several celebrations. We celebrated a birthday of a manager last April 18, had lunch get together/ send off party for COO last April 19 while an ex-officemate provided snack because he got his last pay last April 26. Thank God for generous people who shared their blessings to us.  

Lastly, I had a lot of social and spiritual gatherings I for the month of April.

1. Worship night (April 7) – I missed hubby attending this because we used to go together every worship night.
2. Birthday of Onemig (April 10) – Countless time we attended a party in Jollibee but every birthday is unique and a memory to cherish. Interestingly, most kids are scared of mascots but not for Ceana. She liked Twirlie. She even went her own way to be close and observe the mascot Twirlie.
3. Birthday of Zach (April 12) – This is sort of despedida as well.  It’s good to see relatives, friends and loved ones in special events.
4. Swimming with Pontillas family plus Jing and her kids, my co-small group member (April 21) – Almost all are out of town but we opted to have swimming in the club house.  Kids truly enjoyed plunging the pool especially Sam who always look forward to playmates.
5. Arrival of Ate Jane and family from Japan (April 27) – We had a mini reunion at home after almost 7 years of not seeing each other. They are residing in Japan and they rarely spend vacation in the Philippines.  They only stayed for 10 days in the Philippines and we pray that they will do it again this year with AL around.
6. Victory Weekend plus my 35^th birthday all in one (April 29-30) – one word to describe this double event - GOD IS AWESOME!!! So good to end the month of April.

I declare that He who began a good work in me will be able to complete it in me. He's been faithful to me for the 35 years of my life, He will always prove His faithfulness for the rest of my life. Thank you Jesus!

Idle Lands

Our residence is a walking distance away from the newly constructed road C6.  Once in a while, we take a walk either Saturday or Sunday morning to jog or exercise.  Cyclists are also seen on the road.  I remember spending one morning there, around 7am to have my devotion and the experience was great!  I noticed that very few motorists knew this new route because the road is quiet and few cars are passing.

The first time we (yayas, sam, ceana and myself) went there, we were struck by a certain area where we saw good camote crops.  We thought that there must be someone taking care of them and we wish to ask some for home use.  However, we didn’t spot anyone so we temporarily forgot about it and continued to walk.  After a while, an old man riding on his shabby bike approached us and asked, “Would you like to buy some patola? This will just be for P5 because these are my last items and I am about to go home.” (Gusto nyo ba ng patola? P5 na lang kasi onti na lang ito, pauwi na ko.) Then I replied,” No manong, thanks. We just finished purchasing in the wet market early this morning.” In my mind, had I known his items, I should have bought from him.  The three pieces patola was affordable and looked freshly harvest.  However, Manong’s appearance didn’t convince me to buy his items.  His clothes were filthy and smelled foul.  His legs were covered with some mud.  Then, he wasn’t pushy as others do, he just left, I thought he’s dismayed.  

We spent another 15 minutes walking. On our way home, we saw again manong where he’s seated under an aratiles tree (I don't know if this is familiar to everyone is familiar but I love its small, sweet fruit), taking his rest.  It was the same area where we saw camote plants we wished to get.  I knew then he is the one taking care of those plants. To my surprise, there were a lot more good plants and trees in the area. There were okra, tomato, papaya, gabi, kangkong and a lot more.  This man taught me so many things about life.   

Manong Luis is not hindered by poverty.  Admittedly, he does not own the land. He is taking advantage of government’s property. He tilled the idle land, planted various crops and watered them.  He searched for a well to draw water from. He just started last November 2010, almost 6 months and his crops have grown a lot. He does not have his own workers to sell those vegetables he planted so he does his own marketing. There are some vendors purchasing from him in exchange for a very minimal amount and he was happy for the small profit. He said he was able to save through this simple hobby.

As he narrated, he worked in a company for 20 years and they were forced to be retrenched because the company declared bankrupt.  He said he received almost half million as separation pay which he bought for jeepney converted into public transportation to support his family.  But since he is not into driving and would like to spend more on field, he opted to hire a driver.

Manong was pleasant to talk to, he looked he’s in his 60’s or 70’s but he said he is only 56.  His skin is tanned since he is frequently under the sun.  All his children are already married.  Some are still living with them because they cannot afford to have their own house.  Some still ask money from him though he has no stable source of income. He said, he was able to give his savings from his crops.  Neither his children help him in the maintenance of field, he said they did not like to be under the sun.

Let me reiterate the LEARNINGS i got from this man:

·    BE PATIENT - How easy to say yet so difficult to do. I remembered the passage on the bible highlighting farmer’s patience in waiting for the fruits of his crops. I heard many saying, these are the last days. We need to be prepared because the Lord is coming so soon! “Be patient therefore, brothers until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it until it receives the early and late rains. You also be patient. Establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” James 5:7-8

·    AN EARTHLY FATHER REFLECTS OUR FATHER GOD WHO ALWAYS PROVIDES - Manong so loves his children, he still supports their needs though he has no stable job and even if it means giving up to his last penny. And I’m so glad to see the Father’s reflection of character in his life. But I know he still fails, we have a great Father who can provide all our needs when we ask Him. “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him.”Matt. 7:11

·    DILIGENCE - “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” Prov. 21:5 Indeed, Manong’s diligence is all worth it and are paid off. He has good yield in his crops.

·    GENEROUS – “It is well with the man who deals generously…” Psalm 112:5 Even though Manong is not well off, he is generous to give his crops if for home use only. He said since the field he’s currently using is free, he will likewise give away some of his crops to the needy like him.

Some photos taken during our last visit in his field. 

Some gabi and kangkong plants at the right side.

Camote plants and gabi.

Papaya

Other root crops - kamoteng kahoy, my favorite to cook with coconut milk.

Mang Luis watering his crops. Rolled dried leaves/grass beside.

Water well which Mang Luis sourced (above). This field is beside the Laguna Lake.

Some jealous, bad men burned Mang Luis' nipa hut. Traces are seen. (below)

If only a lot of Filipinos would be diligent enough to convert idle lands to be productive, no one would suffer poverty. May the good Lord bless the hands of Mang Luis and other farmers doing the same.