Be One of the 94

"Out of the fullness of his grace he has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another.” Jn. 1:16

I’m inspired after hearing from a local report last night that generally,
94% of Filipinos are welcoming 2014 with much hope. And it’s also good to note here that even in Visayas, badly affected by 7.2 earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda,
93% of our kababayan there are facing the New Year with the same spirit.

“Why not?” I told to myself.
I cannot deny that we encountered a lot of negative issues and catastrophes as a nation and even as an individual this year. But I cannot also deny, (and I don’t want to) that I also saw enormous blessings and providence this year in each and every corner. Here are some of them.

I’m alive. (And living)
I share bed with my lovely wife Karen and son AJ.
I still dine with very supportive relatives and friends.
I have the chance to laugh, dream and pray with my students.

I meet a loving father who drives taxi day in and out to honestly support his family.
I rode with a pregnant mother who can’t wait to give birth to her second daughter. 
I heard a friend who after years, still prays and longs for the love of her own parents. 
I encountered a student who came to me and honestly admits that he cheated in my exam.

I worked with a government official who puts God at the center of his barangay.
I segregated garbage with friends who travel around the country to combat global warming.
I worked with generous colleagues who put-up scholarship fund for the most-in-need students. 
I served with inspiring ‘pasahero’ friends who promote generosity in their respective work places.

‘Know what? If I will continue, the list will hardly end.
Praise to God and my Father who is very much alive and generous
YESTERDAY, TODAY, and FOREVER.
Indeed, He bestowed me with needed blessing one after the other.

Now, don’t miss this.
My generous Father is YOUR generous Father too!
And this Father of yours has nothing in mind but to bless you every single second of your life. In doubt? Try to count every single blessing you received (no matter how small and insignificant they are to you) before this year end and I’m telling you, before 2014 ends, you’re not yet done. That’s how generous your Father is to you.

So today, claim God’s blessings in your life.
And be one of the 94.

Enjoy inspiring decades ahead of you my friend. God loves you!

The Overwhelming Generosity of Christmas

“But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom he generously poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior.” Titus 3:4-6

I am guilty, but God pardoned me.
I am unkind, but God is kind to me.
I am selfish, but God is generous to me.

I have my doubts, but to me; God have His conviction.
I have my addictions; but to me, God have His affection.
I have my limitations; but to me, God have His permission.

I feel I’m nothing, but God becomes everything.
I feel I’m sinning, but God keeps on blessing.
I feel I’m wandering, but God remains on directing.

Indeed, Christmas is all about Him, but He makes it all about me.
Not because I am worthy, but because of His generosity!

Today in a special way, I thank you Lord for you are my heavenly Father.
And for making us special and making your Son our earthly Brother.

Have a Christ-filled Christmas to all of you mga kapasahero!