what legacy will you leave behind?

We cannot escape the reality that one day we will pass away and along with that is the fact that in one way or another we will leave a legacy. However, the kind of legacy you leave behind is up to you. So, what kind of legacy would you want to leave behind?

Looking at our history, there are many people who have left behind a legacy - some were commendable while others were detestable. We might think that it was the circumstances that led them to make such decisions but we have to realize that we do have a choice.

Some people think that leaving a legacy is confined to leaving behind inheritance off wealth and power. But it can be as simple as leaving a good name. A good name lasts for generations. Take for example, you joined a company where a family member previously worked and had a great reputation. They might expect a lot from you but deep inside they have confidence in you. Contrast this to a scenario when someone in your family left a bad reputation in that company - chances are high of you working harder to get promoted.

Another legacy we can leave behind is investing on the next generation. There are many cases nowadays of children growing up with values completely opposite to that of their parents. Many have neglected the significance of investing in the next generation. People have allowed the generational gap to widen further. We have to realize that not all dreams, ambitions, and success can be achieved in our lifetime. We can pass it on to the next generation. We can train and prepare them. Would you want to have them learn everything from scratch and achieve as much as less than you did? Or would it be better for them be knowledgeable and skilled as much as you and achieving double or triple than you did. Too often we live only for today without considering tomorrow.

But the most important legacy we can leave behind is living for eternity. We have to realize that when we came to this world we had nothing and when we leave it, we cannot bring anything with us. So in everything that we do, it is important to consider whether the things we do matter for eternity. I believe that would simplify things for us when we are at the crossroads of making decisions.

things that matter

"The saddest day of your life is when you're at your death bed and you stare into your spouse's and children's eyes and they stare into yours, and you realize that in that brief moment that you've been together, there was NO LOVE."

A friend shared this thought to me and I realized that sometimes we run after so many things that lead us to success and we forget the significant things of life. It made me think of the possibilities that could happen in the future. I might accomplish my dreams - wonderful home, great car, flourishing businesses, and all those great things we can dream of - but when my family is not alright, it is insignificant. After all, when my family is not whole, I, too am not whole.

corruption no more

I tuned in this afternoon to the Senate Blue Ribbon committee's hearing on military corruption. Although I did not get all the details as to what they were talking about (since I wasn't tuning in to the news these past few days), I could say that these are promising developments to the reforms that we have been longing for the Philippines. One of the resource speakers (from COA) mentioned that the problem was with the system and that it was not effective in preventing corruption. If this was the case, hopefully our government officials will do something about it and reform the policies. However, I believe corruption cannot be simply eliminated by creating a tougher system or policies. Corruption can be abolished when people begin to develop values - especially honesty and integrity.

I applaud the officials who have stepped out to reveal these anomalies (despite impending threats to their careers, life, and families). May we indeed see reform to our beloved country.

one life lived right

How have you lived your life?

Sometimes we forget that we are not here forever. Oftentimes, we are not conscious that we only have limited time here on earth. Yesterday while preparing notes for our group discussions, I calculated the hours we have in life. All of us have 24 hours a day, each year we have about 8760 hours (without considering the leap year) and if we live up to 75 years old we have had lived 657,000 hours - that is if you live up to that age or older. If you're 25 years old now, you have spent 219,000 hours of your life leaving you with 438,000 more.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. - Psalms 90:12 (TNIV)

I believe that when we begin to number our days, we will develop wisdom. Naturally, we would make the most of our lives. As much as possible, we would want to do things right, and fulfill the purpose we are here on earth for. May God teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

visiting foundations

I enjoyed a wonderful discussion with friends last night about truths that serve as foundations for our personal principles and convictions. It is refreshing and fulfilling to visit these core values that we believed in. Personally, it led me to reviewing my principles and re-align my convictions that were not in tune with those principles.

In the course of time, as we pursue different goals, sometimes we forget the reasons why we act or reason the way we do. Through a regular visit and review of our personal foundations and values, we will have a clearer picture of where we are and where we are headed.

how i start my year...

What do you do at the start of the year?

Most people start it with resolutions they are hoping to accomplish within the year. The most common is losing the pounds gained during the holidays. For some, they start planning for the year and set goals to be achieved. This is a good way to start the year so that you can wake up everyday with a vision to be fulfilled.

However, for us, before we plan for the year, we come to God and fast and listen to Him. Who would have the best idea for the year than Him who is Lord and Father to us all. God bless us all!

hello 2011!

A happy and prosperous new year to all. I hope you all enjoyed how you greeted the new year - feasting on delicious food on the table, wonderful fireworks, parties, and all activities that you did to welcome the new year.

In a few days the holiday fever will fade but I do hope that before you get back to work, you get to spend some time with yourself and do an assessment of your previous year (if you have not done it yet) and set a course for 2011. What do you hope to accomplish within the year? What are your your specific goals? How are you going to achieve those targets?

The great thing about setting a direction for the year is realizing how far you went at the end of the year - it brings you a sense of fulfillment. You realize that you had progress and did not stay on the same spot. I hope you all enjoy planning ahead and fulfilling those plans as the days of 2011 go. I'm sure one of it would be losing those pounds. Enjoy!

before 2010 ends

This has been a great year even with the trials and challenges. I have learned a number of things and I believe I have grown more mature compared last year. I am excited to face the next year - 2011. I know it won't be that easy but I believe that it would be greater than this year.

God, thank you for being our Father, Lord, and Savior. We, my wife and I, thank you so much for the great year! We look forward to a greater year next year!

To all our friends and acquaintances, a great and glorious new year to you all! May Christ be with you always and may you experience blessings and prosperity in the next year! Enjoy!

overjoyed

The Journey of the Magi by James Tissot, 1894

The story of the Magi in the Bible is one which is familiar to most of us. But because we are so familiar with the story we miss out the great lesson we can learn from them. I recently learned that according to Jewish tradition or legend, they were considered to have come from the east possibly Persia. Considering Persia to be their origin and their destination was Israel, it is estimated to be more than a thousand miles and yet they took that journey with a single purpose: to worship Jesus. They knew that Jesus was the fulfillment of a promise given hundreds of years before their time. A promise of salvation to man and redemption. Despite the distance and the hardships along the way, they braved the journey just to come to Jesus and worship Him. Moreover, they did not come with with weary hearts or faces but the Bible says in Matthew 2:10, that when they found the star leading them to Jesus they were overjoyed or in other translations, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

Today, where travel is just a few minutes or hours away, do we feel the discomfort and complain or give up our time to worship God? When we are in such situations, let us remember the Magi who never gave up on their journey to come and worship Jesus and more importantly, when they arrived, they were exceedingly joyful.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

a thought on trust

It's just so amazing that with all the things going on for the past few weeks, I learned one important lesson: trust.

I realized how God, our Father trusts. When He sent Jesus, His one and only Son to earth to redeem man, He trusted Him. When Jesus came here on earth, He was prone to sinning. Just one hint of sin and He will be separated from the Father and He would also fail to accomplish the task and plan that the Father and Jesus had. But, the Father trusted him that much that Jesus was able to do it. The Father had faith in His Son, that He said, "In Him I am well pleased."

When Jesus Christ fulfilled His task here on earth (John 3:16). He left to be with the Father and He entrusted the "fate of the world" to 11 men. The wonderful thing is: He trusted them. did He have a plan B in mind? No. He trusted them completely. He had faith in them - that whatever He taught them would bear fruit in their lives. Were the apostles not prone to sin? Yes they were. Actually if they chose to deviate from their calling they could do so becasue of their free will. An example of one of their imperfections, is the case between Peter and Paul - when Paul rebuked Peter on the issue concerning the Gentiles. Though they had the Holy Spirit working in their lives, they were still prone to failure. But Jesus trusted these men. The results of the trust that Jesus had on these men is evident today, 2000 years later. See how Christianity has grown and spread. It started with the eleven men whom Jesus trusted.

How much do you trust your children, people you are following up? I don't undermine, however, the need for correction, rebuke and teaching especially in the years of the children's growth and to the beginnings of the people you are following up. You need to put that protection over them as a father does for his children. you need to coach them. Feed them. Make decisions for them. But, there comes a time when you just have to let them go and make the decisions themselves. You just have to trust them. The correction, rebuke and teaching is still applicable after you've released them, but, you have to allow them to make the decisions themselves whether they fail or succeed.

I realized that some of these young adults who are "mama's boys" that get involved in gangs know that there is danger to what they get involved into. But they want to have that feeling of being reponsible for themselves. They don't just want to look cool. They want to show the world that they are able to make decisions for themselves. When we don't put our trust on the people we love when its time for them to walk on their on steps, they rebel. They distance themselves.

I could relate to that. I am a "mama's boy" myself. I'm proud of it. But i thank my mother because she realized that at a certain point, she needs to let me go and do things on my own. Because of that, I learned to make decisions, grow up and fight on. I am thankful that I wasn't driven to get involved in gangs - though I was on the verge of doing so years ago. instead, I got involved with something that's so important in life - Jesus Christ... and I know, He trusts me.

Note: This is a repost (with a little editing) of my original blogpost entitled "On the Issue of Trust" posted on Multiply last December 3, 2006 at 8:52 PM.

facing mistakes

What do you do when you make a mistake? when you are at fault? Do you take responsibility for it and face the consequences of your actions? or do you blame the situation or other people?

It takes courage to do so. It may be difficult but it is the right thing to do. We can never make it in life if we do not learn to accept our faults. The great thing with mistakes is learning from it and so you can do the right thing next time.

foundations are vital

I had a great time with friends last night and I learned a lot from our exchange of thoughts and realizations. One of the most important things I realized was the significance of foundations in life.

Foundations play a crucial role in life because it is where beliefs and principles are founded. Through time foundations, like those in buildings, need to be checked because cracks might have built up making the foundation unstable. We have to review and strengthen our personal foundations so we avoid crumbling down when life situations become tough and challenging.

i believe..

I am reminded of a principle someone shared during our meeting the other day. He said, "A change in belief will lead to a change in behavior." I actually heard this awhile back but during this time it got me thinking and I realized that our beliefs greatly influence how we live life.

neon sculpture by joe rees

For example, if we believe that there are great things in store for us in the future, we remain hopeful and positive despite the hard and challenging times of the present. Our eyes are fixed not on the difficulties of today but on the opportunities of success tomorrow. On the other hand, if we believe that nothing good will come out of life, we are often pessimistic of our situation and of people. There are also people who do not firmly believe in anything so they end up being swept into everything without accomplishing something.

However, we also have to be careful with what we believe because we can sincerely believe in something and at the same time be sincerely wrong. In other words, the danger in belief is in what we believe. It might be a lie.

following wholeheartedly

When we want to live a fruitful life, we need to follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly. Whatever it is that hinder us in following Him totally must be rid of. The key to growing spiritually and fruitfully as we follow Christ is total and absolute surrender to His Lordship.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. - Hebrews 12:1

no longer servants

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. - John 15:15

I find it comforting to know that Jesus Christ does not consider us servants who need to do His bidding. Instead, He considers us friends with whom He has shared everything. We are his dear friends whom He loves and cares for. He gives us the freedom to think, ponder, and act on the words of truth that He shared with us.

seeking Him first

Sometimes we are all too focused on the things we need (and want) that we forget and miss out on the important things in life. There are times when, out of desperation to acquire or achieve, we neglect the people who love us most - our families and friends. But, the greatest tragedy, is when we miss out God just because we are so focused on the desires of our hearts. Our needs and wants are important but it does not compare to God who is the reason why we are here and why we can have life after this one. In addition, we have to realize that we actually have all that we need when we seek God first. Moreover, God knows what we need and He has appointed Jesus to be head over everything for the church, which is his body..

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. - Matthew 6:33

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fulness of him who fills everything in every way. - Ephesians 1:22,23

the time is right

We all have needs and wants. Needs are important. Wants, on the other hand, are things we can live without. But, when we do not get what we want, we end up frustrated or depressed. So, we ask God for all these things but sometimes it does not get answered the way we hope it would. Some of us feel bad, ask God, and complain why.

For the past few years I have been one of those who question God why. However, recently, the messages that have been preached and the words of truth that I have read have begun to sink in and I have come to accept that God knows better and He knows when the time is right.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. - Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

tough times

It is a fact that challenges are to be expected in our lives - whether we like it or not. Knowing that it will eventually come is the easy part but being in the middle of it is a different story.

There are challenges we have been facing over and over (e.g. financial difficulty, relational conflicts, health problems, and many more) but in different levels of difficulty. However, some of these situations have become "easy" for us; though i wouldn't want to call it a challenge if it has become "easy". But, there are "easy" challenges that we have learned to deal with - weather phenomena, quarrels, and the like - and have dealt with "reflex". We have developed a system of automatic reactions because the situations have become familiar. Typhoons are an example. Those who are always exposed to these weather phenomena go about their usual daily activities even if there is a broadcast for a super typhoon while those who are new to our country stay indoors for fear of calamities brought about by these weather disturbances. We have learned to adapt.

There are, however, challenges that takes up your whole being and challenges you to the point where you want to give up and retreat. These are times where people experience stress, develop insomnia, feel their joints or even bones shake and even their emotions crumble.

We might try hard to avoid it but we cannot. It is part of life's design. We discover that without it, life will cease to be exciting. Life will be boring without it.

I realized the great importance of these challenges that muster every aspect of our being human. It is in the course of these challenges where we become men and women - character is fortified, principles are developed, and even emotions are tamed. A skill or talent can never be at its greatest without going through challenging times. A piece of metal can never become a sword unless it is heated and hammered. There needs to be a tough time to bring out the best within. I believe it holds true for each of us - the greatest potential within each one of us can never come out unless we go through "heating" and "hammering".

The great inventors who made a difference in our history were never spared from difficulties - they failed a number of times before they made their greatest invention.

We are being molded to become greater than who we are today.

Note: This blog is an abridged version of my original blog entitled "these tough times" on 8 May 2007 which was posted in Friendster.