Between winning and not losing

Early Sunday morning (22 January 2012), I was overwhelmed reading the email of Dr. Robert Anthony as if I was the only one he was addressing to in his seemingly personal message reminding me to buy his book, The Secret of Deliberate Creation.  The attached information about himself and his offer are definitely convincing but the scarcity of money inhibits my desire to avail of his very helpful book I expect to serve as a very effective “treasure map”.

As the year 2012 commenced, I have been engrossed reading the various emails sincerely responding them with my simple aim to connect my finite thoughts with the vast thoughts of the world and ultimately with the Infinite Mind as I invite them to open my website.  As an active member of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP), I delivered the most recent edition of the “story of the Lord in my life” last January 7, 2012 among my brothers of BCBP Mandaue City Chapter.   “Unleashing the power within” is its title pointing money as the issue of struggle. I was inspired to read the short but morally boosting comment of Ms. Amy Sotto Indo, my new-found friend in the facebook before I proceeded to the men's breakfast fellowship. The attendance of my Kompare Roberto Aure as my honored guest motivated me being the only "first timer" present.  I encourage his continuous participation in Baybay City, Leyte.

Having experienced paranormal incidents earlier in my life, I was extra cautious with January 13 even looking at April 13 this year falling on a Friday.  Friday the 13^th is a fearful day for me.  However, with the advances in information technology, I noticed a higher level of fear through the highly incredible and extremely impossible messages in the inbox.  From a considerable number of unknown private individuals and international bank officials, the message is similar.  They are inviting me to be their secret partner in the transfer of millions of dollars to my bank account which is a simple “money laundering”.  Ticket Nos. 86033775966738 and 2051146463-7644 in separate lotteries entitle me to considerably large sum of the Great British Pound (GBP).  Wow! Awful and wonderful but seriously scary, that I pray, “Lord, I am attracting money but please give me good and clean money that I deserve and honestly earn through Your Divine Providence.”

I am attracting a lot of good money as a medium to realize my personal mission statement (“Holistic being and living” posted 25 January 2011 in my website) but definitely I don’t love it.  “For the love of money is the root of all evil, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains” (1 Tim 6:10).

On the other hand, I am excited and thrilled to follow, apply and live “Love or Above”.  Downloaded are: the first talk and the “Heart Center Awakening Meditation”.  My wife expresses her positive response that she feels an increasing vibration at home.   I love Jesus Christ, my Savior and His Mother, my Mother of Perpetual Help, Mary coined in “Christie Marie”, the modern day intuitive healer, psychic and mystic.  Thanks a lot, Ms. Sheldon!

The Self-Esteem Book (ebook downloaded) of Dr. Joseph Rubino awakens me from my feeling of inadequacy.  I discover Mr. Chip who is pulling me down but I have the Advocate, the Holy Spirit who assures me of my self-worth.

Dr. Robert Anthony reminds me that “.. while it is important to set my intentions, think positively and have a strong belief that the Universe will magically provide what I want through the process of repetition, it only represents a fraction of what I must do to deliberately create the things I desire.”  I need alignments: with the Law of Quantum Physics (the Law of Attraction) and the conscious and subconscious alignments.  “Like thoughts whether positive or negative attract their equivalent or vibrational match.” Whatever I focus on with intensity and emotion will set the Universe in motion to bring what I desire into my life. My conscious desires and subconscious intentions must be aligned to realize and manifest my dreams and aspirations.   In my belief system, I simply call it a reconciliation between what I desire and God’s plan and will for me.

I believe I am destined to live a life that is free of fear, doubt and worry.  I feel happy and rejoice soundly in the knowledge that I am meant to thrive, not struggle.  I consciously choose a life deliberately created to attain a state of unlimited possibilities.

I whole-heartedly acknowledge, express my lasting indebtedness and sincere gratitude to my coaches in the game of life: Ms. Christie Marie Sheldon (www.loveorabove.com/special), Dr. Joseph Rubino (www.centerforpersonalreinvention.com), Dr. Robert Anthony (www.RealMindPowerSecrets.com) and many more as they train me deliberately to play the game of life.  In this game, I win by taking action on what I learned.  Contrarily, I do not keep collecting more information and avoid taking action by conservatively playing not to lose. 

God bless our life coaches that they become effective and true instruments connecting us to the Infinite Mind, the Master Architect and Ultimate Planner of our life!  nmg

An Endangered and Angry Nature

The intensity and magnitude of the aftermath of Typhoon Sendong in Negros Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City showed us the rage of nature.  I associate it with “Rage of an Angel”, the bestselling suspense novel by Sydney Sheldon.  Synonymous terms as anger, wrath or rage mean the same but the magnitude or the severity of the disaster vary.  The Golden Rule is designed for a harmonious relationship between human beings.  It is likewise applicable between man and nature as we recently experienced. 

Last December 16, 2011 at about 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon, we  were all set to join Kuya Cipring/Ate Mary Lauron in Liloan, Cebu on our way to Panalipan, Catmon, Cebu to express our empathy to the Manalili Family for the death of Ate Vangie‘s mother, Mana Gorgonia Cole (with 3 years more to become a centenarian).  The BCBP Consolacion group consisted of Ate Norma Caminade, Ate Erma Sangco, Kuya Gad/Ate Carmen Macasero, and my wife, Judy with me driving. Along the way still in Tayud, Consolacion (the alternate road for a lighter traffic), we encountered the heavy downpour of rain with a very low visibility that I had to drive at 20 – 30 km/hr following the car ahead with the same speed with full lights on.  Judy led the group in prayer and we contemplated on the Sorrowful Mysteries.  Instantly, I recalled the BCBP Mactan Mission Team for Ormoc City being caught in a typhoon at the beach house in Albuera, Leyte owned by the family of Ate Carmen L. Sto. Domingo.  Like sus (the local term for the fresh water, black, spirally elongated shells approximately 4-5 cm long distinctly characterized to be grouping together in clusters), we recited the Holy Rosary led by Ate Litz Tan.  In those similar situations, our prayers were answered.  The latest encounter was quite scary and life threatening.  In Compostela, I sensed the explosion of lightning and thunder as if we were hit head-on so that in a quick response, I had to step heavily on the brakes unexpectedly hard-pushing my passengers forward.   But, it did not deter us from praying that we eventually reached our destination safe and sound with the food for us waiting prepared by Ate Vangie and Kuya Maning.  The sumptuous dinner relieved us from fear recharging ourselves to celebrate and continue living our respective lives.

During the Holy Mass and Novena for the dead thereafter, I pondered on the opportunity to die naturally at a ripe old age leaving behind a legacy of good deeds.  The 116 years old Japanese, Shigechiyo Izumi advises, “… the best way to lead a long life is simply, ‘not to worry’ (Mike Parker. The World’s Most Fantastic Freaks.  p. 136)”.  But, how can we be worry-free looking at the most recent effects of an endangered and angry nature?  The joy of the Christmas Season this year is coupled with sadness especially to those directly affected.  


Some may have abstract ideas of what is going on with the world.  Bob Hope claims, “It’s a wonderful world.  It may destroy itself, but you’ll be able to watch it on TV.” (In: Charles Swindoll’s Favorite Stories and Illustrations. p. 622).  We saw the destruction of tsunami in Japan last March 2011 through the television.  The TV and video footages of the actual events of Typhoon Sendong surely touched all of us.  Personally striking was the footage of the 24 minutes rising water in Cagayan de Oro City showing evacuees moving-in to a safer house.  That time span submerged the gate and house that ended the documentation.  It brought me to a similar incident many years back.     

Forty (40) years ago (December 1971), I experienced the same scenario.  As a graduating and working student in high school, I lived nearby the campus of the Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC), Baybay, Leyte.  During that heavily raining afternoon, we observed that water was flowing and rising.  The house where I lived was located at the southern side of Dungcaan Bridge.  Accordingly, the overflowing river resulted from the clogging of the bridge by a high volume of debris that consisted of logs, timber, lumber and possibly a number of animals and human beings flushed from the mountain. (That extremely large volume of materials were later seen deposited in the beaches covering at least 5-6 kilometers from the town towards the north excluding the southern side.)  We vacated our place when water rose from knee-high to hip-deep.  I held and guided 2 children of the household towards higher grounds at the Convent of the Franciscan Sisters.  Fortunately, the bridge broke astonishingly wiping the flood water that allowed us to return safe and secured. 

After 4 decades, we continue to experience the rage of an endangered nature because of our irresponsible environmental management.  In addition, there is global warming, climatic change and more. In our own small ways, as a family, we seriously consider the ethics of permaculture.  In April 2011, Judy and I met a septuagenarian green-thumbed woman who shared with us several planting materials.  I gained from her the insight to plant, plant and plant regardless of the distance and method of planting.  She owns and operates a nature’s park and mountain resort overlooking Cebu City.  

Lately, before 2011 ended, I joined “Love or Above” through the world-wide web.  I attempted to attend the online event but due to technical inability and the very slow flow, I discontinued in the meantime.  This is the first time I encountered the term webinar which means a seminar in the web or internet.  For me, the www or the 3w is not just info dissemination but strengthening of the "web of life". 

Appealing and strongly attractive is the invitation of its founder, “… to become a force for planetary shift….. turn on your spiritual gifts fully to make your inner light brighter ….. a life filled to the brim with love, abundance, joy, pleasure and fun.”  


For 2012, I go the extra mile to attain financial abundance and freedom and attract all good things, keeping in mind my personal mission statement ("Holistic being and living" posted Jan 25, 2011 in my website).   With me in my pilgrimage and life's journey are life coaches, Christie Marie Sheldon and her “Love or Above Team” and the "Life Optimizing and Strategic Business Coaches": Dr. Rubino, Ms. Henson and Ms. Mulac, www.support@cprsuccess.com.  


I invite you to open or visit www.loveorabove.com/special to raise our individual vibrations and increase our respective energetic frequencies. nmg    

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[1] A reflection of the CDO, Iligan and Negros natural disasters caused by Typhoon Sendong (Dec.  16-17, 2011).

Significance of the Insignificant

Opening the facebook last December 6, 2011 impressed me with the message from my natural and organic farming friend, Rev. Fr. Domingo Saladaga, OAR. It is about "blessing and missing".  Accordingly, we should have a big and open heart to appreciate the blessings to celebrate life and eyes to see what are missing.  Sorry, I miss the whole quotation.  Anyway, I responded with, "The message is rhythmic, poetic and realistic that makes you an effective pastoral poet. Certainly, I am applying it in my daily living". In fact, I have posted last December 2007 the following article with a parallel message.


When I was still connected with an agricultural state college, I was involved in a trilogy of functions.  I was engaged in 50% instruction, 30% research and 20% extension.

Using an appropriate experimental design, we conducted agricultural researches or field trials as part of my research activities.  I did these projects together with my research assistants.  Data gathered were analyzed following the procedure of the analysis of variance (ANOVA).  Test results varied.  One could be not significant (ns) or insignificant.  Sometimes, variations were significant at 5% level of significance or simply significant (with a single asterisk*) or significant at 1% level of significance meaning highly significant (with a double asterisk**).  As the results and discussion were documented and presented, we were obliged to support, explain and point out implications and reasons of the insignificance or significance of the outcome.  These explanations and discussion eventually supported our conclusions and recommendations.

That was in the academe and research institution.  Now, with a different perspective and dealing with the realities of life, I find “significance of the insignificant” striking and thought-provoking.  This is a section of Chapter 7, “Mary’s little lamb” in the book, “Growing Deep in the Christian Life: Essential Truths for Becoming Strong in the Faith” by Charles Swindoll (pp. 121-133).

I find it most appropriate and fitting to stress the “significance of the insignificant” this Christmas season.  Are we aware that, “every Christmas season, the significant seems to get lost among the insignificant?”  We can cite situations as presented by Kuya Benson Tompong in his talk on the “Christian Personal Relationships” last December 7, 2007 teaching night.  Technological advancements, the quest for comfortable, easy and entertained lives associated with a lifestyle of vanity are among the many factors that lead us to selfish motives.  Being selfish and self-centered blind us that the non-essentials or insignificant things in life are given priority.  I agree that indeed, “our world continues to be caught in the web of insignificant things like busy commerce, the profit-and-loss issues of life”.

Are we wise enough to see the significant in the midst of the insignificant?  Let us ask the grace of aiming for God’s wisdom (1 Kings 3:28) in this age of materialism.

During the time of Augustus Ceasar, tax collection was considered a significant event when he ordered a census to strengthen his Roman Empire.  However, “the most significant thing happened in a manger” in Bethlehem (Bethlehem meaning the “house of bread” in Hebrew).

Have we asked Jesus Christ to be born and occupy our insignificant manger, our respective hearts? Let us give Him the first place of honor and authority in our lives!.

St. Paul of the Cross (1694-1775), founder of the Passionists, strongly encourages us to “celebrate the feast of Christmas everyday, even every moment in the interior temple of your spirit, remaining like a baby in the bosom of the heavenly Father, where you will be reborn each moment in the Divine Word, Jesus Christ” (Misyon, Nov-Dec, 2007). nmg

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[1] Featured in SIDLAK, BCBP Consolacion Quarterly Magazine, Oct – Dec 2007.

Tragic faces of death

This Halloween feature is triggered by Jeje Caintic, my niece now based at Italy when she shared the meaning of the occasion.

Pamilya gimasaker sa amahan was the October 17, 2011 headline of Sun.Star Super Balita.  I paid a total of two thousand seven hundred pesos for obstruction of traffic and towing.  I am not used to buy newspaper but that Monday morning intrigued me with what I heard about a parricide and suicide in Talisay City, Cebu of the Ponce family.  I was driving our ISUZU Elf loaded with 2 cu. m. of gravel when I bought the newspaper.  The truck engine stopped and did not start allowing the Mandaue City's towing business make money as quick as lightning inconsiderate of the less than a kilometer towing.  Those incidents were horrifying! Two (2) years earlier, I have documented the following tragic faces of death:

The incident that happened after our breakfast fellowship at San Narciso Parish Pastoral Center in Consolacion, Cebu last October 24, 2009 reminded me of several ways how physical life is terminated.  A relatively old man committed suicide by nose-diving from the skywalk near the venue like he was plunging into a swimming pool.  It was an awful and pitiful sight for all of us in the Community who saw his fresh and bubbling blood oozing from his nose and mouth with his face flat on the cemented road.  His shoulders jerked for a few moments for his last breath.  In the afternoon, the intercessory group prayed for his eternal rest and for his family’s relief from their grief.

That tragedy brought me to vividly fearful flashbacks.  When I was still a kid at 8 years old, I spent sleepless nights being haunted with the imagery of the bloated boy floating nearby.  In Mantahan, Maasin, So. Leyte, we were living near the seashore and during high tide, sea water was under our rented house.  The poor boy drowned a day before while together with his elder brother, they were fishing with the hook and line.  I saw that freak accident.  He was caught by a huge wave and was not found that fateful afternoon.

I was a witness to a revengeful murder when I was still in College.  I was among the crowd of onlookers standing around the basketball court where the benefit dance of our barrio was held in Kilim, Baybay, Leyte.  A neighbor who was a ‘dirty’ basketball player was stabbed to death.  It was very frightening and terrifying because he was only an arm away in front of me.  His basketball opponent that afternoon who was the murderer ran from the other side of the road towards his victim thrusting the 2 feet long and sharp bolo.  It is still fresh in my mind how the pointed tip of the murder weapon stroke his back piercing through his abdomen.  It sounded like the bolo forcefully penetrated into a soft banana trunk.  Tsakk!!  It happened at about midnight right after the music ended and everyone dancing was seated.  Dramatically, the victim was able to walk toward the center of the dance ground with the weapon stuck in his body until he collapsed to his death.  I trembled with the afterthought, “What if I was a mistaken target?” I could have been classified “being in the wrong place at the wrong time”.  I was so horrified that we kept discussing about it until morning without sleep.

One early bright morning on our way to a field trip to visit an “integrated farm” in Tacloban City to enrich the theoretical and classroom instruction of my students (Dept. of Horticulture, ViSCA, Baybay, Leyte), we were shocked to see an able bodied and robust man on top of his pedal operated cab newly killed. Our school bus was the first to arrive at the ”scene of the crime” (SOC).  Everyone of us in the bus had a strategic view of the man heinously gunned down point-blank at the head.  There was no blood but a clear sticky fluid with his saliva dripped from his mouth like a slaughtered pig.  Later, we learned that the casualty was a rebel returnee salvaged by his “comrade in arms”.    

The foregoing tragic faces of death are contrasted with the peaceful death of my mother-in-law (1996), my father-in-law (1999) and my own mother (2007).  Accordingly, “death can be seen as birth”.  “At the end of the birth canal, it seems fierce, portentous and full of pain.  Similarly, death is a scary tunnel and we are being sucked toward it by a powerful force” (Philip Yancey, Where Is God When It Hurts?).

To a man who has not lived nor died, it is declared: “There was a very cautious man, who never laughed nor played.  He never risked, he never tired, he never sang or prayed.  And when one day he passed away, his insurance was denied.  For since he never really lived, they claimed he never died.” nmg 

A eulogy for Kuya Paskie

“Kuya Paskie, ang imong mga buluhaton ug responsilidad sa imong pamilya, sa Philippines Network of Rural Development Institutes (PhilNet) ug sa Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) naputol sa imong hinanaling kamatayon apan ang atong relasyon ug ang imong mga maayong binuhatan magpadayon. ‘Your earthly life ended not our relationship’ (Mitch Albom , Tuesdays with Morrie).” 

Brothers and Sisters, are you familiar with the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr. Stephen Covey? To begin with the end in mind is the second habit that struck me that keep ringing in my mind.  In fact, I have written my personal reflection about my own death 3 years ago.  Recently, I have posted it in my website in honor of the meaningful and fruitful memories I have with Kuya Paskie.

On occasions like this, the Celebration of Life through the death of our dear, worthy and respected brother and friend, let us be reminded that “God does not tell us when we are going to die because He wants it to be a big surprise”.   Indeed, Kuya Paskie’s untimely death is a big surprise and a great loss for us in the Brotherhood (BCBP).  We in the BCBP Community share the sorrow that the family experience.  In behalf of the BCBP Consolacion Chapter and in my capacity as the Mission Director, I am tasked to deliver this eulogy expressing our common feeling of an intimate personal relationship with him.  This is also an acknowledgement of a valuable legacy he left behind.  Certainly, this relationship and legacy keep him alive in our hearts and minds.

Allow me to reveal a brief inside story with the hope that this revelation will lead us to know God more and see Christ being alive in each one of us.  Ate Pureza and my wife, Judy were high school classmates (Class ‘74 in St. Joseph’s Academy, Mandaue City). It was easier to convince Ate Pureza to join the Community but not with Kuya Paskie.  He had reservations and doubts regarding the sincerity of the renewal with his negative impressions from his hometown in Tacloban City.  I learned and understood how engrossed he was with his official duty as the regional coordinator of PhilNet.  He was too busy with his official and work-related trips that he had lesser time with his family and no way to spare with the BCBP.  You know?  God works in mysterious ways!  Through our fervent prayers and his exposure to the BCBP way of life, he attended the Christian life program (CLP) for the second time and finally committed after he declined and stopped with his first attendance.  In our intimate and personal interactions through our action group or prayer meetings, he used to express that his marital status lacked moral ascendancy.  He was an ex-Redemptorist missionary priest.  We prayed for his dispensation from Rome. 

           

With God’s Grace and upon special consideration or dispensation, Ate Pureza and Kuya Paskie singled out Judy and me as the second couple to serve as their wedding sponsors among the 2 couples they had fondly chosen.  Filled with thanksgiving and excitement, our BCBP unit and action group where they belong decided not to join the 27^th BCBP National Anniversary in Cagayan de Oro City because it coincided with their scheduled Church wedding.  We supported and celebrated with them the Solemnity of their Marriage Vows at the Holy Family Retreat House, Nivel Hills, Cebu City last April 28, 2007.  I remember the envious opening comment of the Solemnizing Redemptorist priest, “Paskie, how do you feel being there to be married? …. You have almost completed all the Sacraments of the Catholic Church!!.”

After that, they qualified to participate in the marriage retreat by November of the same year. Basically, he regained his moral ascendancy.  In one of the Novena Masses during his wake, Fr. Emy Maningo, a Redemptorist priest claimed that “Kuya Paskie has a vocation within a bigger vocation”.  

We in the BCBP Consolacion Chapter can testify his all-out commitment to support the vision and mission of the BCBP through his unconditional services being the Breakfast Head.  The regular Saturday breakfast fellowship is our venue to introduce and acquaint new comers and prospective members of the Community.  Being able and capable to respond to multi-tasking, he also acted as our deeply-spirited Intercessory Head.  Kuya Benson Tompong finally accepted the task of being the Chapter Head with the personal commitment and assurance of Kuya Paskie’s moral, physical and spiritual support.

Along with his zeal to serve, Kuya Paskie was our model who taught us the virtues of humility and simplicity being down-to-earth.  He was very diligent, prompt and orderly in managing or administering his duties and responsibilities being a reliable and dependable brother in the service of the Lord.

Personally, our partnership, brotherhood and friendship went beyond BCBP.  We shared the same passion.  He and I love farming.  Through him, I met and increased my circle of friends with whom I share the common advocacy on the virtue of honesty and the spread of our desire for natural, organic farming.  In a seminar/workshop with PhilNet way back in 2008, he introduced me to Tatay Lolong Alfar and Sir Bob Bajenting (who are retired employees with the Department of Agrarian Reform Reg. 7, the latter being the President of the Cebu Coalition for Food Security); Mr. Claro Deguit of PhilNet; Rev. Fr. Domingo Saladaga, AOR (Parish Priest of La Consolacion Parish, Laray, Cebu City); Sir Bimbo Fernandez of Panagtimbayayong (an NGO for the urban poor in Cebu City) Dr. Margallon, MD who spearheads natural, organic farming activities in Alegria, Cebu and many more.

 “Kuya Paskie, thank you very much for connecting me to these valuable people who are my allies to care for the earth, care for the people and care for the future. You have gone ahead of us and we will definitely follow but as to when and how, only God knows.   Your family, relatives and friends; brothers and sisters in the Community and all co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord keep you alive in our hearts and minds.  We ask you to prepare a place for us being our intercessor at the highest heavenly level in the bosom of our Almighty Father.  In faith, we believe to see you again and be reunited with you in Heaven.  Amen.” nmg     

Begin with the end

Note: Being assigned to deliver the eulogy on October 14, 2011 in behalf of BCBP Consolacion Chapter for our late and dear brother, Kuya Paskie, a.k.a. Pascual Tabuac, Sr., I am posting what I have written 3 years ago.


 “To begin with the end in mind” is the second of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” that Dr. Covey conveys to us.  I am stuck up with this especially on visualizing what my family, relatives and friends, brothers and sisters in the BCBP and my farm workers have to say during the eulogy as to who I was in my lifetime.  Indeed, death is the ultimate example of an “end”.  However, we have many “ends” which we can possibly do while still alive.

In September 2004, I was requested by the widow of my cousin to say something during his wake.  Unprepared, I pointed out a few things about our relationship.  I focused on his desire to serve the Lord full-time because he contemplated to avail of an early retirement.  His brothers and sisters in the Couples for Christ (CFC) were delighted to know his plan but the Lord took him instead in his golden age.

Lately, I dreamed that he readily lent me his clothes to keep me from nakedness.  I realized I forgot to reveal the secret of his conversion.  His elder son was responsible for influencing and bringing him to his spiritual renewal.

Another of my lapses was during the eulogy of the late Kuya Pete Boqueren, an air force colonel and a dear brother of BCBP Mactan.  I should have saluted like the others who paid tribute and thanked him for his admirable gesture when he was still alive.  In spite of his throat cancer, he managed to escort a priest who officiated one of the nightly Masses for my father-in-law.

Last July 4, 2008, the topic for the teaching night was about “attitude towards work” delivered by Ate Girlie Ang.  I was struck when she stated that “many died without utilizing their full potential”.  I assume it was her mere perception.  I believe that God is always giving us the opportunity to live life to the full.  “We cannot choose how many years we may live but we can decide to put life into those limited years”.

I was overwhelmed by the comprehensive presentation of Kuya Butch Gomez on the topic, “attitude towards money and wealth” during the August 8, 2008 teaching night assembly.  Both speakers shared their personal experiences related to their respective topics, the keyword of which is “attitude”.

A personal mission statement is suggested by Dr. Covey regarding our relationship with all persons we love, everyone and everything that surround the ‘circle of our influence”.

To all men of vision and mission, Charles Swindoll lays down the  a, b, c, d and e as our guide.

“[Attitude (a) is more important than facts, the past, education, money, circumstances, successes, failures, what other people say or do, appearance, giftedness or a skill.  The only thing we can do is play on the only string that we have, that is our attitude.  Life is full of surprises and the adjustment of our attitude is a lifelong project or “end”.

Belief (b) is having confidence in the power of God, confidence in others who are in similar battles with us and most especially in having confidence in ourselves by God’s grace.

God says, “You have to allow your capacity (c) to be invaded by My power.”

Determination (d) is hanging tough when the going gets rough.  It is the constant focus on God who is watching and smiling at us.

Enthusiasm (e) is a Greek word, the origin of which is entheos meaning “God is in”.  It is our ability to see God in all situations that makes all events in life exciting.]”

During one of our ‘action group’ meetings, we visualized a harmonious, united, active and spiritually growing BCBP Consolacion.  This is our goal or ‘end’ in mind.  Believing in God’s grace and providence, the group is confident that we will reach our expected ‘end’.

Our Community is one of the many ‘circles of our influence’.  Basically, we have our respective families, our workplaces or marketplaces and so forth.

Going back to Dr. Covey and still dealing with habits 1 and 2 (being proactive and beginning with the end in mind), I appreciate and admire him when he declared that, “the entire body of literature and other materials in visualization and affirmation (Habit 2) appears to have originally come out from the study of the Bible by many individuals”.  This simply means that to be effective in any of our endeavors and relationships, the Holy Bible is our basic guide and enlightenment.

Let us search, research, study and practice the remaining five (5) habits.  In the meantime, we continue to read, reflect and be guided by the Holy Bible.  nmg

Important but not Urgent

Note: Due to the sudden death of a very dear brother in the BCBP Consolacion Chapter, I recall and I am posting what I have written 5 years ago about death.


During our January 2006 Worship Assembly, I declared that one simple but important thing I asked God for this year is to be ready to meet Him when death comes.  Inspired by the perfectly attended and grace-filled “Mesa del Gallo 2005” with our only son, I resolved to actively participate in the early morning (5:30 am) Holy Mass daily for my own spiritual preparation and my loved ones especially my parents who are now in the “departure area”.

The underlying circumstances of world, national, community and personal events in life are horrifying.  We learn from the UNICEF data that the number one cause of death among 1 – 18 years old children and adolescents is vehicular accidents.  The ABS-CBN stampede claimed over 70 lives (Feb. 4, 2006).  Jake, the only son among the 4 children of Kuya Maning and Ate Miriam Conejos is in the ICU (as of this writing) because of a reckless driver (Jan. 27, 2006).  As committed and united BCBP Community, let us empathize with the family and pray for Jake’s complete healing and fast recovery.  With expectant faith, we praise and thank the Greatest Healer for restoring him back to his normal, active young life.

What personally shocked me is the delayed news about the instantaneous death of Kuya Totoy when the car he was driving was pressed, squeezed and flattened against two (2) large buses.  I only learned about it during the weekend with Fr. Herb Schnieder, SJ through the chapter head couple of BCBP Calbayog City who attended the teaching sessions (Feb. 3-4, 2006).

Consider this a tribute to a highly regarded brother who is now with our Creator.  Engr. Manuel “Totoy” and Ate Marietta Espiña are both professors of the Tiburcio Tancinco Institute of Science and Technology (TTMIST).  They were our generous hosts when Judy and I were invited to share in the BCBP Breakfast Fellowship years ago in Calbayog City.  We met again during the 24^th BCBP National Anniversary in Dipolog City on April 2004.  I am sad realizing that it turned out to be our last encounter.  That final meeting was filled with active interaction, enlightenment and consolation.  I openly made known to him my guilt feelings when I failed to prevent the suicide of Kepner, a young BCBP brother under our unit.  That timely and opportune morning until noon dialogue from Dumaguete wharf to Dapitan was uplifting because I was talking with a true and faithful messenger of God.  He unburdened me when he related and vividly recalled how he attempted to kill himself when he was only 21 years old. I opt to keep the details of his story between ourselves.  However, I wish to express my sincere admiration for his openness (although he was hesitant at first), his courage and his noble accomplishment of a holy mission that was to be reconciled with his father and mother before his parents eventually died.  The healing of relationship happened when the couple joined the BCBP.  To Ate Marietta, I offer a special prayer for spiritual strength and endurance being untimely left by Kuya Totoy childless.

Why the unexpected and tragic death?  Instead of questioning God, let us pray with humility the following personal prayer (Fr. Orbos, SVD. Inquirer Moments. Cycle B. p.8):

“Lord, when my time comes, do not call me by sudden death; not by accident that tears the body apart; not by illness that leaves my mind confused or senses impaired; not by the mercy of evil forces; not with a heart filled with hate or body racked with pain; not abandoned, lonely, without love and care; not with my own hands in moments of despair.  Jesus, let death come to me as a gentle friend to sit and linger till You call my name. Amen.”

Let us reflect and take into account a happy death to live life to the full.  The weekend teaching about the 5 moments of truth in “interpersonal relationships” by our BCBP National Director taught and guided me to seriously deal with our mortality.  How do we like to be remembered by our family, relatives and friends when we are gone?

This is an important matter but not urgent.  However, let us “do something about it” now! nmg

An added note: “In our death-denying and youth-worshipping culture, we go to great lengths to avoid facing even the smallest reminders of death.” (Peck, M.S. 1997. The Road Less Traveled and Beyond: Spiritual Growth in the Age of Anxiety. Simon & Schuster. p. 86).