"I found I could not live without enjoying the presence of God; and if any time a cloud came over me, I could not rest, I could not study, I could not attend to anything with the least satisfaction of benefit, until medium was again cleared between my soul and God."

- Charles Finney

I woke up today excessively happy, happy like a Happy Meal (I just found out yesterday that McNuggets are already a mascot). I don't know why, but suddenly I have this Joy that is obviuosly God's and I thank Him for it. Office now, later...

Rainy days past few days. Mornings are cold.

Yesterday I spent the whole day at home. In the evening I went to the ministers' banquet celebration in Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas for the 25th Anniversary of our district. It was great to see my kuyas, ates and friends together in one place. Speaker Dr. Eli Javier exhorted a moving speech on the history of the district dating back 70's and how the present church must remember and never forget. It was a very rare occassion in my life because it was just the second time I wore a barong Tagalog but I do look good in it I should say :) On the way home, in the parking lot, it was then that I realized I was parked beside Kuya Jerry's car and soon enough I saw him with Kuya Alvin, Ate Anj and Kuya Wilbert.

The car is having problems with the steering wheel, the wheels are going crazy.

For the past week I've been receiving lots of books. Last Christmas party at work I got 3 books from Pastor Nick, he's British. I still don't have any idea what's he doing in APCC. But it still baffles me that he gave me the gift when we just met once before this, like "what did I do?" Then the next day at office I found 3 more books in my desk. Apparently our office always give out books to its workers. So now I have more than 6 unread books. I want to get more shelves because books are just hanging out at home.

Watching Probe Team about recent 23rd Southeast Asian Games in Manila... I think those visiting athletes and officials who lost to Filipinos during the games and claiming that they were cheated or judged unfairly in favor of Filipinos are sore losers. Being Filipino, I am insulted that we are treated as such. I believe Filipinos can prove to the nations that we have something to be proud of.

Today I did not go to school. I woke up too late. So in summary, I missed all my classes this week! Great. I'm still in this transition-not-yet-settled mode... I'm in search of something permanent or at least long-term. Not relationship, I figured there are more important things in life meaning I'm just sour-graping.

All in Life

Carman

A fortune made, a goal achieved | But in God's sight, what does it mean? | If I don't glorify Your name | The things I do, I'll do in vain | Oh Lord, to please You is what I yearn | Help me remember this Truth I've learned... That kingdoms come and kingdoms go | But through the Word of God I know | When all in life is done and past | Only what's done for Christ will last

To sacrifice and reach a star | But then lose sight of who You are is never worth the price, I know to gain the world and lose the soul | I know now what You've tried to say, Lord, to me | My spirit can understand | Now, I can see... That kingdoms come and kingdoms go | But through the Word of God I know | When all in life is done and past | Only what's done for Christ will last

We (Asia Pacific Campus Challenge/Book of Hope) had Christmas party celebration this evening at Italianni's at Gateway Mall in Cubao. Even though I had been there for three weeks now, I appreciate their warm effort to make me feel like family. Everybody is there with their family except our bosses, Pastor Ty and Cina. We had exchange gift and stuff. We also got a great treat from Italianni's - a lifetime 20% discount card from Italianni's, Fridays and Outback. After dinner, we went to Starbucks Eastwood Libis to unwind and fellowship. While in Eastwood, I discovered this great CD produced by Chin-chin Guttierez. "Uyayi: First Songs" is a remarkable collection of indegenous lullabies from Philippines, from the peaks of Cordillera to the shores of Maguindanao.

Yesterday, I left my wallet at home when I went to the office with my driver's license and money. Only noticed when my mom texted me that she found my wallet. Not wanting to take a long-route via MRT & LRT, I braved the road back home to pick up my stuff with no license, no cash and almost-empty gas. Kids don't try this at home. So it was a waste of gas going two times to and from office.

Monday. Just came in at office. An hour before I was in bed struggling to get up because I slept late. Watched the documentary about Filipino Movies from the 50's up till present. Later.

"Leadership is the other side of the coin of loneliness, and he who is a leader must always act alone. And in acting alone, accept everything alone."

- Ferdinand Marcos
10th president of the Philippines
Born September 11, 1917