I am not a Catholic myself... I'm of a Christian origin, but I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a godly man who attempted to change the world in many ways. Even if he was a Pope and holds the most powerful position in the world, he still was able to humble himself and lower himself to relate with people of all nations. He has a God-given ability of speaking eight languages fluently and that helped John Paul II to spread the Gospel to every corner of the world. He even did something unexpected that most humans will not be willing to do... Forgiving his assassinate who shot in his abdomen twice. If I was in his shoes, I would not even dare to enter that prison cell and utter one word to this man who tried to take my life. To make the history of Pope John Paul II short... He was a man who was sincere with his faith to God and serious about leading his sweeps (since he was named as a shepherd metaphorically) as a spiritual leader. Moreover, Karol hostile is a simple man who was raised in Poland in Krakow (or also known as cracks) that took up the papacy when God wanted him to and attempted to show the world who Christ really is.
That made me look at myself on who I am. I am a Christian and I do follow God. I do go to church every Sunday. By the world's standard, I would be considered as a good, if not great, Christian. I try to walk closely with God and resist the world. I try to read the Bible everyday and to tell others about God and how much He loves them. Hey... I'm not perfect myself and it is impossible to be perfect since I am of a human nature. When I look at his life and what he did for all people in the world, for a moment, I thought that Pope John Paul II was probably Jesus Christ himself because everything that the media says about him was good. I slapped myself in the head and told myself, "No. He is not like Jesus Christ. In the Bible, it says that none are righteous, not even one." Instead of mourning for the death of a godly man, my heart leaped in joy because this is the only time I know that God would tell him in heaven, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
If you are a Christian and firmly believe that God is your personal savior, then I praise and greet you as my brother and sister in Christ! We have a job to do right now and that is to spread the Good News to every corner of the world! Stay firm in your relationship with God and do not err from Him for He is your Rock. This journey that you are taking today is a journey of constant renewal as you become as white as snow. It is not easy... I know. There is no greater joy than knowing that the all-mighty God would care about each souls in this world and desires to save us even if we are worthy of death in Hell.
If you happen to not be a believer, I offer you a message hope and joy greater than you can even imagine only if you are willing to listen today. If you want to hear about this wonderful message that the Pope and all Christians worldwide (including me) carry everyday... Please leave a message in this bloc and I would gladly talk with you about who God is and to answer your questions that you might have about Jesus. I'm not one of those people who will scream out of their throats, forcing you to change your beliefs and to accept Jesus. I am not somebody who claims to be holy and perfect because I know that I am not. Like I stated earlier in the post, I am just a human. I do make mistakes daily. This is a confession straight from my heart and I am not afraid to admit that. Your decision about whether to believe in Christ or not is purely your personal choice, not anybody else's. Please... I beg you... Drop a message leaving your email address in this bloc because my heart is very eager to share about Jesus and what he did for us on the Cross. This is probably one of the most important decisions that you will EVER make in your lifetime. Don't wait until it is too late. Please don't. Don't pass this opportunity and go on in your life without hearing what I have to say. Thank you.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Eggs, Bunnies and Candies
Chocolate is one thing that I cannot live without. Out of everything that I have eaten, I would rank chocolate bunnies as one of the best things I've tasted. I have eaten many chocolate bunnies throughout my life. I didn't bothered to look at him, study him and see how he looked like before I made his arms or head disappear quickly. Recently, I was in a candy store and I saw a chocolate bunny in a plastic box staring at me with a smiling face. Instead of picking him off the shelf, I paused and stared at this creature, seemingly frozen in time. I began to wonder what he is thinking behind the plastic wrapper.
"Don't eat me! Eat him," "Take me home, please," "psst... psst... Do I look good?" In the deepest shadow of my mind, I swore that I heard a whispering scream echoing from that box saying, "WHO AND WHY IS THIS DETESTABLE AND HAIRLESS THING STARING AT ME!?" What I mentioned above is probably far from what this chocolate bunny is thinking, but I sure hope that he is not assuming that I would take him home as his pet! If he is, he's in for an unpleasant surprise.
Chocolate bunnies are one of things firmly attributed with Easter, but it seems like people forgot the reason why Easter was founded in the first place. Take a moment and ask yourselves, "What is the true reason for Easter?" You probably already know the reason for this holiday, but do you know the TRUE meaning behind Easter? It is not about chocolate bunnies. It is not about marshmallow bunnies or peeps. It is not about candies that you receive in the morning. The whole reason this holiday began is to remember a man who died such a horrid and shameful death: Jesus Christ.
"Oh my gosh... Here he goes again! I have heard enough about this already! Enough preaching about Jesus who is long dead!"
Listen my friends... just give me a chance to tell you about the reason why this day exist. Instead of reading what I have to say about this season, I want to present you with a short article that I found after searching on Google.
It's the cross. It was the instrument of torture and unimaginable pain, not a piece of jewelry or an icon of mystical power.
It's the blood. Hot, pulsing and running down human flesh, coming from degrading, humiliating, beyond painful, physical punishment.
It's the end of the story about the little Baby in the manger who came to die in submission and humility for us.
It's the beginning of the story about the Alpha and Omega, the One who stands in power and majesty for us, resurrected to eternal life and exalted to His own Kingdom.
It's victory; a once and for all, end-of-the-world kind of victory. The resurrection is a complete and total victory over death, and over anything that leads to death.
It's for all who want it, for the entire world, for the entire universe, for God's kingdom forever! And for you and for me, in our own little worlds.
It's finished. Done with, over, complete. We need to do nothing but accept it.
It's free, but it will cost everything and you will give it willingly because once you have fully tasted it's freedom, you will see that it is priceless.
And that, my brother and my sister, is the result and reason for Easter.
Before you switch to another Blog or do something else, grant me one favor. Please read this poem titled "Salvation" by Joseph Raymond because it speaks from my own heart.
Justified, justified, I cry aloud
Once in time His grace appeared
It was not long He stayed below
For me and you it has been done
No more the Jew nor gentile be
Not by works, nor by law
Excerpted from http://www.christianmuse.com/heartsongs/p-salvation.shtml
"Don't eat me! Eat him," "Take me home, please," "psst... psst... Do I look good?" In the deepest shadow of my mind, I swore that I heard a whispering scream echoing from that box saying, "WHO AND WHY IS THIS DETESTABLE AND HAIRLESS THING STARING AT ME!?" What I mentioned above is probably far from what this chocolate bunny is thinking, but I sure hope that he is not assuming that I would take him home as his pet! If he is, he's in for an unpleasant surprise.
Chocolate bunnies are one of things firmly attributed with Easter, but it seems like people forgot the reason why Easter was founded in the first place. Take a moment and ask yourselves, "What is the true reason for Easter?" You probably already know the reason for this holiday, but do you know the TRUE meaning behind Easter? It is not about chocolate bunnies. It is not about marshmallow bunnies or peeps. It is not about candies that you receive in the morning. The whole reason this holiday began is to remember a man who died such a horrid and shameful death: Jesus Christ.
"Oh my gosh... Here he goes again! I have heard enough about this already! Enough preaching about Jesus who is long dead!"
Listen my friends... just give me a chance to tell you about the reason why this day exist. Instead of reading what I have to say about this season, I want to present you with a short article that I found after searching on Google.
It's the cross. It was the instrument of torture and unimaginable pain, not a piece of jewelry or an icon of mystical power.
It's the blood. Hot, pulsing and running down human flesh, coming from degrading, humiliating, beyond painful, physical punishment.
It's the end of the story about the little Baby in the manger who came to die in submission and humility for us.
It's the beginning of the story about the Alpha and Omega, the One who stands in power and majesty for us, resurrected to eternal life and exalted to His own Kingdom.
It's victory; a once and for all, end-of-the-world kind of victory. The resurrection is a complete and total victory over death, and over anything that leads to death.
It's for all who want it, for the entire world, for the entire universe, for God's kingdom forever! And for you and for me, in our own little worlds.
It's finished. Done with, over, complete. We need to do nothing but accept it.
It's free, but it will cost everything and you will give it willingly because once you have fully tasted it's freedom, you will see that it is priceless.
And that, my brother and my sister, is the result and reason for Easter.
Excerpted from http://www.thischristianlife.com/articles/byrd0302b.html
After reading this short excerpt, let me express my thoughts on this topic. Easter is not all about chocolate bunnies, candies or eggs. Easter was established to honor a man named Jesus Christ who died on the Cross for ALL of our sins so that we can be reunited with God. All of your personal faults that you did in the past will be forgiven. Eradicated. Forgotten. The only requirement that God has for us is to give up our lives willingly to God and believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross and resurrected on the third day from death. This gift that God has for you right now is priceless. What else in the world can compare this to what God has to offer to you?
Take a moment and think about this... this is one of the biggest decision that you will face in your lifetime. Whatever you decide will have consequences. Let me tell you something... I cannot force you to start believing in God. It is your own choice.
Before you switch to another Blog or do something else, grant me one favor. Please read this poem titled "Salvation" by Joseph Raymond because it speaks from my own heart.
I am one of Adam's race
whose nature betrays the truth
like all those who have come before
I'm stained with the mark of sin
for in my mind I'll have my own way
not heeding the call of my heart
for my flesh cries aloud, "Give, Give"
and I as a slave obey.
Justified, justified, I cry aloud
yet God's hand presses down
'til choices made exact the toll
of conscience seared and dead.
No right have I to heavens realm
where life and love abound
for all fall short, all have sinned
I await the penalty due.
Once in time His grace appeared
so very long ago
Bethlehem's child was born that day
to pay the price foretold
and not for His but ours it's said
upon death's cross He hung.
With final breathe and blood outpoured
He cried, "dear Abba, 'tis done".
It was not long He stayed below
for Father's love remembered
was not for His but others life
the ransom price was paid.
With but a touch, embued new life
and raised him from the dead
new Adam, new race, new covenant,
for all who'd but believe.
For me and you it has been done
To give this gift so vital
immortal life, eternal love,
a way through heaven's portal.
With heart belief comes righteousness
salvation with mouth is made
proclaiming truth with heartfelt faith
newness of life begins.
No more the Jew nor gentile be
distinction can't be found
for now the time for all to make
decision, loss or gain.
The cross of Christ divides in two
the mass of people here
no more shall I be put to shame
his cross of love I'll bear.
Not by works, nor by law
but mercy couched in grace
believe He is the Son of God
who paid the debt of old.
Anointed one, Lord of life
come to me this day
I humbly bow my knee to you
as life begins anew.
Excerpted from http://www.christianmuse.com/heartsongs/p-salvation.shtml
Friday, March 25, 2005
O Cruel World!
Terri Schiavo is probably one of the most famous people that we know in our generation. Many people are fighting for her survival (as well as her ultimate death) and the media is covering this story heavily in the recent weeks. In some media stations (such as CNN, ABC and CBS), they assure us repeatedly that Terri is in PVS (Persistent Vegetative State) and deserves to die.
I'm here to tell you that this is NOT true at all.
Here's an excerption from www.terrisfight.net:
"The definition of PVS in Florida Statue 765.101:
Persistent vegetative state means a permanent and irreversible condition of unconsciousness in which there is:
(a) The absence of voluntary action or cognitive behavior of ANY kind.
(b) An inability to communicate or interact purposefully with the environment.
Terri's behavior does not meet the medical or statutory definition of persistent vegetative state. Terri responds to stimuli, tries to communicate verbally, follows limited commands, laughs or cries in interaction with loved ones, physically distances herself from irritating or painful stimulation and watches loved ones as they move around her. None of these behaviors are simple reflexes and are, instead, voluntary and cognitive. Though Terri has limitations, she does interact purposefully with her environment."
The state that she is in now is nothing comparing to some people that I have heard about throughout the years. Some people is in a condition far more worse than her. Some people have a disorder (forgot the name) where their brain will swell to an unpropotional and unbelievable size that they will eventually become into, as my father puts it, worms. My father majored in Biology at University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ and part of his coursework requires him to take a tour of a place where those type of people reside. He told me stories about a man who is in his twenties having this kind of condition. His pituitary gland is severly damaged that he has no growth hormones to regulate his growth. As a result of this, he remained as a baby lying on a crib with an enormous enlarged head after years of excess accumulation of fluid in his brain. He is only able to move his body a bit, but his head is impossible to move at all.
Killing a person by starvation is very inhumane. According to Florida's law, if you don't give a dog water, you will be arrested and put in jail for animal cruelity. There is thousands of dogs out there in Florida and elsewhere. Now... to kill a person by starvation and thirst... does that makes them any indifferent from dogs? In our nation, it seems like our value for life is gone.
After hearing about this, does it makes you wonder... does this guy deserve to die because he is suffering from this disorder? Is Terri in far more worse state than his? Should Terri die because her husband wishes her to? Is it because he does not want to face this problem and marry another woman more beautiful than her?
It just baffles me...
I'm here to tell you that this is NOT true at all.
Here's an excerption from www.terrisfight.net:
"The definition of PVS in Florida Statue 765.101:
Persistent vegetative state means a permanent and irreversible condition of unconsciousness in which there is:
(a) The absence of voluntary action or cognitive behavior of ANY kind.
(b) An inability to communicate or interact purposefully with the environment.
Terri's behavior does not meet the medical or statutory definition of persistent vegetative state. Terri responds to stimuli, tries to communicate verbally, follows limited commands, laughs or cries in interaction with loved ones, physically distances herself from irritating or painful stimulation and watches loved ones as they move around her. None of these behaviors are simple reflexes and are, instead, voluntary and cognitive. Though Terri has limitations, she does interact purposefully with her environment."
The state that she is in now is nothing comparing to some people that I have heard about throughout the years. Some people is in a condition far more worse than her. Some people have a disorder (forgot the name) where their brain will swell to an unpropotional and unbelievable size that they will eventually become into, as my father puts it, worms. My father majored in Biology at University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ and part of his coursework requires him to take a tour of a place where those type of people reside. He told me stories about a man who is in his twenties having this kind of condition. His pituitary gland is severly damaged that he has no growth hormones to regulate his growth. As a result of this, he remained as a baby lying on a crib with an enormous enlarged head after years of excess accumulation of fluid in his brain. He is only able to move his body a bit, but his head is impossible to move at all.
Killing a person by starvation is very inhumane. According to Florida's law, if you don't give a dog water, you will be arrested and put in jail for animal cruelity. There is thousands of dogs out there in Florida and elsewhere. Now... to kill a person by starvation and thirst... does that makes them any indifferent from dogs? In our nation, it seems like our value for life is gone.
After hearing about this, does it makes you wonder... does this guy deserve to die because he is suffering from this disorder? Is Terri in far more worse state than his? Should Terri die because her husband wishes her to? Is it because he does not want to face this problem and marry another woman more beautiful than her?
It just baffles me...
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