Descriptive Writing : With Christ in my Vessel

“It’s not some kind of race this time, it’s a wonderful moment to take a pause and reflect on God’s wondrous creation…”

 It’s nearly sundown when we were still battling whether to go kayaking or not, after a boisterous kite-flying mania. Fun. Spontaneous. Adventurous. Finally, in a jiffy, we decided to seize the odds! Ready your vessel nomads, we’re off to feast eyes on every side of the lake! Still a novice, I was on the process of learning the correct strokes of paddling and rowing. Good thing, we had an expert with us, so it wasn’t pretty hard to set the sail. Looking at others though made me laugh my gut out. The group of greenhorns was clearly out of direction! Swerving everywhere, they didn’t have the coordination and oneness so they ended up circling around the lake with jerks and jolts, splashing lake water everywhere! Meanwhile, we were at ease, carrying it smoothly and enjoying the scenery around. Oh, things you see when in the middle of the lake! The tender warmth of the lake water, the quiet rustle of branches and leaves encircling the area, the overwhelming sight of evergreen trees, the gentle wind hovering around adding up to the feel of the moment, the oh-so familiar sound of the crickets, the audible swishing of the ripples, and the indescribable mirror image of sunset’s glow behind us --- such a staggering and splendid moment for me, filling my heart with unfathomable rejoicing! An instinctive smile began to form in my innocent face, once again a first-hand witness of the Highest Power’s majestic creations! Truly uncontainable, we began thanking the Lord for the breathtaking encounter. With peace in our hearts, singing the song, “With Christ in my Vessel”, we dared to keep paddling forward, ready to face what’s ahead with the uplifting knowledge that our Amazing God is with us withersoever we goest.

           As I go back to that wondrous moment, words of a certain Preacher keep flooding in my mind, “Let yourself be the willing vessel, which God can direct and use in season and out of season. Tempest of the tempests may come to test, if you let yourself be that vessel, victory surely awaits...”

An Inspirational Story

In life, it's not always victory. There are times that you experience losing and falling. When you fall, do you have the strength to get up or you just lose hope and never try again?

The link below is a story about Nick Vujicic, a 28 year old guy with Tetra-Amelia disorder (absence of four limbs). In this video, he's implying that eventhough he had some disabilities, he still strives hard to attain his goal in life. He have no legs and arm yet if he fail, he never gives up. Even if he undergo a thousand defeat, he still face the world full of hope. I am so inspired watching the video. I as a human being have no disorder. I have legs and arms that will support me if I literally fall. But sometimes when I experience defeat, I ended up thinking there is no hope and I will never experience victory afterwards. But seeing the determination in his' eyes, I'm quite ashamed. Myself compared to him is a great difference. He thinks positively about life. He inspired a lot of people. I too, want to inspire someone through my life. I will never give up even if I fail a thousand times. I will show the world that I fought the fight, I finish the race strong and and with great faith to God. This way I can shed light to those who lose hope the way I am before. Life doesn't matter on winning the race but finishing it even if how many times you stumble.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOlTdkYXuzE&feature=youtu.be

Writing Definitions

What is Discipline?

Discipline is a behavior or training to act in accordance with the rules of conduct. the definition of the word varies on the kind of person we are implying to. For military discipline, it refers to the regulation of rules to any military member. These rules must be carry out upon given order. It may be inside or outside the institution. For church discipline, it refers to acting in accordance of the will of God. The rules are written in the scriptures of God, the Bible. These rules require self-discipline. For self-discipline, it refers to behaving or doing the right thing regardless with the emotional state. The rules are set upon one's self.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/discipline
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discipline

What is Accountability?

Accountability is the perception in ethics and governance with numerous meanings. It is frequently used tantamount with the concept of responsibility, answerability, blameworthiness, liability, and other terms associated with the expectation of account-giving. It is generally defined as the state being accountable or entrusted to accept responsibility.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accountability

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/accountability.html

What is Maturity?

Maturity is a term that varies upon it's usage. Generally, it is the state of being matured or fully develop. For sexual maturity, the stage when an organism can reproduce, though it is distinct from adulthood. For mature technology, a term indicating that a technology has been in use and development for long enough that most of its initial problems have been overcome. For maturity in geology, a geological term describing rock, source rock, and hydrocarbon generation. For maturity in sedimentology, a geological term describing the proximity of a sedimentary deposit from its source. For maturity in finance, a financial term indicating the final date for payment of principal and interest. For maturity (psychological), a term in developmental psychology to indicate that a person responds to the circumstances or environment in an appropriate manner.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maturity

#5 My Hero

Every people have someone they admired to, someone who they considered an inspiration in attaining their dreams and even a part of it. They looked up to these person with all respect and admiration. They might be someone who have fought against a dictatorship, helped numerous people yet it isn't a responsibility they have to do. These persons are what we call to as heroes.

A hero (heroine is usually used for females) (Ancient Greek: ἥρως, hḗrōs), in Greek mythologyand folklore, was originally a demigod, their cult being one of the most distinctive features of ancient Greek religion. Later, hero (male) and heroine (female) came to refer to characters who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self sacrifice—that is, heroism—for some greater good of all humanity. This definition originally referred to martial courage or excellence but extended to more general moral excellence. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero)

My hero is not a specific person known to man yet I choose them as a group of heroes, the country-builders. They are the great men and women who passionately serve the country to attain what we enjoy nowadays. These persons have sacrificed there lives for the cause they unceasingly believe in. It isn't there duty to do so yet they did what they do think was right and beneficial to many even it cause their lives. We have reap what they sew. Without them, we are still facing the dilemma of being under the Spaniards, Americans, Japanese or dictatorship or any superior individuals taking advantage on the weak persons who don't have the ability to fight back or stand even for themselves. Without them, we are reaping a bitter harvest. They are the role models that inspires mankind to live a better life not only for themselves but also for their fellowmen. In my life, they have inspired me to balance everything and consider the what is the effect of a single decisions I make to mankind. Though I'm not perfect, it's not bad to try it heartily and be selfless in someways. Heroism is not is an infinite loop. They are the persons who can truly prove that "actions speaks louder than words."

We never knew that you can be a hero someday.

#4 Moonstruck

All people in the world live with their own beliefs. Beliefs that they hold through amidst of the criticisms of some. I have a belief that dead persons can never communicate because their souls have departed the earth. This was my belief until I experience it myself.

August 23 in 2010, the great crisis concerning the bus hostage on Quirino Grandstand, was the same time I fell uneasy about everything I do. I was editing a movie when a black out happen, not only once but thrice. I was totally nervous that time that I can't concentrate on the right sequence of the videos. At exactly 9: 13 PM a text message arrived telling us that my father was dead on the spot because an accident between two speeding motors. I cried as hard as I could for so many reasons that come up in my mind. First, I have never heard him saying I'm proud of you that what I badly want at times when I have achieved awards. Second, I have never experience going on a vacation as a whole family that I would never experience with his total absence. Third, I love him so much that I don't want him to leave that fast. Lastly, I have never told him how I love him and how grateful I am to have him as my dad.

September 3, 2010 was the day I totally enjoyed the tour I had with my teacher and DepEd supervisor of Ozamiz in Baguio. That same night, I had a dream. I dream about me my whole family having good time in Baguio. It's like a summer vacation. We went to take pictures outside The Mansion, buy souvenirs at Mine's View Park, climb the numerous stairs of Grotto, sailed boats at Burnham Park, marched with PMA cadets and visited many more Landmarks. We even have picnic set-up at the Teacher's Camp near the Track and Field. We we're laughing and enjoying every second together. Suddenly, I heard the rolling of drums. My eyebrows meet, confused on what fuss is going on. Then, I woke up.

I cried and sit on the bed. My vision was blurred when I was looking around the room illuminated by the moon. I was shocked to see a man in white infront of me with the same body build and hair of my father. I saw his lips curving, as if smiling at me. I robbed my eyes and looked again but saw nothing.

Doubt clouded my mind for seeing such dream with realistic colors and happy moments and yet not knowing what it means. Days after, I start thinking that it might be a message that he wants to fulfill a desire I once have and as a return I will fulfill his dreams for me.

They might be dead yet there are many ways though many ways, even in dreams.

#3 I Stop to Say Thank You Maming (mother) and Paping (father)

As the saying goes, "One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind." God have been showering me so many blessing in life that eternity isn't enough to thank Him. The best blessing I received from Him is my family. My family is the second source of my strength (God being the first). Without them, I will never be what I am today. I value them so much that I never skip a day of keeping in touch through text messages and calls.

 It saddens my soul knowing that others give less importance to their family. They don't even care if they end as a broken family. This will greatly affect the children. Most of the cases, children having broken family end up addicts, hateful of one's surrounding and engage his/herself to bad vises. These type of people in the community can be one of those who put the nation to shame. Charity begins at home. Putting importance on teaching children good manners and helping them differentiate what is wrong and right. these simple things help a lot in building a peaceful community.

A good future is what we always look forward to. Maybe 10 years from now, I end up being successful as a Chemical Engineer. That success can never be achieve without the family I have and God. Forever is not enough to repay them both but showing value and importance to them will be one of the many ways I can do. Giving time is the best way to express gratitude and love. I may have my own family to raise and take care of but giving time to my parents is the best way I think to pay back. If they have took care of me from the day I took my first breath until the present time, it would be nice to take care of them as they grew old. In these ways I can say thank you to them. I can also thank them in these present time by giving all my best in my studies. Attaining success and making them smile with what I may  reach in life is the best way to thank them. Maming and Paping, I love you and thank you so much.

#2 Reading and Writing

 Reading and writing are of the most essential needs in communication, same as with writing. Reading develops our vocabulary and improves are critical thinking skills. It also broadens our knowledge about things around us. Have you ever asked yourself, what kind of reader am I?

In my elementary days, never did I draw interest with reading. I find it uninteresting and boring. I only read textbooks to memorize some key points in compliance to my subjects. I had a hard time loving it because of the absence of motivation from my family, friends and especially from myself. As the years passed by, I graduated and reached high school. My point of view about reading has change and it affected my writing skills. Digital Fortress, a novel by Dan Brown, was the first novel I’ve ever read. At first I think of it as compliance for our home reading report but then as I turn the pages, all my perception about how boring reading is have totally evaporated and vanished in my vocabulary. I come to realization and regretted the years I spent my leisure times for irrelevant activities. But then, it’s not yet the end. So, I have put in my mind that I will read and read till the day my heart stops beating and I breathe the last air I can.

As a reader, I can consider myself in the middle. There are times when I act as a good reader but some qualities of being a poor one can’t be easily remove from my system. Before reading, I activate prior knowledge, choose appropriate strategy, set a purpose and understand my task yet on some reading materials; I start reading without knowing why. While reading I focus attention, anticipate and predict, use dictionary to understand the word I just encounter and reread if I don’t get the main idea of the author. Sometimes though, I just read to get done and realize that I don’t fully understand the material and that is why I have to reread for me to enhance my vocabulary. After reading, I usually summarize the story and important details and evaluate the writing strategy of the author. Novels by Dan Brown and Sidney Sheldon keeps me get excited and hooked up until the very last page. Amazingly page turner authors that motivate me from reading more reading materials to see to it if the facts they have written are well supported and sometimes to defy some information that bothers me.

 As a writer, reading is very essential. It adds knowledge and enables me to think of writing strategies used by famous author to improve my skills. I also keep a diary and journal with me every day. It enables me to evaluate my writing skills especially when it comes to grammar. I’m also making a novel inspired by my favorite authors, J. K. Rowling, Nicholas Sparks, those mentioned before and many more.  

Eventhough I’m not a good one, I’m striving to be. No one masters a skills one first try. That’s why I am motivated to keep moving forward. How about you?

#1 My Mission in Life

Homo sapiens do the same routines a day such as waking up from sleep, taking a bath, eat foods to sustain the needs of the body and many more that keep on repeating day by day. But in similarities of human beings comes the differences. We are born unique in our own way in this astounding Mother Earth.
As we took our first breathe on earth, our parents knew that their is something we can and we must do in our life, a mission to fulfill. This mission may not be crystal clear when we're still young but as time goes by, God make it visible in our naked eyes. In finding our mission or realizing it, our special gifts from God is a tool. For it is written in the scriptures, "every good and perfect gift is from above". It is also written that not all have the same gifts according to the manifold grace of God. It implies that we don't have the same missions in life. In a human body, every parts have their own purpose or mission to do. The stomach digest the food. The kidney filters the liquid substances and separates the waste liquid  from the liquids needed in the body. They may be different in their task yet everything do it in one accord. If one is missing, there is an imbalance in all other parts. Same as with humans, no man is an island. Every mission we have, the people around are partakers that help us fulfill it.
In my seventeen years of existence,  I have wondered and ask God what is my mission to fulfill. God never leave me nor forsake me. He gave me the answer through the scriptures of the Bible. "Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven". In other words, we, Christians or children of God, must be an ambassador of God by doing good works for other people to see what God had been doing in our life. Though no one is perfect, I am doing my best to be. Not for the purpose of pleasing the person around me but pleasing our Lord God Almighty. Another mission I have to fulfill is to be a blessing to all living creature especially human creatures. I want to reach out and tell them the amazing grace and gift that God has given to all. Salvation is free. All we need is to believe and accept him as our personal savior. Many people ask me, "why study if your main mission is to preach or share that gospel?" I answered them, "I am temporarily dwelling a worldly vessel where one must strive to meet their needs. Learning more about the magnificent works of God is also one ways of expressing how grateful I am that He made me".
My mission in life will never succeed without taking even a small step. No peso could be peso without its centavos. Every big mission can be attain by simple and small steps. Taking it one step at a time will make it easier and attainable. According to Ben Sweetland, "Success is a journey, not a destination". A journey is never achieve by jumping unto another step. It should be taken orderly. Of course this mission can't be possible without God beside me. He is source of strength. For it is written, "commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established". In everything I do, God first.