Fate versus Destiny

"There was once a merchant in the famous market of Baghdad. One day he saw a stranger looking at him in surprise and he knew that the stranger was death. Trembling, the merchant fled the market place and made his way many many miles to the city of Samarra because there, he was sure death could not find him. But when at last he came to Samarra, the merchant saw waiting for him, the Grimm figure of death. "Very well", said the merchant. "I give in, I am yours. But tell me why did you look surprise when you saw me this morning in Baghdad?"
"Because," said death, "I have an appointment with you, tonight, at Samarra." (from the first episode of Sherlock Season 4)

The story is a reminder that life is a series of surprises. No matter how carefully planned our life is, there are certain events that are bound to happen. Some things are fated to happen which are out of our control. FATE is something that is predestined. For the merchant in the story, it happened in Samarra. It is like written in the stars and it is overwhelming. However, it should not prevent us from achieving our DESTINY. Our destiny is what we are meant to be. It is something carefully written by our Creator. It is something we need to fight for. In Filipino, it is that thing called "tadhana".

Where does destiny appears in the story of the merchant? Destiny is what the merchant could have done between his trip from Baghdad to Samarra. He could have gone home to his family, enjoyed a meal together before meeting death. He could also have changed his career, he could have done what he really enjoyed, searched for the love of his life, made a trip to Paris, then finally meets death.

The idea of death should not slow us down, but rather awaken us. We should not take this life for granted. We should take this life seriously, make every moment count, and we should always strive hard to fulfill our destiny.

"For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay." Habakkuk 2:3

RANT: DILAWAN yan, bes!

The issue regarding alleged death of dogs while filming the movie "Oro" is weird in so many levels.

First, the actress who came forward to testify have not witnessed the incident with her own eyes, It was only relayed to her.

From Inquirer.com: "The actress, however, admitted that she did not personally witness the killing and the story was relayed to her only during the “Oro” cast party on Nov. 19."(https://entertainment.inquirer.net/211463/2-dogs-killed-oro-says-cast-member-fb-post#ixzz4UoT9xJ4r)

Second, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) could have condemned the dog slaughtering in Baragay Gata, Caramoan, which is very common in that area rather than criticize the movie for shedding light to the issue. How ironic. Dilawan, bes!

Dilawan is a term coined by Duterte Die-Hard (DDS) Supporters to describe people who try to discredit the efforts of the current administration in fighting criminality and preventing drug-related violence in the country. Dilaw is a Filino word for yellow which was the color theme of the vocal opposition LiberalParty. It later transformed to describe people who outspokenly negates your idea or advocacy. Dilawan could be your hater, arch enemy, critic, or that Schadenfreude one whose happiness comes with your misfortunes.

What I hate most about dilawan is that they are very critical about your idea to solve a problem but they never give a better solution. Their ideas are very idealistic but not realistic. They suddenly care about something that didn't matter yesterday. Notably, they cause division.

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him. Titus 3:10

Can I have everything, please?

What if there is a Jollibee establishment in Japan, what would you choose: Jollibee or Ramen?
Pwede both?

When comparing the calories counts and prices of Jollibee Chickenjoy and Ramen, Chickenjoy is less expensive and contains lesser calories. Therefore, I choose Jollibee!

However, that is not how easy to choose, right? 

There are other factors like mood, cravings, tummy satisfaction, queueing system and restaurant accessibility. Moreover, you can't choose them both because you will get full when you eat either ramen or Jollibee Chickenjoy, then you will not enjoy the other unless you have an appetite of an eating machine. In general, choosing both would consume your time, money and effort.

Just like in life, sometimes you need to choose one. Sometimes, it is necessary to give up your personal goals for that career goals.Whatever happens, whatever you choose will all be worth it as long as you keep your healthy relationships intact.

Relationships in family, friends, and God are like gold treasures. You overcome the painful past because of these relationships. You have the courage to face the future because of them. Most importantly, they are always there with your success and failures.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17

DON'T QUIT

In Japan, where you think you might have lost your thing, there you will find it also. I left my phone last month inside our classroom where we meet for scientific writing class once a week. I found my phone after ONE WEEK on the same spot where I left it which is under the desk's shelf. On New Year's day, I lost my wallet somewhere along the way from Train Station A to Train Station B then finally to Train Station C. I went back to Station A, taking me another one hour ride, confident to find my missing wallet. I DID! I got it back from the station's guard.


My big revelation was that it is fine to go back to where I think I have lost that "thing". I might have lost my passion, momentum, motivation, and determination after a long vacation. I just need to go back where I think I have left, begin again but never give up.

That's another revelation: never give up. Do not quit. I can have my little break, pause for a while but I will not quit. Imagine if my mother suddenly quits giving birth to me. My parent efforts are enough reasons to not quit on what I am doing right now.

Finally, the only stumbling block on my progress is me. I would not keep on losing my stuff in the first place if I become mindful of my belongings. I think Sherlock Holmes would agree.

The only thing that prevents myself from reaching my destiny is me. I could be that block around my own feet, or the one deciding to reach only one destination. However, I choose to be the one removing the roughness in my path making it smooth and making it open to all possible destinations.

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12

PREPARATION is the KEY!

Ever wondered why successful people become so successful not just in their career, but also in other aspects of life? How did they do that? I can only think of one reason. From what I learned, the key to success is PREPARATION. Back in my scientific writing class, we were given three months to prepare for an outline while we were only given days to write the paper. The preparation for the outline was so intensive that writing the paper became so easy. It literally changed my life. Scientific writing will never be a burden anymore.

Confident! Have all the confidence in the world by preparing intensively. Apply it in all areas of your life, whether it be in your career, academics, relationships, ministry, or in your health.  Start by preparing your mind, heart, and soul.

Prepare your mind to be proactive

Being proactive means taking control of the things you can control and forgetting about the things you can't control. What can you control? List them down. Focus on the things that you can control. Prioritize! 

Prepare your heart for self-discipline

Self-discipline is the ability to make yourself do, what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not. Set aside those bugging emotions. Fear, anxiety, and all those what ifs will not help you succeed in life.

Prepare your soul for that high self-concept 

What do you think of yourself? The term self-concept is a general term used to refer to how someone thinks about, evaluates or perceives themselves. Turn your self-concept into positive ones. Your past mistakes do not define you. What other people told you who you are should not define you. The sky is the limit when you think of your self-concept. If you want a better foundation of your self-concept, ask it from your Creator. What does the bible say about how God created you? It surely contains all the positive ingredients to create such a masterpiece.

Prepare and be successful in life!

Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD Until He comes to rain righteousness on you. 

Hosea 10:12

Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now

Last year, I was taught about the power of acquiring VISION in my life. The vision is more than the usual New Year's resolution. By definition, vision is the ability to see. It is being able to identify those dreams beyond the personal desires.

Determine those dreams that God has put into your heart. 

HOW?

From my experience, God-given vision is not just about you! 

The vision affects other people more than it affects you. 

Examples involve mending broken relationships, better grades to make your parents proud, job promotion to gain influence in transforming your company, or start-up business dedicated for that chosen charity.

The vision challenges your beliefs. 

The vision transforms your mindset. It makes you stubbornly hold on to that vision

even if other people tell you it's not worth it. It gives you HOPE no matter what.

The vision is supported by the WORD of God.

 Pray, read the bible, and receive your vision. 

You believe in that vision because you believe in God.

You believe in God's FAITHFULNESS so you become faithful to His vision for your life.

Most importantly, the vision glorifies God. 

Nothing is stopping you with this vision because no matter what happens, God will be GLORIFIED through that vision. 

Above all else, the vision is already promised. Hold on to that vision because IT will happen. 

Believe. Act upon that vision. Witness it unravel in your eyes.

Happy New Year.

When there is no vision, people perish. (Proverbs 29:18)

The BEST Balik Alindog Program

The best balik alindog program is not just about your physical body. It involves the OVERALL YOU: Mind, Body, and Soul. Be the BEST VERSION of yourself! RIGHT NOW!

Start today. You don't even have to wait for the NEW YEAR! (haha)

Are you ready?

1. BELIEVE THAT CHANGE IS COMING

Change starts within you. Change your mindset and your body will follow. 

2. SIMPLIFY YOUR GOALS

Group your goals into three: personal growth (e.g., healthy lifestyle, foreign language studies, spiritual maturity), career and academic development (e.g., promotion, graduate studies), and social relationships development (e.g., love life, family reunion, barkada outings, making the world a better place).

3. FILTER THE NOISE

Other people will tell you all the negativity. Shut them up with your positive attitude. 

4. START SMALL

You don't have to go to the gym right away or pay for that foreign language class ASAP or read your bible from cover to cover in a day for that spiritual growth. Start small. Start with five minutes zumba every morning, then continue everyday until you are ready to hit the gym. Start with youtube tutorials until your budget is ready for that foreign language class. Start reading few bible verses every morning starting from the book of MARK for that spiritual growth.

5. REST QUICKLY, THEN MOVE ON

OR fail quickly then rise up! Yes, there are cheat days but do not linger on those days. Focus on your goals.

6. MOVE FORWARD

You already achieved your goals? Then make new ones. Go to the next level until you become the BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!