Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Torn



I don't think I would need an image to go along with this blog, I am currently in a bind. Part of me is dying to leave which I am definite would prove to have positive results for me and my family but would certainly make people wonder and may even possibly hurt them. The other part is to remain which would absolutely spare me from all the drama and hoopla but may obscure a very important area of my life. I may stop seeing some but remain with some ... go figure. Thus, the ambivalence but there once was a man who told me that between choosing his family and the other things that may prove to be very important to him he would choose his family. May the God of wisdom guide me as I make this very important choice...
If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault.


James 1:5

Friday, July 18, 2008

Surf's Up ...Again


After a long tedious 12 hour flight from Manila to Los Angeles, I am finally back in the United States. My girls and I were met by my wife and cousin at the LAX airport and it was both an emotional and joyous reunion. As soon as we left LAX we immediately embarked on a two hour road trip to San Diego where I will be spending a week before heading off to the Lone Star State Of Texas. San Diego is pretty it's my kind of place... a beach community, gnarly weather and a beautiful landscape. I went for a 3o minute walk at the community where I live as a guest of my cousin's and I can't help but consider the possibility of moving to this place. Horizon Christian Fellowship (the mother church of the local church where I attend in the Philippines) after all is based here. And I have always considered myself to be a staunch true blue Horizon guy. I was descipled by a guy named Chaz Yandall whose friendship with me and my family has gone a long long way since the early 90s. He now Pastors the local church I attend in the Philippines. That being said, I was stopped short and reminded by God that I should just learn to be content with where he has appointed me to be. Should he decide to uproot me from Dallas or not is after all His prerogative. Be that as it may God is in full control of everything and is always certain that His purpose in each of our lives is served to the fullest for His glory. On a sad note on my way to the airport to catch a plane from Bacolod to Manila en route to Los Angeles my mom informed me that my Dad's health condition has worsened, my mom could not have chosen the best time to share this piece of news with me (God Bless Her!). Would you please say a prayer for my Dad? He is 96 years old but still has an active mind though he may be physically frail. He still travels to to his beloved farm an hour away from Bacolod regularly. I think that it is his form of therapy, he is a good man and war hero. Chaz sent me off at the Bacolod Airport and I remember giving him the heads up at any eventuality (God forbid!) regarding my Dad's health. God allows us to touch base with people whom we care such as our parents so we can be able even in the shortest of time to show His love, mercy and grace to them especially during the time when they have reached the stage when the swell is no longer as big as before. But our task is to prepare them for the time that they would be able to cross to the other side and realize that there are better/bigger waves to surf.


Though our physical being may be gradually decaying yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day.
2Corinthians 4:6

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Time To Head Back


I was in an island resort two weeks ago about and hour's drive from where I live here in the Philippines, it's hard not to appreciate God's creation when your in a place that shouts the word "paradise". My return was filled with action, drama, renewal of friendships, spiritual experiences and then some. Tomorrow, I return to the United States...my departure will be bittersweet. I am saddened at the thought of leaving my family (both biological and spiritual) but excited to see my wife again. I am learning to accept that home is where God wants me to be and where He knows I could serve His purpose for His glory. The kicker however is that we should all look forward to living in our Home Eternal... Paradise to the gnarliest degree. What a Stoke! I will miss you Bacolod...Until my next return...Lord willing!
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God. An eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2 Corinthians 5: 1