 End of this month will be my 3rd year Multiplying.
I'm gifting myself with a Premuim Account. $19.95! Will enjoy the ride!
 Nikon FX-format digital SLR – exceptional performance combined with superior mobility and functional versatility to provide serious photographers with outstanding value TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of its newest FX-format digital SLR, the Nikon D700.
The D700 features an FX-format first introduced with the Nikon D3. Highly praised for its outstanding features, the D3 established a new level of professional performance in terms of overall image quality, extraordinarily low noise, ISO sensitivity range, continuous high-speed shooting, color gradation, image crispness, durability, weather-resistant operation, system versatility and more. The new D700 incorporates an extensive array of features that boast a level of performance that is in many ways comparable to the D3. At the same time, it derives a wide range of benefits – including functionality, flexibility and operability – from the more agile D300, Nikon's flagship DX-format D-SLR. The D700 has everything it takes to satisfy a broad spectrum of photographic needs. The 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor with a sensing area of 36.0 x 23.9 mm; a sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 6400; continuous shooting at up to 5 frames per second (and up to 8 fps with the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10; Nikon's exclusive 51-point AF system; Scene Recognition System for optimum autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance detection – these are but a few of the advanced capabilities of the extraordinary new D700. NOT A RUMOR ANYMORE!!!! COMPARISON WITH D300 and D3.Compared to Nikon D300 The new D700 may appear to trump the D300 with its full-frame sensor, but there’s actually a number of reasons to prefer the older model. First of all, you’ll enjoy all of its 12 Megapixels with DX-format lenses, compared to using just five from the D700’s larger sensor. Wildlife shooters will prefer having this higher pixel density, and you’ll also experience less issues with vignetting or reduced sharpness towards the corners when using FX-compatible lenses. The D300 is also a little faster as standard, shooting 6fps to the D700’s 5fps. The D300’s viewfinder may not show the expanse of full-frame, but it does have 100% coverage to the 95% of the D700. The D300 is also a little smaller (mostly shorter due to the smaller penta-prism), 170g lighter, and while both bodies are dust and moisture resistant, the D700’s sliding memory card door feels closer to entry-level bodies than the D300’s lever-operated mechanism. Crucially, the D300 is also much cheaper than the D700 - current online pricing is half that of the D700's launch price, and even though the latter will fall once volume is available, there'll still be a price difference. So the D300 may not match the D700's high ISO performance or have features like the virtual horizon, but it remains one of the most powerful and compelling semi-pro DSLRs on the market - and is much more affordable. Compared to Nikon D3 The D700 may have cherry-picked the key specifications of the D3 including its full-frame sensor, but Nikon’s flagship model still has much to offer. Physically the D3 features a built-in portrait grip and a larger battery as standard. The continuous shooting is also almost twice as fast at 9fps to the D700’s 5fps. Both the D3 and D700 have large full-frame viewfinders, but the D3 boasts 100% coverage, a 5:4 aspect ratio mode, and crucially for pro shooters, a shutter block that’s rated to 300,000 cycles – twice that of the D700 (and D300). That said, the D3 misses out on the anti-dust features of the D700, and it doesn’t have a popup flash, although the latter can equally be seen as a physical weak-point. The D700 is also smaller and lighter, but again pros may see the heft of the D3 as preferable. Finally, the D3 is comfortably more expensive than the D700. Most pros will easily justify paying the extra, but anyone only wanting the higher ISO performance of a full-frame sensor will be better-served by the D700.
You should have seen Sampaloc Bible Church (SBC) last Sunday during our worship service. The stage was like an island, slowly sinking in the middle of the flood. In my 18 years in SBC there was only one time we had to "cancel" the service because the hall was already flooded when we got to the church after braving the typhoon. Yesterday, it "almost" happened again. Well, God is gracious to give us a couple of hours to "offer" our sacrifice-filled worship, at least from the handful of brave souls who made it to the service. The streets surrounding the church were flooded almost to the chest (if you're lying down hehe, joke!). Really, streets, especially Espana and Morayta, were so flooded and unpassable. Well, you can, if you swim :) We had visitors from Canada yesterday. They were blessed to see our "situation" here. And even agreed with us that God wants us to transfer to a better place. They expressed commitment to be partners with us in the ministry. I always say, "wet or dry, God is good!" He is our refuge and strength. It was heart-warming to be reading Psalm 46 at church in the middle of the flood and the raging typhoon. It was a literal "preach-the-Word-in-season-and-out-of-season" experience for us. God be praised! In season and out of season too! Pastor Dave
Chikka, our pet poodle, gave birth to 6 cute puppies last 15 December 2007. Since her first litter which came early this year were very good, we used the same breeding. Puppies should be available for pick-up on week 7or 8 (February 2nd, 2008). Reserve now and get the early pick. 4 Males (P7,000@) and 2 Females (P9,000@).   Puppies will look exactly like these at 7 weeks
yay! I was surprised to see two of my entries caught the eye of the POTY2007 Editors. Top page first photo! I'm so excited! Although being chosen here at this point has no real bearing on the final judging, that already made my day and inspired me to just keep on joining. Prominent photographers like Librodo and Dragan have their entries too. 
You might want to try your "luck" by joining the rest of the categories. Or support those who have joined so far by "voting" for us. link here and here. Other categories and closing dates:Portrait Photographer of the Year: Individuals, groups, close-ups, and environmental shots (closes 28th September 2007) Documentary Photographer of the Year: Truthful pictures that tell a story in a single frame (closes 5th October 2007) Landscape Photographer of the Year: Inspiring rural, coastal and city views (closes 12th October 2007) Macro Photographer of the Year: The world in close-up (closes 19th October 2007) Animal Photographer of the Year: Wild, captive or domesticated (closes 26th October 2007) Botanical Photographer of the Year: Flowering and non-flowering plants (closes 2nd November 2007) Street Photographer of the Year: People in public places, candids (closes 9th November 2007) Architectural Photographer of the Year: Buildings, bridges, historical, interiors (closes 16th November 2007) Fine Art Photographer of the Year: Still life, abstract, landscapes, nudes (closes 23rd November 2007) Black & White Photographer of the Year: Any subject, as long as it’s mono (toning is permitted) (closes 30th November 2007) Gob bless!
Our family loves our pets. We have a good number of fine and thriving specimens here at home. Latest additions are Four Males and One Female poodle pups brought to this world by Chikkababes last March 18.
Pups are now on their 7th week, twice dewormed and vaccinated. Will have to part ways with these adorable pups in a couple of weeks. We have to... in spite of our children's reluctance and sometimes "violent" (hehe) protests. Meanwhile, we will play with them, and enjoy them... and snap their photos  (I've posted some photos in the Album Puppy Loves!
My first. So please tell me what you think.
The Streets of Israel An Online Exhibit by Pastor Dave Trinidad .
Downcast (The Wailing Wall) . 
Behold (The Old City's Ruins) . 
Young Defenders . 
Be Still . 
Unacquainted . 
Reaching Out . .  . Orthodox Technology . .  . Desolate . .  . Respite . .
Checkpoint
.
 .
In or Out? . Ps 125:2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.
Part 3 – The ReunionAs soon as our ride pulled off in front of the hospital, I ran straight to the Emergency Room. Once again, I beheld a sight I don’t want to see ever again happen to me or to anybody else.
Nory was on a wheel-chair, big bump on her forehead and a bandage on her left arm. I embraced her and kissed her and we cried, grateful that we were still together. I’m so blessed to have a strong and Godly partner. I then went to Hazel, my pretty girl. She was wearing a neck brace and lying on a blood-soaked bed. You only have to look at her marred face and realize how serious the accident was! I whispered a lot to her ear, holding back my tears, “God is good to us Hazel, He protected us. He will heal you and you will still be our pretty girl…” She was a brave girl. She didn’t cry.
One by one I went to each bed and wheelchair. I gave Jondi a hug and realized his body hurt so much. I went to Koreen, also lying with a broken arm. We prayed together for Hazel and the rest. Manong Terry was not in a good condition too. He couldn’t move his neck and had a 6-inch wound on his head. I went beside his bed, but can’t find what words to say. I just held his hand and told him how sorry I was. Manang Nelly was in the xray room for a possible emergency operation. (I kept my camera in my bag. I refuse to take home any image of this night in the Emergency Room.)
Seated at another corner of the room was the driver’s companion. He was noisy and shouting that he needed treatment too. Obviously he was intoxicated and was annoying the patients and the nurses. I had mixed emotions at that time. If he was with the driver, I wanted to avenge my family and strike those irresponsible @*#<#@! till they realize what they did to my family. But the Spirit tells me that vengeance is the Lord’s and He Himself will bring justice to us. I remained calm after that.
Relatives from Caloocan, Pampanga and friends were there in no time. They brought comfort and support to us. Text messages and phone calls assured us of the numerous prayer brigades happening among a fast-growing circle of prayer warriors. We received messages as far as Palawan and the US before the night was over. Indeed, God’s Peace and Presence surrounded us like a cloud. We had never felt so much love and concern directed toward us, so genuine and spontaneous like this one. God provided the doctors on that crucial time. He even “sent” an Orthopedic Specialist, Dr. Tablante, a co-practitioner of my brother. He too was in Clark at that time and came to the rescue just in time.
It was a long evening. I guess no one of us could sleep. Nory, Hazel, Manong Terry and Manang Nelly had to be confined. The rest of us had to go home to a place a short distance from the hospital. First night and Nory and I had to be separated. She had to look after Hazel and me, after the three other kids.
We prayed before going to bed. I was careful to leave the right message to the kids on what happened to us. God had protected us in spite of. He is good all the time. We prayed for our fast healing and recovery. Jondi asked me a question before going to sleep, “Dada, tomorrow when I wake up. I’ll forget everything?” “Why? Do you think this is just a dream?” I replied. His Ate (Koreen) butted in, “It’s not a dream, it’s a nightmare.” Every time I close my eyes that night, I still see that ramming jeepney at the corner of my eye… WHAM! This was played over and over in my mind like a broken record… what if? what if? My mind couldn’t sleep.
Part 4 – Aftermath (13 February, Tuesday)  Every single day that passed made a great difference. Amazing how all anxieties and fear were removed in the next couple of days. God truly causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose!
It’s been four days since that tragic day. All is well now. We’re at home in Quezon City. At least, I see my kids playing now. I hear them giggling and laughing at each other in the background as I am tapping on my keyboard. We are still whole-- one big, blessed family! We are alive in God’s grace! Protected by His Love. Kept by His promises.
Never mind the bruised bodies, aching muscles, the fractures, wounds and stitches. Never mind what was lost. The most important thing is, we know all the more what is most important to us—family, friends and God’s perfect Plan.
 
Healing is fast, almost miraculous. Yeah, miraculous indeed! Trauma is washed by the Blood of Jesus. Memories will be selective—all for God’s glory! “Forgetting what lies behind and continuing to move forward to what lies ahead.” We are all excited about the future! God didn’t intend for us to go through all of these for no small reason.
Long time ago, there was a man named Job who was so special to God. In fact, God was so proud of him He allowed Satan to test his faith… but within the limits He permits. Satan assaulted Job with everything he has… evil as he is, he tried his best to break Job into cursing God. But God has put a hedge of protection around Job. Satan can only do so much. God never lost control! In the end, one thing was proven: that Job loved the Lord no matter what happens and we learn that God’s love for Job remained even if it seemed otherwise. God brought back to Job what was taken from him double portion!
This is the message of God to our family. Although we are far from the kind of righteous life Job has lived and that very often we are not the kind of children God can always be proud of, still He loves us as His special family. He allowed the Enemy to assault us, even barge through a level of God’s protection but God knows the limit we can take. Things could have been worse. A life may have been taken or a permanent damage could have left any of us invalid but no, we came out unscathed. God’s hedge of protection was upon us all the time. We praise His Name for He is good and His lovingkindness is everlasting!
Ironic. I came to see a Hot Air Balloon Festival. What I saw was my air bag banging on my face. We wanted to see man’s colorful creations, giant balloons showing off their magnificence and bringing people to a place high above the grounds. Instead, we saw God’s colorful creation, His Hand-working miracles upon our lives, changing us and bringing us to a higher level of understanding of His magnificent plan for our lives.
Every year, every Hot Air Balloon Festival, and every time we see a balloon flying in the sky, it shall be like a rainbow that will remind us of the faithfulness and protection of God to our family in this once-in-a-lifetime weekend experience. Praise His Name!
 Family and friends offering a prayer of thanksgiving at home.
 Part 2 – The Rescue
Friday was tragic. In a moment, after that wayward jeepney smashed our van, our lives were changed like never before.
I was afraid to the nth degree, afraid I might lose any of my loved-ones. I was yelling for help. My mind was active yet blank at the same time. I was on auto-mode. I don’t remember exactly the sequence of events in the first 20 minutes or so--who came out of the van first or how I was able to squeeze myself out of my crumpled seat. Everything happened so fast.
I remember some “snapshots” though: my wife Nory carrying little Hazel (10) out of the front seat of the van, bloody all over. Nory had her forehead bleeding too, ready to pass-out, but she was a strong woman and maintained presence of mind. At least, Hazel was conscious but I saw on her face shock like we don’t want any of our little ones ever experience in their lives. I was praying, “Lord, Lord, please help us!”
I remember opening the sliding door of the van, reaching to unlock it through the front door. I saw my passengers all thrown on the middle row, one on top of the other, my kids crying for help. I brought out Bea (8), my youngest, first. She was on the third row now on the second row on top of everyone. Then I carried out Koreen (12), my eldest. Pulled her from the backseat while complaining she can’t move her left arm. My brother-in-law, Manong Terry, crawled out of the front door and brought out Ingkit, their 3-year old girl.
Many “good Samaritans” were there. Vehicles behind us stopped not to satisfy their curiosity but to genuinely extend their most needed assistance. Like one efficient team they helped carry out Manang Nelly (wife of Manong Terry). She too was crying, “Bali ang braso ko! Bali ang braso ko! (my arm is broken!). Men we didn’t know helped us like they really know what they’re doing. They gave instructions, offered their vehicles while constantly assuring us that we’ll be ok and not to worry about our belongings. They were God-sent! Angles in men’s clothing I suppose. They didn’t even give us their names or contact numbers so we can formally thank them.
I think it was a pajero who brought the first batch to the nearest hospital. In there were Nory, Hazel, Bea, Manong Terry and Ingkit. Blood and black oil spilt from our engine surely left memorable marks on that instrumental vehicle. God bless their hearts.
 The second batch was rushed to the hospital several minutes later. It took five men to bring Manang Nelly out of the van. Her condition looked precarious and we don’t want to complicate matters. They waited for a moment for a stretcher but decided on moving her ahead in no time. My son, Jondi (11) was the last to get out as he was the one under the pile of people. He was crying, like waking up from a bad dream. He was sleeping before we were hit. I don’t remember what kind of vehicle was offered to us. We squeezed Manang Nelly, Jondi and Koreen at the backseat. I remember handing Jondi a celphone I found at the floor of our van. I kissed my kids, glanced one last time, slammed the door and off they went.
I was left with my young nephew, Rommel. It was painful to see my family go. I wasn’t even sure which hospital they will be brought to. My heart was pounding fast. I was worried to the bones but somehow God’s peace enveloped me, like how that safety airbag enveloped my face and head during the impact, only, God’s assurance to me is multiplied infinitely. “I’m with you, I’m with you,” He was telling me in spite of my troubled heart.
Minutes later, my other brother-in-law, Bers, (and company) came to the scene with his AUV. That was after I have made a couple of calls to a relative in Caloocan and in Pampanga for help. Investigators have drawn sketches of the accident. The two vehicles by that time were already separated and the road was cleared to ease the flow of traffic.
The driver of the jeepney was nowhere to be found. He ran off the scene. His two passengers, one adult and one boy, were picked up by an ambulance and were brought to the same hospital where my family was. I took photos while waiting. I wished I had a point and shoot camera that time. My huge digital SLR was a pain on my neck and seemed unusually complicated in my trembling hands!
The trip to the Angeles University Hospital seemed hours to me. First time I was seated and my adrenalin level was going down. I was praying silently and now have time to read the text messages again. One can never underestimate the power of assurance of words or even in text messages when received at the most needed moment. Every word I read brought a gentle breeze of fresh hope and confidence to me. I received a text message from my wife at 6:32pm (an hour after the hit), “Sweets… I love you… accidents do happen but God is in control. I love you so much and I miss to embrace you.” I cried and cried, “Oh, how I love my wife and kids. Lord, thank you that you’re in control.”
I got a breaker to go online and cut and paste this for a quick update.
First of all, I am overwhelmed by the overflowing support, prayers and love from all of you who have texted, emailed. called, participated in this thread and this and even rushed to Pampanga. Now, all the more, I KNOW that God caused miracle after miracle during our ordeal because of the many, many people who have prayed for us. We are experiencing today great love surrounding us. We appreciate all of you.
PART 1- The Assault
It was an impromptu decision of the family to go to Clark, Pampanga, Friday afternoon (Feb9) for the Hotair Balloon Fiesta and planned to sleep over our relatives’ house so we could take off early morning Saturday. I was supposed to attend the Print Like A Pro that evening, but as I said, it was a sudden change of plan.
We were 7 in the Starex Van (wife, 4 kids, a nephew and me driving). We picked up my brother-in-law and wife and their 3-yr old alaga just before we entered Clark. So we were all 10 in the van. Re-arranged our seats so my wife and daughter Hazel (10) were seating in front.
We entered Clark past 5pm wanting to see the show at 5:30 (accdg to sched). It was a leisurely drive, sun starting to set. We asked for direction along the road and continued driving. Two minutes later, (I think we’re traveling around 70kph or even slower)… I saw at the left corner of my eye… a speeding jeepney, from the opposite lane, curving at top speed towards us… WHAM!!!
I didn’t even have time to react. It was that fast… all in a split second. In a normal driving scene, that vehicle should have passed us by on the opposite lane. No big deal. Not this time. It was, I felt, a direct assault on us, like a missile hitting us head-on… bull’s-eye!
Next thing I remember, the airbag was all over my face. I pushed it out and saw the most shocking, most dreadful sight of my life. Smoke, broken glasses, blood. I saw Hazel’s face and my wife’s face in blood! The rest of the passengers were crying. I couldn’t get out of my door side. I remember shouting, “Mga anak ko! Hazel! Hazel!!!” (see continuation)
***********************
To cut this short for now… casualties: My wife was operated on her left wrist and implanted a metal pin and was cast. Suffered a big bump on the head. My eldest daughter also was cast due to broken arm and dislocated shoulder. My son was bruised black and blue but generally ok and so is my nephew. Hazel needed to undergo facial surgery under a plastic surgeon (I don’t want any scar remind her of this accident whenever she looks at the mirror). My brother-in-law suffered a broken neck on xray with complications on the c-5, c-6 section of his spine (life-threatening!). He also got 19-stitches on his head. Praise God the result of the MRI the next day showed a miraculous re-alignment of his neck spine (because of our prayers!). His wife had the worst fracture, also on the left arm. We’re praying for a miraculous healing on this as well.
The two youngest kids were divinely spared. Praise God.
Me, the driver? Second life! I was hit the hardest. If not for the airbag (thank God), I don’t know what could have happened. No broken bones, just minor bruises and a painful chest, that’s all.
God has a purpose for all things. Romans 8:28 says, “For God causes all
things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called
according to His purpose.”
God has hedged us, protected us from this “direct assault” and preserved us for His glory! Our lives are in His Hands.
Amidst all these, i was able to grab my camera and document the scene (this was after my family was rushed to the hospital. i was left on the scene).
my cam was set to b&w the previous day. i just shoot.
most bystander and police would comment, "patay ang driver nito." and
then they would ask me as I was shooting, "where's the driver?"
(assuming perhaps an answer like.. rushed to the hospital). I'd answer,
"I was driving." (They'd drop their jaw in amazement). You'd notice my van was straight on its lane, far from the middle. The jeepney hit us coming from the opposite lane.
The man was a passenger (one of the two) who was drunk ( a companion of the driver... you draw the conclusion). He was also rushed to the hospital. He turned out with no major injury. The very elusive Hotair Balloon fiesta. Abot-tanaw na.
(There's part 2, 3 and 4 and some more pictures. Thank you and God bless!)
2006 is a Blessed Year!We praise God for His love and faithfulness to us throughout the years. We thank HIm for the accomplishments, the opportunities, the challenges, the victories, the new places we have been to, and the love and fellowship we have experienced as a family. We thank Him for the ministries He entrusted to us, the friendships of people around us and the caring shared among the extended families.
Most of all, we thank Him with all our hearts for His Greatest Gift of all,
His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ
and the salvation He gave to those who believed.
May we all experience the True Reason for the Season in our hearts today!Merry Christmas to all of you
from the Trinidad Family!
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
John 3:16
  JOKE! JOKE! JOKE! (wish ko lang) I just made up a mocked DPP cover last November, sort of practice (my first time) and I want to see how my photo would look like on a magazine. I painstakingly did this, every detail (including barcode), titles and even the "contents." I even placed Santa's silhouette through the moon. I didn't find the exact fonts though. My apology to Digital Photographer's Philippines. I wanted to post this in the FORUM there ( www.digitalphotographer.com.ph) for fun's sake but I was discouraged. I might start a thread of mocked covers daw. He's got a point. So here na lang... maybe i'll do a Monthly Issue and change the heading to Digital Photograph-err instead. I waited for the real DPP, December Issue to come out before I posted this. below are sample covers of the REAL magazine and my photo (a composite) I used here.    
 I joined an online photocontest last month. Not a big one but an international contest nontheless. And I won in the November contest! The Theme is "Family." and I entitled my entry "Family Business." Here's the link: http://www.shootexperience.com/photogallery/sp_index.php?file=./Competition%20November%2006%20-%20Winners/1st%20place/sundaesbest.jpg[/URL]
My entry is now promoted to the yearly contest which has a bigger prize to boot. Praise the Lord!
Just got this email today:
Hi David,
Congratulations! Your beautiful entry for the November competition has won first prize!
Please email me your postal address and we will send you your prize - an Olympus digital camera.
We really loved you photo, please continue entering the competitions and encourage your friends to do the same.
Best wishes,
Hannah White
The Shoot experience team
====================
I won this camera, an Olympus FE-190. hehe. I encourage you to join too. www.shootexperience.com   
 Recently, I saw one of the most astounding episodes in National Geographic Channel Presents (IMO). Using hi-tech computer graphics, animation and powerful cameras, the documentary showed the incredible metamorphosis that happens inside the tiny cocoon-the stage where the ugly worm is transformed into a beautiful butterfly. It illustrated how the internal organs take shape and how the wings are formed and so on. There is an unseen “Power” that orchestrates this mind-boggling transformation!
NGC reports that a butterfly is an all-together different creature in form and function compared to the caterpillar. A brand new creature has emerged into being!
I see in the caterpillar a picture of sinful human beings who need the transformation of a spiritual re-birth (John 3:3). The same power behind that metamorphosis is able to change any person from inside to outside.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away, behold, new things have come.”
Can you imagine that? Whoever I am, wherever I am, whatever situation I am in, there is no such thing as a hopeless case. No matter how sinful or how dark my past was, God can turn it around and turn it beautifully!
I submit to Christ, He will do the rest.
 Butterflies are wonderful creatures. They fly with elegance and grace. They are clothed with majestic colors and every flower they visit seems to welcome them with equal delight.
It’s amazing to think that these beautiful fliers were once repulsive worms feeding on our garden plants. They were the kind that we avoid and we generally consider pests.
The life cycle of the butterfly begins as an egg which hatches into an ugly worm. But that is not its destiny. The worm then build a coffin for itself, a cocoon called a chrysalis. The ugly worm must “die” to give birth to a beautiful butterfly.
Stages are part of our lives. We have mixed feeling about them: love-hate, better-bitter feelings, enjoying-enduring.
Sometimes I get impatient with life! But then again, as I think about the past and the present, I get encouraged about the future. The most important thing in life is knowing your PURPOSE. Mine is to please God and be the best that He wants me to be!
Once I know my purpose, His PLAN for me becomes clearer.
Romans 8:28 says, “For God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”
As far as God is concerned, I’m a beautiful butterfly. Be patient with me, God is not finish with me yet.
Might have heard of the story before, I’ll tell it again anyway.
She was 16. She prayed for a boyfriend, “Lord, give me somebody who is good-looking, smart, athletic and thoughtful.” No one came. The boys are still playing.
She was 22 and she prayed, “Lord, yung good-looking, smart, presentable and responsible po.” Still, nobody came. Well, some actually came but sub-standard specimen.
When she was 32 she prayed, “Lord, yung presentable and responsible na lalaki, ok na.” A lot came her way, but she was NOT their type.
Now she’s over the hill at 42 and she prays, “Lord, basta po lalaki, ok na.” She’s still waiting…
Moral of the story:
If you want to marry a king, be a queen first.
The qualities you are looking for in a partner should be found in you first. Develop inner beauty, wisdom, spirituality, stability and goodness, and then your prince will come. Royalty attracts royalty.
Same with the King-wannabees:
If you want to marry a princess, don’t be a frog.
Ribit! Ribit!
my son who is 10 years old invited over two of his friends to sleep over. we prefer this setup rather than he sleeping over his friends'.
i don't remember doing this when I was in 3rd grade. time has really changed! i'm old!
last week, i noticed him playing with a new toy. I asked where it came from... he said it was given to him by Steven, his bestfriend.
just tonight I learned it was not actually given, he paid for it! P200! Wow! my son is rich! Where did he get the money? and why did he not tell me the truth?
i learned from my daughter later that her kuya lost several of his marbles and one of his bdamans in a series of BETs!!! My son is gambling! and he is losing! I'm quite sure it WAS Steven's idea... not my son's. (ow?... now, i'm not sure even!)
huhuhu. my son is not a baby anymore. and he is not like me... when I bet. I win!
What is "extravagance?"
Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines the word “extravagant” (adjective) as:
a. exceeding the limits of reason
b. lacking in moderation, balance, and restraint (praise)
c. extremely or excessively elaborate
d. spending much more than necessary
e. profuse, lavish
Thesaurus: spendthrift, overgenerous, wasteful, excessive, exaggerated, over-elaborate, overdone, ornate, showy.
Usually, when we hear this word, “extravagant!,” in the context of lifestyle, parties, outfits, performances and structures, immediately something negative pops in our mind, "wasteful!".
I believe there is another context this word can be used that people, even Christians, have not looked seriously into—and that is in the realm of the WORSHIP of the one true GOD. I am glad that today, WORSHIP is taking its rightful place in the life of the Church. It was once called “the missing jewel in the church” by one of my favorite authors, A.W. Tozer. But now, there is a worship explosion that is happening everywhere and books and teachings about worship have taken a deeper, more intimate meaning, such books both written by songwriters and powerful worship leaders include:Matt Redman’s, The Unquenchable Worshipper and Darlene Zschech’s, Extravagant Worship.
What makes worship extravagant?
3 things based on my study of Luke 7:36-47 a. The Quality of the Offering v.37
b. The Richness of the Action v.38
c. The Depth of the Love Involved v.47
God is calling us to excessive worship. We are to be overgenerous in our praises to Him. Extravagant worship means to be elaborate in our offering of admiration to Him, our worship is to be over and above reasonable limits previously established. He deserves the best offering that we can offer, through the best possible way and with the deepest devotion involving our hearts. If we need to add more instruments, let us. King David prepared a big choir for the Lord. Franklin Graham ministry is preparing for a 5,000 voice choir at the Luneta! (100 is enough perhaps but we want more for God!) If we need to give more and sacrifice more and be overgenerous and “foolish” so we could build a bigger sanctuary and expand God’s ministries, why not? This is our worship and once it is released, just like that Alabaster perfume, it cannot be stopped.
There is no such thing as enough worship. Excessive worship should overflow in our lives. Walking, jumping, eating, drinking, singing and working… do it all with special caring, special gusto, special effort, run the extra mile, do it all extravagantly for the glory of our Lord.
Extravagant Worship! Oh I pray that I will become an extravagant worshipper. I envision our church to be an extravagant worshipper for the Lord. Be one yourself. In reality, what we give to God will truly last, what we withold from Him are ultimately wasted.
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