Team Sparrow under heat

July 4, 2005 at Island Cove. More here.

Max Lucado : Everyday Blessings

I’m adding to this blog a daily devotional — in weekly format — from Max Lucado’s Everyday Blessings. If you’ve gone tired of this blog, at least you have a reason to check it out daily, or even weekly to read inspirations from God thru Max’s pen.
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The Switch

The past few weeks mark one of the most number of switches I have made. Some of which are:

* switching mobile carriers : from being a 3 year and a half Globe subscriber to Smart. One of the reasons for my switch is Globe’s inability to retain clients. After my contract expired, I asked Globe if they have new phone unit provisions for existing clients. The answer is none. If you want to get a free phone unit, you have to get it “as a new client” — meaning, new number, additional subscription, therefore, additional cost. Who would want to take that route? Anyway, after several consultations from tech buddies in several mailing lists, I decided to apply for a cool Nokia 3230 from Smart — partly for my plan to use YehBA* for my instant messaging needs. I just got my brand new cellphone today! Yahoo! :D So, here’s my new number, folks: +639209518075.

* switching from Meridian Telekoms to Globe Broadband. After 5 years of being a loyal client of Meridian Telekoms — I believe the only microwave based broadband provider — we switched to a more traditional DSL service from Globe. So far, we’re enjoying the fast internet experience. On another twist, Meridian is negotiating to retain us. That’s what I call real good customer retention program! I mean, madali lang naman akong kausap, if they can provide the kind of bandwith we’re receiving from Globe, why not?

* switching office tables. Due to the expansion we just had, we have to maximize our office space, the main reason why we’re installing smaller yet more productive set of office/computer tables. It’s been hell in the office for about a month now. But by God’s grace, it’ll soon be over — brand new facilities will be in place.

The Switch is my other thing right now. The main thing is the spritual struggle I’m currently encountering — which is good for another post.

CD for a cause

The characters…

Riz is a young Christian from UP. A praise and worship leader. I’m a frequent visitor of her blog. Actually, I admire her writing. Whenever I get tired of hours of work in the office, or theology in discussion forums, I jump into her blog to see if there are new posts that would somehow refresh my thoughts. It is sad though, that she announced recently that she’s closing it down. I admire her faith. That’s the term — refreshing.

I saw her personally once during the lauching of LiveTHELife Magazine. She’s a sweet lady. Too bad we had no chance to chat.

Mikks is a young composer, singer and web designer all in one. I don’t know much about Mikks aside from Riz’ frequent mention of him on her blog. But if you are her regular visitor, you’ll notice that she implicitely admits of having a special relationship with him. Yes boys, I think she’s taken. :D Anyway, going back. I admire Mikks. At his age, he seemed to be very good at his craft. His compositions are, well, at par, I think, with the quality of compositions we are hearing these days. And I believe he also arranges his own compositions. I can imagine he has his own home based studio. Actually, nowadays, if you have the talent and the necessary technological know-how, it’s easy to operate your own home based studio. And he’s good at it! I mean, visit his site. Go on, click the “mikks” link. I assume that all the recordings and the “commercial” you’ll hear were all done by Mikks. Correct me if I’m wrong, though. Nonetheless, you’ll find his “balladeer” type voice appealing.

Now this is sweet, nakakakilig and touching at the same time. You see, Riz wanted to go to Australia for the annual Hillsongs Conference. For some reasons, probably financial among others, she can’t make it this June. Or can she?

There’s a chance, though. Mikks is selling his CDs to raise P80,000 to sponsor Riz. Now you know why it’s sweet, nakakakilig and touching at the same time? Do I still need to explain?

Now, I think we can help them raise funds. You see, bloggers are great news spreaders (is there such a term?). I myself receives about 2 hits a day — 1 from myself and 1 from my brother. Hahaha. (Seriously, I think I do better than that. Since you’re reading this post, you must be the 3rd :D ). Anyway, if you are a blogger, you have an option to feature this story in your blog. If you believe you’re a Christian blogger, you are required to feature them in your blog. :D

Another thing, buy Mikks CD. I’m sending him an email today to buy one. I just don’t know how to receive it. Anyway, if you’ll get one, you’ll help them raise funds. If Riz can’t make it this June, next year isn’t bad at all.

I myself have a dream to attend the Hillsong Conference. But since I’m no longer single, I’m now tripple (my wife, my baby and myself), it would be financially impossible to do it at this time. I’ll will be very happy to see this dream of mine happen thru Riz. Hey Riz, if you’re reading this, I have some online friends from Hillsong Australia. They were willing to sponsor me before — that is accomodation and conference tickets. I just don’t have the other ticket — airlines ticket :D — that’s why I can’t accept their generousity. In anycase, I can probably introduce you to them. Maybe they can help.

The Brand New You

Have you ever noticed the way a groom looks at his bride during the wedding? I have. Perhaps it’s my vantage point. As the minister of the wedding, I’m positioned next to the groom. By the time we reach the altar, I’ve been with him for some time backstage as he tugged his collar and mopped his brow. But all that changes when she appears. And the look on his face is my favorite scene in the wedding.

Most miss it. Most miss it because they are looking at her. But when other eyes are on the bride, I sneak a peek at the groom. If the light is just so and the angle just right, I can see a tiny reflection in his eyes. Her reflection. And the sight of her reminds him why he is here.

And such are precisely the feelings of Jesus. Look long enough into the eyes of our Savior and, there, too, you will see a bride. Dressed in fine linen. Clothed in pure grace. From the wreath in her hair to the clouds at her feet, she is royal; she is the princess. She is the
bride. His bride. Walking toward him, she is not yet with him. But he sees her, he awaits her, he longs for her.

“Who could bear to live without her?” you hear him whisper.

And who is that bride? Who is this beauty who occupies the heart of Jesus?

You are. You have captured the heart of God. “As a man rejoices over his new wife, so your God will rejoice over you” (Isa. 62:5).

The challenge is to remember that. To meditate on it. To focus on it. To allow his love to change the way you look at you.

From “When Christ Comes”
Copyright 1999, Max Lucado