this week is so incredible. besides the fact that i am in the mood to write my blog in the middle of the week, a lot of blessings fluorished.
monday was the biggest day i should say. i woke up at the right side of the bed, i managed to finish my papers, reports and assignments and just to simplify things, i felt prepared that day. the morning and afternoon subjects were fun, exciting and rewarding all at the same time. praise God that finally my responsible and optimistic self was resurrected. hahaha=D. anyways, last monday was the Engineering and Architecture day. it was held inside the gym. i was really hesitant to go inside, because after that very event would be our analytic geometry examination. what the... but i gave it a try, i had a peek of who were inside. oh, my classmates were there. hahaha, this made me stay and somehow neglect the aalytic geometry exam. anyways, the event did not start on time (you know, i keep on looking at my watch because the upcoming examination makes me feel crazy), so i just decided to somehow review and and answer some problems inside the noisy, hot and crowded gym.
after some time, the program started as usual, theres the invocation, natinal anthem and the cliche lines of the emcees to welcome everyone. haha. then a faculty, who happens to be my brilliant Algebra teacher (Egr. Ferolin) gave some inspiring messages. she talked about the performance of the engineering students in the recent board exams. it was really, really inspiring... AdDU garnered above the national passing rate in all the board exams and there were also placers in the said exam. what an inspiring news... =D... i hope that i could also do the same or even more... (with God, all things are possible=D). moving on, the program rolled and progressed. i was excited, because dance showdowns would then be performed, talents would then be discovered and entertainment would rule the air.... after a great performance the emcees told us to have a break... (why do you cut the excitement?) i was somehow disappointed, but they interrupted our fun, because of some sort of awarding. oh really? i told myself... a couple of awards were given to the upperclassmen, and the emcees announced "the highest WPA for firs year student goes to" (drum roll please) "Michael Casas"...
during that very second, i was trembling... shaking... and lost... what? is that true? that was my first reaction... i never expected to get that award, because for a fact, i've been late for 2 weeks last sem due to you know the singapore scholarship... and i was expecting some people from the honors class to get the highest average for this sem... so time went so slowly, the crowd was so warm and happy for me, but i was still in a state of shock... did i really get it? then the emcees requested me to go in front to claim my hard hat... ohhhh... what an ecstatic feeling... then i got hold of my first (but hopefully not the last) EA hard hat ever. it is the hat that engineers wear in a construction site you know... hehehe=D... but still i was trembling and shaking as i go back to my seat... it was real and all my negative assuptions evaporated... Praise God!!! after that the program went on with my classmates congratulating me, and teasing me. hehe... but honestly, i did not seem to notice them, because i was preocuppied by my joy and thankfulness to the Lord. i never expected such great thing to happen into my life, but God made my day extra extraordinary and extra extra special.
the experience made me realize four big things. for one, humility is a virtue. the unexpected event was a humbling, because really i never though that it would be me. second, doing ordinary things in an extra special way helps... after that, i thanked the Lord, that at least my everyday sacrifices and struggles in the past semester paid off. third, o gained a lot of confidence and not ARROGANCE. the award affirmed that indeed i can do it!!! but it also made me keep my foot on the ground. finally i realized that GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME. this is an old statement, but really i have reaffirmed it for many times now and i never failed. trust the Lord and he will grant the desires of your heart... how nice=D..... that is why i am writing this entry to be a witness of God's goodness... and my overflowing happiness too...
(i forge to do my best in everything and do things in the embrace of God's grace and love-MAC)
PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Ad majorem Dei Gloriam
-Michael Casas-=D
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Friday, November 24, 2006
the wind beneath my wings
my first two weeks in college was like brrrrr. but it also brought about some positive discoveries and developments within myself. this week, i get to see people who remained standing for me. allow me thank them....
first off, thanks to my parents for being there. they never forgot about me and they never neglected me... constant communication and warm hugs helped me a lot... thank you for the love, understanding and trust that truly i would succeed in everything that i do.
second, thanks to some loyal and good friends... thanks to those poeople whose faith and trust never changed. thanks to loyal friends who keeps on communicating through text even though i can't reply due to the scarcity of resources... hehe... and thanks for the help. you know who you are...
third, thanks to pisay. thanks for the training and unique curriculum that you have shared to me. thanks for the core values that you have inculcated in my heart . a million thanks to you.
fourth, thanks to addu. thank you for being a competent and nurturing school. i hope that as we go together may we learn more about each other and share more things together.
lastly, a million thanks to God. Lord, you have perfectly palnned the events in my life, you have strategically placed all circumstances in their propr palces. thank you very much Lord for EVERYTHING. may you continue to shower your blessings upon me that i may share it also to others.
P.S. thank you Michael for standing up even though you have fallen to the ground a thousand times, thank you for your determination and courage for it helped us to go through, thank you for having faith that we will be able to succeed and thank you for being there for me... take care=D
AD MEJOREM DEI GLORIAM
Michael Casas=D
first off, thanks to my parents for being there. they never forgot about me and they never neglected me... constant communication and warm hugs helped me a lot... thank you for the love, understanding and trust that truly i would succeed in everything that i do.
second, thanks to some loyal and good friends... thanks to those poeople whose faith and trust never changed. thanks to loyal friends who keeps on communicating through text even though i can't reply due to the scarcity of resources... hehe... and thanks for the help. you know who you are...
third, thanks to pisay. thanks for the training and unique curriculum that you have shared to me. thanks for the core values that you have inculcated in my heart . a million thanks to you.
fourth, thanks to addu. thank you for being a competent and nurturing school. i hope that as we go together may we learn more about each other and share more things together.
lastly, a million thanks to God. Lord, you have perfectly palnned the events in my life, you have strategically placed all circumstances in their propr palces. thank you very much Lord for EVERYTHING. may you continue to shower your blessings upon me that i may share it also to others.
P.S. thank you Michael for standing up even though you have fallen to the ground a thousand times, thank you for your determination and courage for it helped us to go through, thank you for having faith that we will be able to succeed and thank you for being there for me... take care=D
AD MEJOREM DEI GLORIAM
Michael Casas=D
the SECOND semestert
its another semester. honestly, i was excited because a new semester would start and another chapter would open into my college life. i felt a more excited now than ever before. i anticipated of having a smooth sailing first week, a well adjusted second week and a competent third week...
...THE FIRST WEEK...
my first week was like a super doooooooooper stressful week. why? because my teachers were in the mood to be lax during this week. it even came to a point that my differential calculus, analytic geometry and chemistry classes were merged with other classes. sheeeeeeeeeet... my schedule and adaptation was ruined.... perhaps it was meant to be that way. but, the sad thing really was that i only have 25 minutes to enjoy my lunch. or worse every MWF because i will be taking my lunch every 1:30...oh my... i realized that college is more brutal than ever.
how poor i am to have this schedule... more than my schedule, my major subjects were like clumping in one day so i thought of what the.... i'll be multiplying my efforts to ten just to cope up... (hay nako...) diff cal in the morning, anal geom in the evening, well, this is really hard.
i was really cmplaining at the very start, i was not used to the schedule... saturday came and i get to realize that i have to make some meditative introspection just to identify the problem...
during this week, i realized that i was too worried about things wich were beyond my control. i can't do anything about fixed circumstances, because they are fixed (durr). (also, my scholarship was not approved according to the admissions office which was like sad, but after knowing the responsibilities and services that i have to render to the school, i became happier of the result, because atleast my focus won't be diverted to some other things=D.i'll just apply next sem. God permits)
i have to adjust my reaction and mindset towards the external circumstances of life. and i thought of using my bulky yet economical bag back in high school to give room for my extra stuffs... hahaha... and atleast after that stressful week, i'm learning to laugh again.... hahahahahahaha=D.
by the way Abigail Albino, my great friend is my classmate in analytic geaometry and differential calculus and it is nice to be with a friend who stays the same=D...
thank you God...=D
---THE SECOND WEEK---
the supposed to be adjustment week... i was very happy because i was able to play with my schedule already. what i missed to look into during the first week were my teachers.
after the lax first week of the semester, my teachers were then going through the lessons at the speed of light. oh my goodness... i'm having a hard time to cope. it was hard... imagine discussing two or three topics in one meeting and have an exam on the following meeting. then there would be heavy assignments in three to four subjects everyday... and three term papers for this grading period... how could you ever expect me to rest well... siyete...
my teachers this sem are setting super higher (exagge na yan ha=D) standards which makes me more confident of studying here in AdDU. hehehe... now, that i have competent teachers i should be more competent and go beyond their expectations and standards... that's my boy=D. hahaha. (your'e becoming better and better michael!)...
but unexpectedly, my increasing demand to the masses makes me ang lalakeng walang pahinga... i have a work now.... not really a work but an extra source of income which slashes my saturday and sunday study time to half... but, it is compensating though, because with my new work i am able to earn extra and learn extra somethings for myself. =D...
thank you LORD for these things...=D
***THE THIRD WEEK***
the master student's week. atlast, i was able to finally settle myself with my schedule and teachers. i am about to soar...=D... but am i ready? this week, i got hold of a book entitled how to become a master student. ooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh... it is like a supplementary book for college students and honestly i learned a lot from it. i will not talk much about it because the title speaks for its contents =D.
during this week i was able to redefine my priorities, manage myself and learn a lot of tricks to make my college life successful, yet balanced... praise the LORD. i ended the week with a mass at the chapel and it surely was a great end for the disastrous first two weeks of this second semester and a great start for the dawn of the rest of the 27 unit full packed and worthwhile semester.
ad majorem dei gloriam
-Michael Casas =D-
...THE FIRST WEEK...
my first week was like a super doooooooooper stressful week. why? because my teachers were in the mood to be lax during this week. it even came to a point that my differential calculus, analytic geometry and chemistry classes were merged with other classes. sheeeeeeeeeet... my schedule and adaptation was ruined.... perhaps it was meant to be that way. but, the sad thing really was that i only have 25 minutes to enjoy my lunch. or worse every MWF because i will be taking my lunch every 1:30...oh my... i realized that college is more brutal than ever.
how poor i am to have this schedule... more than my schedule, my major subjects were like clumping in one day so i thought of what the.... i'll be multiplying my efforts to ten just to cope up... (hay nako...) diff cal in the morning, anal geom in the evening, well, this is really hard.
i was really cmplaining at the very start, i was not used to the schedule... saturday came and i get to realize that i have to make some meditative introspection just to identify the problem...
during this week, i realized that i was too worried about things wich were beyond my control. i can't do anything about fixed circumstances, because they are fixed (durr). (also, my scholarship was not approved according to the admissions office which was like sad, but after knowing the responsibilities and services that i have to render to the school, i became happier of the result, because atleast my focus won't be diverted to some other things=D.i'll just apply next sem. God permits)
i have to adjust my reaction and mindset towards the external circumstances of life. and i thought of using my bulky yet economical bag back in high school to give room for my extra stuffs... hahaha... and atleast after that stressful week, i'm learning to laugh again.... hahahahahahaha=D.
by the way Abigail Albino, my great friend is my classmate in analytic geaometry and differential calculus and it is nice to be with a friend who stays the same=D...
thank you God...=D
---THE SECOND WEEK---
the supposed to be adjustment week... i was very happy because i was able to play with my schedule already. what i missed to look into during the first week were my teachers.
after the lax first week of the semester, my teachers were then going through the lessons at the speed of light. oh my goodness... i'm having a hard time to cope. it was hard... imagine discussing two or three topics in one meeting and have an exam on the following meeting. then there would be heavy assignments in three to four subjects everyday... and three term papers for this grading period... how could you ever expect me to rest well... siyete...
my teachers this sem are setting super higher (exagge na yan ha=D) standards which makes me more confident of studying here in AdDU. hehehe... now, that i have competent teachers i should be more competent and go beyond their expectations and standards... that's my boy=D. hahaha. (your'e becoming better and better michael!)...
but unexpectedly, my increasing demand to the masses makes me ang lalakeng walang pahinga... i have a work now.... not really a work but an extra source of income which slashes my saturday and sunday study time to half... but, it is compensating though, because with my new work i am able to earn extra and learn extra somethings for myself. =D...
thank you LORD for these things...=D
***THE THIRD WEEK***
the master student's week. atlast, i was able to finally settle myself with my schedule and teachers. i am about to soar...=D... but am i ready? this week, i got hold of a book entitled how to become a master student. ooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh... it is like a supplementary book for college students and honestly i learned a lot from it. i will not talk much about it because the title speaks for its contents =D.
during this week i was able to redefine my priorities, manage myself and learn a lot of tricks to make my college life successful, yet balanced... praise the LORD. i ended the week with a mass at the chapel and it surely was a great end for the disastrous first two weeks of this second semester and a great start for the dawn of the rest of the 27 unit full packed and worthwhile semester.
ad majorem dei gloriam
-Michael Casas =D-
i'm back
after maybe two weeks of silence i'm back to talk and talk and talk about some significant experiences...
Monday, October 30, 2006
the point!!!
well, i'm back after some long long time. a lot of memorable, significant and worthwhile events occured to my life during the past days. well it was a mixture of fun and 'blessedness'. anyways last week was terribly great and very heart warming. here it goes...
october 23, 2006
monday was great! i actually applied for a grant in aid scholarship offered by ADDU. the problem was the OSA director. actually he is not the problem, but the circumstance posed a big problem. i did not have a complete listing of my grades yet, so he would NEVER ever sign that recommendation form. shucks... what the... well, i was really hopeless then, really hopeless... but my mother thought of something.... we decided to drop by the guidance office to ask for help from my very own guidance counselor, Mrs. Paulita Sorongon... well, i think it really pays to pray =D. anyways, we asked for help from her and without much a do, she made a recommendation form and forwarded me to the OSA director. Praise God for sending such a good and accomodating instrument.
then of course, i went to sir ricky and there he readily signed my recommendation form upon hearing the name of my guidance counselor. PRAISE GOD. another burden was removed from my heart. finally, i9t pumped normally as it ought to be... unlike before. =D. and obviously, my day ended with a big BIG smile... Thanks be to God!!!
October 24, 2006
this was the day that the Lord has made (and actually everyday is made by God). i was actually able to finally organize my requirements for the scholarship and prepare it for submission on thursday (one day before the deadline). ok, but i was more concerned about the batch party today. i actually bought a new polo shirt. it was nice... really nice... and of course, i went home and had my sleep earlier than usual... =D
October 25, 2006
this is it!!! party time. the rest of the day was fine and really amazing, but i would focus more on the events during the batch party. ok... i actually prepared myself at 6 pm. well, i took a bath and freshened up. afterwards i dressed up (obviously=D) and waited for a ride. i waited for almost an hour and all the taxis which were passing by were all occupied. i worried a lot... but my mother was patient and helped me out to find one. (thanks ma!=D). after that i told the driver that i would go to kanto damosa, because that was our meeting place. the ride probably took fifteen minites and there i was standing without knowing where i should go... incidentally, Kay Bo. called me and i joined their group with janry, genesis and cj. well, we chatted for a while as we waited for davie. and we did not wait the whole night, but we decided to go. i was excited...REALLY EXCITED to see my batchmates... and there it was after some minites of walking we arrived at Jason's house and we went to the basement of their home and there they were... happy happy happy=D. i don't know how to contain my joy because it really flourished as i saw my batchmates. then we eated and eated and eated. the food was great... (thanks to the conanan family =D). then we ended up back to the basement and chatted all night long... then my friend fiona came. i never expected that she would not come, because she texted me that she would not, but fortunately she arrived. she actually gave me brownies which she personally prepared... they were delicious. and of course the night should end and i'm very thankful that dr. conanan offered a ride... with that i arrived home safe, sound and free of charge from the ride... we'll that's how God care for his beloved Michael. thanks Father.=D...
october 26, 2006.
oh, this was the day of pure business... well, today i was able to get most of my grades and finally passed the scholarship requirements and i scheduled my interview tomorrow at 1:45-2:45 pm... God bless to me...=D... and to everyone of course...
october 27, 2006.
enrollment day. i am supposed to enroll myself today, but of course there were some delinquent teachers who did not submit our grades on time so, i have to wait and wait and wait. not to mention my interview... well, i decided to prioritize my interview... and there... after one hour of essay writin, finally... it's my turn. after that, we talked and talked and talked with the admissions director and i just blabbered and blabbered and blabbered about my ideologies, principles, outlooks and etc... well, i think i impressed her (feeling=D)... because she smiled a lot... and my day ended with some sort of assurance from those smiles and the result would be releared next week... exciting and at the same time terrifying... well, that's life...=D
that was my last week i think i'll stop here because i'm already tired. till next time... bye... =D
october 23, 2006
monday was great! i actually applied for a grant in aid scholarship offered by ADDU. the problem was the OSA director. actually he is not the problem, but the circumstance posed a big problem. i did not have a complete listing of my grades yet, so he would NEVER ever sign that recommendation form. shucks... what the... well, i was really hopeless then, really hopeless... but my mother thought of something.... we decided to drop by the guidance office to ask for help from my very own guidance counselor, Mrs. Paulita Sorongon... well, i think it really pays to pray =D. anyways, we asked for help from her and without much a do, she made a recommendation form and forwarded me to the OSA director. Praise God for sending such a good and accomodating instrument.
then of course, i went to sir ricky and there he readily signed my recommendation form upon hearing the name of my guidance counselor. PRAISE GOD. another burden was removed from my heart. finally, i9t pumped normally as it ought to be... unlike before. =D. and obviously, my day ended with a big BIG smile... Thanks be to God!!!
October 24, 2006
this was the day that the Lord has made (and actually everyday is made by God). i was actually able to finally organize my requirements for the scholarship and prepare it for submission on thursday (one day before the deadline). ok, but i was more concerned about the batch party today. i actually bought a new polo shirt. it was nice... really nice... and of course, i went home and had my sleep earlier than usual... =D
October 25, 2006
this is it!!! party time. the rest of the day was fine and really amazing, but i would focus more on the events during the batch party. ok... i actually prepared myself at 6 pm. well, i took a bath and freshened up. afterwards i dressed up (obviously=D) and waited for a ride. i waited for almost an hour and all the taxis which were passing by were all occupied. i worried a lot... but my mother was patient and helped me out to find one. (thanks ma!=D). after that i told the driver that i would go to kanto damosa, because that was our meeting place. the ride probably took fifteen minites and there i was standing without knowing where i should go... incidentally, Kay Bo. called me and i joined their group with janry, genesis and cj. well, we chatted for a while as we waited for davie. and we did not wait the whole night, but we decided to go. i was excited...REALLY EXCITED to see my batchmates... and there it was after some minites of walking we arrived at Jason's house and we went to the basement of their home and there they were... happy happy happy=D. i don't know how to contain my joy because it really flourished as i saw my batchmates. then we eated and eated and eated. the food was great... (thanks to the conanan family =D). then we ended up back to the basement and chatted all night long... then my friend fiona came. i never expected that she would not come, because she texted me that she would not, but fortunately she arrived. she actually gave me brownies which she personally prepared... they were delicious. and of course the night should end and i'm very thankful that dr. conanan offered a ride... with that i arrived home safe, sound and free of charge from the ride... we'll that's how God care for his beloved Michael. thanks Father.=D...
october 26, 2006.
oh, this was the day of pure business... well, today i was able to get most of my grades and finally passed the scholarship requirements and i scheduled my interview tomorrow at 1:45-2:45 pm... God bless to me...=D... and to everyone of course...
october 27, 2006.
enrollment day. i am supposed to enroll myself today, but of course there were some delinquent teachers who did not submit our grades on time so, i have to wait and wait and wait. not to mention my interview... well, i decided to prioritize my interview... and there... after one hour of essay writin, finally... it's my turn. after that, we talked and talked and talked with the admissions director and i just blabbered and blabbered and blabbered about my ideologies, principles, outlooks and etc... well, i think i impressed her (feeling=D)... because she smiled a lot... and my day ended with some sort of assurance from those smiles and the result would be releared next week... exciting and at the same time terrifying... well, that's life...=D
that was my last week i think i'll stop here because i'm already tired. till next time... bye... =D
Saturday, October 21, 2006
priceless
i felt that life is becoming sweeter the more you experience bitterness... maybe these bitter events that we call are actually the ones which adds to the beautiful sense of our living. let me point out that we need not enjoy during our bitter moments, but we ought to find things from them whigh would help us grow better. an old adage perhaps, but actually insightful.
actually, these bitter events are the more priceless things in life. they are more valuable than those nice moments. but i am not saying that we don't treasure these great events. i am just saying that facing our bitter moments brings out in us the best that is lying dormant within the deepest recesses of our souls... this aspect makes it very valuable...
so friends... till next blog marathon... God bless you all...
ad majorem dei gloriam
michael casas =D
actually, these bitter events are the more priceless things in life. they are more valuable than those nice moments. but i am not saying that we don't treasure these great events. i am just saying that facing our bitter moments brings out in us the best that is lying dormant within the deepest recesses of our souls... this aspect makes it very valuable...
so friends... till next blog marathon... God bless you all...
ad majorem dei gloriam
michael casas =D
looking back....
this day seems to be a "blog marathon day" for me... this might just be the product of boredom, nothing else. i miss neutron... illumina... and everyone...
till we meet again everyone... (hay nako... nagsenti si casas)
ad majorem dei gloriam
michael casas =D
how i wish...
we teenagers always wanted to change something about the things around us, the circumstances and even ourselves. honestly, i also wanted to change something in my life... i wanted to become a child once again.
come to think of it when we were once a child, we never bothered to study or work, all we thought of is to play and play and play... not to mention the cuddles of our parents which would make us feel safe and really comforted. perhaps i am just becoming sentimental bacause i am having lesser time for myself. that's what you get when you actually grow old. you need to "manage" yourself, your time, your money, your mind etc...
isn't that word
i don't have any choice but to face the reality the that indeed i am getting older each day and as i grow older, my responsibilites are "logarithmically" increasing... but i still have one option... i could still feel young since i could never become young again. feel young in a sense that i would take problems lightly
ad majorem dei gloriam
michael casas =D
wearing an armor
everyday we are in a battle. right? maybe we would emerge as a victor or sometimes a victim depending on our fight...
isn't it helpful to wear some kind of an armor? let me share to you all the things that i've read from Ephesians 6:10-13 ... it actually talks about the full armor of God...
it consists of...
the shield of faith
helmet of salvation
breastplate of righteousness
belt of truth
battle shoes
sword of the spirit
this armor is incredibly the strongest of all. i've started to "ask" them from God... and now i'm into testings. honestly, when you wear the armor you are somewhat like placed inside the den of lions... it's up to you on how you overcome the temptation, the battle or perhaps the invitations of sin.
let me share to you ny realizations about each piece of the armor.
i've read that verse in ehisisans and i keep on coming back to it until somehow i was enlightened. i hope that this would somehow influence someone to draw nearer to God as what i'm trying to do with my life. to bring as much people closer to God by living the examples of Jesus...
anyways, the shield of faith is the very armor that we have. it quenches the firey darts of the enemy. it is the very foundation of the armor. FAITH. a five-letter word that seems to capture the essence of life. faith is the very ingredient of our existence. try living in doubt and see how miserable life would be. faith becomes our very foundation. this helps us become firm in God and it would aid us in truly believing in his word.
the helmet of salvation is putting on the right mindset which is the mindset of Christ. if we emulate Jesus, we would surely be spared from temptation's lies. like Jesus we should learn to quote the scripture as we encounter testings...
breastplate of righteousness is the our strongest anchor to goodness. in proverbs, king solomon repeatedly compared the wicked from the righteous and in this respect, we as the Children of God should act as prescribed in the law. let us not allow goodness to leave our very souls...
the belt of truth is our "liberator". notice that when you wear your belts, you don't worry that your skirt or maybe pants would fall becausde thay are all secured in place. analogous to that, our faith and goodness is secured in place when we knoe the truth. remember that the truth will set us all free.
the battleshoes empowers us to be swif, prompt and ready to be obedient in the Lord. compare the two situations:
a warrior went to battle without shoes, his enemy was there fully geared wearing the best battleshoes in town. who do you think would win? obviously the warrior with the shoes would last longer in battle. similarly, we as the warriors of the Lord should be obedient in following the LAW OF LOVE stated by Jesus in the book of Matthew.
the sword of the spirit is the word of God. we knowe that evil offers every lie to entice us. however, if we have a great knowledge of God's truth, then surely we will win the battle.
these are actually very ideal, yet they are really hard to acquire. with our human nature of pride, insecurity and sinfulness, surely it would be hard. BUT, remember Jesus said, "nothing is impossible for a man who bleieves" and i hold on to these words. surely little by little, we would be in full acquaintance and mastery with these pieces in the armor, for as long as we ask for enlightenment and guidance from God...
ad majorem dei gloriam
michael casas =D
isn't it helpful to wear some kind of an armor? let me share to you all the things that i've read from Ephesians 6:10-13 ... it actually talks about the full armor of God...
it consists of...
the shield of faith
helmet of salvation
breastplate of righteousness
belt of truth
battle shoes
sword of the spirit
this armor is incredibly the strongest of all. i've started to "ask" them from God... and now i'm into testings. honestly, when you wear the armor you are somewhat like placed inside the den of lions... it's up to you on how you overcome the temptation, the battle or perhaps the invitations of sin.
let me share to you ny realizations about each piece of the armor.
i've read that verse in ehisisans and i keep on coming back to it until somehow i was enlightened. i hope that this would somehow influence someone to draw nearer to God as what i'm trying to do with my life. to bring as much people closer to God by living the examples of Jesus...
anyways, the shield of faith is the very armor that we have. it quenches the firey darts of the enemy. it is the very foundation of the armor. FAITH. a five-letter word that seems to capture the essence of life. faith is the very ingredient of our existence. try living in doubt
the helmet of salvation is putting on the right mindset which is the mindset of Christ. if we emulate Jesus, we would surely be spared from temptation's lies. like Jesus we should learn to quote the scripture as we encounter testings...
breastplate of righteousness is the our strongest anchor to goodness. in proverbs, king solomon repeatedly compared the wicked from the righteous and in this respect, we as the Children of God should act as prescribed in the law. let us not allow goodness to leave our very souls...
the belt of truth is our "liberator". notice that when you wear your belts, you don't worry that your skirt or maybe pants would fall becausde thay are all secured in place. analogous to that, our faith and goodness is secured in place when we knoe the truth. remember that the truth will set us all free.
the battleshoes empowers us to be swif, prompt and ready to be obedient in the Lord. compare the two situations:
a warrior went to battle without shoes, his enemy was there fully geared wearing the best battleshoes in town. who do you think would win? obviously the warrior with the shoes would last longer in battle. similarly, we as the warriors of the Lord should be obedient in following the LAW OF LOVE stated by Jesus in the book of Matthew.
the sword of the spirit is the word of God. we knowe that evil offers every lie to entice us. however, if we have a great knowledge of God's truth, then surely we will win the battle.
these are actually very ideal, yet they are really hard to acquire. with our human nature of pride, insecurity and sinfulness, surely it would be hard. BUT, remember Jesus said, "nothing is impossible for a man who bleieves" and i hold on to these words. surely little by little, we would be in full acquaintance and mastery with these pieces in the armor, for as long as we ask for enlightenment and guidance from God...
ad majorem dei gloriam
michael casas =D
W.A.H.A.S.
i really enjoy idle moments. actually, i'm making this entry out of boredom... as of now i'm listening to whitney huston sing "one moment in time"... well she's a goos singer and her songs seem to soothe my soul. Ehem... there seems to be something bothering my gray matter at this very point. it might be the lyrics of the song which i am listening now. oh come on... ok i'm down loading it and here it is...
Each day I live
I want to be a day to give the best of me
I'm only one,
but not alone
My finest day is yet unknown
I broke my heart for every gain
To taste the sweet,
I faced the pain
I rise and fall,
Yet through it all this much remains
I want one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreamsAre a heart beat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel, I will feel eternity
I've lived to be the very best
I want it all, no time for less
I've laid the plans
Now lay the chance here in my hands
Give me one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams
Are a heart beat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel, I will feel eternity
You're a winner for a lifetime
If you seize that one moment in time
Make it shine
Give me one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams
Are a heart beat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will be, I will be, I will be free,I will be free
there it goes... well this sort of listening to the song seems like becoming a personal reflection... touching the very essence of my soul, diving to the very depths of my heart and listening to the faintest urge of my soul....
i remember the usual acromym coined by my batchmates W.A.H.A.S.. that seems to be very applicable to this very moment when i ought to go beyond the standards of this faint world... no insecurities... no comparisons... no boundaries... this ideal vision is the real essence of freedom... i always wanted to be free and honestly, i'm struggling to be free from all bonds. luckily, i'm slowly breaking the chains of captivity.
WAHAS... with all heart and soul... we become genuine winnwers in our own respect by seizing every moment of our lives by doing things with all heart and soul... i remember high school days... we can become the very best on our respect without bothering to look at the success of others. sometimes, this leads to insecurity and depression. i honestly experienced these things in the past, but i thought of going beyond and thinking outside the context of insecurity... Why? because i never became mature with that kind of mindset. that was really based on experience.
the answers are all up to us. we all hold the key to our lives. whatever you call yourselves, but let me twll you, you are all responsible for whatever happens to you... thast's being proactive. =D
we rise and fall... no matter what happens go on... never give up... never give up... never give up... this is what i tell myself whenever i stumble or even dumped aside. but it doesen't even matter for me later and sometimes, i laugh at my stupidity during those days...
one moment in time... we all have our dreams, our aspirations and even frustrations. but if we make these moments shine or perhaps make ourselves standout, then obviously, we would surely be where we ought to be.
what more can i say but STAND TALL... remain WAHAS in your own respect and be FREE!!!
-ad majorem dei gloriam-
michael casas =D
Each day I live
I want to be a day to give the best of me
I'm only one,
but not alone
My finest day is yet unknown
I broke my heart for every gain
To taste the sweet,
I faced the pain
I rise and fall,
Yet through it all this much remains
I want one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreamsAre a heart beat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel, I will feel eternity
I've lived to be the very best
I want it all, no time for less
I've laid the plans
Now lay the chance here in my hands
Give me one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams
Are a heart beat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel, I will feel eternity
You're a winner for a lifetime
If you seize that one moment in time
Make it shine
Give me one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams
Are a heart beat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will be, I will be, I will be free,I will be free
there it goes... well this sort of listening to the song seems like becoming a personal reflection... touching the very essence of my soul, diving to the very depths of my heart and listening to the faintest urge of my soul....
i remember the usual acromym coined by my batchmates W.A.H.A.S.. that seems to be very applicable to this very moment when i ought to go beyond the standards of this faint world... no insecurities... no comparisons... no boundaries... this ideal vision is the real essence of freedom... i always wanted to be free and honestly, i'm struggling to be free from all bonds. luckily, i'm slowly breaking the chains of captivity.
WAHAS... with all heart and soul... we become genuine winnwers in our own respect by seizing every moment of our lives by doing things with all heart and soul... i remember high school days... we can become the very best on our respect without bothering to look at the success of others. sometimes, this leads to insecurity and depression. i honestly experienced these things in the past, but i thought of going beyond and thinking outside the context of insecurity... Why? because i never became mature with that kind of mindset. that was really based on experience.
the answers are all up to us. we all hold the key to our lives. whatever you call yourselves, but let me twll you, you are all responsible for whatever happens to you... thast's being proactive. =D
we rise and fall... no matter what happens go on... never give up... never give up... never give up... this is what i tell myself whenever i stumble or even dumped aside. but it doesen't even matter for me later and sometimes, i laugh at my stupidity during those days...
one moment in time... we all have our dreams, our aspirations and even frustrations. but if we make these moments shine or perhaps make ourselves standout, then obviously, we would surely be where we ought to be.
what more can i say but STAND TALL... remain WAHAS in your own respect and be FREE!!!
-ad majorem dei gloriam-
michael casas =D
Monday, October 16, 2006
semestral break
life flies too fast. imagine one semester is over and nine more to come... well well well that sounds great! but with that fact, won't i be idle during those days... i hope not. oh yes i remember, i am supposed to make a research paper, i repeat, research paper on my own... oh my, this would never totally be a break. Shucks... but it's ok since i also miss the rush of doing a research paper. not to mention the emotional torture.
stop complaining michael, you ought to look at the positive side rather than the negative. ok ok... perhaps, i would make the most out of this so that i could learn more and help the persons concerned... well that is bliss... =D
i will make the most out of this semestral break. and yes, the batch party... i'm so excited about it... =D... but as for now, i have nothing else to do but to keep muself busy making the research paper...
ad majorem dei gloriam (",)
-michael casas
stop complaining michael, you ought to look at the positive side rather than the negative. ok ok... perhaps, i would make the most out of this so that i could learn more and help the persons concerned... well that is bliss... =D
i will make the most out of this semestral break. and yes, the batch party... i'm so excited about it... =D... but as for now, i have nothing else to do but to keep muself busy making the research paper...
ad majorem dei gloriam (",)
-michael casas
angels fly though they don't have wings...
angels do fly though they don't have wings.... this wonderful insight hit my mind as i was reflecting on my life for the past days. well, i think that for these past days, i am becoming like an angel. why? because i am learning to let go of the burdens that life may bring... well, it feels really good when you don't hold on to any grudes or any problems in your heart. in short, take things lightly in a sense that you don't really get too attached to them.
i really appreciate that these things are coming out from me, because i get to realize that indeed i am getting more mature and more prudent (to some extent) as i grow old.
so the realization that i got from this passage is to lift to the Lord whatever you do or any problems that might come to view. because remember angels fly not necessarily because they have wings, but they fly because they don't have any baggages in their lives...
ad majorem dei gloriam (",)
-michael casas
i really appreciate that these things are coming out from me, because i get to realize that indeed i am getting more mature and more prudent (to some extent) as i grow old.
so the realization that i got from this passage is to lift to the Lord whatever you do or any problems that might come to view. because remember angels fly not necessarily because they have wings, but they fly because they don't have any baggages in their lives...
ad majorem dei gloriam (",)
-michael casas
Thursday, October 12, 2006
how to have a happy life
we all have been bombarded with life's questions and preoccupations. more than our efforts to have great lives is a question which probably bothered everyone..."how could we evr be happy?"
this question came acroos my very brain... it was timely, because i have been searching for real fulfillment in my life eversince. well, who doesn't want to experience such an ecstatic feeling. well, i get to find some insightful thoughts from my gray matter.
i realized that being happy is being contented. well, life is too short and anyone would never find hapinnes in looking for the things that you don't have.
secondly, happiness is a subjective matter. it is up to the person if he/she chooses to be happy or remain sad.
third, happiness is not always found in the context of achieving and being rich, but mos t of the time, it is found in humility, sacrificing and giving.
fourth, listening helps. when you want to be happy, listen to the people who has gained more experiences than you do. perhaps listern to your parents or mentors.
fifth, happiness is a state of mind. it is up to you if you entertain or reject the thought.
sixth, responsibility over your actions gives you happiness. it is up to you on how you curtail your freedom or how you overuse it for as long us you face the consequences of your actions. being responsible on anything that you do adds less hassle to your life and gives you more freedom.
finally and most importantly, happiness is found from within. HAPPINESS IS INSIDE OUT. when you are happy inside and feel peaceful within you and you think that nothing bothers you then you should be very happy... most of all you should not forget to thank GOD and ask for blessings from HIM, because HE is the fountain of eternal happiness.
(as i was writing this blog entry, it was like that i am giving a sermon to myself, because actually, i'm still looking for the right definition, the right things and the correct perspective of happiness to dwell on in my living)
this question came acroos my very brain... it was timely, because i have been searching for real fulfillment in my life eversince. well, who doesn't want to experience such an ecstatic feeling. well, i get to find some insightful thoughts from my gray matter.
i realized that being happy is being contented. well, life is too short and anyone would never find hapinnes in looking for the things that you don't have.
secondly, happiness is a subjective matter. it is up to the person if he/she chooses to be happy or remain sad.
third, happiness is not always found in the context of achieving and being rich, but mos t of the time, it is found in humility, sacrificing and giving.
fourth, listening helps. when you want to be happy, listen to the people who has gained more experiences than you do. perhaps listern to your parents or mentors.
fifth, happiness is a state of mind. it is up to you if you entertain or reject the thought.
sixth, responsibility over your actions gives you happiness. it is up to you on how you curtail your freedom or how you overuse it for as long us you face the consequences of your actions. being responsible on anything that you do adds less hassle to your life and gives you more freedom.
finally and most importantly, happiness is found from within. HAPPINESS IS INSIDE OUT. when you are happy inside and feel peaceful within you and you think that nothing bothers you then you should be very happy... most of all you should not forget to thank GOD and ask for blessings from HIM, because HE is the fountain of eternal happiness.
(as i was writing this blog entry, it was like that i am giving a sermon to myself, because actually, i'm still looking for the right definition, the right things and the correct perspective of happiness to dwell on in my living)
restful days....(finally)
after that head breaking examination week, im finally here making another blog entry. at last i could finally rest and make up with the people whom i probably "neglected" because of that hectic exam. finally... but, what's more exciting is the upcoming batch party on October 25. so guys see you there... and let us all enjoy one another. that would be the only time when we would be reunited once more after the graduation day... huhuhu. i don't wnat to remember that tearful day. anyways, everyone enjoy your sem break and make the most out of life...
-ad majorem dei gloriam
-ad majorem dei gloriam
Friday, October 06, 2006
living...believing...surviving...and succeeding
oh my goodness... the exam is fast approaching... well it's fine, but really, it is another stressful week. books here and there, they're giving me a headache. but well, what can i do, it's part of every college student's life.
every day, i keep on believing that my efforts would not come to waste. well i think i somehow successful in doing that. believing in whatever you do and believing that you could actually do it are two things which determine the outlook of somone in life.
living and not merely surviving is life's fullfillment. i mean, it feels better if you live in comfort and still acquire the necessary "armor" to face life. it does not always follow that when you give in more, you reap more. you also need to use your head and weigh the consequences of your investment. living for me means making the most of everything that you have. surviving though is groping to live. these are two things that we migh have encountered in one point of our lives. i admit that though i am literally living now, but i'm still struggling to survive from the very hands of uncertainty. i mean, we will all live, but what would happen next? perhaps that's the mystery of life. the power of faith. we live and free ourselves from the bondage of uncertainty with our very faith. as of the moment i am still fortifying my faith in the nurturing environment of ADDU. perhaps, you ought to strengthen your faith too =D.
succeeding is everyman's crown. i attest that every outcome of whatever we do is an evaluation of whatever you have done. but, what really is success? i think it is a word that should be defined individually. we all define success differently, so we all have different perspectives on it.
but behind our every efforts is our GOD!! the hand which guides us everywhere. i testify that once, i was done because of depressions and all, but HE led me to a path which he really palnned for me from the very start. so i tell you let GOD touch you, because HE can do amazing things in your life. take it from me.
-michael casas (",) Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
every day, i keep on believing that my efforts would not come to waste. well i think i somehow successful in doing that. believing in whatever you do and believing that you could actually do it are two things which determine the outlook of somone in life.
living and not merely surviving is life's fullfillment. i mean, it feels better if you live in comfort and still acquire the necessary "armor" to face life. it does not always follow that when you give in more, you reap more. you also need to use your head and weigh the consequences of your investment. living for me means making the most of everything that you have. surviving though is groping to live. these are two things that we migh have encountered in one point of our lives. i admit that though i am literally living now, but i'm still struggling to survive from the very hands of uncertainty. i mean, we will all live, but what would happen next? perhaps that's the mystery of life. the power of faith. we live and free ourselves from the bondage of uncertainty with our very faith. as of the moment i am still fortifying my faith in the nurturing environment of ADDU. perhaps, you ought to strengthen your faith too =D.
succeeding is everyman's crown. i attest that every outcome of whatever we do is an evaluation of whatever you have done. but, what really is success? i think it is a word that should be defined individually. we all define success differently, so we all have different perspectives on it.
but behind our every efforts is our GOD!! the hand which guides us everywhere. i testify that once, i was done because of depressions and all, but HE led me to a path which he really palnned for me from the very start. so i tell you let GOD touch you, because HE can do amazing things in your life. take it from me.
-michael casas (",) Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
michael casas: doing things in the tradition of excellence with the LORD
this has been my battlecry since high school, perhaps my life also revolves on this credo. i am thankful and very thankful to God because through the years of my existence, he has been guiding me all along the way. it is so nice that when you put your trust in the LORD, everything goes on smoothly. not to mention my failure in the singapore scholarship interview. it was perhaps 5 months ago. that experience was so painful, i tell you. but, despite the down moments that i've experienced, the "draining" moment was transformed by the LORD as a "crowning" moment. i am now with ateneo de davao. a thing which i was reluctant of accepting, but now, im learning to love and be contented of what i have. GOD is really good all the time, because my dream and strife towards excellence was not successful in that instant. maybe, it was not in the plans of GOD for me. well, indeed im getting more mature...=D. the moral of this passage could be that as we go on with our daily tasks, we ought to be dedicated towards excellence, but we should not expect so much that we forget listening to the voice of GOD who knows best for all of us.
-Michael Casas (",)
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
-Michael Casas (",)
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
college life
well, we really have to move on. i don't know but as we move on different levels of life, we experience turbulence which might hamper our growth. that is what its like in college. you have to be busy, even if it seems nonesense, but you have no choice (and i have no choice as well) perhaps all of us. but it does not mean that we have to make ourselves affected. i mean, we have to rise above every situations... get out of that lukewarm water and see the reality in this hot steamy world without losing hope. im actually tired but really, im keeping myself positive (i mean trying to keep myself positive.) that is life, perhaps my story is like your story... but why don't we just pray? nothing is impossible in the LORD remember? oh come on michael, you got to be tough if you wish to be the person whom you wanted to be!
lead me by the hand and make me face the rising sun oh GOD...
lead me by the hand and make me face the rising sun oh GOD...
Thursday, September 28, 2006
at last
thank you lord that you have allowed me to create a blog!!! this is a dream come true... well my friends, let's get connected through this... i hope that you would put your comments suggestins and messeges etc. feel free to browse, but this is still under construction.
(",)-michael casas
(",)-michael casas
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