Persevere! (Study!)

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award unto me on that day." - Paul (2 Timothy 4:7-8)


People in the academe and the "intellectual" fields honor God with the minds He gave them. That's a double, even triple whammy for me: I'm a university teacher, a graduate student, and a Sunday school teacher. But like any other divine appointment, it is God who enables those He calls. I may get tired sometimes, but the feelings of fulfillment and living out your purpose are well worth it.

I've been plagued by discouragement many times: from people, failure, and distractions. If this were a race, I've stumbled, fallen, and run off course. But God simply encourages us to just get back on track:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." - Paul (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Just keep at it. The more steps we take in the right direction, the more empowered we feel, and the more encouraged we are to finish the race.

Persevere! And if you're a student: Study Hard and Study Well! :)



Image credits:
http://cdn.bills.com/images/articles/originals/GoodIdea.jpg
http://blogchase.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Study-Hard.jpg
http://images.travelpod.com/tripwow/photos/ta-0113-e42c-20fa/study-hard-nanjing-china+1152_13001086172-tpfil02aw-12181.jpg
http://blueprintprep.com/lsatblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Alex-lsat-blog-coffee-study2.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9n4cOETGYvgLmuUGAETjesiCIYcu4SwTKeTp5UnWHvxsvgC0LBsrLc4o4ZKwJghj4F62zYoSnDBXPWxox1l-o_mDF-nE2wecLVYMzBwfzPNfkxw4A-9kBJPoEVgvDj5IXkSs/s1600/paintings%252C+coffee+024.JPG
http://imgix.8tracks.com/i/000/213/692/c/study-7304.jpg?fm=jpg&q=65
http://schoolofrockpaperscissors.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/coffee-tea-bible-study.jpg
http://litreactor.com/news/study-shows-coffee-shops-foster-creativity-through-ambient-noise
http://blog.loyola.edu/thestudy/files/girl-studying-science-M.jpg
http://c3e3.com/hpu/unhappytstudent.jpg
http://imgix.8tracks.com/mix_covers/000/831/506/97944.original.jpg?fm=jpg&q=65&sharp=15&vib=10&w=521&h=521&fit=crop
http://www.desktopwallpaperhd.com/wallpapers/8/4022.jpg
http://www.otea.info/wp-content/uploads/study-.jpg

Feb 4 2013

This day is important to me because:

• For the first time, I sent someone (two students) to the Disciplinary Office for cheating. Verbal reminders and personal confrontations are not enough --- people (myself included) don't learn until we reap the consequences of our actions. "God disciplines those He loves" (Hebrews), and so should we.

•  For the first time in over a year, I returned to our research lab. Not much has changed there, it seems, but I feel I've changed much. What I couldn't do before, I could do now. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." (Philippians)

• For the first time in weeks, I chose to go home early (as in, the sun hasn't set yet). For a long time I needed to get my energy level up; now that it's up, I need to get going. I'm distinguishing between goals (ex: graduate) and means (ex: dance). "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians)

• I'm using a laptop given to me by my uncle and aunt, and I'll be using a cell phone I "inherited" from my brother. Very good gadgets that I didn't lift a finger to get. "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all -- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans)

Plus there are the everyday (but always special) blessings like my family, a fulfilling job, supportive friends, enough finances and yummy food. Thank You, thank You.


"In everything, give thanks." (1 Thessalonians)

:) :)

(Hey! And the day isn't even done yet ;) )

Deo Volente

Deo Volente. God willing.


Below is my sked for the next few months. (This was last term's.) Teacher in the mornings, Student in the evenings. Reserve a Sabbath day for worship-slash-rest: far from being a luxury, it's one of God's Ten Commands and a necessary pressure valve for professionals.)

It's been a while since I've been this confident about setting goals and reaching them  ;)

Because nowadays I'm learning to stop wrestling against God (His Will vs. mine) and learning how to wrestle with Him (against my selfish self, my laziness, my fear, my distractions).

Finally, I'm willing what He has been willing all along. And that's the only reason why I know I will succeed. ♥

The Enduring Schoolgirl's Prayer

"Strength! Courage!" 
     --- God to Joshua

"When I was an infant... I gurgled and cooed like any infant.
When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good."
     --- Paul to the Corinthians

"Make sure you don't take things for granted 
and go slack in working for the common good;
share what you have with others.
God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship --- a different kind of 'sacrifice' ---
that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets."
     --- Letter to the Hebrews


I'm happy to be grown up and all, but there's one thing I do miss from my childhood days: that RUSH to get my schoolwork done. Believe it or not, there was a time I finished my homework before I reached home. 8-D

Now, I'm not like that anymore. Which is why I'm still a schoolgirl.

So my prayer for this season is to just do it. Sit down and finish *it* already. 

Yes, wisdom ultimately comes from God, and there are other things I also have to do, but...

• I pray for the courage to face my thesis :) ;
• I pray for the endurance to go on even when I'm discouraged, afraid, lazy, busy, distracted, and whatever excuse I can come up with;
• I pray for motivation, even enjoyment, just like in those grade school days;
• I pray for the endurance even when I'm not motivated nor enjoying what I'm doing.

 

http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/kids/schooling/my-school-website-to-reveal-

how-much-children-improve-20101122-182qt.html

Hay, Lord. :)  I don't want to be a schoolgirl anymore --- I want to be more mature, responsible, and to graduate already...

But I do miss that get-that-schoolwork-done attitude. And that giddy-as-a-schoolgirl feeling of accomplishment ♥  Let's go Lord!

Build up the kids, you build up the future :)

The constructive approach is constructive; the destructive/punitive approach is destructive.

This is a very good read whether you're in the academe or not. It explores the psychological, emotional, and biological effects of constructive education:

Lincoln High School in Walla Walla, WA, tries new approach to school discipline — suspensions drop 85%



“If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, you’re going to have a much harder time concentrating in school and being able to complete your work.”  

“We tell our kids we love them. They’re important to us.”

“When students understand they’re not responsible for the family they were born into, but they are responsible for who they will become as adults, and when they can see the power in that, it’s just amazing what happens.” 

"We accept them for who they are. Their future is more important than their past.” 

"One of the keys has been a staff that embraces two basic concepts: toxic stress prevents kids from learning, and moving from a punitive approach to a supportive, educational approach changes behavior. Gordon says it’s also the unconditional love that the teachers at Lincoln High show the kids on a regular basis."

thesis it. ;)

Alryty, so I have so many questions about stuff. (Mainly love life hahaha.)

And ever the optimist, I just look at it this way:

At least, my thesis is doable.

Thesis it! The time, the funds, the energy, the attitude, the inclination, plus all the motivation to finally do it.

So help me God. :)


James 4:13-15:
     Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit” — yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.
     What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
     Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

Worship God, not objects

Last Monday, classes in many Manila schools were suspended. Not because there was a natural disaster, nor because we wanted to extend the Christmas vacation for just one more day. Nay, it was the feast of the Black Nazarene.

This statue is the object of weekly masses and three annual processions [Wikipedia]. The January 9 procession is attended by millions, so much so that scores get injured or even killed in stampedes, and the government even took measures this year to avoid a potential terrorist attack.

Though some of my relatives are devotees of the Nazarene and are proud to have touched the statue themselves, the magnitude and cultural significance of it all hasn't really affected me until now. ("Really? Classes suspended for this? Terrorist threat?")

Which is why, I am all the more glad to see this reminder on our campus Facebook page:

 
"Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the LORD your God." - Leviticus 26:1


IDOL = image, statue, object. Anything, anyone that is not God Himself.

Some people argue that they are simply "honoring" or "venerating" these reminders of God's presence. That sounds well and good. But:

(1) God Himself said, "Do not MAKE, do not SET UP."

(2) God Himself said, "Do not BOW DOWN."


Let me ask you: Why fight your way to see and touch a "reminder" of Someone who is already with you, who already saved you?


If we want to worship God, let's follow what He says. "Do not worship idols."

Thank You (Jan 13, 2012)

Thank You Lord for:
* snorkeling ♥
* Iloilo getaway with friends from work
* Kenny's break-fast with friends from church
* letting me teach my fave subject once more
* the time, the money, the discipline
* my new home away from home ^_^
* more faith in the One who's in control

It's only the 13th of the first month and great things are already here. Here's to an awesome year! All glory to God ♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Thanks to Bless, Resmond and Arvin for the pics :) )

Thank You (December 3, 2011)

And I want to thank You
For giving me the best day of my life
And, oh, just to be with You
Is having the best day of my life
 - Dido 


Thank You, Lord, for this season of growth. I'm back to (real) work after four years, and it's my heaviest work load ever. The word "transition" is an understatement. :) This season, it seems that every day I have to make a "life" decision aside from the daily issues of what to wear, eat, and teach. Finally growing into myself, eh? :) 


Thank You for the freedom. I'm listening to Snow Patrol's "Called Out in the Dark", over and over again. The phrase "We do not need to be told" suddenly struck me. I've been obsessing about deciding in accordance with *God's Will*, but how much of that is based out of --- again --- fear? Some decisions are clear enough already, while some options are equally good; do I still have to be told? Thank You for the freedom to decide in the present, for my future.

Interestingly, according to the lyrics sites, the phrase is actually "(our rain-washed histories, well) they do not need to be told." That's a different message, but it still points back to God setting me free from my past. Thank You for the freedom to start anew. 


Thank You for them movies :) I got to watch my top two favorite movies of all time (at least for now) - "One More Chance", and "Easy A", back to back. I love a good story, where you get not just feel-good entertainment, but wisdom too. Thank You Lord, for cable TV, and for Your perfect screening times :) (Thanks also to my previous fave movie, "Forrest Gump", and to a future fave --- may it be completed --- "Redeeming Love".) 


Thank You for all things new. A few days ago, one friend of my father's gave him a phone, and another gave him a battery for his current phone. What seemed redundant at first is now simply providential: I just lost my phone with all contacts, pictures and information therein. So just like that, I get a "new" phone, minus all the baggage of the past. Teci, let's not waste this opportunity to start afresh --- in phone contacts and relationships in general, in work, in life. 


Thank You for my body. Cliche but true --- my body (and yours!) is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. What am I doing to take care of it? I'm slimming down due to stress, and the constraints of time and money. My fitness trainer brother keeps on reminding me that regular exercise is a much better alternative. Hopefully, when I board near UP Diliman, I can get to jog, swim, play football, and do aero/tae/bo/dance again. Help me take care of my body Lord, for my sake and Your glory! 


Thank You for the attention. Nowadays I get a lot of attention, including much intrigue and gossip. While I never asked for fame (!), it is rather useful for a blogger like me who believes she has something to say. (A lot actually.) I used to enjoy corrupting people's minds --- it's a good thing nobody paid much attention then! :p 


Thank You for my bro. Dexter graciously gave me his iPod when I needed to fill in the long commute to work (from San Mateo, Rizal, to FEU in Sampaloc, Manila). I'm now listening to his downloaded Joel Osteen podcasts on overcoming fear and moodiness --- that being consistent and stable are acts of faith. My issues right now are about discipline and self-control and taking responsibility for my actions. "The LORD disciplines those He loves," the Bible tells us twice.

Just a month earlier, while I was (am) still wavering in career decisions, Dex also recommended that I watch "3 Idiots". I said I read about it in Wikipedia already. "No, you have to watch it," and I did that same night on his laptop. Yup, watching it is an experience. And so, Ma'am Teci made her students watch it. (All of them, by the way, are engineering majors like the lead characters.) Thanks bro. 


Thank You for my parents. And their unconditional support. (Need I say more?)


Thank You for new relationships. The old ones are great and are still there, but I'm happy because now I have more. After sixteen years (!) studying, teaching and living in the district of Diliman Quezon City, everything and everyone in old Manila is new for me. I'm learning a lot and am being so blessed by the people I encounter - parental figures (who readily share their advice, exams, food and money hihi), peers (who like me are just a thesis away from graduating!), and students (for me, the one thing better than teaching, is the fact that I'm ministering to people). Just like that, I'm going to Iloilo next month with new friends (Lyza, Sharol, Bless), to attend the wedding of a new friend (Emee). And last night, Emee introduced me to her friend Ann, who just might be our newest colleague. Life is good, no, great.

God says, "It is not good for man to be alone". That's true for me too. On my first day in my new work, I also caught our local church's "Singles' Getaway". I got to talk with one of our pastors (Hi Kuya Edge!) who exhorted me to get out of my way to be with other people whenever I find myself alone. I go back to that advice every now and then. When I was boarding alone, in a new city with nothing but the papers I have to check and the life decisions I have to make, I immediately understood why solitary people are more likely to commit suicide. It's great to be alone with God, preferably quality time with quantity, but the rest of the day is for applying what I've learned, what He's sent me to do. Thank You, thank You for relationships :) 


Thank You for my work. I am currently a physics and math teacher in Far Eastern University - East Asia College. I've grown a lot from the time when I taught out of convenience or comfort or just because everyone else (in my field) is doing it. Now I do it because I want to. I've been a teacher since I was in fifth grade so it was easy to take it for granted. But now, I am realizing how special it is to find something (1) you're really good in, (2) that you love doing, (3) that people would pay you to do, and (4) that blesses everyone involved, including me. 


Thank You for my finances. Thank You for providing for me and I am sorry for ever doubting You. Thank You for taking care of me, and enabling me to support and take care of others too. Thank You even for the season of famine, to remind me that (1) man does not live on bread alone but on Your Word, (2) You are in control, not me nor circumstances, (3) You are the owner but I am a manager/steward. May I be more responsible. :) 


Thank You for clear boundaries. "Everything is permissible," the Bible says, "but not everything is beneficial." I thank You for Your boundaries, so I can thrive within my limits instead of wandering aimlessly. Indeed, these are limits that actually liberate. 


Thank You for having a lot of things to thank about. This was supposed to be a quick blog entry. 


Thank You for You. Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of Man, said that He came here to give life and life to the full. I am living proof that He does.



How about you, dear reader? Would you like to experience God -- The Answer to all your needs and wants... The One Who Is More Than Enough?

Try inviting Him into your life, to make Himself known to you. To show Himself. If you need help, you can ask for it. (A little humility is worth the answers He's going to give.)

May we all find so many reasons to thank Him, that we can't thank Him enough. :)

My baby turns 6 :)

My baby turns six... And I'm one proud mommy...

It's been six years to the month since I posted my first blog entry.

Which means, it's been over six years since God said, "Write for Me,"...

And over six years that I've been blessed with the insights from Him, and even more blessed that I get to share them with others...

Just today, our pastor said we are sub-creators and co-workers with God. In the context of writing, that would mean I'm a co-author and collaborator with Him in sharing the Good News. (It's easy to determine who says what --- the impulsive, ungracious trains of thought are mine. :p )

A six-year-old child can already think and act for himself, learn independently even. A six-year-old blog, on the other hand, would survive depending on the relevance of the subject matter and the commitment of its 'parents'. Well, God is nothing if not relevant, but am I still available... and inspired?

The same God who told me to write for Him has also called me to do other things: Work as a science/math/everything-else teacher, Research as a PhD Physics student, Love as a patient single woman. Too busy to write? These days I feel like I'm too busy to breathe!


"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)


But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. (Revelation 2:4)


Back to first things first: LOVE GOD.

Then... LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Then... Obey. Live my life to the fullest! Maximize! Excellence... Carpe diem!

And... if my schedule permits, or if the Spirit compels, then blog about it. ASAP.


Happy birthday, Teci's Testimony. We still have miles to go before I sleep, so be excited ;)

(And of course, THANK YOU GOD for my growing baby. :) )

because i'm (already) with the King

For all my worries and troubles...

because I am already in Christ, and He is already in me...

I'm already king. :)





I'm Already King
by Christian Bautista
from the movie Special Symphony


This is the time
I have to believe
No one can take my faith away

And I’m flying through the night
Flying to the sky
And go higher and higher again
And go higher and higher again

I’m already king
In my own empire
I’m already here
I’ve already reached my desires
No one can take my dreams away

And I’m flying through the night
Flying to the sky
And go higher and higher again
And go higher and higher again

I’m already king
I’m already king

And I’m flying through the night
Flying to the sky
And go higher and higher again
And go higher and higher again

And I’m flying through the night
Flying to the sky
And go higher and higher again
And go higher and higher again

I’m already king
In my own empire
I’m already here
I’ve already reached my desires


Cause I’m with You

Teacher's and teachers' roles

"The greatest of teachers said: 'The seed is the word.'
The true teacher stirs the ground and sows the seed."
     - John Milton Gregory, quoted in "Teaching to Change Lives"

Living, Learning, Teaching

Be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern
what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
(Romans 12:2)


I bought this book years ago, but never got to read it. At first, I was too busy with my actual teaching duties. Then I left teaching completely, to focus on my dissertation. (As a prof of mine used to say, "How's your Physics problem?" Answer: "It's still a problem.")

I bought this book, heartily recommended it to Ron (who eventually became a teacher too), got it back from her, literally shelved it for years... And now, just as I'm returning to the teacher way of life, this book reappears. (This time, I'm ready, willing and able to actually read it.)

Then and now, I'm remembering my love for my students. Back then, I loved them enough to help them rather than myself, i.e., to teach rather than do my research. And when I could not teach wholeheartedly, I chose not to teach at all.

(Some would say, I have poor work ethic and time management skills. That's right, I'm still learning. But given those weaknesses, I am still standing by the career decisions I made years ago. Hopefully my more responsible colleagues would also use their heart every now and then. ;) )

So now I'm teaching part-time. I love the diversity of the subject matter, and the flexibility of the schedule. And, it's easier for me to interact with the students holistically --- asking "How are you?" and really caring about the answer, rather than just checking on one's grammar or punctuation.

So it's funny that unlike "other" matters, my calling to teach came about in a roundabout way. It is God's will for each of us to be good in some things, and have the desire to master those things and impart what we know. Simply put, that is teaching --- whether you are being paid by a university or hired by your friend's mom's neighbor or asked by your little brother.

Back then, I did not want to do anything that was not explicitly God's will for me. Now... I'm learning that teaching is. :) 


"Teaching to Change Lives: Seven Proven Ways to Make Your Teaching Come Alive," by Dr. Howard Hendricks. Simply written yet highly effective. You can order the book here.

Give to receive: Teacher learns something new

Today I was pleasantly surprised to learn a new study "trick". Especially since I realized it in the middle of teaching someone else. (Thank You Holy Spirit.)

I'm reminded about why maintaining this blog is a delight and never a chore. It goes beyond the urge for self-expression. Sharing about God blesses not just the hearers but the messenger too. 


A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. 
     - Proverbs 11:25 

By this kind of hard work we must help the weak,
remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said:
"It is more blessed to give than to receive."
     - Acts 20:35 


Indeed, ultimately:

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it,
but whoever loses their life for Me and for the gospel will save it.
     - Jesus (Mark 8:35)


Makes me excited about the new things I'll be learning in the next days. :)

A student's sure answer

A physics major talks about being uncertain (no more) in Christ. (We belong to the same research laboratory and the same local church.)

We finally have a way and right to be certain - no more estimation. We don’t have to estimate whether we have done enough good works to earn ourselves a spot in heaven. We don’t have to worry ourselves to death on whether we’ve believed in Him enough for Him to spare us the pain of hell. Why, because the job is already done. Our sins have been paid at a price (Yes, you’re a sinner and so am I.) Don't get me wrong, there are things that we do have to trust Him for - things in our life that we still do not see. But God will never forsake us. And the one thing that we cannot be uncertain of, he made certain for us already.

Keep on discovering and sharing the truth, Haneka :)

The Obvious Post

'Obvious,' a teacher of mine said
In our field, the term is near derogatory
It is considered a waste of time pointing out what we all know to be true

But if such a thing is true, and obvious even,
     how come in that person's life
     it's not obvious, but hidden
     perhaps, forgotten

And so I resolve to keep on stating the obvious
     to people who agree with their heads and stop there

I will speak the obvious
     until its truth is seen
     not just in ideals but in actions

Straighten out those A's

    ‎"The [general weighted average] is just a measure of being a good student. But does that make you a good person? Does that make you a productive member of society?... It’s not fair to (focus so much on) points... I kind of just forgot it because real life is different. That’s the UP spirit: not just brains, but also a big heart and the hand to serve." - Dr. Gert Gwendale Baron, GWA 1.03 (where perfect GWA = 1). From this article.

It doesn't matter if you got straight A's in school.
Life is what happens outside the classroom.

So what if your head is filled with facts?
Wisdom is making good use of what you know
     --- heck, it's making good use even when you don't know

Has your knowledge guided you in improving your life,
     and those of others, even?
And by "improvement", I don't mean getting rich
     --- we probably all know of people who find more fulfillment
     in giving money than in receiving

Has your knowledge helped you beyond inflating your ego,
     or have you realized that there's no end to erecting that tower
     of pride to the high heavens,
     and that even if you win the rat race
     you're still a rat
?

Straight A's could still lead to crooked living
     (Believe me, I've seen, and I know)

It's one thing to know the right thing and another to do it
     If you're like this
     You probably know this but aren't doing anything about it

Perhaps like Socrates, you only know that you don't know
     and that doesn't help much

If I may just share
     "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD,"
     where fear means reverence and respect
     for the One who knows all
     for the One who actually knows better than you or me
If there's one thing I know that works, it's this
     Perhaps you know too, or not, or have forgotten

Give Him a try
Test His judgments against yours
And you just might learn something new.

Fighting a battle that isn't really ours

People have different beliefs. How far will we go to defend them? When do we submit to authority, and when do we continue fighting?

Here are two perspectives from the article: Transsexual coed tells UP prof: I am not a ‘he’. (Thanks to Cyril Sadia and Michiko Alcanzare for the heads up. :) )

"She also told me that she cannot separate being a Christian from who she was as a teacher. She then continued that she believed that homosexuality was a sin, and it was due to this reason that she cannot allow herself to address and accept me as female...
"My pronouns are MY pronouns. I don't care who your God is, but I will not let you take my gender identity away from me."
- Hender Gercio, transsexual student, "Stop Transphobia/Homophobia in UP Diliman!"

"While it is true that Ma’am Nikki [Del Corro] is the authority figure in the classroom, she has never used her authority to influence the class or Hender herself. Her own address of Hender as il did not stop the rest of the class from referring to Hender as elle and, again, neither did she try to...
"Language and speech have immense power. For Hender, not being addressed as elle is the denial of her identity, her sense of self, the sacredness of her belief, whereas for Ma’am Nikki [Del Corro] words that she chooses, the words that come out of her mouth, this same address of Hender as elle, is a violation of her own sense of self as an evangelical Christian, which puts above all else the authority of the bible.
"If we don’t understand either of these beliefs, if we think one or the other is ultimately wrong, we attempt to inform each other. Failing conversion on either side, we agree to disagree."
- Gercio's classmates, “On Mutual Respect"

The other main character in this issue, professor Dominique del Corro, chooses to remain silent for now as Gercio is still her student this semester. I think she shows much wisdom in tackling a very controversial issue: balancing her personal beliefs, academic authority, and respect for her fellowmen. Even her silence right now shows considerable tact. May we all do the same.

I can relate to this issue on so many levels: as a former UP Diliman teacher, as an undergraduate in the same campus, and yes, as someone who was previously confused but now relies on the Bible's teaching regarding gender and sexuality.

As Christians, we hold on to Jesus as the Only Way, Truth and Life. How does that apply to homosexuality? What about all other issues? How do we point out "sin" while obeying the command to "Love one another"?

"Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not." - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King

Such issues need to be addressed. Either we are for God or against Him. The good news is, following God does not mean fighting everyone else. We Christians are fighting for our fellowman, by fighting beliefs that run contrary to God's revealed Word. Even better news:

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." - Jesus, John 14:26

It's not our battle, not our war. The enemy is not the people we are sharing to, either.

Christians, we have a King --- let's use His weapons: the sword of the Spirit (the word of God, the gospel of Peace), the breastplate of Faith and Love, the helmet of Hope of Salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:8, Ephesians 6:10-17)

Besides, the outcome of the war is already known. The only question is, "Whose side are we on?"

To do list, as of Sep 4 2010

"God loves me just the way I am."

"Yes God loves you just the way you are...
but how much do you love yourself?"


To do list, as of Sep 4 2010:
1. Research 1.
2. Research 2.
3. Research 3.
4. Love myself more in the next two months.

Status, as of Sep 7 2010:
1. Ongoing.
2. Ongoing.
3. Ongoing.
4. Ongoing.

"When I first started, everything seemed curious and full of wonder..."

http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=1281

"When I first started, everything seemed curious and full of wonder..."


"He wrote short stories and poems while still in grad school..."


"People only remember him for his non-academic work."