Blessing: Being part of the 18 Candles

It’s already 11:30pm and way past my promised bed time. I actually needed a lot of rest tonight for it will be a long day tomorrow. How long you might ask? Well there’s work in the morning, and my friend Tin-tin’s 18^th birthday after that. I am surprised to be part of the program and since I wanted to come prepared tomorrow night for I tend to stutter and get sidetracked from what I’m supposed to say, I thought and asked God for the right message to give to this special person.

And God’s word for me to be said to her was: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…” Ecclesiastes 12:1

(Time to press rewind and let’s have a flashback a little bit…)

Let me take you to a week of never-ending complaints about everything. I really thought it’s just the time of the month that I’m hormonal, getting irritated even by the slightest error, I was pissed a lot by even the most trivial things at work. My patience seems to get attenuated each day, for there are such things left to be criticized. I was practically asking for advise to people who mentored me if I should start thinking of transferring, preferably away from people who makes me irate.

I always complain and my sister, friends can attest to that. I asked God for answers, signs, wisdom on what my next move; what would be my next plan. Apparently, I feel like there’s no answer because a week had passed that it’s all basically the same. The same drama, same complaint, same dialogues, it’s exhausting.

But now, flash-forwarding to where I am now, typing this unplanned post, I was reminded by God to remember Him in every season I’m in. My! Was I rebuked? Of course! No doubt about it.

God wanted me to enjoy my youth, that any pressure I’m feeling now, every worry and troubled spirit must be put to silence and to trust in Him who knows everything on the present and what will come ahead in the future. He reminded me that in every challenge, in every situation, in every emotion, in every season of my life, winning and losing; high or low; in tears and in laughter; I must remember Him.

I love this verse “Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see. But know that for all this things God will bring you judgment.” God wanted us to fulfill the season we are in. To be happy in this life that was given to us, but to do it with prudency. God doesn’t encourage us to live a life not in accordance to His will and purpose, so that’s why He reminded us that on a given day, no one can really know though, He’ll be the judge.

This is too good to be kept inside that’s why I blog. God’s word is just so powerful and when we ask Him for clarity, He gives it on a perfect time, never too early or too late. Just perfect moment.

So notwithstanding all my restless attempt for career change, and seeking answers if I should do this or do that, God helped me figure out what I must do, what I must prioritize and put to heart on doing…

“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the WHOLE DUTY of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

It can't be any clearer. J

photo credit: Tintin Franco

What Coach Carter taught me..

I can’t possibly remember how many times I’ve watched this movie. That is how often I used to put this movie on the DVD player whenever I wanted to relax. Some people call it very time-consuming, amusing and unproductive. Nevertheless, this is my best version of stress reliever, watching my favorite movies over and over again.

SYNOPSIS: (from IMDB.com)

In 1999, Ken Carter, a successful sporting goods store owner, accepts the job of basketball coach for his old high school in a poor area of Richmond, CA, where he was a champion athlete. As much dismayed by the poor attitudes of his players as well as their dismal play performance, Carter sets about to change both. He immediately imposes a strict regime typified in written contracts that include stipulations for respectful behavior, a dress code and good grades as requisites to being allowed to participate. The initial resistance from the boys is soon dispelled as the team under Carter's tutelage becomes a undefeated competitor in the games. However, when the overconfident team's behavior begins to stray and Carter learns that too many players are doing poorly in class, he takes immediate action. To the outrage of the team, the school and the community, Carter cancels all team activities and locks the court until the team shows acceptable academic improvement. In the ensuing debate, Carter fights to keep his methods, determined to show the boys that they need to rely on more than sports for their futures and eventually finds he has affected them more profoundly than he ever expected. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)

What I love about this film is aside from the fact that it’s based on true to life story. It never fails to inspire me. Just by seeing the character the casts portrayed for the first time, it reflects hopelessness. But this is what makes the movie outstanding… one person never gave up. Little by little he made change. I was reminded, if he can, why can’t we?

The lessons I learned in this movie are so many that I have to share them according to how I enlisted them on my sticky notes. Hehe! Here they go.

RESPECT IS EARNED. I heard from one pastor that respect can’t be demanded, thus, earned. The moment Coach Carter met the kids, he already gave the impression not to fear him, but to show them that he deserves respect. This actually brings me to another thought, if respect can be earned, it can also be lost.

DISCIPLINE. My dreaded word. Hahaha. It’s really hard. In this movie, Coach Carter remained firm on his purpose, his rules, his methods. His patience just overwhelms me. When he saw the kids for the first time, he already knew Discipline is what they needed. Not just to be able to win games, but to win every hardship in life.

CHANGE DOESN’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. True enough, it won’t. It’s alike to losing weight, getting good grades, excelling at work. It can be a little frustrating and more often than not, you actually GET frustrated. One thing we have to remember, is that gradual changes are still changes. Changes are what we wanted right? Even if it takes baby steps, one day we’ll all reach to that point, where everything IS changed.

VICTORY IS SWEET WHEN IT’S HARD-EARNED. Whether it’s a game that you’ve practiced so much for, or this new gadget that you’ve been saving up for by means of countless overnights at the office, whether it would be the new figure that you are flaunting now courtesy of smart dieting and exercising, the moment we achieve such things is tremendous and priceless when we put our best efforts in it.

SINCE WHEN WINNING IS NOT ENOUGH? This is where the molding of character comes in. Coach Carter quoted this when his players taunt their opponent on the court. "Since when winning is not enough" that they have to mock other players just to show that they’re the best. It’s not greatness that shines, but arrogance. I was reminded to ask God for humility in every situation.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE A VISION. Visualize who you wanted to be, where you wanted to be and how you’ll get there. Do it in boundaries of longevity. The picture must be a painting of a life that is ahead from what you are now. However, be careful what you paint on it. Having plans are important. It’s not only logical but biblical as well. We have to have a vision for our lives. The better it would be if we form it in accordance to how God wants to direct our steps.

THERE’S NO “I” IN TEAM. “But there’s a ‘ME’ though if you jumble it up.” Hahaha! I remember Dr. Gregory House saying that. But kidding aside, it’s true. You play a part for the team, and the other part will be played by your teammates, you collaborate together to achieve your common goal. When one person segues from that goal, for sure, he’ll carry the whole team with him. That person can be you or anyone within the team, just think in caution, where you wanted to lead the team? victory or defeat?

That's all for now. For those who haven’t watched the movie, Please do so. I assure you that it’s a great one. And would make you watch it over and over again. I hope this would come as a blessing to you just as it did to me. God bless.