Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!
At first, my naive mind thought that Paradise really got lost. But thank Good Grace, a new realization came clearing off the scales that blurred my vision - that it wasn't Paradise that got lost. For, Paradise never got lost and never will it get lost. As it was in the beginning, so IT IS and WILL EVER BE forever.
What got lost though was the yielding victims of the tricky tempter - the archenemy of Truth, the serpent of old, Satan The Devil, whose fate is doomed to eternal damnation.
Today, the good news is: The enlightened contemporary mind knows better that more than a millennium and a half before John Milton's 17th century PARADISE LOST, the veil of the temple in Jerusalem was already torn signifying the breaking down of the barrier that separated the earth from Heaven, or for that matter, the fallen man from the Holy, Righteous & Glorious God. All because of the ONCE AND FOR ALL Supreme Sacrifice of the Lamb of God - Jesus, The WORD INCARNATE - whose precious blood cleansed the iniquities of the believing humankind.
Believers, ARISE!...look and see Paradise so close right under the nose!
GOOD CHEERS!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Beyond the COMFORT ZONE of "Good Life"
Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!
For almost a decade (1997-2006), me and my nuclear family have had our share of life's ebb and flow through "Sweat-tears-blood" in our ancestral farm in Southern Mindanao, Philippines.
For the most part, the decision to move out of the relatively "Good Life" we, as a family, used to enjoy in the metropolis during the late 1980s to early 1990s was solely based on my convicted personal discretion. In a nutshell, my decision was predetermined and predisposed by a persistent moral prodding to attend to the "Unfinished Business" among other unresolved side issues involving the orphaned ancestral family, following the demise of my old man on 5th August 1990.
At first, my wife had a hard time getting into the "Why" and core of what I was up to in my leaving behind the privileged post I was holding in a corporate business establishment in San Juan, Metro Manila. Furthermore, my wife (Bless her) couldn't figure out how things would turn out after leaving behind our COMFORT ZONE in the metropolis to tread into a far flung and underdeveloped territory, not to mention the probable "Culture Shock" our young family might encounter in a indigenous socio-cultural tribal milieu.
Well, those hard and trying episode of our life is, of course, behind us now. As I write, we are back to where we, as a family, started off some two and a half decades ago in the 1980s. Indeed, life's journey has turned full circle as I see it. Only this time, ours has stepped up to a fulfilling and promising dimension.
Friend in the blogosphere, life is, indeed, dynamic. It's a journey. And, in our moving on, we can't do away with making major decisions as circumstances, situations and conditions within and without summon our will to follow and obey as convicted.
Whatever it is that we are up to, believe and trust, we are not alone. Someone Bigger and Higher in the Great Somewhere without and within knows best.
Love, Joy, Peace, Wisdom, Good Health, Prosperity be with you also!
GOOD CHEERS!
For almost a decade (1997-2006), me and my nuclear family have had our share of life's ebb and flow through "Sweat-tears-blood" in our ancestral farm in Southern Mindanao, Philippines.
For the most part, the decision to move out of the relatively "Good Life" we, as a family, used to enjoy in the metropolis during the late 1980s to early 1990s was solely based on my convicted personal discretion. In a nutshell, my decision was predetermined and predisposed by a persistent moral prodding to attend to the "Unfinished Business" among other unresolved side issues involving the orphaned ancestral family, following the demise of my old man on 5th August 1990.
At first, my wife had a hard time getting into the "Why" and core of what I was up to in my leaving behind the privileged post I was holding in a corporate business establishment in San Juan, Metro Manila. Furthermore, my wife (Bless her) couldn't figure out how things would turn out after leaving behind our COMFORT ZONE in the metropolis to tread into a far flung and underdeveloped territory, not to mention the probable "Culture Shock" our young family might encounter in a indigenous socio-cultural tribal milieu.
Well, those hard and trying episode of our life is, of course, behind us now. As I write, we are back to where we, as a family, started off some two and a half decades ago in the 1980s. Indeed, life's journey has turned full circle as I see it. Only this time, ours has stepped up to a fulfilling and promising dimension.
Friend in the blogosphere, life is, indeed, dynamic. It's a journey. And, in our moving on, we can't do away with making major decisions as circumstances, situations and conditions within and without summon our will to follow and obey as convicted.
Whatever it is that we are up to, believe and trust, we are not alone. Someone Bigger and Higher in the Great Somewhere without and within knows best.
Love, Joy, Peace, Wisdom, Good Health, Prosperity be with you also!
GOOD CHEERS!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Power of DIVINITY WITHIN
Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!
Call it culture, lifestyle, tradition or whatever, it is observable amongst carefree cliques to welcome with gaiety amidst boisterous revelry a new arrival of one of them who have gone away for some time for an overseas employment.
A bachelor brother-in-law of mine who just arrived from the middle east came home for a brief vacation following some two to three years of hard work abroad. Upon learning of his presence around, his circle of friends came the following day and presto! the tranquil environ and atmosphere of my family's abode turned messy somehow as unrestrained worldliness compromised our culture of serenity in the house.
What made the moment even more unsettling was the group's insistent that I join the round table ritual of drunken revelry where only one intoxicant-filled glass would be passed around for everyone to sip a shot.
Conscientious that the group's taste and liking isn't my type, much less my nurtured lifestyle, I tried at first to shy away from their runaway indulgence. But coming to think of it, how can I keep my domain, especially my 3 little girls then in their young and tender age (7, 2, & newly-born babe) set apart and be isolated from possible inimical influence of an uncontrolled spree.
Well, thank good grace, I finally arrived at a firm resolve to occupy the reserved seat at the round table, not to get carried away but to make a difference for good.
Armed with the belief and conviction that "TRUTH CAN SET ONE FREE", I asked permission from the group that I be allowed to share some human interest stories to begin with.
As though a SUPERVENING RAY OF LIGHT came shinning in the midst, dissipating the staggering gloomy spirits of almost everyone in the group, I continued on and on. Surprisingly, I noticed that one by one just stood up and left the round table, then went his way off the scene without any bidding of some sort.
Only one guy stayed put to continue listening to the parables I learned from the Hebrew-Christian Scriptures which I would re-echo again and again to anyone willing to lend his ears.
Oh, what the Power of Divinity ("Word of Truth") within can do to make a difference!
Friend, it really pays to exercise the gift and power of FAITH, uphold the certainty of HOPE, and behold the greatness of LOVE.
This blogger is hopeful, YOU, TOO, ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR GOOD WHERE YOU ARE!
Call it culture, lifestyle, tradition or whatever, it is observable amongst carefree cliques to welcome with gaiety amidst boisterous revelry a new arrival of one of them who have gone away for some time for an overseas employment.
A bachelor brother-in-law of mine who just arrived from the middle east came home for a brief vacation following some two to three years of hard work abroad. Upon learning of his presence around, his circle of friends came the following day and presto! the tranquil environ and atmosphere of my family's abode turned messy somehow as unrestrained worldliness compromised our culture of serenity in the house.
What made the moment even more unsettling was the group's insistent that I join the round table ritual of drunken revelry where only one intoxicant-filled glass would be passed around for everyone to sip a shot.
Conscientious that the group's taste and liking isn't my type, much less my nurtured lifestyle, I tried at first to shy away from their runaway indulgence. But coming to think of it, how can I keep my domain, especially my 3 little girls then in their young and tender age (7, 2, & newly-born babe) set apart and be isolated from possible inimical influence of an uncontrolled spree.
Well, thank good grace, I finally arrived at a firm resolve to occupy the reserved seat at the round table, not to get carried away but to make a difference for good.
Armed with the belief and conviction that "TRUTH CAN SET ONE FREE", I asked permission from the group that I be allowed to share some human interest stories to begin with.
As though a SUPERVENING RAY OF LIGHT came shinning in the midst, dissipating the staggering gloomy spirits of almost everyone in the group, I continued on and on. Surprisingly, I noticed that one by one just stood up and left the round table, then went his way off the scene without any bidding of some sort.
Only one guy stayed put to continue listening to the parables I learned from the Hebrew-Christian Scriptures which I would re-echo again and again to anyone willing to lend his ears.
Oh, what the Power of Divinity ("Word of Truth") within can do to make a difference!
Friend, it really pays to exercise the gift and power of FAITH, uphold the certainty of HOPE, and behold the greatness of LOVE.
This blogger is hopeful, YOU, TOO, ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR GOOD WHERE YOU ARE!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Graduating to a HIGHER DIMENSION
Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!
During one of my visits to his clinic to see our family physician, Dr. Lorie E, in Gensan City, not only was I impressed but greatly blessed by his confession and testimony.
He would share with me some revealing stories of what it really takes to live up to his calling as a committed medical professional.
Humbly admitting that he would feel overwhelmed at times particularly in moments when patients with varied illnesses come for consultations bearing heavy heart, understandably due to their unpleasant conditions.
Seeing and interacting uninterruptedly with long line of sickly persons would make the Doctor, human as he is, feel virtually sick and drained to a point of almost losing professional composure.
At times, Dr. Lorie would be tempted to get impatient with patients who kept coming back uttering the same complaint if not bearing already a worsening health problem. When asked whether or not the patient religiously followed the prescriptions and advises previously given, almost always the answer would be negative.
But what makes my friend, Dr. Lorie, remain wholesome still and always on-the-go a jolly-good-fellow is his conviction. He believes that he has no choice but "TO LOVE THE UNLOVABLE".
That's right. Loving only those who love us is relatively good. But to go the extra-mile by loving even those who care less, for they couldn't even care for themselves is SUPERLATIVE. Surely, this latter kind of love characterizes the One who has graduated to a higher dimension in his spirituality as a God-fearing person.
To my friend, Dr. Lorie..the sickly world needs more of your kind. KEEP IT UP!
During one of my visits to his clinic to see our family physician, Dr. Lorie E, in Gensan City, not only was I impressed but greatly blessed by his confession and testimony.
He would share with me some revealing stories of what it really takes to live up to his calling as a committed medical professional.
Humbly admitting that he would feel overwhelmed at times particularly in moments when patients with varied illnesses come for consultations bearing heavy heart, understandably due to their unpleasant conditions.
Seeing and interacting uninterruptedly with long line of sickly persons would make the Doctor, human as he is, feel virtually sick and drained to a point of almost losing professional composure.
At times, Dr. Lorie would be tempted to get impatient with patients who kept coming back uttering the same complaint if not bearing already a worsening health problem. When asked whether or not the patient religiously followed the prescriptions and advises previously given, almost always the answer would be negative.
But what makes my friend, Dr. Lorie, remain wholesome still and always on-the-go a jolly-good-fellow is his conviction. He believes that he has no choice but "TO LOVE THE UNLOVABLE".
That's right. Loving only those who love us is relatively good. But to go the extra-mile by loving even those who care less, for they couldn't even care for themselves is SUPERLATIVE. Surely, this latter kind of love characterizes the One who has graduated to a higher dimension in his spirituality as a God-fearing person.
To my friend, Dr. Lorie..the sickly world needs more of your kind. KEEP IT UP!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Living a LIFE IN FULL
Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!
If you appreciate the goodness, truth, and beauty you find in your environ;
And you add to them the gifts, talents, and skills endowed in your person;
If you enjoy the good company others can give you;
And yet you love to have quiet moments alone;
If you respect other's views which differ from your own;
And yet you remain firm with what you stand on;
If you admire the good accomplishments others have made;
And feel fulfilled with what you yourself achieved;
If you are grateful with what you already have;
And yet inspired to press on toward perfection;
If you bless even those who persecute you;
And forgive those who hurt you;
If your soul is peaceful and graceful;
Then, you are, indeed, living a life in full.
If you appreciate the goodness, truth, and beauty you find in your environ;
And you add to them the gifts, talents, and skills endowed in your person;
If you enjoy the good company others can give you;
And yet you love to have quiet moments alone;
If you respect other's views which differ from your own;
And yet you remain firm with what you stand on;
If you admire the good accomplishments others have made;
And feel fulfilled with what you yourself achieved;
If you are grateful with what you already have;
And yet inspired to press on toward perfection;
If you bless even those who persecute you;
And forgive those who hurt you;
If your soul is peaceful and graceful;
Then, you are, indeed, living a life in full.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Feelings and ABSOLUTE TRUTH
Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!
Feelings and moods change. They are affected and conditioned by momentary situations and circumstances.
Moreover, feelings and moods are emotions and passions that are natural. They are usually relative to the twists and turns, rough and tumble, thick and thin encounters and experiences in the passages of time and events unfolding every now and then in the course of life's journey in the now and the here.
Feelings and moods are variable and vulnerable. But, FACTS AND ABSOLUTE TRUTH remain the same. They are constant.
Here are some Facts and Absolute Truth we can behold and fix our EYES OF FAITH:
THE GOD OF GOODNESS, TRUTH AND BEAUTY IS EVER "IS". HE IS ON TOP AND IN CONTROL OF EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE. AND, ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM WHO LOVE HIM;
IMMANUEL, THE "GOD WITH US" IN JESUS, THE NAZARENE, IS RISEN. HE IS THE LIVING "WORD-MADE-FLESH" THAT REMAINS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER AND EVER. AND, ALL AUTHORITIES IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH ARE GRANTED UNTO HIM. HE IS KING AND LORD OF ALL.
All Believers are exhorted to "Go-Grow-Glow" in the Grace and Knowledge of Him.
Isn't The LIVING WORD made alive in your person and make you a NEW MAN yet?
Friend, you and me are made TO LIVE, not to perish...CHOOSE AND LOVE LIFE!
Praise Goodness! Glory be to The Highest!
Feelings and moods change. They are affected and conditioned by momentary situations and circumstances.
Moreover, feelings and moods are emotions and passions that are natural. They are usually relative to the twists and turns, rough and tumble, thick and thin encounters and experiences in the passages of time and events unfolding every now and then in the course of life's journey in the now and the here.
Feelings and moods are variable and vulnerable. But, FACTS AND ABSOLUTE TRUTH remain the same. They are constant.
Here are some Facts and Absolute Truth we can behold and fix our EYES OF FAITH:
THE GOD OF GOODNESS, TRUTH AND BEAUTY IS EVER "IS". HE IS ON TOP AND IN CONTROL OF EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE. AND, ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM WHO LOVE HIM;
IMMANUEL, THE "GOD WITH US" IN JESUS, THE NAZARENE, IS RISEN. HE IS THE LIVING "WORD-MADE-FLESH" THAT REMAINS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER AND EVER. AND, ALL AUTHORITIES IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH ARE GRANTED UNTO HIM. HE IS KING AND LORD OF ALL.
All Believers are exhorted to "Go-Grow-Glow" in the Grace and Knowledge of Him.
Isn't The LIVING WORD made alive in your person and make you a NEW MAN yet?
Friend, you and me are made TO LIVE, not to perish...CHOOSE AND LOVE LIFE!
Praise Goodness! Glory be to The Highest!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
A Sojourner's Perspective
Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!
In your journey through life in the now and the here, it's great to be guided by the following lines:
TO ENDURE AND MERELY HOLD THE LINE IS TELLING ONLY HALF OF LIFE'S STORY.
TO PRESS ON, OVERCOME, AND ACHIEVE VICTORY OVER THE BATTLES IN LIFE IS THE BETTER HALF.
Friend, you may have your own life story of struggles and triumps, press on and continue to fight the good fight of faith.
Meantime, keep posted for more testimonials to ensue!
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