Cymbeline Villamin

Reading the Bible as Literature

2011-12-16T15:48:00.000-08:00

It has been 400 years now since the Holy Bible – King James Version (KJV) was first published in May 1611, England, giving the world the gift of unique language with many eloquent phrases as “salt of the earth,” “nothing new under the sun,” “a time and a place for everything,” “turn the other cheek,” “the leopard cannot change his spots,” to name a few. No respectable teacher of literature should let pass the opportunity to at least introduce students to the greatest book ever written— unsurpassed as “voice” of human experiences, unrivaled in diversity of content and form, having God as the central character, whose presence unifies the complex story that dramatizes the evolution of the highest purpose revolving around divine providence, judgment, and redemption.

Fulfills requirements of the literary art form

The Bible fulfills Aristotle’s requirements for a complete story— beginning, middle, and ending. It starts with the story of creation and concludes with the apocalypse, a version of the end of the world. Between these cosmic events expands the history of the human race and God’s involvement in it. This is the plot.

Another vital element of literature, conflict, is also present— God versus Satan; good people against evil people (external conflict); and good versus evil within individuals (internal conflict). As my literature professor in college used to say, “No conflict, no story.”

Other elements— characters, background or setting are also present. There are “hero stories” such as those of Abraham, Joseph, Daniel, Gideon, Ruth, Esther, David, and of course, Jesus. The favorite setting, the mountaintop, is symbolic. It is on the mountain where Biblical characters encounter God. Mt. Zion is God’s place. Eden or Paradise is not just a location, it is a way of life. The pastoral setting is often the background for love stories as that of Ruth and Boaz, as well as that of the Shulammite and the Shepherd in Solomon’s Song of Songs.

Varied genres

Poetry and narrative are the two major genres in the Bible but there are other minor literary types such as proverbs, parables, epistles or letters, fantasy or visionary writing, satire, comedy, tragedy, and epic. Song of Songs and the Psalms are great poetry. They paint a picture of natural beauty that is fraught with perils (darkness, evil) but reassure and comfort with images of stability and sustenance, as illustrated in the favorite and popular Psalm 23— “The Lord is my Shepherd / I shall not want….”

The gospels by the evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are structured as narrative and deal with topics such as the nativity or birth of the Messiah, vocation or ministry, recogntion, witness, encounter, conflict, pronouncement, miracle and the Savior’s passion (death and resurrection).

Parables abound in the “kingdom gospel” of Matthew, the most comforting of which is “The Parable of Workers in the Vineyard.” It is about the vineyard’s owner hiring workers at various hours during the day but paying them the same amount of wage each, beginning with the late workers and ending with the early workers, which caused the early workers to complain because they think the owner is not fair. The owner asks the grumbling laborers, “Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous? So the last will be first and the first will be last.” This is reassuring because, the vineyard owner who represents God, is generous and not fair. Because if God is fair, the wages of sin would be death. But because God is generous and full of mercy, He forgives repentant sinners regardless of whether they repent early or late in life. When the vineyard owner says, “… the first will be last and the last will be first,” God is telling us that those who are humble, the repentant prostitutes and thieves, poor and social outcasts will be the first to enter heaven ahead of the kings, religious leaders, the wealthy and famous.

It is also in Matthew 7:7 where the defining trait of literature, artistry, is demonstrated best—“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you….” These lines are immortalized in Elvis Presley’s inspirational song, “Welcome to My World;” and the same verses quoted by my father to me over the telephone the day before I had mastectomy which at that time I dreaded more than dying of cancer. Now that I have a new life, I keep in mind and practise whenever possible Matthew 10:8—“Freely you have received, freely give.” I have received so much (prayers, love, healing, financial help) and want to give back as generously.

Paul’s epistles in the New Testament have the following format— opening or salutation, thanksgiving, main text, moral exhortation (vices to avoid, virtues to practise), closing or final greetings, and benediction.

Satire is the style of Ecclesiastes (life is fleeting, all we do crumbles to the ground though we refuse to see) Jonah (how not to be a prophet), Amos (virtue from the viewoint of the privileged class), and Luke 10: 28-37 (“The Good Samaritan”).

Comedy, which is a story with happy ending, is format for the stories of Joseph, Ruth, Esther, Job, Noah, and of course, Jesus (He resurrected and thus conquered death, so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life).

The stories of Samson and Saul are tragedies (with unhappy ending).

Epic, which is a long read, sprawling, encyclopedic tale around a hero who performs a great feat is evident in Exodus (about Moses leading the Israelites from slavery in Egypt into the Promised Land) and the story of David in the two books of Samuel up to the beginnng part of 1 Kings.

Fantasy, visionary or supernatural writings are seen in Zechariah, Ezekiel, and Revelation. They consist of fantastic settings, imaginary creatures, and events that do not occur in real life.

What the Bible teaches us

In high school literature class, I could hardly wait for the time when our teacher would explain to class the “moral lesson” of the story. It was the same thing in college when my most awaited moment was when our professor would discuss the “meaning of the story” with all the significance of the metaphors, symbols, classical allusions and references.

Critics of the Bible condemn it as the worst book ever written because of the violence (for example, in David’s exploits as warrior-king) and explicit sexual language (as in Ezekiel, for instance). We must take note that all great literature are a “voice of human experiences.” Nothing in the Bible is sanitized or sugar-coated. As in a painting, there are elements of light and darkness, illuminations and shadows to dramatize and bring home the artistic truth. Thus, the elements of good and evil are also used in the Bible to teach us these basic truths—

Human beings have the potential to be good or evil.
Human beings have the free will to choose between good and evil.
Humans are both physical and spiritual beings.

Published 4 Dec 2011, Philippine Panorama, Pp. 20-21

A Baker’s Prayer

2011-09-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

I stand at break of dawn

before You, Sovereign God…

Help me discern Your will,

What would You have me bake this day?

Banana cake to give energy

to the cancer patient weakened by chemotherapy

or perhaps a chocolate fudge

for emerging victorious over mastectomy?

Tell me, Awesome King

what works of my hands can I give,

From your humble servant

what is it that You need

for others to be blessed?

Oh, the creative process thrills me so!

Flour, baking powder, cocoa, sugar, milk, egg, and butter

stir my soul aglow.

Mixing bowl of glass shimmers hugely with hope;

Pan, mixer, and spatula promise

my labors will not come to naught.

Here now waits Your empowered gas oven,

white enamelled treasure in my humble kitchen

that joyously passed the hands of classmate Jude

on its way from Heaven in Oman.

Oh Father thank You for these hands!

Guide me as I melt the butter; line the pan;

pour and stir ingredients; combine;

fold-in bananas, apples or raisins; use wine.

Keep my measures balanced and right

May I never be greedy of sweetened delights

and bless oh God all who will partake

of this inspired, nourishing cake…

Tell me now, oh God

Will I bake banana cake or chocolate fudge

Shall I use the square pan or the round?

As the sun rises

and I take the cake out from Your oven

I know You will bless me and my heart will be glad!

View pictures of my cakes at

http://lynnes-delicatessen.blogspot.com;

or Email me: crvillamin@yahoo.com

Published in Philippine Panorama, 11 Sept 2011, P.19

Searches for cake recipes yield Godly guides*

2011-08-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

Recently I acquired a passion for steaming cakes. Sounds funny, I know, because cakes are usually baked in an oven. When I asked an online chef if I can make cupcakes by steaming, she replied, “Well, if it’s okay with you to have your cupcakes possess the texture of puto, then go ahead,” and she ended her advice with a laughing icon. Seriously, it’s okay with me to have a “puto cake” because all I have is a huge steamer inherited from my Mama who passed away and from whom I have also acquired the passion for God’s Word.

I searched the Web about steaming and learned about steamed bread pudding, steamed bun by the Chinese, and steamed cake dusted with confectioner’s sugar, similar to sponge cake, a delicacy in China since ancient times. Of course, how can we forget siopao and dim sum— steamed cakes with fillings from our Chinese friends. Many food can be cooked by the healthier alternative-- steaming, such as vegetables, fruits, fishes, tahong, breads and cakes.

White cake of knowledge

My rather late (better late than never) culinary adventure began recently with the plain and simple white cake, popularly known as puto. Upon delivery of my mother’s huge steamer (which I requested) by my good brother, I squeezed out of tight family budget some funds to buy individual moulders of various shapes (flower, boat, triangle, square, 8.75-in. diameter round pan) and sizes (small, medium, big) and a box of 200- gram powdered puto mix. My maiden puto production was a success. When I went back to the supermarket determined to buy several boxes of puto mix, there was none. I reluctantly bought a banana cake mix. Accidentally, I poured into the bowl the leftover water in the cup (3/4 cup water) instead of the other cup contaning 4 tbsp water that the recipe for banana cake requires. So I came up with a banana puto instead of a banana cake that was intended to be baked in our small oven toaster. My youngest son and his friends in the school theater group loved it. The next time I returned to the mall to buy more boxes of banana cake mix, there was none again, and I reluctantly (again) bought a bigger and more expensive box of brownie mix with chocolate flavored syrup. I learned how to make a moist chocolate cake by steaming. Whereas in preheated oven, baking will take only some 45 minutes; in the steamer, it took me one hour and 20 minutes. I know the cake is done when the mixture begins to pull away from sides of the pan and the cake surface is shiny. Eventually, I also learned to make chocolate and banana cookies. More learning follows.

I learned how to make cupcake liners and cone bag-pen from wax paper. The paper cone bag-pen is filled with chocolate syrup or spread or whipped cream and then cut at the tip to be able to write “Happy Birthday” or pipe lines on cake or draw whirls and curls on cupcakes. I learned to make cupcakes topping by beating together sugar, all-purpose cream, and powdered choco-vanilla cookies until fluffy or double in volume, and set aside in the ref for a few minutes before scooping into the cone bag-pen for piping onto cupcakes, round cakes, or cookies. I learned what leavening agent (yeast that causes cakes to rise), emulsifier (holds different substances like oil and water together), and shortening (vegetable oil, butter) mean. I learned it takes only very small amount of baking powder and baking soda (1/2 to 1 tsp only) to make a cake; and that with cake mixes, my life is easier because I don’t have to agonize over measuring flour, leavening, emulsifier, baking powder and soda, because these are all in the cake mixes in accurate proportions. I also learned to make my future store signage and product labels; as I dreamed of my “cupcakes and cookies ministry” when we woud have moved to our new house in two years time (when my youngest son goes to the university in Dasmarinas). The house is a birthday gift to me by my eldest daughter in 2009, that year when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which I survived by God’s grace. I will insert Biblical verses in the boxes to nurture and nourish the spirituality of cake lovers, thus spreading The Good News with sweetness.

Roadmap to knowledge and wealth

Whereas before I woud have smugly reminisced about my work as research specialist in a technology institution where I provided scientists with hard-to-find information; and probably dazzled readers with tricks on how to “Google” or do the Boolean search for data, now it’s different. This time, I would like to humbly share (because all knowledge come from God) the more basic and most precious truths about the quest for learning, which is an eternal activity, and these are available online and offline as well, anywhere, anytime we carry our Holy Bible NIV or any preferred version —

Deuteronomy 8:18– about remembering God who is the source of ability to produce wealth
Daniel 2: 21-22- about God who reveals hidden wisdom
Jeremiah 33:3- about God’s revelation of unsearchable knowledge if we call on Him
James 1: 5-6- about God’s generosity in giving wisdom to all who ask in belief and trust
Proverbs 3: 3-9- about placing God first in all our plans so He will assure our success; not to lean on our own understanding; and to honor God with firstfruits of our labors
John 15: 7-8- about our Savior Jesus Christ’s assurance that whatever we ask God Almighty Father in Jesus Christ’s name, our Father in Heaven will surely grant, because it is to God’s glory that we bear fruits

Pursuing our passions

God is our true North. When we know our true north in the compass of life, we have accurate directions and will never be lost. The desires in our hearts are meant by God as ways to reveal more and more of Himself and for us to know, love, and serve Him more. In this my new-found passion, God takes me to a higher level of discernment. Thrilled by the creative process of producing cakes with all its aroma, texture, taste, all the delights of the senses, and most of all, being able to write about it and share the magnificent experience-- I am being told to celebrate life in my autumn years, because the pursuit of excellence and leadership in our own little circle of influence has no age limit and no finish line. Indeed, what seemed to be a funny idea of steaming cakes instead of baking, opens for me a whole new world!

Befriend me at < http://www.facebook.com/cymbeline.villamin >

or Email me: < crvillamin@yahoo.com >

*Published in Philippine Panorama, 14 Aug 2011, Pp. 16-17

Doubt: The Worst Enemy*

2011-07-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

What is it in your life now that you need and want to do but cannot, due to some psychological hindrances such as doubt, fear, and lack of self confidence? Is it— consent to surgery that will restore health and prolong life; accept invitation to lecture a group of students or professionals about a topic in which you are an expert; cut off an illicit and stressful relationship; begin a project, business or enterprise that you are so passionate about? Life is too precious to waste. Let us live it to the fullest, pursue our passion, embark on an adventure towards our own “land of promise.” Doubt our doubts and believe our beliefs. Become free. Let us learn from the life of Joshua, the successor of Moses in leading the Israelites to the Promised Land.

The Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan River during the flood season.

Journey of Faith

Joshua, in the Old Testament, had a doubt problem. He lacked self confidence. As successor to Moses who led the Israelites out of the land of bondage, Egypt, and with God’s anointing, parted the Red Sea to let the people cross on dry land as they were being pursued by the Egyptian army— Joshua paled in track record. Moses was a great prophet, an accomplished scholar educated in Egypt by the Pharaoh’s best scientists and philosophers, being an adopted son of the princess. Upon Moses’ death, God told Joshua that he was going to be the one to lead the Israelites to take over the Promised Land, which was Philistine-inhabited, occupied by seven enemy-nations, that Joshua and his men had to defeat. To go there, they had to cross the Jordan River during the flood season. The night before, God gave Joshua a pep talk. Joshua was repeatedly told to “be strong and courageous.”

Many of us are like Joshua. We thought we are not talented or capable enough to accomplish something of value. But God uses ordinary, average, weak, imperfect people; the dysfunctional, the weird, the eccentric, the differently-abled, the mixed-motivated. Each of us has a purpose. We must forget our failures, leave behind our dark past, and move on. If God waits for perfect people with sterling resumes, nothing will ever get done.

The Holy Scriptures is full of imperfect people whom God used for His purposes. Jacob was a thief, stealing his brother Esau’s inheritance. David was an adulterer. Moses was a muderer. Abraham was a coward, giving up his wife Sarah, twice to save his life. Peter denied Jesus thrice. Paul was a religious fanatic-terrorist. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, was notoriously polygamous, having 700 wives and 300 concubines.

Our dark past should make us better, not bitter. What matters is where we are heading to— the future. Our anatomy is designed to be forward, future-oriented. We have two eyes in front so we can look forward, two ears attached to the sides of our cranium to listen to God’s promises, two arms to reach forward and not backward, and two feet to move forward in faith, not backward to the dark past. In His omniscience and sense of humor, God positioned only one part of our anatomy at the back to eliminate wastes and toxins.

Capture the Promised Land

God’s pep talk to Joshua was recorded in the Old Testament for all of us to claim as our own. God’s major message to Joshua was, “Capture the Promised Land!” The Promised Land is equivalent to our righteous goals and ambitions, our cherished dream, our greatest passion, like— becoming the best writer (using the gift of language to move people into productive endeavors); the most relevant (to the needs of the poor and uneducated) scientist; the most effective mentor (imprinting the minds of the youth with values of honor and patriotism); or the greatest physician (healing not only bodies but souls, “walking through” the dying to their end-of-life moment with dignity and grace). We can do what our mind has conceived, God has promised us support and success like what He promised to Joshua before he crossed the Jordan River and defeated the enemy-nations, with his men (Joshua 1:5-9, NIV)

As with all dealings, our relationship with God is always transactional. He promises support and success but in return, we must be righteous and obedient to His Word. We must meditate on His commands and make Him alone the center of our life. Our success rests on our commitment to God’s very high standard. We must not lean upon our own understanding. Wait upon the Lord. Trust Him. Depend on Him. Believe only in Him and not on other people in positions of earthly fame, wealth, and power.

Thus Joshua and his people prepared to cross the Jordan River, which is a metaphor for all the barriers (adulterous thoughts, anger, doubts, selfishness, love of pleasure, materialism) that prevent our reaching the land of promise. After spiritual cleansing and forgiveness from God, we must have courage. Courage is not the absence of fear but moving on anyway despite fear. When we make the first step, that crucial leap of faith, then courage will come to us and sustain us.

Whereas 40 years ago in their lives, the Israelites crossed the Red Sea that God, through Moses, divided so they could walk on dry land, this time under Joshua, they walked onto the water. God caused the torrents to recede and stay on the sides so that only the people’s feet and not their whole bodies, were immersed on the river bed.

It is only after we have crossed the Jordan River in our life that we really begin to engage in the actual battle to reach our goal. Now is the season to start praying and begin action to realize what we are destined for. In God’s time and with His support, we will succeed and reach our land of promise.

*Published in Philippine Panorama, 31 July 2011, Pp. 8-9.

Man and Woman: Meant to be Helpmates (not Lovers)

2011-07-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

In the Garden of Eden, marriage was first established as a covenant of fidelity and partnership, not a license to engage in sex nor a socio-economic contract.

For the longest time we have accepted and taken for granted this painful dynamics of man-woman relationship— man and woman meet, they fall in love, get married; and then after two years at the least or ten years at the most, fall apart emotionally and decide to legally separate. There are researches rationalizing this phenomenon but up to now only one approach proves valid and creative (because it shows the way to reverse divorce) which is the theological study of the source that enlightens and liberates, the Holy Bible, particularly the books of Genesis 2-3, Ephesians 2:10, and Matthew 22:30.

The Original Mandate of Man and Woman

God created Adam, the first man.Then God said it was not good for Adam to be alone and decided he will make a helper suitable for him. So God caused Adam to fall asleep and while he was sleeping, the first surgery in history took place. God took one of Adam’s ribs and closed the wound with flesh. Then God made a woman from the rib he had taken from Adam and brought her to him. Adam said, This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called woman for she was taken out of man” (Genesis 2:23). It was the time when marriage was first established as a covenant of fidelity and partnership, not a license to engage in sex nor a socio-economic contract. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and they will become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). They were both naked and yet felt no shame, no lust. Adam and Eve became partners and helpmates in taking care of the garden. Their focus was on God and on God’s garden. Creative, productive work that sustains God’s creation and give him glory was the original purpose of man-woman relationship. This original mandate would be echoed thousands of years later in Ephesians 2:10— For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepred in advance for us to do.

But the Original Mandate of Man and Woman was Corrupted

As we all know, our first parents were tempted and deceived by the serpent to eat the forbidden fruit and true enough, they died spiritually. They lost their innocence. They realized they were naked, were filled with shame, and covered themselves with leaves. God punished them for their disobedience.

They were banished from Eden. But before they left, God made for them clothings from animal skin. The first animal was sacrificed, foreshadowing the supreme sacrifice of the Son of God, Jesus Christ who redeemed mankind from the punishment of eternal damnation. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

After the fall, man and woman emerged from being helpmates to become adversaries. Because God’s original design for man-woman relationship was corrupted by the sin of disobedience, the woman’s focus shifted. Whereas before their priority was the same which was work in the garden, now only the man is focused on work while the woman becomes focused on the man—desiring him, longing for him, demanding his attention, her life will never be complete without a man. She seeks to dominate and control him.

Need for Restoration

Only knowledge of the truth can set man and woman free from the essential conflict that hinders a fruitful and peaceful marriage. If we know God’s original design for our lives and how it had been destroyed by sin, then we would realize our need to seek forgiveness and ask for restoration through our Savior Jesus Christ. This is the essence of spirituality, not mere religion. True spirituality is having a personal relationship with God, discerning and obeying his will for our lives.

On the practical level, a husband will understand how his wife longs to be intimate with him in more ways than just sexual, to reassure her of his love. He needs to remember her birthday, their anniversaries; give her flowers and chocolates on Valentine’s Day; take her out for dinner on Mother’s Day; give her gifts on Christmas and New Year; linger on the bed after intimate moments to hold hands, talk, and not abruptly leave to smoke or worse, fall asleep.

A woman will not be so demanding, suspicious, and jealous but instead be kind, understanding, and gracious; always preparing her husband’s favorite meals; giving him a massage on the back; take good care of their children; manage their home and finances well; and have her own garden, her own vineyard. A woman must continue to pursue her private passions— whether in the arts, sports, research, business, healthcare, science, or corporate world. She must be intelligent and strong, a real helpmate to her husband; a distinct individual apart from being wife and mother. In this way, she continues to be interesting and desirable in her husband’s eyes. She must forgive him if he falls asleep immediately after making love.

Both man and woman need to be alone regularly to be their own person. No artist has ever created a masterpiece beside his or her spouse. A scientist makes discovery alone in the lab, not in the bedroom with a spouse. No athlete nor ballerina trains with a lover beside her.

Thank God, we can be enlightened enough to seek restoration to that state before the fall, so as to become true helpmates to our spouses and not just mere objects of fleeting desire, because— At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven (Matthew 22:30).

First published in Philippine Panorama, 17 July 2011, Pp. 20-21

CRV Worship Journal: Patotoo

2011-07-15T23:42:00.000-07:00

CRV Worship Journal: Patotoo: "Panalangin ng Ina : Patotoo (Testimony) ni Cymbeline R. Villamin [ Binasa sa Fellowship ni Ms. Nenette Olandez ] Sunday, 17 July 2011 Panim..."

Educating the Youth about Love and Sex*

2011-07-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

It is ironic that in the huge and socially accepted marriage market— the university— where the most eligible young people converge, there is no structured education about a fundamental aspect of human life which is sexual love. Sex education is more than reproductive health or spacing pregnancies and contraceptives. Sex education is first and foremost about human dignity, commitment, and obedience to the Divine Creator.

"endless love" from art.com

True love waits

The youth experiences tremendous pressures to engage in sex before marriage. The multimedia abounds with pornography. The most thrilling pursuit of all time, carnal knowledge, is the forbidden fruit that seduces, “Your eyes will be opened and you will be like God….” Young people who had their first premarital encounters emerged “wise” in a tragic way. Untimely loss of innocense brings shame, guilt, regret, depression, mistrust, and loss of self esteem.

What can we, poor uneducated survivors teach our youth? Honestly, we would not even know where and how to begin. But we can start with a few basics, such as—(1) Learn to distinguish true love versus infatuation; (2) True love waits, and there are reasons why it is best to wait for marriage before sex; and (3) Make sexual purity a lifestyle.

Elders often tell young lovers, “If you feel the same after five years, then it’s true love and we will give our blessings for you to get married.” Also, an excellent gauge for true love is the classic treatise, 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Formal education must be the major priority of the young. It is their best training ground for spiritual maturity, intellectual capability, and financial independence; as well as preparation for becoming good spouses and parents. Premarital sex exposes them to risks of unwanted pregancy, dropping out of school, forced early employment, and loss of opportunities to build better futures for themselves and children. Young people must be determined not to give in to momentary lusts, so as not to jeopardize their future.

It is best for the youth to start maintaining a life of sexual purity. This is not taking away the joy in living, as many worldly individuals may think. On the contrary, it assures a lifetime of fulfillment. Theological history has already taught us how King David in the Old Testament had all the women he desired for wives, and yet was never satisfied. The availability of women merely increased his sexual appetite to the extent that he committed adultery and murder. He lusted after Bathsheba, wife of Uriah, a loyal soldier in his army whom he sent to death so he can have his widow. King David’s son and successor, Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, had 700 wives and 300 concubines and yet was immensely lonely and regarded life as meaningless (read Ecclesiastes). Later King Solomon advised his sons to be monogamous and faithful (Proverbs 5: 15-19).

Starting over

Many youth may have found themselves already leading active sexual lives even before marriage, which is unhealthy and life-threatening for they may get infected with that dreaded sexual disease, AIDS. It is not too late to turn around and begin anew. Just because one is not a virgin does not mean one cannot be pure. Also, just because one is a virgin does not mean one is pure.

Sexual sins can be forgiven if one is sincere and determined to start a sexually pure life. Ask God for empowerment. Surrender to His Son, Savior Jesus Christ, who is the key to experiencing true love. Do not waste sexuality. We all make mistakes but we have all the chances to become new persons. Sex is a divine gift intended by God to be a creative expression of the magnificent love between a man and a woman within the context of marriage and commitment.

…for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. (Song of Songs 8: 6-7).

Email me: crvillamin@yahoo.com

* Published in Philippine Panorama, 3 July 2011, P. 24

Why do you go to college? *

2011-05-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

If you are in the West, let’s say in Germany or France and your family belongs to the upper social class, your reason wil be “deep,” such as “to begin the journey for quest of self,” or “… not to learn how to earn meat, but to know the end and aim of that life which meat nourishes.”

But suppose you belong to the middle class of Philippine society, your parents— intellectuals as they are and disdain the values of the philistines and the burgeoisie (read: pragmatic, materialistic)-- will still encourage you to be practical and choose a course that you are passionate about and will enable you to earn a decent salary when you graduate. Since they see you on the computer most of the time, your parents assume you are passionate about technology and thus may advise you to take a ladderized system of education, the kind that earns you a diploma after a year and qualifies you to work immediately. While already working, you can continue studying to earn your advanced diploma on the second year, after which, you improve your qualifications; and then when you continue on the third year and complete it, you earn a bachelor’s degee. For example, you earn diploma in gaming and animation technology after year 1, advanced diploma in gaming and technology after year 2, and BS in Information Technology afer year 3 and on the fourth year, you are already starting a career while the traditional college student has just graduated and ony starts to look for (any) job. This ladderized system works too for courses in caregiving and hospital administration, after which you can earn a degree n BS Nursing; and the same thing for barista, food & beverage, and then you earn a BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management; and so on…

It is not because the Filipino youth does not aspire for higher intellectual realm, it is just that in this time and place, Filipino parents can not afford the luxury of allowing their children to wander and shop around for courses until they decide which field of study they would want to concentrate in. So, as early as pre-school, we ask our children, “What do you want to be when you grow up,?” rephrased when they reach elementary into ‘What course would you like to take up in college?,” having in mind their economic future and financial stability more than their search for life’s meaning. But othe children can be stubborn and rebel against their parents plan for their future, thus wasting precious time and financial resources, as they enrol and then shift from one course to another.

What do you want from life

Pre-school, elementary and high school days are the happiest chapters in the student’s life. The hours and days are spent in the delights of the learning experience, hopefully, if one is fortunate to have really competent and dedicated teachers. Nothing to worry about but assignments, projects, exams, recitations which seem big problems, but wait till one goes to college and faces the responsibility of eventually becoming financially independent and perhaps supporting old parents who once provided for all of one’s material and emotional needs. This prospect of role reversal can prove frightening to some young people.

Of course, it is rare to hear parents tell their children, “We care for you now, send you to school, provide for all your needs and wants; but when we grow old, your duty is to take care of us, buy our vitamins, maintenace medicines, adult diapers; pay for expenses when we get hospitalized, take care of us lovingly as we took care of you and love you up to now and until our last breath.” But indeed, all relationships are transactional, a covenant. We give and we receive back. We receive and we give back.

Upon her college graduation, when I was arranging her things she brought home from the dorm, I have accidentally read a confessional writing of my daughter who majored in Philosophy. She said she would want to continue her “life of the mind” even after college, which means to pursue masteral and then doctoral studies. But she said she knows she needs to start working soon and earn to help her parents in providing for her siblings who are still studying. I cried in silence. She did just that. She sacrificed. When I had cancer, she took over my role as family breadwinner since I could not go back anymore to my regular office routine. She provides for the family budget and sends siblings to college. She managed to complete her masteral degree, though, but she is now too busy to take doctoral studies.

Young people can live their own lives, pursue their passions even as they have to sacrifice a little (not all) for their families. Financial independence is important. Money is not evil, but the love of it causes evil. We use money to express our love, to satisfy basic needs but not greed. Even as middle class parents tried their best to save for old age, sometimes savings are used up by sickness or family needs. Thus, parents have no choice but to be dependent on their financially capable children for support in their winter and twilight years.

Come to think of it, there should really be no conflict between being an authentic individual and a good daughter or son. If you are the artist type but your parents advise you to take up engineering (because this earns much), you have to be true to your inclination and your parents will understand. Take up music, theater arts, broadcast journalism or literature if this is what you want, but become the best artist that you can be, pursue excellence, and be righteous. If you are righteous, all other things will be added to you and evey work you do will prosper. You and your parents will be blessed.

Be true to yourself

Nothing is better than being true to oneself. Your true love will find you wherever you may go. Let me retell here the story about Steve Jobs, the great CEO of Apple Computer and Pixar Animation Studios. He dropped out from college because his working-class parents’ savings were being used up for his college tuition at Reed College. But he attended the classes that really interested him, one of which was Calligraphy. This part of his story is about trusting your gut, your life, your destiny. Let me quote this excerpt from his commencement address at Stanford University in June 2005 (full text available at http://news.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html: )

It wasn't all romantic. I didn't have a dorm room, so I slept on the floor in friends' rooms, I returned coke bottles for the 5¢ deposits to buy food with, and I would walk the 7 miles across town every Sunday night to get one good meal a week at the Hare Krishna temple. I loved it. And much of what I stumbled into by following my curiosity and intuition turned out to be priceless later on. Let me give you one example:

Reed College at that time offered perhaps the best calligraphy instruction in the country. Throughout the campus every poster, every label on every drawer, was beautifully hand calligraphed. Because I had dropped out and didn't have to take the normal classes, I decided to take a calligraphy class to learn how to do this. I learned about serif and san serif typefaces, about varying the amount of space between different letter combinations, about what makes great typography great. It was beautiful, historical, artistically subtle in a way that science can't capture, and I found it fascinating.

None of this had even a hope of any practical application in my life. But ten years later, when we were designing the first Macintosh computer, it all came back to me. And we designed it all into the Mac. It was the first computer with beautiful typography. If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts. And since Windows just copied the Mac, it's likely that no personal computer would have them. If I had never dropped out, I would have never dropped in on this calligraphy class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do. Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later.

Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.

Cheers!

A very important advice from Steve Jobs, “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” Somehow your intuition has already embedded WHO you want to become. Which brings me full circle now, as I am about to conclude this letter to all college freshmen (that turns out to be a letter to myself and all parents) in the country. While earlier I was lamenting over children who disobey their parents’ plan for a structured college education with financial stability as a goal, I am thinking now how the parents of Steve Jobs might have felt when he dropped out of college. Maybe they thought their hope and future had gone down the drain. This was how I felt when one of my sons went ahead to take the course he said he wanted but which I thought was not appropriate for him. And maybe this was how my mother also felt when I went ahead to take up Literature instead of Medicine that she preferred for me. But look at Steve Jobs now, conquering death (he survived pancreatic cancer) and forever changing the way we relate technology to our lives. Look at me now, a fulfilled Christian, healed of breast cancer and given a new life. My “rebel” son I am sure will turn out fine. Okay, youth of today, you win… You have free will, use it (for good, for God). You will never go wrong. Cheers!

* First published in Philippine Panorama, 29 May 2011, Pp. 24-26

Judas could have been Saved

2011-04-25T01:24:00.000-07:00

Flowering Judas. Named such because Judas Iscariot who betrayed

Jesus Christ hanged himself upon this tree with reddish purple flowers,

called redbuds. Judas is said to have had red hair. We are “Judas” each

time we despair and commit spiritual suicide by refusing to repent and

seek forgiveness out of pride and unbelief in God’s mercy.

(worldofstock.com)

SIN is the first and earliest virus, more dreadful than HPV or the human papillomaviruses that cause cervical cancer in women and which also afflict men who have sexual contact with contaminated partners. Like the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, sin is attractive— “good for food (promising to satisfy hunger and lusts), pleasing to the eye (beautiful or handsome), and desirable for gaining wisdom (promising to improve economic condition, bestow power, give fame, increase self esteem)” as described in Genesis 3:6 (NIV).

Sin was first committed by Eve when she took the fruit and ate it, upon the enticement of the serpent. Eve’s husband, Adam, transgressed when he accepted the fruit she offered and also ate it. To transgress is to fall, slip off, deviate as caused by confusion and lapse in judgement. It is not intentional. On the other hand, to sin is worse beause it is premeditated, intentional and the sinner justifies it.

Since the Holy Bible is not ancient history but in fact, current events, we read it to learn and search from among the characters our own selves, identify with them our longings and weaknesses, and then learn from them so as not to repeat their mistakes. We can learn from the two “remarkable” sinners— King David of the Old Testament and Judas Iscariot of the New Testament.

A Broken and Contrite Heart

King David was God’s anointed. As a young shepherd, he fought with and defeated the giant Goliath, because he had complete faith and trust in God. He became king and rose to power, winning every battle and possessing every woman he desired, one of whom was Bathsheba, wife of Uriah, a loyal soldier in his army. David saw the beautiful Bathsheba one night bathing on her house’s rooftop while he was walking along the palace’s rooftop. He sent for her, she came and they slept together. Maybe she thought it wise not to refuse the king, or maybe she was also charmed by David because he was a handsome man. Bathsheba became pregnant and when she told the king about it, he sent for Uriah to come home, hoping the latter would sleep with his wife and it would appear that the child she bore was his. However, Uriah was such a dignified soldier that he refused to come home to his wife, Bathsheba, while his comrades were in battle. He just stayed at the palace. Seeing that his plan would not work out, King David sent back Uriah to the battlefield, with the instruction upon his superiors to place him on the frontline and desert him when the enemies attack. Uriah was killed in battle. Upon his death, David married his widow.

It was Nathan, the prophet who made David realize the seriousness of his sins of adultery and murder. His anguish was recorded in “La Miserere” or “The Prayer of Repentance” (Psalm 51) which every sinner can take as his own. In this prayer, David admitted and confessed his sin and asked God’s forgiveness. He asked to be washed clean, to be healed and transformed, and for God to blot out his iniquity. He asked God to create in him a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within him.

We knew that David was a great king and anointed by God from the very start. David remembered how, as a young boy, he emerged victorious in the fight with Goliath; how God protected him from his predecessor, King Saul who was insanely jealous of his success. David realized he had become like Saul who, drunk with power, lost God’s favor. David prayed that God would not take away is anointment and would restore him the joy of salvation. Most of all, David made a commitment to bring back repentant sinners to God. Having experienced the irresistible seduction of sin and then the emotional turmoil after yielding to temptation, David saw himself in the best position to teach transgressors God’s ways, so that they too will be forgiven, restored, and able to start on a clean slate. More than tithes and offerings, God is pleased with broken and contrite hearts. David was forgiven, his joy was restored and he continued to be a powerful king and warrior. But he had to “pay” for his offenses— his son with Bathsheba died. He was not able to discipline his children. Amnon raped Tamar, his half-sister who was avenged by her brother Absalom by killing Amnon. Absalom attempted to dethrone David but died when his abundant, long and curly locks got entangled on a tree branch as his horse galloped away, leaving him hanging dead on the tree. This broke David’s heart.

Flowering Judas

Katherine Anne Porter so eloquently taught us the character of Judas as the betrayer, the destroyer through her characterization of Laura, the protagonist in the short story, “Flowering Judas.” Laura is not redeemed even though she desires it. Her betrayal consists in her inability to believe and trust. She is inacapable of faith, love, and life itself. She is without passion.

When Judas Iscariot realized he had betrayed Jesus Christ, an innocent man, for thirty silver coins, he was filled with regret. However, it was only regret, there was no repentance, no remorse and begging for forgiveness unlike King David. Judas went back to the chief priest to return the money. But true to form and at the height of hypocricy, the chief priest refused because it was “blood money.” Judas then threw the silver coins in the temple and left to hang himself. Later, the priests used it to purchase a graveyard for foreigners.

The chief priest was a partner in crime and gave Judas more reason to feel guilty and to be desperate. In fact, it was the chief priest who may have driven Judas to commit suicide when the former told him, “What is it to us? It is your reponsibility!,” upon the latter’s admission of guilt over the betrayal of an innocent man.

There is a “Judas” in each of us today. Weak as we are, we continue to sin despite our best intentions, and so we despair and give up over our struggle to be righteous. This is expressed in the apostle Paul’s lament over his inability to do the righteous things he liked; and instead, do the sinful things he hated.

But on that day we accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, he has already blotted out our iniquities, cleansed us with his most precious blood, and forgiven us for all our sins past, present, and future. We are sealed by God’s Holy Spirit for the day of redemption. We have to accept the fact that we will keep on sinning in this imperfect world but we must never give up the struggle to be good. As soon as we realize we have sinned, we must immediately settle with God, seek reconciliation with him.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we caim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar, and his word has no place in our lives. – 1 John 1:9-10.

We must not think we are unworthy or hopeless because we keep on sinning. This is the devil’s lie, Satan’s dirty trick to condemn us, to make us desperate and make us commit suicide so he can claim our precious souls. In God, there is no condemnation but forgiveness and redemption.

For God so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16

The perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection has set us free from the guilt and punishment of sin. All we have to do is cast our sins upon his feet and ask his forgiveness, and accept him as our Savior. We must continue striving to be righteous and holy. He is the only way, the tuth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through his Son, Jesus. This is all the good news that we ever need to know and remember.

Judas Could Have Been Saved by Cymbeline Refalda-Villamin

Published in Philippine Panorama, 24 April 2011, Pp. 10-11

Is it true that you love me...

2011-04-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Is it true that You are thinking of me and that You love me...?

by Cymbeline Refalda-Villamin

Philippine Panorama, 17 April 2011, Pp. 16-17

Is it true that you are thinking of me

and that you love me…?

Yes, these are kilig lines from a love song, but not about romantic love. It is about Agape, the perfect, unconditional love of the Father towards His people. More than anyone else, it is the Almighty God who wants to have a personal relationship with you and me, so that we will walk with Him and He will pour His blessings and empower us to live abundant lives. God has a great plan for us. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans not to harm you but to prosper you, to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

However, in God’s blueprint, there is a wide bridge between the plan and its fulfillment, the bridge of testing and teaching. First, our mindset has to be renewed. We have to understand and appreciate the way God thinks and become obedient to His will.

To Know Him is to Love Him

It took the Israelites forty years to travel from Egypt, the land of bondage to Canaan, the land of promise when geographically speaking, it would have taken them only a week. It was because they had to undergo testing and teaching to be worthy recipients of God’s gift. They encountered many difficulties in the wilderness and complained to Moses, their leader. Oftentimes they verbally abused Moses, blamed him, and even wanted him to take them back to Egypt to become slaves again. They forgot easily that their God was a powerful God who sent plagues to Egypt so that the Pharaoh allowed them to leave, who parted the Red Sea so they were able to cross on dry land and escaped the pursuing Egyptian army.They missed the meat, bread, and watermelons of Egypt. All the while, God wanted to reveal Himself to them, to make known to them His thoughts and His ways.

In the book of Exodus 6: 2-8 (NIV), God revealed to Moses His plan:

² God also said to Moses, “I am the LORD. ³ I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty,but by my name the LORD I did not make myself fully known to them. ⁴ I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they resided as foreigners. ⁵ Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.
⁶ “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. ⁷ I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. ⁸ And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD.’”

God was establishing a covenant with the Israelites, as He is establishing a covenant with us now. The two tablets containing God’s ten commandments which Moses received at Mt. Sinai was a symbol of the covenant. Our relationship with God is transactional. He promises an abundant life but we have to surrender to His will, obey His commands. The reason it takes us too long to receive blessings is that we fail to surrender completely, to believe and trust completely.

Remember the prodigal son who, after spending all his inheritance in a life of debauchery, came home and asked his father to accept him as a hired servant? Pastor Jet Javier of the Church of God in Dasmarinas, Cavite oberved that many of us want to be God’s hired servant rather than His friend. We want to receive a salary for everything we do for God. We want to have a set time or schedule (only one hour for church on Sundays, only one day to be holy; MWF are days for labor, TThS are days for pleasure) parameters for obedience, we choose which command we will obey and which we will not.

Each time we experience difficulties, we ask God why, to the point of blaming Him. Just like the Israelites during the Exodus, we complain a lot instead of regarding the trials in our lives as opportunities for God to reveal Himself to us, to make known to us His ways, how He loves us and protects us, gives us our daily bread, living water, light, salt (life’s “flavor” as well as “cleansing” and “preservation”) shelter, clothing, comfort, healing, and success. He provides for all of our needs as we travel in the wilderness of our lives.

God caused manna (bread) to rain from heaven everyday for the Israelites. Those who gathered more than what they needed found the manna to be spoiled the next morning, no longer fit to eat. God teaches us to ask Him, depend on Him for our needs everyday. His mercies are renewed every break of dawn and He is faithful, His love is unfailing. Water flows from a rock in the desert, quenching the Israelites’ thirst. When they craved for meat, God sent them quails. A pillar of cloud guided them in their journey throughout the day. At night, a pillar of fire gave them light to protect them from wild beasts and to comfort them.

Today, God reveals Himself to us in many ways we can understand. God is so immense and cannot be contained by our finite mind, for even if we live a thousand years, we still cannot know God fully because He is infinite, without a beginning and without an end. We know Him through His love letter to us, the Holy Bible, which is our compass in finding our “true north.” Once we find our true north, we will never be lost. Our true north is God. Let us stop asking payment from God like a hired servant. Instead, let Him rule over our lives, submit to Him in total surrender and obedience. He will never let us go hungry, experience shame nor defeat, fear nor loneliness.

Let us cast all our doubts on the feet of the Savior and have faith, believe in the one true God of all ages. Do we need direction? He is Jehovah-raah, the caring Shepherd who guides. Are we anxious about our material and financial needs? Talk to Jehovah-jireh, the Lord who provides. Are we experiencing storms, earthquakes in life? Seek the help of Jehovah-shalom, the Lord of peace. Are we sick of a dreaded disease? Seek Jehovah-rophe, the Lord who heals. Are we fighting in the enemy line? Take refuge in Jehovah-nissi, the banner that guides the soldier to victory. Indeed we emerge victorious by the power of The Name.

Make Him the Center of our Life

We can have all the pleasure, wealth, fame, and success we crave for but still feel empty if God is not the center of our life. Seek first God’s righteousness and all other things we need will be added unto us. His Word is a seed and we are the soil. There are many kinds of soil… which one is you, which one is me? Let us try to find out in this “Parable of the Sower”

⁴ While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: ⁵ “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. ⁶ Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. ⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. ⁸Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” (Luke 8:4-8)

¹¹ “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. ¹² Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. ¹³ Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. ¹⁴ The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. ¹⁵ But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (Luke 8: 11-15)

Are we the path, rock, thorns, or good soil? If we are the good soil, let us bear fruit. Now is the time to get immersed in God’s Word so that we will know and fulfill His plan for our life. It is true-- Abba, Yaweh, Jehovah, El Shaddai, El Elyon Adonai, the God of Abraham and the Prophets) is thinking of us and He loves us. He is waiting for us to invite Him to come into our life and have a meaningful, rich relationship with Him, through His Son, the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

My new ebooks

2011-04-11T01:49:00.000-07:00

Prompts for young writers first published 2000 in electronic

and print editions; currently under revision for 2011 edition.

image by: dragonartz.net

Because I need to write about Biblical teachings I need to learn most...

image by: marvelsphoto.com

Compilation of my articles published in Philippine Panorama

Feb 2010 - Feb 2011

image by: bg.hi5bkk.com

Chronicle of a breast cancer patient's progress from
despair and death wish to rebirth and new life
image: bigoo.ws

Cancer is a spiritual issue, a wake up call...

image: vectorjunky.com

Taking Care of our Feet*

2011-03-13T01:13:00.000-08:00

… he poured water into a basin

and began to wash his disciples’ feet,

drying them with the towel….

- John 13:5

Many of us go to great extremes in taking care of our facial skin, going through elaborate rituals in the morning upon waking up and at night before going to sleep. We clean with facial scrub or facial wash and then after rinsing, apply toner or moisturizer. Before going out to work we wear sun block or put on a foundation or apply face powder. At night, again, we cleanse, tone, moisturize, sleep with an anti-aging cream on our face.

Anal Care is More Important than Facial Care

But only a very few among us show much concern about anal care. We can laugh about it but seriously speaking, anal care is more important than facial care. Of course these days, there are a lot of hygienic wash for the intimate parts, those that maintain the genital’s right ph level. But we must not neglect anal care by washing the area with a mild soap and clean water, and then wiping it dry with a clean towel. We must never take for granted any itching, redness, swelling, or any suspicious growth in the anal area specially if there is pus or if it is hot. Consult with a doctor immediately, this is part of the colo-rectal cancer prevention.

Feet Care is also Very Important

Aside from the anus, another part of the anatomy that is often taken for granted are the feet. The feet are equally important as the eyes, nose, ears, heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, genital, ovary, prostate, skin, etc. We must not regard foot spa as an unnecessary luxury. We must indulge in it whenever possible in our favorite salon or spa center. Caring for our feet is like a solemn ritual. It is showing our loving stewardship of our body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. It is in effect, thanking God for his gift of life.

No less than the Holy Scriptures emphasizes the importance of the human feet, as vital instruments of our redemption, taking us to unexplored destinations whether physical or spiritual, to learn about the splendor of divine will and creation. In Luke 7:38, Jesus Christ, much aware of his forthcoming crucifixion, allowed a sinful woman to drench his feet with her tears of repentance, in effect washing them clean and then wiping them dry with her long hair. On the night after sharing a meal together when he was about to be berayed by Judas Iscariot, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. It was an act of perfect love and servitude by the Savior. The act sent forth a message of humility and greatness. He who leads must serve. The king is the servant of all. Jesus encouraged his disciples and in effect, all believers, to wash one another’s feet.

Feet care is particularly essential for diabetics, because they are prone to poor blood circulation and numbness of the feet to the extent that they do not notice immediately if their feet have been hit or injured by some sharp objects such as iron nails, thumb tacks, staple wires, stones, etc.

How to Take Care of our Feet

Here are some practical tips for taking care of our feet, whether we are diabetic or not:

After a bath and under a good light, inspect feet daily from top to bottom for cracked heels, blisters, corns, calluses, and signs of infection like hotness, redness, tenderness. Apply lotion or moisturizer on cracked heels. For serious foot problems and when signs of infection are present, consult a doctor.
Using a toenail clipper, cut nails straight across, not triangular, not too short.
Wash feet as often as necessary with a mild soap, rinse with clean water, and towel-dry.
Keep feet dry specially in between toes, because wet skin is prone to fungal infection. Apply moisturizer or lotion to very dry skin to prevent cracking.
Do not go barefoot. Wear comfortable slippers. Use proper shoes when going out, not too tight, not too flat but slightly elevated. Apply talcum powder on feet before wearing shoes.
Wear clean cotton socks before putting on walking or running shoes.
Exercise everyday, specially the feet.
Stop smoking because nicotine can destroy the blood vessels, leading to poor blood circulation.

Treatment for the Diabetic Foot

Feet care is currently the sole doman of spas and salons. There is no existing foot clinic in any hospital in the country unlike in Thailand where there are feet specialists and doctors themselves remove calluses by trimming with a specialized tool, unlike in local salons where blades are used. There is a growing clamor for feet clinics, as expressed by the Sugar Buddies, a lay support group for diabetics based at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC).

According to Dr. Marie Yvette Amante of AHMC, foot doctors take care of the diabetic patients’ feet in Bangkok. The Thai doctors were very kind to train for free two diabetes nurses from the AHMC, Divine Diaz and Ferdinand Lantejas. Recently, they lectured on foot care to the Sugar Buddies and other concerned and health conscious individuals. In the same lecture, Dr. Amante advised the participants not to use hydrogen peroxide and povidone iodine on open foot wounds. She also mentioned options for treatment to avoid amputation, including maggot therapy, wherein worms from sterile farms are allowed to eat the dead tissues, as well as the use of broad spectrum antibacterials.

Indeed how wonderfully made is the human body. Every part has a vital , divine purpose to empower us to live fruitful, joyous lives… to walk in freedom and in the light. Let us be excellent stewards of our glorious body.

*First published in Philippine Panorama, 13 March 2011, Pp. 20-21

Healing and Freedom for All Women

2011-03-06T00:36:00.000-08:00

Since the ancient times up to now, there exists a gender divide with the women as the discriminated half of humanity. Evidences in the Old Testament attest to women bashing—Genesis 3:16 (Punishment for Eve), Numbers 5:11-31 (Test for an Unfaithful Wife), Ezekiel 16: 1-63 (An Allegory of Unfaithful Jerusalem) and Hosea 2:1-23 and 3:1-5 (Allegory of Israel Punished and Restored) to cite a few. It is good that in the New Testament, the anti-women mindset was overturned by the Messiah who is a true feminist, as evidenced by the narratives in Luke 7:36-50 (Jesus Anointed by the Sinful Woman), Luke 8:40-56 (A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman), Luke 10:38-41 (At the Home of Martha and Mary), Luke 13:10-17 (A Crippled Woman Healed on the Sabbath), John 4:1-42 (Jesus Talks with a Samaritan Woman), and John 8:1-11 (The Woman Caught in the Act of Adultery).

To this date, the punishment for Eve’s unenlightened daughters still holds power, “… with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband and he will rule over you,” which is the root of all feminist pain and anguish. Women must seek freedom from this enslaving sexual desire to find peace, dignity, and true joy. It can be done.

Carcinoma of the Spirit

This situation is unbelievable but real-- martyr-wives opted to stay married to an abusive, alcoholic, philandering, violent husband and continue to give birth to his children; or a mistress could not cut off her relationship with a lover whom she knows to be married and could never give her a life of moral decency. Everything starts as a seemingly harmless and exciting attraction towards a handsome male, the euphoria of courtship, the delights of orgasm, the romance of the wedding ceremony, and then the woman is hooked and hell begins. Realities set in as the fleeting dream wears off— the pains of childbirth; the gradual deterioration of youth, wellness, and beauty; financial troubles; problems with in-laws; parenting blues; waning interest on the part of the husband; falling out of romantic love after two to three years; marital boredom after ten to fifteen years; and spiritual decay as one is swallowed down by the ways of the world.

Women may seek fulfillment in career, making money; or escape in the arts, entertainment, illicit affairs. The less discerning is not aware that the romantic notion discovered in one’s teens and nurtured in adulthood by multimedia, is like a deadly virus that found a host and continued to multiply the cell it has infected. Soon the infected cells grow into a full blown cancer of the spirit after a seemingly dormant period. Carnal and materialistic desires can keep us in bondage and we can only be set free through spiritual cleansing with the most precious blood of the Savior.

Cervical cancer, the second leading cause of death among women, and associated with indiscriminately active sexual activities, is caused primarily by spiritual issues that find metaphor in HPV or the human papilloma viruses. There are nearly 115 distinct HPVs. HPV 16 is the direct source of infection for nearly half of all cervical cancers. At least 30 HPV types target the genitalia. Approximately 15 types are cancer-causing types. Globally, types 16 and 18 together account for more than 70 percent of cervical cancer cases. Other types that cause cancer (in descending order of global prevalence) include 45, 31, 33, 52, 58, 35, 59, 56, 51, 39, 68, 73, and 82. A new vaccine that targets HIV 16 and 18, the most common cancer-causing types of HPV, is now available fortunately, in the same and yet unique way that spiritual healing is available in the past, at present, in the future and for all times for all of us who seek it.

Overzealous medical scientists recommend the injection of the anti HPV vaccine to young girls before the possibility of infection or their first sexual encounter, for their protection. But is it not far better to immerse them in the Word of God and righteous values and lifestyle to protect them. This is more desirable than telling our daughters this stressful and degrading explanation, “My child, now that you are already ten years old, I need to bring you to the doctor for a shot of the anti HPV vaccine to protect you in case you become promiscuous when you grow older or your future husband turns out to be a womanizer.”

Ultimate Cure for the Dreaded Disease

Breast and cervical cancers threaten to become a pandemic affecting women all over the world. There are survivors but there are also others who are dying. Some got cured but had a recurrence after five years. We know that life on earth is temporary and everyone will die but we need not suffer the torments of a dreaded disease. We can pass onto the next realm gracefully and with dignity. The first thing to know to avoid a dreaded disease or to get healed of it is to realize that there is something far deadlier than a virus and it is— SIN, which destroys the soul and causes eternal death. Sin is a pandemic and yet humanity takes it all for granted.

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, none is righteous, all our good works are mere filthy rugs in the sight of our Creator. Redemption rests in admitting our sinfulness and asking God’s forgiveness, accepting His Son, Christ, as personal Lord and Savior. Then we must strive to remain in God’s righteousness and walk on His blameless path. Not to do this is lethal for sin causes both physical and spiritual deaths. Let the sick among us find healing in Christ, for by His wounds we are healed:

But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities,

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him

and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

When the Son of God offered His life as a ransom for humanity’s sins, our major problem has already been solved and all that remain are easier burdens. Can He who is mighty enough to redeem us not be able to heal us of our pain, fear and loneliness; as well as minister to our deepest longing and desire to be accepted and loved purely, unconditionally as a woman? We are most precious and honored in the sight of Jesus Christ, the greatest healer and lover. Let us strive to be beautiful as a woman not because we want to be loved, but because we are loved.

Prayer for all Women

Dear women readers, let us pray for ourselves and for our daughters and granddaughters as we celebrate the Women’s Month for this year 2011:

Our Father, Almighty God

You are all powerful, all knowing, all loving, omnipresent

You are infinite and can never be contained.

How can we ever know you fully with our finite mind?

Even if we live a thousand years, we still can never know You

Who is without a beginning and without an end;

But with the little discernment You so graciously allow us,

You multiply for our needs and is more than enough

To comfort us, give us peace, not as the world gives; and give us true joy.

Forgive us our sins of pride and selfishness, anger and hatred, greed and lusts,

For allowing ourselves to be seduced by modern day serpents

Into biting from the forbidden fruit and giving it to the Adam in our lives to partake of also;

Forgive us all our misplaced desires

Wash us clean with the most precious blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and then

Create in us a pure heart and a steadfast spirit so that

We will continue to walk in Your light and righteousness.

Oh God heal us, provide for all of our spiritual, physical, material and financial needs,

Give us freedom to be the best individuals we can be as

We surrender ourselves and our lives completely to Your plan for us.

Make us faithful wives and authentic mothers who nurture all children.

Empower us oh God to obey Your will and serve Your purpose for our lives

All these we ask in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

First Published in Philippine Panorama, 6 March 2011, Pp. 22-23

Why Do We Get Lonely*

2011-03-04T20:01:00.000-08:00

For there is also a time to dance, embrace, and rejoice...

-Photo Clip from "Scent of a Woman"

Even the Godly can be lonely. The Son of God himself, Jesus Christ, suffered loneliness many times during his ministry on earth, the most extreme of which was in Gethsemane, on the night of his arrest masterminded by the religious leaders, when one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, betrayed him with a kiss. When Judas kissed Jesus, it was a sign to the guards that he was their man. Before he was taken by the guards, Jesus was deeply troubled and confided to his disciples who were with him at that time, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death!” No one is exempted from the pains of loneliness.

Why are we lonely?

We are lonely because we can never stop desiring, wanting, needing. We are created in the image of God and thus like the heart of God, our heart is too vast to be satisfied. Pastor Ed Lapiz of the Day by Day Ministries, said this is because, “We are wired to be great, to reach out for the stars!” Yet, our pysical nature is weak because we “came from dusts and to dusts we shall return.” We are lonely because we want things that are oftentimes not attainable. This is why in Matthew 6:25 and 23, we are told not to worry and instead, seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all other things will be given to us as well. We are lonely because we need people who are not always available, or who do not need us or want us or love us in return. Yet we need people as companions, friends, helpers, lovers, partners.

How to Cope with Loneliness

We know that when we are lonely, we do not need anyone to deliver the best sermon or homily but just to keep quiet and sympathize with us, allow us first to stop “bleeding” and to heal. Here are some first aids-- what we must do when lonely or to help others who are lonely:

Accept loneliness. There is always a time to “die,” weep and mourn. All things will come to pass.

Share loneliness with a willing and concerned person who is not judgmental, who will not blame us for being bad or foolish. Prisoners and convicts can be the loneliest persons in the world. When we visit penitentiaries and rehab centers, we must not be sanctimonious but compassionate, willing to help our lost and fallen brothers to start new lives. By the way, it is a great way to heal our pain when we minister to others who are more miserable than ourselves.

When times are good, we must take pleasures in all we do. We must be happy whenever and wherever we can. For there is also a time to dance, embrace, and rejoice. Let us enjoy delicious meals and the finest wine; wear scents and fragrances for such give joy to the heart; nibble on dark chocolates for these are healthy— dark chocolates are antioxidants, good for clear vision, and as everybody knows, they give a dopamine “high,” that thrill which is similar to falling in love.

Engage in productive activities, become busy with creative tasks that we enjoy—painting, photography, sculpture. Leave our house and explore faraway places, take a bus to Batangas or Quezon, or get away as far as Baguio. Or—simply get out of our house and exercise, swim.

Transcend loneliness. Survive it. Life’s “configurations” change overnight. Tomorrow, we wake up with a completely new perspective. We must avoid making major decisions when lonely.

Do not fill emptiness with toxic elements such as drugs, alcohol, and casual sex.

Always keep a true friend, a confidante. Better yet, maintain a group of trusted friends which can be your local church’s women’s ministry or barangay aerobics club.

True Friend

Let us remember that a true friend whose love is perfect and unfailing is available to us 24/7. We can invite him into our lives anytime, no less than the King of kings, Jesus Christ. Let me share these fragments of a praise song in Filipino I heard over DZAS… neither exact nor accurate but for the moment, very useful to the lonely. It is the King’s love song for us. He said he loved us so much, he offered his life so we will be set free from all that enslave us— sin, guilt, punishment, fear, loneliness… Don’t we ever dare think that he has forgotten us.

Hwag mo sanang isipin

Hindi kita mahal

Hwag mo sang isipin

Kinalimutan kita

Buhay ko ay inialay para sa iyo

Iyong pangalan nakasulat

Sa palad ko

Hwag ka sanang malungkot

O mabagabag

Lagi akong nasa iyong tabi

Hwag ka sanang matakot

Inililigtas kitang lagi…

*First published in Philippine Panorama, 27 Feb 2011, Pp.20-21

Most Eligible Bachelor

2011-02-13T16:22:00.000-08:00

Joseph in Egypt
Carmelo Juan Cuyutupa Canares
Oil on canvas, 2002

Joseph, the son of Jacob, known as Joseph the dreamer who later became the great overseer of Egypt because of his ability to interprete dreams, was the most eligible bachelor of the ancient times while barely in his twenties (Genesis 39: 6-7). His life was a story of suffering, love and integrity.

At seventeen, Joseph was thrown into a pit and then sold as a slave to merchants going to Egypt because they were jealous of him when their father gave him a coat of many colors. They dipped the coat in goat’s blood and then showed it to their father who was filled with grief, believing Joseph was torn to pieces by a ferocious animal.

Man of Honor

In Egypt, Joseph was bought by Potiphar, one of the Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard. Soon, Joseph prospered while serving in the house of his Egyptian master. Potiphar favored Joseph and made him in charge of his household, placing under his care everything that he owned. Potiphar no longer concerned himself with anything except the food he ate.

Joseph was well-built and handsome. Potiphar’s wife got attraacted to him and seduced him almost everyday. But Joseph was a man of honor and would not betray his master. He told Mrs. Potiphar:

“With me in charge, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Still, she was persistent. Her husband, Potiphar, by nature of his occupation, being captain of the guard, was often away in the service of the Pharaoh, leaving her lonely. As wife of a very powerful man, she thought she was in control and could get away with any indiscretion. Pastor Ed Lapiz, in one of his daily program in which he taught about the anatomy of temptation, using the seduction of Joseph by Potiphar’s wife as an illusration, advised women in similar predicament to “Keep still and know God. Wait upon the Lord to minister to you, heal you of your misplaced desires, for everything in this world is fleeting. Even the hottest of summers will soon give way to the coldest winter.” The pastor also advised husbands not to stay too long away from their wives.

One day, Joseph went into the house to attend to his duties. Knowing that none of the servants was inside, Potiphar’s wife caught Joseph by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me.” But Joseph left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. Some Biblical scholars believed this part of the story was “sanitized.” The cloak was in fact a man’s wrap-around undergarment made of sheer fabric that the menfolk in the ancient times wore. And so, Joseph ran out of the house naked.

Potiphar’s wife screamed and made it appear that Joseph attempted to rape her. This was the same lie she told her husband upon his return. Potiphar seethed with rage and sent Joseph to prison.

Excellent CEO

We woud have thought that Joseph’s future was ruined. But because he was faithful to God and obedient to His commandments, Joseph continued to be successful even in prison. He won the favor of the prison warden and was made responsible for the prisoners and their activities. While in prison, Joseph correctly interpreted the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker. The cupbearer was soon released and the baker was hanged as Joseph foretold. A couple of years after, the Pharaoh had a dream that nobody could analyze. The cupbearer remembered how Joseph gave meaning to his dream while he was still in prison, and he told the Pharaoh about it. The Pharaoh ordered Joseph to interprete his dream which was about the seven years of abundance and the seven years of famine that was to happen in Egypt.

Because Joseph was wise and discerning, the Pharaoh made him in charge of the entire land of Egypt. Joseph was thirty years old then. It was at this point in his life during Egypt’s time of abundance, when he married Asenath, the daughter of a priest. She bore Jospeh two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Joseph was happy, forgetting the sad events of his early youth and enjoying his fruitful career in “the land of my suffering.”

The Pharaoh was president but Joseph was the chief executive officer, as expressed by the Pharaoh himself, “You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you. I am Pharaoh but without your word, no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt.”

During the seven years of abundance, the fields yielded bountiful harvests. Joseph collected food and stored them in the cities. He stored up huge quantities of grains, like the sands in the sea. It was so much that he stopped keeping records because it was beyond measure. As Joseph foretold, the seven years of famine began after the seven years of plenty. His righteousness and wisdom saved the people from hunger.

It was during the time of famine when Joseph was reunited with his father and brothers when they came to Egypt to buy food. At first, they did not recognized Joseph but when he revealed himself to them, there was much weeping because of mixed emotions of remorse and grief but also forgiveness and joy. With the Pharaoh’s approval, Joseph made his father and brothers together with their families to settle in the region of Goshen where they prospered.

Fruitful Vine

Without God in his life, Joseph would not have been able to transcend the major trials that came his way. He was thrown into the pit and then sold as slave by his jealous brothers; falsely accused of attempted rape and sent to prison. God’s gift of prophecy enabled Joseph to return to the service of the Pharaoh and saved the people from famine. He performed his duties as caretaker of Egypt with commitment and integrity. Indeed, Joseph was a “fruitful vine,” foreshadowing in the Old Testament (Genesis 49: 22) the coming of the “True Vine” in the New Testament (John 15:1), the Messiah, so that we, the branches who remain in Him will also continue to bear much fruit.

It would be a wise move for the young women of today to pray for and seek for a husband somebody like Joseph— a man of honor who would not yield to the seduction of momentary pleasure, discerning, intelligent, as well as completely trusting, faithful, and obedient to God.

- Cymbeline Refalda-Villamin
Philippine Panorama, 13 February 2011, Pp. 16-17

The Fundamentals of Godly Economy

2010-11-07T18:55:00.000-08:00

The Fundamentals of Godly Economy

by Cymbeline Refalda-Villamin

Philippine Panorama, 7 Nov 2010, Pp. 16-17

May I share with everyone this very important knowledge about breaking free from poverty and the creation of sustainable wealth as preached by Mr. Anthony Velasco, our pastor in the Church of God at Dasmarinas City, last October 3. This is life-changing in a very radical and salvific way.

Poverty as a major cause of suicide

Based on Pastor Velasco's recent search on the Internet (“Suicide in Japan,” Wikipedia), one person commits suicide every 15 minutes in Japan because of depression resulting from unemployment, It is ironic that in a highly industrialized country like Japan, many suffer from poverty. A few years back, I read over the Web about an old man dying of hunger alone in his shack in Japan while hopelessly fantasizing over sushi (a ball of sweet-sour rice with meat fillings), as was read from his diary; and about young jobless, homeless people spending lonely nights in cramped cubicles of Internet cafes, subsisting on deep-fried meals and showers to freshen up, which the cafes also offer.

Here in the Philippines, many kidney patients who are family breadwinners commit suicide to spare their loved ones further financial burdens. The stronger men opt to self-employ as killers-for-hire; women as prostitutes or they desperately scour the Internet for rich husbands.

Financially burdened mothers-wives also think of suicide to end it all. Pregnant, debt-plagued, with an alcoholic for a husband, and an autistic son, one escapist woman in her early forties toys with the idea of overdosing with Iterax. “Suicide is painless / It brings on many changes / And you can take or leave it / If you please....,” as the song goes.

But if we only know God's plan

Many people slave themselves, working so hard for so little, receiving salaries that are barely enough to pay for loans incurred to sustain the basic needs as food, shelter, electricity, water, medicines, the children's tuition fees and daily cash allowances for school. How much longer will people endure existence in this kind of “hell”? Hopefully, not for long, because here now is the Good News for redemption-- financially, spiritually-- to empower us to live abundant, peaceful, joyous lives.

Pastor Velasco categorized people into three financial types-- those who have almost nothing, those who have a little something, and those who have many things. For all these types, God has the same plan, as articulated in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” And to ensure the realization of His plan for our lives, God instructs us through Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

For those who have almost nothing

For most of us or for our friends who have almost nothing and are forced to earn a living by evil ways, these Biblical instructions apply:

Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death. (Proverbs 10:2)

One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. (Proverbs 18:9)

A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him. (Proverbs 28:22)

He who conceals his sins does not prosper but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13) Actually, this is the first thing that the poorest man must do and everything else will follow. When we are free from sin, we are able to think of ways to earn money in an honorable way, and God will lead us to good people who can help us.

For those who already have a little something

For many of us who already have a little something, we must take to heart the following instructions, so we will be very careful not to lose the little that we have, and so that we can make it grow.

Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. (Proverbs 13:11)

Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4)

We must learn to manage the resources that we aready have by learning to live within our means. Spend only for the basic needs and try to save. Mismanagement of our little wealth paves the way for our natural tendency to envy others who seem to have more, and for us to covet others' possessions.

For all of us who will have a life of abundance soon

And for all of us who will soon have a life of abundant blessings, we must always remember:

A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 28:20). To be faithful means to be honest, to be loyal. We must be diligent in paying back our debts. We must be loyal to our employers and benefactors. We must be true to our spouse. We must be faithful to God by always seeking to walk on His righteous path.

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of your crops, then your barns will be filled to oveflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10) This refers to the principle of tithing, when we give ten percent of our gross income to God (through His Church) for His works and ministries. To “honor” means so much, it means to love and respect, to be filled with gratitude and to give utmost importance towards someone who is infinitely good to us. God does not need our money, because in fact, He is the giver of it all. But He wants our tithes because it is the “key” for Him to open the heavens and cause Him to rain more His blessings upon us. If our tithes are the “key,” then our love offerings (which, ideally, should be more than our tithes) are the “seeds” that we plant and will grow when the rains of blessings are poured out from the heavens upon these “seeds.”

Even as we honor our Heavenly Father, we must not forget to honor our biological parents and all other people who serve as parents to us-- our grandmothers and grandfathers, aunts and uncles, mentors, pastors, priests, our spiritual fathers, physical protectors and doctors-healers, nurses and caregivers, material providers. Even if our parents have been abusive or failed to love us, we must honor them because this is God's command.

If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. (Proverbs 20:20)

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing. (Proverbs 28:27) Pastor Velasco said giving generously to the poor has a two-fold benefits: we set ourselves free from the curse of poverty and at the same time, we lift the curse of poverty from our brothers.

One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly but comes to poverty. (Proverbs 11:24) We must never be afraid to give for fear that our children will suffer insufficiency. God sends people in need to us precisely because He wants to bless them and we are to serve as His channel for such blessing. How wonderul it is to serve as God's channel of blessings. Surely, remnants of such blessings will continue to remain with us.

Ask and you will receive

Our strength and power rest in our ability to ask and receive blessings from God. We must remember always the principles for answered prayers-- right motive (not selfish or self-promoting), pure heart (there must not be any anger nor hatred in our heart towards anyone), faith (we must believe, trust, and expect God's answers), and active waiting (we must prepare to receive God's blessings-- to tithe and offer, share, save, invest, and enjoy God's gifts, because He wants us to be happy!) When we receive the blessings we prayed for, we must celebrate and worship God anew in gratitude and love, because He is our Father-- who redeems us from sin (through the death and resurrection of His Son), teaches us, heals us, protects us, and provides for all of our needs.

The Biblical Principles of Beauty

2010-09-12T02:11:00.000-07:00

The Biblical Principles of Beauty

by Cymbeline Refalda-Villamin

Philippine Panorama, 12 Sept 2010

In the recent Women’s Fellowship I attended in our community Church in Dasmarinas City, our resource speaker, a Christian cosmetic dermatologist,

Dr. Ryan Encabo < http://www.docrye.com >, talked about his two patients— Patient X who wants to be beautiful because she needs to be loved and Patient Y who wants to be beautiful because she is loved.

Whereas Patient X represents the mindset of a majority of women (and also men) in this world, Patient Y represents the mindset of Godly people who already knew they are loved with an unconditional, perfect love and so they want to be good stewards of all the gifts the Divine Creator has given, including talents and skills, wealth, health, wellness and beauty. Beauty and vitality are gifts of nature to those who know how to obey its laws. It is indeed such a pity that many people perish for lack of knowledge. It is the duty of everyone to share the good news.

Dr. Encabo shared with the mothers and wives in the Women’s Ministry the basic, ancient and yet timeless principles of beauty and wellness which are all contained in the teachings of the Holy Bible. For us to easily remember these, he encapsulized them in the acronym POWERED ranked according to importance but discussed them in reversed order, as follows:

D- is for doing…, actually, exercising, which delays aging. God created us to live full, abundant , active lives and not just wait for death even if we know we are already saved (having accepted Christ as Savior). Regular exercise such as a 15 to 20-minute brisk walking every morning prevents heart ailment, cancer; decreases anxiety and depression; enhances feeling of wellness; and improves performance at work, recreational, and sports activities.

E- stands for the essential nutrients that the body needs. Let food be our medicine. Although in the Old Testament, there were foods that were not allowed to be eaten, in the New Testament, everything has become permissible. But not all that is permissible is good. Essentially, we have to eat a balanced diet, one which has protein, carbohydrates and fats, vegetable and fruit. It is good to eat saba, kamote, oatmeal, native chickens and eggs; to use virgin coconut oil in green salad dressing. Butter is okay but not margarine which is almost plastic. Chicharon is good fat. One can enjoy brewed coffee (instead of instant) but drink plenty of water afterwards. We must take water in sips rather than in gulps to moisturize and hydrate the body. Drinking water in gulps is okay to detoxify, to cleanse the body. Alkaline water is best. An indication that the body is dehydrated or lacks water is when the urine appears dark orange in color.

R- is for rest and sleep to rejuvenate, repair tissues, and build muscles. We must have 6.5 to 8 hours of sleep daily. Excessive sleep may lead to depression, diabetes, and heart ailment. We must observe the Sabbath and keep it holy, refrain from physical and mental work, and just relax.

E- stands for emotions and relationships that must be kept always positive. Negative emotions cause 90% of hospitalization. Dreaded diseases are caused by unresolved spiritual issues. Guilt causes breast cancer. Anger causes heart disease. Anxiety causes hyperacidity and ulcer. Unforgiveness causes psoriasis. Let us bring all our guilt, anger, and unforgiveness to the altar, at the feet of the Savior and set ourselves free. Declare forgiveness for oursleves and others so that we will be liberated and empowered to live joyous, abundant lives. If not, we will be the ones who will suffer and die of cancer or heart failure. It is best to confess to our trusted sisters in the fellowship-ministry, to have them forgive us by the grace of God.

W- stands for the living water, the Savior Jesus Christ, the only one who can truly satisfy the deepest human longings and desires. It is amazing to note that 70% of our body is water and that 70% also of the earth is water. Hydrotherapy, aquatherapy, cleansing and detoxification are all about healing with water in physical as well as spiritual realms.

O- is for oxygen… When God created the first human being, He gave him the breath of life. We must know how to breathe properly— from the abdomen or stomach as babies do, instead of from the lungs and nose. It is a very good habit to engage in a 15-minute inhale-exhale exercise every morning, to take in oxygen and thus promote excellent blood circulation in the body. It is healthy to take a deep breath whenever stressed, angered, or afraid.

P- is the presence of God in our lives. By God’s grace we are saved and by His Holy Spirit, we are sealed for the day of redemption. We must seek God with all our hearts, accept His Son as Savior, confess our sins and ask forgiveness and allow God to clothe us with His righteousness.

By the way, befor Dr. Encabo’s lecture, he instructed us to gather at the end of the hall and form a line. To the tune of a Gospel song, he asked each of us to come forward with a unique walk, dance or move that no one else will duplicate or else, she has to go back until able to make a unique move. Our moves ranged from stylish catwalk like a model on the fashion ramp, sexy dance, youthful hiphop, hilarious antic, frog leap, chicken dance, duck walk, queenly strides, etc. We really enjoyed it. After his talk, the young and charming doctor explained that it was our symbolic crossing of the Jordan River on our journey to the Promised Land of health, wellness, and beauty. It was awesome! Indeed, we were all empowered for we have learned the basic, timeless principles of beauty that are lasting and immensely precious, which we can pass on to our daughters and grand daughters.

Is there a Cure for the Excruciating Pain of Osteoarthritis? (Yes!)

2010-09-12T01:59:00.000-07:00

Is there a Cure for the Excruciating Pain of Osteoarthritis? (Yes!)

by Cymbeline Refalda-Villamin

Philippine Panorama, 5 Sept 2010

An endless, aching need

2010-07-28T16:03:00.000-07:00

An endless, aching need

by Cymbeline Refalda-Villamin

Philippine Panorama, 25 July 2010

Biblical Principles on Time Management*

2010-06-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

Time is precious… Even just a few seconds matter. Ask a passenger who has been left by the plane or someone waiting for a loved one to come out of the operating room alive and safe. The best person to talk about time is someone in the autumn of her life, whose “leaves” are red and gold, who knows how to shed off the unnecessary and gracefully surrender the privileges of youth.

The Holy Bible contains many verses about the brevity of life, thus, reminding us to spend time wisely.

Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. (Psalm 39: 4)

For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:4)

As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower in the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. (Psalm 103: 15-16)

The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. (Psalm 90:10)

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

Basically, two Bibilical principles apply on time management. The first principle is— Know who you are in the eyes of God; and the second is— Know God’s perfect timing.

Know who you are in God’s sight

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

We may be a spouse, parent, son or daughter, professional— but our first identity is that, we are chosen by God. We belong to a priestly class and thus are called to spiritually minister to our family, neighbors and colleagues. We have been rescued and saved from death so that we may also help others see the light and live.
If you are a radiation technologist, the linac (linear accelerator) bed is your altar where you cause the beam to destroy the remaining cancer cells in your patient’s body and thus save her from death, help her live a new life for a Godly purpose. If you are a surgeon, the operating table is your altar where you cut off that part of the patient’s body that may cause her untimely death. Your hands become God’s hands that heal and empower.

If you are a teacher, the classroom is your sanctuary for young minds thirsting for knowledge. If you are a chef, let the meals you cook nourish people’s bodies and souls, that by the delicious taste of the foods that you serve, they will praise and honor God.

If you are a receptionist or an admitting officer in a medical center, simply showing kindness to patients who need to check in, is already a big thing, for these patients are oftentimes confused, afraid, and are having a deathwish so as to end once and for all the emotional torture they are going through. In this manner, you are already fulfilling your role as the chosen one, belonging to a royal priesthood and a holy nation. You are using your precious time serving God’s purpose for your life by showing compassion to His suffering children.

Are you a mother and wife bored and tired by your routine? Routines are meaningful when we regard them as structures to save us from chaotic existence. Routines are symbols of security and comfort for autistic children. Breaking a routine on the part of caregivers causes autistic children pain and fear. Autistic children require that everything be in their proper places, in the same positions that they first saw the objects; and that their activities must resume in the same places, same time. For normally functioning individuals, these can be boring but they cease to be such if seen within the contexts of efficient functionality and functional efficiency. We order the activities and events in our daily lives so we can devote quality time to things that really matter— a quiet time for communion with the Divine Creator, meditating on His Word, worship and thanksgiving, and lifting our needs and petitions in prayer. For herein lies our strength. Our strength rests in our ability to ask and receive blessings from God. This is such a great power in our hands. And this power requires time to be nurtured.

Be in tune with God's perfect time

There are only 24 hours in a day. Eight hours are already alloted for rest and sleep; another eight hours for gainful work or employment. How many hours do we set aside for house chores and errands— maybe five hours? How much time do we reserve for spiritual empowerment—three hours? It is a wise move to observe the Sabbath, a day reserved for God alone. We must budget and manage our time according to our capacity and lifestyle.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, it was written— wisdom is meaningless, pleasures are meaningless, toil is meaningless… and then, the next chapter reads “A Time for Everything.”

There is a time for everything and a season for activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Our God is an awesome God, a God of love and power and precision whose timing is perfect. When life presents us with opportunities to celebrate, then we must sing, dance, and laugh with all of our laughter. When grieved, then we weep with all of our tears. But know in our heart that for everything there is a season. To lament endlessly over death and loss is to be ignorant of the natural laws. For everything that has a beginning must come to an end.

Have you experienced waking up in the middle of the night and cannot go back to sleep? It might be that you are being called to commune with the divine. In your solitude God would like to speak to you in your mind and spirit. You might be being asked to finalize a plan, respond to an email, reply to a text message, write a letter, compose a poem, finish your artwork— all for His purpose, to save a soul from darkness and enable a lost person to walk into the light.

Midnight and dawn are the best times to engage in creative work. Just as the sun begins to rise is the best time to brisk-walk or jog, bathe, buy fresh produce in the market, cook, and then have breakfast with loved ones. If we are at home, late mornings are good hours for house cleaning and laundry works. If in the office, these are good hours for meetings and brainstorming. After lunch is good for rest and light, less intellectually and physically strenuous tasks. It is good to take a nap or siesta, and then finish tasks from 4 to 6 p.m. Slow down at sunset. Have a relaxing evening to pepare for a deep, dreamless sleep.

Careful as we are in managing our days, nights, and leisure hours, we also must have a time plan for our life and career; as well as help young people to value time. The days of youth are for storing up knowledge and skills, being obedient to parents and mentors, gradually learning to become self-reliant and independent. In adulthood, one must be responsible and acquire insights and specializations, live up one’s creative passions, build a family, or spend blessed singleness in righteous pursuits. One slows down in midlife and savor life’s blessings, come into terms with life as a whole, have peace. Past midlife is the preparation season for a graceful exit. Finish what we have planned to accomplish, share wisdom, leave a legacy, and be happy—finding true joy in God, delighting in His Word. If we continue to delight in His Word, He will give the desires of our heart, and we will continue to flourish like the palm tree, bearing much fruits even in old age.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90:14)

*Published in Philippine Panorama, 27 June 2010, Pp. 18-19.

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