Character Vs. Reputation

My husband & I were asked last December 17, 2011 to lecture in a group of young people pertaining to what's really important - your character or your reputation. Both are important, in my own point of view. Came December 23, solo-flight, I used the topic to discuss within a more larger group of Pastors' Kids. I even asked one of the oldest (he's older than me 10 years actually and already a minister handling a church in Bukidnon) if for him, what's more important - character or reputation? To which he readily replied - reputation.

Reputation is what matters to most of us. But, what does reputation means? According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, it is an opinion about one's entity, a result of social evaluation on a set of criteria, may be considered as a component of the identity as defined by others. Please take note of the words used - OPINION and EVALUATION. My husband defines reputation as what others think of you - may it be highly or the other way around. And We both have the same view.

Character I define is a result of your attitude, your inner you, what you think, what you feel and who you really are. Just like cartoon characters, Tom is known as the cat who sometimes befriends Jerry the mouse but frequently races after the latter because of Jerry's nuisance in his peaceful living. Make another story using Tom and he will not be recognized by the viewers. Just like with Snow White and any other famous kiddie and adult multimedia faves. They are all recognized because of their characters.

"If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself." Reputation then is the product.

And where does reputation come from? It is what others think of you after you have shown them your character. And there is a 'but'. We all know we cannot please everybody. There'd be standing ovation, there'd be people without no reaction at all and there'd be people who tend to look for flaws. It's normal and I mean natural. Remember the cliché. We cannot control what's inside other people's heads.

A person may have a bad character but has a good reputation. And a person too can have a good character but has a wicked reputation. Either way.

Hows and musts? When we live according to the will of God, stirred inside by the conviction of the Holy Spirit, living with a conscience, walking in the pathways of good - that'll be our character. Let our reputation be from our Lord. After all, it's Him whom we're living for. We may be marred and thoroughly stained in the eyes of the flesh, but in Heaven's eyes - we are the most precious.

Romans 1:10-17

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ…” To those who believe, would you? Neither would I.

“For it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” Jesus Christ is the center of the gospel.

The first four books of the New Testament talk focused on His birth, His growing up years, His ministry on earth and the betrayal, how He was persecuted, crucified and died and His resurrection which entitles Him as the one true God. Without Him being human, without Him on the cross, without His death – the repentance of man and redemption from sin would be impossible to achieve. Imagine how the Old Testament people offered sacrifices to God, how many days they must fast and the levels they ought to face before they can come near to the throne of God, before they can talk to Him and before they can confess of their sins! The atonement was Christ’s sacrificial body which lifted the hardest laws of God the Father.

“For the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Salvation is not just for a limited number or names of people and those elite cults and groups who claim they are the ones who could go to heaven. It is Biblical and the Word of God clearly states that SALVATION IS FOR EVERYONE WHO believes in CHRIST JESUS.” Warning: Alteration of God’s Words is one of the mistakes human is prohibited of doing. Let us not put God’s holy and sacred Words into our hands.

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, the just shall live by faith.” Faith is the substance of things hoped for. Faith as the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1. It is even impossible to please God without faith, Hebrews 11:6 for we come into His presence, we seek Him even we don’t see Him – that’s faith. Faith in God, the Son and the Holy Spirit amidst chaos and under all circumstances. Faith that in everything we give thanks for it His will (I Thessalonians 5:17) that after all this world’s sufferings, we have our greatest destination. And we will reach that wonderful place when we have the faith.

And I would be selfish if I would just keep this great truth to myself. This is not any new news to many. There are just minds and hearts that are very fickle to accept and understand the clear message of the gospel. The Bible is an open book, His Word, doctrines are made by man. Anything that man makes that is not in accordance with the Bible, is false.

Just For Today

I was in downtown this morning. The everyday lives of people on the streets, inside offices, banks, supermarkets and department stores went the usual ways. After going to my bank, I decided to go to my attended church in the city and join people in there for lunch. On my way on the streets of San Pedro and Washington I saw them. They were there last year and they're still there up to now. Sitting on the sidewalks. Others were lying still. Looking thin and hungry. With dirty clothes on. Barefooted. Holding grimed plastic cups. Begging for coins and food from passersby. At times I choose to ignore them but there'll be days I'd voluntarily search for a five-peso or ten-peso coin from my purse to drop into those empty containers they have.

Many times I'd pretend in my thoughts in which I were one of those who can live all night long on the streets, lying on tattered carton boxes and covering myself with messed-up plastic sacks. I'm just grateful to God and thankful to my parents that they had afforded to shelter me under a well-fixed roof surrounded by sturdy cemented walls, fed me well and even gave me things that weren't that necessary to live on. And as I am now on my own with a family, God is still so good blessing me with a husband who is responsible in making money to feed his wife, his daughter and to support the whole household. My praises to God.

I am not 'yet' a billionaire for me to gather all those people I just saw and give them home, work & food. They may have their own histories why they are there and why they are called beggars. As of this time, all I could offer to them are some coins, packs of biscuits and a prayer.

I Am Blessed to Bless

I was taught to give ten percent of my income in a day or a month or a year or the ten percent of whatever my hands will receive. I was taught by my parents and by the Bible that I must give my Tithes.

I was taught to always give during offering times in Sunday School, Children's Church, Fellowships, Conventions, Church Services and the like. I was also taught by my parents and by the Bible that I must also give whenever Missions' Offerings and Special Offerings are being collected. And that I must not forget that giving Love Gifts in any form: monetary, material things, food and the like are very important to let the people in Christ's Service know that they are thought of.

I was taught by my Lord through His teachings that a cheerful heart that gives to God will be blessed. And I believe that blessings are given to me so that I can give back to Him all the blessings I'm receiving.

That's how good my Lord is.

What Dengue Taught Me

Wala ako ka-ide-idea ano ang dengue. Just basic na it is caused by a dengue-carrier-mosquito bite. Ni sa isip ko I never dreamed na magkakadengue ako or sinuman sa pamilya ko. Until one day, I was in Bukidnon when my husband called me saying my daughter needs to be admitted dahil mababa platelet count nya. That instance I knew it's already dengue. That very same day I traveled back to Davao City. I was expecting to see my child having tubes and wires all over her arms, hands and feet and was also thinking that she can't afford to move her limbs.

As I entered the hospital's room I searched for my child's face, she's smiling yet her eyes were a bit weary. She's been watching the hospital's cable television and she's repeating all over the word "DORA". Then a male nurse said, "She has no dextrose? This is my first time to see a baby in this hospital diagnosed of dengue that has no IV inserted." As of that moment, Reese was given Pedialyte or ORS as her supplement.

That afternoon, my child's platelet count dropped to its lowest. Her doctor said if it'll reach the alarming number of count she will be forced to order for Reese to have dextrose. Texts, calls and visits from our families, relatives and friends flocked. Prayers, moral and even financial support were offered. But my feelings were at its worst, I was almost blaming my husband even our house helper. That time also, I and my brother in-law Ralph who's in Korea were exchanging news about his niece thru Chikka.com. I was on my final brink of disappointment and told him, "As of now I don't know what to feel." to which he said, "A mother's prayer for her children means a lot to God." As I was left alone inside the room with my sleeping daughter I took the chance to made a wee prayer with tears and a mother's love for her child to God. I told Him, "Lord, do not let this happen to us. Ako na lang, wag lang ang anak ko." Because the moment I heard what the doctor had said, the next word I had think about was 'death'.

After my silent cries to Him, I have felt that I am NOT the only one on bended knees in prayers for my child.I knew it then that the angels are with me along with the people in support. That evening, Reese's platelet count started to grow in numbers, then the following morning another improvement. It was our second day in the hospital because of dengue, the doctor already issued an order to discharge my daughter from the hospital but I requested for another one day extension saying I'd like to be sure. Ina ako, I need to be sigurista. For our third day, me, my husband and our daughter Reese gobbled a 12-inch pizza.

These are the things I realized while looking at my daughter's face who's asleep in her hospital bed:

1. Bad situations will get worse if you look for person/s to blame and if you're a fault-finder.

2. Do not let worries hinder your thoughts to think positive.

3. Relax during difficult times. Look on the brighter side.

4. Lift everything to God. He cares for you. He cares for those you care for.

5. Our God never sleeps. He never slumbers.

6. Prayer changes things. 

7. God favors those who trust and have faith in His promises.

Our female dog at home gave birth to a grey puppy with a heart-shaped white hairs on its back a day before my daughter was confined to the hospital. This morning I was thinking to name the puppy Dengue, just a  remembrance of what Dengue had made me realize in life. Hehe. Then, I came up to a name. I am not yet sure of the puppy's genitals. It may be a male or a female but I'll name it Immanuel. God is with us.

Tatlong Tinapay at Isang Bote ng Softdrinks (Three Pieces of Bread & a Bottle of 7-Up)

I was walking fast on the street of Ilustre going to Gaisano South Mall to do my groceries. An old man who’s looking timid and tired met me on my way and said,

“Day, tagai ko og dos palit nako og tinapay kay gigutom na kaayo ko.” (Please give me two pesos to buy bread because I’m so hungry.)

I looked at him. I was thinking I don’t have any loose change in my purse. I have two one thousand bills and a few hundreds. I darted away from him. But as I was nearing the entrance of the mall, I hurriedly ran back to find the old man. Gratefully, he walks slowly inch by inch so I was still able to get a hold of his arm. I said to him,

“Dali, nong palitan ta ka og tinapay.” (Come with me, sir I will buy you bread.)

I wanted to bring him to Minute Burger in front of where we were standing but I noticed he’s too tired already. Gladly there’s a bakeshop a few steps away. I ushered him inside, made him sit and ordered two big monay, one mammon topped with cheese and a 12oz. bottle of 7-Up. He then began to eat and sipped the cold liquid.

Mashfa: Taga asa diay ka, nong? Asa ka gapuyo? (Where do you live?)

Old Man: Sa Bucana sa may boulevard. (In Bucana near boulevard.)

Mashfa: Unsa imong pangalan? (What’s your name?)

Old Man: Rene. Rene Logroso.

Mashfa: Pila na imong edad? (How old are you?)

Old Man: 72.

Mashfa: Asa man imong mga anak? (Where are your children?)

Old Man: Wala ko’y mga anak. (I don’t have children.)

Mashfa: Asa imong asawa? (Where is your wife?)

Old Man: Wala man koy asawa. Tigulang ko ulitawo. (I don’t have a wife. I’m an old bachelor.)

Mashfa: Kung muuli ka sa inyuha kinsa imo kauban sa inyuhang balay? (Who’s with you at home?)

Old Man: Nakipuyo lang ko sa akuang amigo. (I’m staying at my friend’s house.)

Mashfa: Nag-unsa man ka dinhi sa gawas? Asa man diay ka gikan? (What are you doing here on the streets? Where have you been?)

Old Man: Gikan ko sa Bajada nagbisita sa akong ig-agaw. (I went to Bajada to visit my cousin.)

Mashfa: Naglakaw lang ka? (You walked from Bajada to here?)

Old Man: Oo. Exercise man ni, day. (Yes. It’s a form of my exercise.)

(I felt like smiling but I pinched myself not to).

Mashfa: Wala ka nangayo og plete sa imong ig-agaw pauli? (You didn’t ask money from your cousin for your fare going home?)

Old Man: Wala man to sila’y kwarta. (They don’t have money.)

As he was eating..

Old Man: Dili man nako ni mahurot tanan, day. Iuli nalang ni sa tindera. (I can’t eat all the bread you had bought, might as well return them to the saleslady.)

Mashfa: Sige lang, nong balunon nalang nimo. (It’s ok, sir. I’ll have them wrapped for you.)

When he was good to go, I handed him his bread in a plastic and told him I’ll have him ride the jeep going to where he lives, my last offer was declined and said he’d like to walk home since the sun is not visible during those hours.

“Salamat ani, day ha.” (Thank you for this.) Those were his last words to me before turning his back and started to go on his way.

I was relieved but still felt guilty why I hesitated to help the old man the moment he was asking for only two pesos wherein I could buy four to five loaves of bread in a week just for my afternoon snacks at home. 

I traced my steps back to the entrance of the mall and bought stuff for my ones at home. As I was searching for my wallet to pay the cashier for my purchases, I saw the receipt issued to me by the bakeshop where I bought snack for the old man. It was 48 PhP. I paid the mall 2, 000 PhP.

For the last two weeks of this January, this was my second time to be in a situation like this. Only with the first, I had let it pass. I wasn’t able to help the old man.

Lord, have your way in me. Make me a channel of Your never-ending blessing. I’ll always be of service.

PGCAG Leaders on the Verge

Hear ye! Hear ye! PGCAG won't be this much in number and won't be this big without our very own leaders pursuing through our vision and mission and having them in a big crowd all on their own in a secluded place to meet and gather among themselves and to be recharged again for the 2011's battle with the Lord. Seeing them with big smiles and looking at their photos makes me pray that one day I'll be treating them to a luxurious event they deserve. ^_^ (Help me pray.)


Take a look at their good shots taken at Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort, a 5.2-kilometer away from the highway of Brgy. Ilaya, San Fernando, Cebu last January 25-27, 2011 during the National Leadership Assembly a.k.a LAMI (Leadership and Managemnet Institute).

Big thanks to Rev. Remo for the photos. (Hehe. ",)

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

My Father of All Times

He is the reason why I was born. He is the reason why I'm here. He is the reason why I have a name this long. He is the reason why I know God. He is the reason why I had the courage again to start my life anew. He is the reason why my family is strong and is knitted together. He is the reason why I have this kind of sympathy for others.

My father, my biological father is Rev. Mahro G. Singcol. Born on January 15, 1960 in Carmen, Bohol, the youngest to a brood of five. When his father died, a pastor, her mother remarried, bore their stepfather two offspring but didn't survive life and died young. At an early age, due to his father's death, my Papa as what me and my siblings call him had learned to do hard works in order to eat three times a day and in order for him to go to school. They were living almost below the poverty line. Good thing their deceased father had left them a piece of land to which they planted coconut trees, fruit trees, bananas and crops and turned to be one of their source of income. When Papa finished his high school studies, he studied for a vocational course to have a certificate in sewing. Carpentry and farming also entailed his job when he was single. At the age of twenty something, he began setting his feet inside Mindanao Regional Bible College (formerly AGBIM), learned with the Lord, graduated with an honor, assisted pioneering pastors and later became the one planting churches, became ordained with the Assemblies of God, married, got kids, hosted churches, became one of first youngest District Superintendents of the entire PGCAG and up to now he's irreplaceable in his position. ^_^


I'll never forget the days when  my father will show me his 'tiger-look' whenever I act stupid in front of him. His voice would be like a roaring lion (same as my Mom at home) when he's angry and was there ready to spank me. He's moderately strict but very very stiff.  I feared him because of that. I never saw him cry (visible to us his children) but as  he prays, I heard his wails to God. As I grow up, got to another place to do my studies and work, got married and have kids and lives in a far away place from my childhood home, I miss my father a lot in every single day that passes by. He is more of a father to me. He's my father of faith. He's my friend. He's my counsel. My guide in spiritual aspects. My father at all times.


Believe it or not, I still can run to him whenever I feel sad, lonely & happy (kahit twenty four years old na ako, hehe). And he always welcomes me with loving arms, with his fatherly love that I'll never ever trade for anything in this world. He had thought me so much in life. How to be patient, generous, kind and how to show mercy like what Jesus did for all of us. I remember him saying that his angels are goodness and mercy. Even if he is the head of the Central Mindanao District Council of the Assemblies of God in Bukidnon, even if he finished a Masteral in APTS, even if he has credits with what he did for the glory of God - he remains humble. Our home is welcome to anybody who wants to visit. My parents had thought us to give in everything we can. Our dining table is always ready to serve food: dried fish, ginamos, vegies and if we can, could be chicken or pork. The rooms at the second level of our house are always open to anyone who is tired and needs rest.


Seeing almost all of the days my papa have been through with his pastoral work, I'd say he has a very strong stamina in fighting against the hard fireballs thrown to him. I never saw him backing up, instead, he rises above with dignity knowing that he is just doing his part, his work and what he thinks is right. HINDI SIYA NANGUNGUNSINTI NG TAO. He never delights in the misery of others. Even to those who betrayed him he still makes peace with them. Even to those who grits their teeth on his achievements he would still embrace them.


If given the chance to change my life and have the option to choose whom I'd want to be my father, I'd still choose him, my papa. Life will never be best for me at all without him as my father here on Earth.