The Very Same Power

The very same power that raised Christ from the dead is alive in me.

Why do we always forget this fact? Why don't we live in this mindset of victory instead of defeat?

Christ accomplished something tremendous with His death. Satan thought he had defeated God's only sole hope to ever reconcile man to Him. But God had been planning this ever since the Fall of Man. How would a plan formulated for over a hundred thousand years go wrong?

I like how my leader put it when I went to camp this past week: before Christ, everyone had been marked "sinful". Christ's death, however, changed that. It allowed us to be reconciled back to God. When we accept Christ, we have a new mark: "Child of God."

Now the things that most Christians do is this: everytime they sin, they blame Satan. They say the devil made them do it. Now why can't we all, when we sin, admit it was only our own disobedience because the devil has NO POWER OVER US. Christ death has redeemed us and our acceptance of Him as our Savior has brought the power that raised Him within us. Now if that power can raise Christ from death, I'm sure it can help us overcome!

We all need to stop living in the mindset of defeat when we've already won! Sin has NO POWER over us anymore... unless we let it. We fall into sin because we deliberately turn a deaf ear to the Holy SPirit convicting us what we're about to do is wrong.

Live in victory because you've already WON. God bless.

Titans will CLASH - Review of "Clash of the Titans"

When I heard that the 1981 classic Clash of the Titans was going to be remade, I knew it would be in my "must see in theaters" list. I actually didn't see the original. However, I did hear it was epic. If it was epic back then - and all they had was stop-motion and no CG animation - then I was sure the remake was going to be... how should I say? EPIC-ER.

And it did not disappoint. Clash of the Titans was pure ancient Greek mythology entertainment from start to finish. Angry, jealous, scheming gods, the demi-god Perseus - played by Avatar's Sam Worthington - kicking some Gorgon butt (or should I say decapitating?), the beautiful and sexy Gemma Arterton as the mysterious Io, along with a black Pegasus (Yes black, not white. UBER COOL) and the enormous Kraken, what more could you ask for? Before the movie premiered, people made petty criticisms about Sam's hair, to which he replied "It's a movie!". Another person criticized the movie for using CG and not stop-motion. Uh, hello? We're in the 21st century now!

Anyways, the story is very loosely based on the myth of Perseus (and from what I read, it has significant changes from its 1981 counter-part). The movie opens with an explanation of how the world came about: the Titans were the original rulers of the Earth until their offspring, the Olympians, overthrew them with the help of the Kraken, a vicious beast borne of Hades himself. Zeus became King of the Gods, Poseidon, Lord of the Seas, and Hades, tricked by Zeus, was left to rule the Underworld. Enter Perseus, found by a humble and kind fisherman and his wife (kinda like Superman) who take him in as their own after finding him floating in a coffin in the ocean. Years later, his parents are killed before his very eyes by Hades and he is left in the open sea, only to be found by a group of soldiers who bring him to Argos. Apparently, these people are defiant to the gods and after the Queen compares her daughter, Andromeda, to Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty, Hades appears and tells them that unless they sacrifice Andromeda, the Kraken will once again be unleashed... upon them. Hades also discovers that Perseus is a demi-god and the people of Argos then seek his help to defeat the Kraken. Meanwhile, Hades persuades Zeus and the other Olympians to go ahead with his plan, saying that the chaos would cause the people to worship them once more. However, Hades has his own motives. Perseus, accompanied by Argon soldiers and Io, a woman who has watched him all his life, sets out to try and defeat the Kraken so that he would weaken Hades and get the revenge he seeks for his family's death.

The movie contained great action, with the occasional comedy, along with great performances by all of the cast. Add the spectacular CG effects and Clash of the Titans is a certified great movie. Sam Worthington is a fine choice as Perseus and brings about a great performance. The best part of this movie in my opinion is that it makes the gods look and feel genuine. The way I imagined the Greek gods was captured in this movie. Also, from the pictures I've seen of the original, this has a more authentic feel to it. Perseus and the gods are not wearing cloaks. Armor is more kick-ass.

However, Perseus' transition from fisherman to hero seems to be a bit blurred. I was quite surprised that he could wield a sword so easily despite having no training. The movie seemed to be quite short also. It might have been better if it was longer.

All in all, Clash of the Titans is a movie that MUST be seen in theaters. Do not let it pass. 9/10

Tito Jechrist

I forget the first time I met Tito Jechrist, or Tito Jeck as many liked to call him. But I do remember him as the always smiling and jolly person and very funny. He was pretty much the life of the crowd, the one who makes us laugh. It would be very rare to see him down and not smiling.

Because of his bright personality I think it was just right he served in the Usher team. He was also the one who always approached me after I've led worship, requesting for songs to be put in my next lineup so that the people would jump and dance more during praise. He would also encourage me, telling me that the worship was very blessed.

 

I was very glad to see him avail himself for the Lord. I've seen him serve, watched him pray, I've prayed along with him, I've seen him kneel before the Lord during Breakthroughs and Super CGs. It was no surprise that when he was diagnosed with colon cancer, he did not go and question the Lord. He did the complete opposite. Instead of turning from God, he held on to Him more. Instead of leaving the ministry, he availed himself more. Even as he went back to the Philippines he continued to serve.

 

He was always the kind of guy who admitted his mistakes and admitted his flaws, but he was also the type of guy who was willing to change. And he did. Many people, including myself, are a witness to the transformation he went through as he continued to walk with God. It was truly amazing. He wasn't the same person he was before I first met him. 

We said good-bye to him when he went back to the Philippines, but sadly, I am writing this to say my final good-bye. Two nights ago, I was informed Tito Jeck passed away. 

 

I would be a liar to say I'm not sad. I will miss the laughs I shared with him, his witty jokes, his bright personality, and I will miss worshiping alongside him. But it gives me greater joy and greater comfort knowing that he's with the Lord know. He's where he's always wanted to be and he is truly at peace.

I believe this isn't a time of mourning, but actually we should celebrate. Another faithful servant of Christ has gone home and now he is in the arms of the Father - no pain, no suffering. 

We love you Tito Jeck. We miss you dearly. Rest in peace and we'll see each other again.

 

YOU HOLD ME NOW - HILLSONG

 

 

On that day when I see
All that You have for me
When I see You face to face
There surrounded by Your grace

All my fears swept away
In the light of your embrace
When Your love is all I need
And forever I am free

Where the streets are made of gold
In Your presence here to hold
Let these songs of heaven rise to you alone

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suff'ring You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

In this life fin'lly stand
Through my joy and my pain
Knowing there's a greater day
There's a hope that never fails

When You're name is lifted high
And forever praises last
For the glory of Your Name
I'll be livin' for the day

When the world has finally cease
All creation rest in peace
Let these songs of heaven rise to you alone

No weepingr, no hurt or pain
No suff'ring You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now  

Don't Stop Believin'

What do you do when you're bored? Blog... with gloves on. Agh, I'm taking 'em off. Typing's hard with woolen fingertips...

Anyways... what to blog, what to blog?

Well, exams are finally over so that's cool. Today was basically a cool down day for all of us. We spent most of the day just watching movies. I guess we've earned it after the exams.

I've been listening to a lot of Journey again and Huey Lewis this time around too. Kinda makes me have a lot more confidence when I listen to "Power of Love" while walking to the subway. And I imagine myself sometimes as Michael J. Fox on a skateboard lol. Anyways, downloaded Journey's "Revelation" album with frontman Arnel Pineda now on the vocals. He's awesome, but of course, Steve Perry came first. So yeah, my day never ends without listening to "Open Arms" and "Don't Stop Believin'". You know, something about "Don't Stop Believin'" inspires me everytime. I guess it's the chorus that keeps ringing:

Don't stop believin'

Hold on to the feelin'

Streetlight people...

Great lyrics there. I know it's not a Christian song, but everytime I hear the chorus I always interpret it as don't stop believing and having faith in Him, despite hard times and all.

Speaking of hard times, Bangkok is back to tense mode as red shirts start pouring in from all over Thailand to mount up a huge protest that's starting tomorrow. I have no idea when it will end. I might not have school next week. Yay for me, but not so much yay when you face the facts. Feel bad for my friend, Tor, cuz her house is at the very street where the protest is taking place. As she said, if the reds decide to use a bomb, they'll bomb her house too. The reds were also the ones who burned up the buses last year, so I pray that they won't get rowdy and all again. So please, do pray for the situation here in Thailand. Thank God that He's protected my friends and family. I've been here for ten years and experienced a coup d'etat, the closing of the airport, bus burnings, and numerous rallies, but me and my family remain safe.

So all this political unrest along with the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile bring me to another realization as I write this entry: Christ is coming soon. Very soon. I'm still reading Are We Living in the End Times? by the authors of the "Left Behind" series and it really helped me in understanding end time prophecies. All these events are the "birth pains" before the coming of Christ and they are growing very frequent. For example, the earthquake in Chile occurred only months (or weeks, not sure) after Haiti. This just gives me more reason to believe Christ could come in my lifetime and that, I must say, would be a cool thing.

And so, I circle back to the title of this entry. Despite all the happenings in this world: all the war, politics, disease, disasters... Don't stop - never stop - believing. Never stop believing that God ultimately prevails. 

Wow, I'm amazed at the range of topics for this entry lol. This just shows how bored you get after exams haha

God bless everybody and enjoy the upcoming weekend!

Reflections: Mark 16 - March 8, 2010

"1When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body.

2Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb

3and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

4But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.

5As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

6“Don't be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.

7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

8Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

((The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9–20.))

9When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.

10She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping.

11When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.

12Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country.

13These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.

14Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

15He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

19After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.

20Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it." - Mark 16

"Defeat" has never been an attractive word. "Surrender" doesn't really appeal to man either. But this is why God's plan was so wonderful, so beautiful, and so perfect, that when in the eyes of man they thought that Christ is dead once and for all, the truth was, the Lamb wins!

The ultimate sacrifice resulted in the ultimate victory. The torture, agony, and seeming defeat of Christ on the cross actually won our souls from the enemy and reconciled us back to God.

I remember the teaching why we don't believe of an image of Christ in the cross. It's true that it's a reminder of what Jesus had done for us, but it's because that it's the resurrection that proved His power over sin and death. His resurrection rendered Satan powerless and ultimately defeated him.

I believe God is reminding me - and all of us - that the enemy no longer has any hold on us and that by Christ - if we accept and believe in Him - we are set free. Take off the mindset of still being in chains, still being bogged down and tortured by sin. Christ has set you free. Christ has set the chains loose. Live in the freedom, victory, and authority God gave you. You are free and forgiven.

His grace and mercy is forever!

Saturday Evening Blogging

Hello to all out there :)

It's 10:20 pm over here. I've no idea what I'm doing blogging when I should be asleep since I have to get up early for church tomorrow lol.

Anyways, I suddenly have to worship lead for praise tomorrow cuz Tita Olive isn't feeling too well. I pray she'll be okay for tomorrow. More than pumped to lead for tomorrow! So excited!

On the school front, exams are next week... Still haven't studied haha. Plus, the titration equation in chemistry is freaking me and my classmates out so I have no idea how this is gonna work. By God's grace, I'll see it through.

Dad just got back from China. Literally just came home a few minutes ago with chocolates. Yay! My bro has his traditional stuff toy. This time, it's Eeyore.

And God has still been so faithful to me. As I shared in the last CG, my heart is always in a battle and in a struggle and I look at myself and condemn myself sometimes, asking myself why I can't just get through it and why I make the same mistakes over and over again. And God bombards me not with punishments but LOVE. From my previous Reflections post, you'll see I'm reading Mark and I'm at the crucifixion. God's reminding me how much He loves me. God's so great. His grace and love is truly overwhelming.

Gotta get to bed. But a last note: please pray for Tita Mayette and Mama. Mama's still in the ICU and we need all the prayers we can get. Please also pray for provision since the bills are now up to 50K+.

God bless guys and hope you have a great week ahead of you.

Pranburi '10

Last weekend, I came back from Pranburi with my schoolmates. It was a really fun time and a nice break from all the hustle and bustle of BKK. There are some times you just need to slow down, take a break, and lie down at the beach...

Anyways, I miss it a lot. Why? THIS is why!

 

Who wouldn't want to go back there? Away from all the schoolwork, homework, tests, and exams? Oh well, I guess it's back to reality...

Anyways, all we did there was to swim in the pool, then swim in the beach, then eat, shower, then back to the pool. If ever we were in our rooms we were either eating, playing PS2, talking, playing cards, or doing all of them at the same time.

T'was truly fun. Hope I can go back again sometime.

Reflections: Mk. 15:1-15 - March 4, 2010

"1Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.

2“Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate.
“Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.

3The chief priests accused him of many things.

4So again Pilate asked him, “Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.”

5But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.

6Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner whom the people requested.

7A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising.

8The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.

9“Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate,

10knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him.

11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.

12“What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them.

13“Crucify him!” they shouted.

14“Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

15Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified." - Mark 15:1-15

The very reason why Pilate did what he did is in verse 15: "Wanting to please the crowd..." Pilate knew Jesus was innocent and that the Pharisees had only captured Him out of jealousy. Yet because he knew he had to satisfy the people, he gave them what they wish.

Think about what Jesus may have been thinking. He is the Son of God, yet He was wrongly accused and condemned unfairly. Surely this wasn't the way you treat the King of Kings! It's ironic to think that these were also the very same people who welcomed Him in with palm leaves a few days ago and now they were accusing Him of false crimes. Yet Christ kept silent, kept His eye on the mission, and every step to His death He accepted. Jesus fully surrendered to God;s will and had faith.

How about us? 

 

Do we fully surrender or do we lack faith?

Do we follow despite the circumstances?

Or do we turn away?

 

 

Reflections: Mark 14:53-65 - March 2, 2010

"While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by.

67When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
“You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.

68But he denied it. “I don't know or understand what you're talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.†

69When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.”

70Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”

71He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, “I don't know this man you're talking about.”

72Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.† Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice† you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept" - Mark 14:66-72

The name "Judas" has been synonymous with "betrayer". People usually call the betrayer of a certain character in a movie or book "his Judas". And it's true. Judas did betray Christ and was the very reason why Jesus got into the hands of the Pharisees. But did you ever realize that while there was Judas the betrayer, there was also Peter the betrayer?

Peter betrayed Christ by vehemently denying any involvement with Him.Verse 71 says "... he called down curses on himself and swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about." So much for the man who vehemently denied earlier that he would deny Christ.

Yet these two people, though similar in this aspect, ended up very differently. Judas killed himself. Peter went on to fulfill Christ's prophecy of him being the rock on which the church will be built on. How could this be when Peter betrayed Christ too?

The difference is in their responses. Judas, after handing in Jesus, knew had head betrayed innocent blood. He wallowed in his grief, let it consume him, and ultimately it was the driving force of his decision to hang himself. Peter, on the other hand, did grieve, but repented. He grieved he betrayed and denied Christ, but instead of meditating on his grief, he turned back to Jesus and asked forgiveness.

God has reminded that we all sin and that we hurt Him everyday. It may be in what we say, what we do, or what we think, but we sin against Him everyday. But God has reminded me it's what you do after that matters. Will you condemn yourself, wallow in self-pity, and tell yourself you'll always be a sinner? Or will you run back to the arms of God, ask forgiveness, and experience His love and grace? As we can see from Judas and Peter, the response decides where you'll end up.

We Are The World 25 for Haiti

Twenty-five years ago, Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, and Michael Jackson teamed up to write a song for the starving people of Africa, especially Ethiopia. The result was "We Are The World", and after collaborating with numerous artists the song became a hit, an anthem for the whole world to sing and a reminder that we being the world, we're all in this together.

Now, twenty-five years later, the world has experienced one devastation after another, starting with the Haiti earthquake, then the Chile earthquake and the tsunamis that are expected to hit numerous countries. "We Are The World 25 for Haiti" was done to raise funds for Haiti, but I believe this is also a great reminder to all of us once again that we cannot just turn a blind eye to our fellow men in need.

I really enjoyed the remake of the song. Doesn't matter if the original one was better or not. I like them both. Both versions were sung by artists who recorded it for a single purpose: to help people in need. Chart ratings and criticism therefore don't matter. Even the original was criticized when it first came out. Now they're criticizing the new one, saying it wasn't as good as the original. So now they think the original is good, eh? But what matters is this: because of the collaboration of so many artists, many people are buying the song and helping the cause. As far as I'm concerned, the artists have done their job well. They have inspired people to unite and help those in need.

So please, let us do all we can to help the people in Haiti and Chile. As the song goes, "We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving." Give generously, whether it be financial or even in prayer.

"Like Katrina, Africa, Indonesia
 And now Haiti needs us, the need us, they need us..."

Left 4 Dead: Tips and Tricks

 

I haven't played L4D in a while and I really miss it. Me, my best friend Nikka, my cousin JP, and Ymer are experts at kicking zombie butt (well, at least in our standards lol). Anyways, here are some useful tips and tricks you can use to survive the zombie apocalypse. This only applies when you're playing the campaign, not when you're playing one of the zombies. We played the PC version, but these are applicable to any platform.

• Turn on the captions in the options menu. This tells you what you're going up against (eg. Boomer gurgle, Witch moan). However, if you want a challenge, turn it off.
• It is of vital importance that all characters are controlled by humans. If you want to play for fun and alone, it's okay. But if you want a real gaming experience and set the difficulty higher, it is better to play with no bots. The bots do crazy stuff sometimes (eg. If Zoe is controlled by a bot, she will pick up the sniper everytime which is completely useless against hordes.)
• Two people should be carrying shotguns while the other two automatic weapons. This balances your team. Those who carry rifles can shoot farther and with more accuracy while those with shotguns are a great help when hordes are incoming and the zombies are right at your face, due to their ability to blow zombies away especially at close range.
• SHARE. You and your team need to decide who need the medkit the most or if you need the medkit you're carrying. You will resupply at the checkpoint, but in the midst of trying to get to the next one there are times you need to heal your fellow teammate. Luckily, the AI, the Director, sometimes supplies the players with the medkit. The team needs to decide who needs it the most (the person with the lowest healt or the person who has already used their medkit).
• Team formation: shotguns at front, rifles at back. Shotgunners should always kneel when battling an incoming horde. This is to avoid friendly fire. 
• Team formation while on the move: One takes point (front). The whole team follows whoever is at the point. Another scans the left, another the right. The last takes the rear. This is important since one of your teammates can suddenly be taken by a Smoker.
• If one of your teammates is near death and your team has exhausted its medkits, the rest of the team need to surround the player and protect him/her. The character will start limping once their health is low. If a checkpoint is near, you can choose to tell the player to run fro the checkpoint. Mind you, there are still zombies to be encountered.
• AVOID CARS! When shooting, do not shoot cars since this will cause the alarm and OMG, here comes the horde.
• Dual pistols are crucial. When you run out of ammo in your shotgun/rifle, the pistols are your best friend. It is best to have two and not just one. For the shotgunners, this is the weapon to use when targeting far away zombies. 
• It is best to make a run for the checkpoint when you're near it! Unless you want to keep shooting zombies. Sometimes however, a horde and Tank will be pitted against you so it's best to run to the safehouse. Make sure, however, that all of your team is inside. The level won't be over unless everybody is in the safehouse. Plus, you don't want a teammate left outside fending off the Tank himself, right? Okay, maybe you do, but that's just mean. 
• When going up against a Boomer, be careful if it vomits on you. If it does, a horde will attack automatically. You should melee a Boomer first, run back, then shoot to avoid when it explodes. If the exploding slime reaches you, a horde will also attack.
• Pipebombs should be saved for incoming hordes. Also, do not just throw them when you hear the music cue for the horde. Wait for the horde to be visible and of great number, then throw the pipebomb. Don't just waste it on a handful of zombies.
• Molotovs should be reserved for Tanks. They're big and hard to bring down. The Molotovs help to lessen their health dramatically. Just make sure you throw it from a safe distance. And if you miss, c'mon! These guys are huge! Molotovs can also be used for hordes, but be careful. These things are unstable. Plus, a zombie on fire will still keep running at you.
• LISTEN. Each monster has a music cue (Boomers, Smokers, Hunters), even the hordes. Listen carefully and prepare yourself!
• When a teammate is brought down by a Hunter, DO NOT SHOOT. Instead, use your melee attack to knock the Hunter off, THEN SHOOT. Same goes when a teammate is caught by a Smoker. Melee then shoot.
• When fighting a Tank, run backwards and keep shooting. Usually, it will go after the player that attacked on it first, so one player can be bait. While this player runs and shoots, the rest should run after it and shoot like there's no tomorrow!
• A Witch could be heard from far away. If you hear the Witch moan, turn off your flashlights and kneel. If you see the Witch, DO NOT ATTACK. It is best to sneak your way around her than attack her since she does a great deal of damage. If you do startle her, it is likely that player that startled her will get beat down by the Witch. Unlike the Hunter and Smoker, LET HER EAT LEAD. Shoot her straight away! The more time she is on the player, the more damage she deals.
• If you do want to defeat the Witch and get that achievement, you should do this: Turn off your flashlight, kneel and approach her slowly. THIS ONLY WORKS IF YOU HAVE AN AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN. Once you are near her, stand, run, aim at her face, and let her eat lead! This should kill her with one shot. However, it doesn't work sometimes, so be warned.
• When you are at the last part and you are getting rescued, it is crucial you position your team. For example, in the Dead Air scenario, one of your teammates can man the machine gun while another guards this teammate. If you are in a house, like Blood Harvest, it is best to take the high ground and fend off the hordes. If a player needs to reload, one player should accompany that player downstairs then run back up. Do be reminded NOT to reload when there's an incoming horde. Reload inbetween horde attacks.
• Always be on the lookout for your rescue. You can be too busy fighting hordes and not realize your rescue's already there. Plus, once your rescue comes, the BIGGEST HORDE will arrive and there is NO WAY of defeating them. You need to ESCAPE.
• When running to the rescue (chopper, boat, etc.), make sure YOU DO NOT FALL. You might get beaten down by a Hunter or taken by a Smoker. If you do, don't expect to get away. You are already dead. If this happens to your teammate, they're as good as dead. You can either head for the rescue and save yourself or you can retry the level again to try all of you being saved.

It think this is all the tips and tricks I have. I'll add some more if I remember. Hope this helps surviving the zombie attack. Have fun!

Mom and Dad's 19th Year Anniversary

My mom and dad have four anniversaries to celebrate: one is when my mom agreed to be my dad's girlfriend (God knows when it is). Two is when my parents got renewed their vows here in Thailand on September. Three is their renewal of vows in Malaysia on November.

But today is their "official" anniversary: February 15, the day when they actually got married.

I remember my mom;s story on what the judge told them: "Why didn't you get married yesterday when it was Valentine's Day?"

"Oh, we forgot" was their response.

Sad to say we can't go out 'cause my dad has to go to BSF. However, my mom did cook spaghetti and sandwich pizzas which I am eating while i'm typing this out.

But also thank God for keeping their marriage strong. I've seen them fight, in their ups and downs, and they're still going strong. I love how my parents love each other.

So happy anniversary mommy and daddy. God bless you with more and more years to come. Looking forward to your silver anniversary soon!

Box of Letters

This is a story originally from the book Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris. I just rewrote it in my own words. Some of it may not be as accurate as the one in the book and I may have forgotten some details, but that isn't as important as the message this gives. Advanced happy Valentine's to all!

Rich had been digging in the ground for almost half an hour now. It was surprising that not one of the neighbors had heard him digging and peeked out from their windows. What was more surprising was the fact that Christy and her parents hadn't heard him digging in their own yard. Beside Rich was a box full of letters, a box that chronicled his and Chrity's relationship together. After making a suitable hole, he put the box in the ground and covered it up. Wiping the sweat from how brow, he muttered a prayer. "If You want to dig this up someday, I know you can. But if not, then this is where it'll stay."

Rich and Christy had met when they were fourteen. Rich thought Christy was cute. She thought he was annoying. But like every other love story we know, Christy and Rich soon became close friends and in their senior year, they started dating and had a serious relationship. Their relationship was pretty old-fashioned: both had the habit of sending each other love letters. Not e-mails, but hand-written.

Both of them took their relationship very seriously and were very emotionally involved. Christy's father, Mike, had seen this. It wasn't that he disapproved of Rich. After all, he was his boss at work. It was just that he wasn't so sure it was the right time. At least not yet.

So when Rich was driving Mike one day, Mike brought up the relationship. He didn't give a sermon. He didn't lecture Rich. He didn't tell Rich to stay away from his daughter. He talked to him gently, shared with him his experiences, and how being involved so emotionally has its long-term consequences.

Fortunately, Rich listened. Truth sank in and he realized that he and Christy weren't ready for a real, true relationship. Hard as it may have been, they decided to break up but remain friends. They saw each other at church but saw each other only as brother and sister. They wanted to stick to their promise. But this was easier said than done...

Letting his emotions get the better of him, Rich poured out his heart on a letter to Christy to which she replied. They started dating again, only this time it was behind Christy's parents backs. After a while, they resolved to tell them. It never happened, and soon enough they were caught.

Rich was ashamed and asked for Christy's parents forgiveness. He realized that their relationship had not only been deceiving to Chritsy's parents, but that it was holding them back from serving God. He realized that drastic measures had to be taken for this not to happen. Saddened, Rich asked for all the letters he had sent to Christy, put them in a box, and buried them in their front yard, at which point He said to God "If You want to dig this up someday, I know you can. But if not, then this is where it'll stay."

Christy and Rich left for separate colleges. Mike, Christy's father, was surprised at the fact that Rich had remained faithful to his promise. He called Christy and she said that they hadn't spoken since they broke up. He then asked Rich to drive for him while Rich was back in town. During the drive, Mike gave Rich permission and his blessing to court Christy.

But Rich, now more mature, prayed for this and felt that God was telling he wasn't ready for a relationship yet. When he told this to Mike, he was surprised at how far Rich had grown in maturity.

Rich and Christy soon reconnected and became friends again. After a year, they began a long-distance relationship. Same intensity in romance, but now with purpose, direction, their parent's blessing, and God's. Their confidence for marriage grew everyday.

All this time, the box of letters lay buried in the front yard. Nobody knew except Rich.

On Christmas morning, Rich gave Christy a red box that contained a seed for a maple tree. He convinced her to plant it in her front yard. Along with her family, who by this time were in on the surprise, Rich told her the spot where she should plant it and they began to dig.

Four years after it had been buried, Christy found the box and opened it, revealing all the letters she and Rich had ever written to each other. She smiled. Here eyes brimmed with tears. But Rich pointed something out. There was a red envelope sitting on top of all the old bundled letters. It was a letter that Rich wrote before he buried the letters.

Christy opened it and broke into laughter and crying as she read four words she had no doubt been wanting to hear from Rich: Will you marry me?

All of us may have passionate feelings for someone, but a relationship guided by wisdom and God's guidance and timing is definitely worth the wait. Rich Shipe thought he was burying his dreams in the ground. He thought it was the end of him and Christy, but at the same place he buried his dreams, he saw them come to life. In the same place he knelt to bury the box, he knelt to ask for Christy's hand in marriage.

And as he pulled out the engagement ring, Rich Shipe, who had waited for so long for this moment, heard Christy Farris say "Yes."

CRUCIFIED

"... to provide a death that was particularly slow, painful (hence the term excruciating, literally "out of crucifying"), gruesome (hence dissuading against the crimes punishable by it), humiliating, and public, using whatever means were most expedient for that goal." - Wikipedia

To be crucified wouldn't be exactly called an execution. A better term for it would be "torture".

Crucifixion was reserved for those who have done a vile crime. Even Roman citizens who were sentenced to death were given an "honorable death" like beheading, for crucifixion was not only excruciating, but humiliating. The Romans considered crucifixion "a most shameful and disgraceful way to die".

The process of being crucified starts with the criminal carrying a crossbeam weighing around 35-60 kg to the place of the execution.Once there, the criminal is nailed to the cross and is usually naked. The fact that the criminal would also have to defecate (in modern terms, poo) and urinate in the open makes it all the more shameful for the one on the cross. The death is slow, ranging from hours to days. Romans usually speed the death up by either stabbing the criminal in the heart or side, breaking his knees so that he wouldn't have support, or by lighting a fire below the cross to asphyxiate the criminal. The term "hanging on the cross" is very literal: the fact that the criminal is hanging puts all the weight in the lower part of the body and also causes the criminal to have difficulty breathing. The criminal would have to raise himself up using his arms which are nailed just so that he could breathe. Easier if the feet were nailed to a footrest, but this exhausts the criminal easily. Also, the slightest movement causes great pain.

Imagine what it would've been like to be the one nailed and humiliated on a cross. This is what we deserved! This was supposed to be our punishment! Instead, God sends His only Son for the very reason to step in for our sins and to pay the price and suffer the punishment!

Criminals usually carried the crossbeams. Scripture, however, tells it different from Christ:

"Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha)." - John 19:17

Jesus did not carry just a crossbeam, but His whole cross! The whole cross weighs 135 kilograms! True that the other Gospels record that a man named Simon carried the cross for Him. However, this was probably after Jesus couldn't carry it anymore due to exhaustion. Add to the fact He was whipped before this makes it all the more harder for Him. 

Art usually depicts Jesus on the cross with His undergarment on. However, as stated previously, criminals were hung naked, and it was the same case with Christ!

"When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

24“Let's not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let's decide by lot who will get it.”
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said,“They divided my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.Ӡ
So this is what the soldiers did." - John 19:23-24 

Jesus may have had His undergarments on for sometime, but eventually once the soldiers finished gambling it was removed! Imagine Jesus Christ, an innocent man guilty of nothing, absolutely nothing, hanging on a cross, nailed, naked, cold, and in excruciating pain!

But the reason He did that was for you, me, and the whole world! He could have easily cried out and sent angels to rescue Him and the Jews would also believe He was the Messiah. But no. He knew he had to do this so that once and for all our salvation can be secure. While He was on the cross, while He was being flogged and whipped, He was thinking of you and me! Imagine, He was thinking of me.

Valentines is coming and the world has completely polluted the meaning of love. Love is blurred. The love God wanted for all mankind has been twisted. But look to the Cross and look at what Jesus did. That, right there, is the ultimate expression of love: one Man, who paid the price and took the punishment and the humiliation for each and everyone of us.

Say this to yourself: Christ died because of me.

God bless.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's Time

So much stuff is happening right now

I am reminded of what God had strongly impressed upon me in the couple of months leading into 2010. I remembered His promise that 2010 will be awesome and that He would do something big that would undeniably be His work since it would be so huge.

But of course, before God could fix something, something needs to be fixed.

Well, I believe that now is the time. It's time God moves. Yes, we'll have to wait for Him to move, but He is once again reminding us to stay faithful to Him. He's always faithful to his word. Moreover, He's always faithful to us. And He has once again assured me He will move... in His perfect time.

So as God told Joshua as he led the Israelites, "Be strong and courageous." Be strong and take courage, all of us. God will see us through this. With Him on our side, nothing can bring us down.

Reflections: Mark 6:6-13 - January 7, 2010

"Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.

7Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil† spirits.

8These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff–no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.

9Wear sandals but not an extra tunic.

10Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town.

11And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.”

12They went out and preached that people should repent.

13They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them." 

 

- Mark 6:6-13

I can just imagine how excited the disciples were when Jesus gave them authority. Previously, Jesus showed them how He could drive out demons and heal people and now, Jesus was giving them the authority and power to do all these things! They must've been excited as they went around preaching, healing, and casting out demons!

Like the disciples, I believe God is telling me to keep that same zealousness they had. As God has anointed me to serve Him, then like the disciples I should be excited for the authority and anoinitng God gave me! And I should keep that excitement. I believe that God is reminding me to remember my calling and that despite obstacles and trials, I will always be reminded that He has given me authority and anointed me.

And to all of you out there, always remember: In God, you have the victory. In God, you have authority. In God, nothing - nothing - stands against you. Be blessed!

2010

So I welcomed 2010 the customary Filipino way it should be welcomed: with friends, family, games, fun, and food. But, as a family of God, we also welcomed it with prayer, thanksgiving, and worship. God's given us so much this 2009 and He has assured us that 2010 will be a bigger year. So it's no doubt I'm looking forward to 2010 cuz I'm sure it will totally rock.

And after staying awake for 22 hours for the first time in my whole life, I went to bed at 9 in the morning of January 1 and woke up at 5 in the evening. Indeed, the new year was awesome.

As I said, God has assured me personally that 2010 is the year of bigger things to come. He's really shown me He's gonna do something HUGE, something so great and so big that people who would witness it cannot deny that it's the work of God. So I'm really excited for what God has in store for the church, the Filipino Group, and especially for CRUX, the youth group.

I was very much inspired last night as me, Maica, Jahm, Emil, and Camille gathered together in a circle to pray for 2010 and all our plans for CRUX. I was really glad to see and hear all of them really pray earnestly. It wasn't only me, but they also wanted God to really do something big this 2010. And God is faithful to His people!

Personally, I prayed that God would really help me break free from bondage and that He would help me stand firm against temptation. I also prayed that He would continue to show Himself to me and that I would always have a fresh encounter with Him. The camp in November really taught me a lot about pressing into God's presence and that's what I really strive to do this year: to really be in his presence every single moment of the day. I also offered myself up to Him once again and rededicated myself again, singing from my heart and with all sincerity that I want every breath and every moment of my life to bring Him glory. I also prayed that I would not be lax anymore and that 2010 is the year I really go all out for Him. No holding back!

2010 is gonna be an awesome year, no doubt about it. I have no doubt that God's move is going to be so powerful this year and that he would truly show Himself as a faithful, powerful, and strong God.

Now I'm gonna go to sleep... again.