I find it amusing that inspiration can come from assumed ordinary things and people. This 2012 I’ve been inspired to look further inside me and see what I’m still capable of. I recently saw this video of a certain someone I’ve had seen participating in a recent Bboy battle at the Mall of Asia. The event was a great ride back to memory lane to the time where a I was still 17, just learning the basics of breakdance, and how I deeply fell in admiration for this genre of dance. There I was awe-struck in every possible way at the sight of bboys, bgirls, and freestylers coming together in one place just to do what they love most – expressing themselves in dance. Among the hyped crowd of dancers, I had the pleasure of seeing my former breakdance teacher, Jmasta. Considered by many as the godfather of bboys here in the Philippines, it wasn’t surprising to know that he was one of the judges. Back to the certain someone I was talking about, I’ve recently learned he was not just a bboy, but also a filmmaker. I searched him online and found his short films – fiction and documentary. The video I’m about to show you was the one that struck me the most.

The Anonymous from Paolo Bitanga on Vimeo.

I’m glad I saw this one as it inspired me to try my hands on filmmaking. I may not be technically adept, but I’m willing to learn. I want to close with a message of gratitude to ordinary people and ordinary things for the extraordinary impact you can give to a life of a stranger. That’s it. I’m out.

When you are a Christian and you’re reading this, you might say, “How could she think/feel this way?”

Then it hit me. I was a “mediocre” Christian, and I know, I’m not the only one. There are some parts of my life I refuse to surrender fully to God, and sadly, these are also the parts where I am repeatedly controlled and defeated by the enemy. If I were to be really serious in my relationship with God, I should fully give up myself so that He could change me. Yet, I still have to be thankful for the breakthroughs He has given me in the past years.  These were parts of me I know I’ve completely surrendered.

Being a Christian for a very long time, I have discovered that I have deep desire to encourage and see new Christians grow and develop deeply their relationship in Christ because I know full well the inexplicable beauty of salvation. I don’t want them to believe that a Christian life is a life of struggle and defeat, but rather, a life of victory and triumph – the way God has designed it.

When I think about my struggles now, they’re completely small and petty, compared to the promise of God’s Word. But I know you would agree with me if I say the struggles are the ones we highlight often rather than the assurance of God’s Word.

So you might ask now, “How could I live a life of triumph?”

I think the very first step is completely simple – be transformed completely. Well, isn’t one transformed when he is saved? Yes, one is transformed because from death, our Spirit was made alive. But there’s still one more aspect that needs to be changed everyday and in the Bible, the secret to complete change and transformation starts with one thing only, the mind.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2, NKJV)

To put it simply,

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (Romans 12:2, The Message)

As much as I want to indulge myself in discussing further, I might not be able to make my point here. Most of the times, our struggles and greatest battles are in the mind, and in the transformation of the mind, you would be able to experience a life God has designed and purposed. Would you pass up an opportunity in living the best life?

Decide today. Not tomorrow, or the next day, but today.

If you want an in-depth study of transformation and renewing of the mind, click here.

“‘Tis the season to be jolly…” Merry Christmas everyone! <3

by: Mizepifany

~//~

A seemingly never-ending voyage through vast deserts I want not to remain.

But in this land will I have a foretaste of glory. Yes! The taste of  the latter rain.

Dry lands had bled me dry, so upon the ungodly hour I stood waiting.

For yet I have to be in the secret place. To rest inside His dwelling.

As my heart burst with waters, You have listened intently to my cries.

As silence filled the air, You whispered softly, dispelled away the lies.

With tender and yet strong voice, strength and wisdom did You bestow.

Put into remembrance and understanding of the unconditional love I know.

Morning drew nigh. A full blast of warm rays flooded my soul.

In searching, I have found and struck treasure better than gold.

~//~

An inspiration from Psalm 63.

I heard this song a thousand times when I was a kid without even understanding a single word.

…Now the lyrics seem to make more sense now.

“Every little thing that my mind can question just leads me back to one thing… God’s love for me.” 

Joy Williams – I Wonder

Current Updates: I’ve been on Tumblr for 2 and a 1/2 weeks now and I currently have 3 followers, 12 posts, and 1 message/question from a follower.

Frank Ocean’s Thinking About You Cover by Gabe Bondoc

(Image Source: http://seoulbeats.com/2011/07/is-2ne1-really-that-original/)

Hate to burst your bubble,but it’s not about them. So if you think you’re wasting your time on another rant-filled personal blog of a random anonymous person who will just gun you down and bombard you with feelings and emotions through the written word, take my advise, don’t read any further.

Yes, I know the title’s misleading. See, I got your attention. Well if you’re still reading,

Guess what?

I just turned 21. 

Eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh…

You know how kids always wanted to grow up quickly and be an adult. It seems like for them being an adult means you have power, control, no one will tell you what to do anymore, no more afternoon naps, no more going to bed early, watching TV all day, eating junk food any time, etc. Summing it all up, for kids being an adult means you can practically do anything and get everything that you want.

(Source: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3119706/Childhood-photos-recreated.html)

One thing’s for sure they don’t have any clue to what being an adult is about. I was one of those naive kids who think that way, but now, getting old and being adult feels weird. Here’s why…

————————————————————————————————–

Reality of Being an Adult:

1. We definitely don’t get everything that we want.

2. Yes, we can practically do anything that we want, but there’s always strings of consequences attached to our actions.

3. Age cannot be an excuse anymore for doing stupid things. Being an adult, we should know better.

4. Tantrums on kids, barely tolerable. Tantrums on Adults, never tolerable and 100% annoying.

5. For kids, crying can get things and situations in favor of them. For adults, no matter how much bucketful of tears we’ve shed it doesn’t change anything about our situation. Wise decision-making is now the key to changing our situation.

————————————————————————————————–

Being an adult is hard. These type of days (birthdays) when another number adds up to our age, we tend to look back and miss the days when we were still kids and life’s more carefree.

I know I’m still too young to say this sort of things and I’m in no position to talk about it, but I think this is what I’ve learned today. Being an adult is knowing the right thing to do at the right time. It means more responsibilities, but endless opportunities to learn and grow; appreciating things more; becoming grateful and content with everything; and no matter how painful a situation is, decisions should never be based on emotions, but on what is right. The more years behind you now means more space to leave the pains, hurts, fears, and insecurities of the past for you to move on to the future.

I hope now that as we get older, we must become more wiser. Age isn’t a proof for maturity. Adulthood and maturity really depend on how we live our lives. Isn’t getting older swell?

To end this post and/or blabbering, I really had an awesome day despite experiencing the most heartbreaking situation of my life. I’m glad I got real friends to cheer me up and a loving family to support me every step of the way.

Come to think of it, turning 21 or getting old isn’t that bad at all.

by: Mizepifany

~//~

Sending an invitation to danger

While walking down on two roads

Each step rips the soul apart

Losing identity as  the man broods

Confusion will arise

As to which path to settle on

Then being at a loss

For there’s no certain destination

With danger lurking around the corner

Seizing open cracks at a whim

Better to turn around now than later

Don’t wait for the lights to dim

Forever you will wander

Eternal searching of what could never be found

Forever darkness lays before you

Eternal death in which you are bound

Turn around now than later

Still the guiding Light calls and cries

Don’t wait until the lights go dim

Ponder these things and be wise

~//~