Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Monday, March 29, 2021
The Only Way To Change Selfishness
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:42
Someone handed the following to me written by an anonymous hand. It’s labeled, “The Toddler’s Creed.” It reads, “If I want it, it’s mine. If I give it to you and change my mind later, it’s mine. If I can take it away from you, it’s mine. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine. If it’s mine, it will never belong to anyone else, no matter what. If we are building something together, all the toys they are mine. If it looks just like mine, it’s mine.” Any parent who has ever tried to mediate between siblings, both of whom are shouting, “It’s mine!” has to smile.
“It’s mine!” Not only kids say that. The same refrain can be heard in the halls of the U.N. General Assembly, in courts where people battle each other for possession of an inheritance, as well as on sandlots where children play.
That same underlying attitude of selfishness – “I want it; it’s mine!” – is the greatest foe of happiness in life and marriages. A reporter once asked me what I felt was the greatest problem in marriage, and I answered, “selfishness,” she didn’t seem greatly impressed. The answer she wanted, I think, was something like, “Infidelity!” giving adultery a vicious blast, loudly thumping the table with my fist for good effect. Or she would have liked my saying something like, “The biggest problem in marriage today is a lack of communication,” or sexual adjustment, or whatever. No matter what the symptom is which you may describe, the bottom line is just the same as in the Toddler’s Creed—selfishness: “I want my needs satisfied first!”
A lot of folks are charter members of the AMYF Club, having enrolled as toddlers, though the stakes get higher as we grow older. Sorry, you haven’t heard of the AMYF Club, right? It’s an acrostic for “After Me, You’re First!” But never satisfying our selfish thirst, you never get your turn, so I’m always first.
There is but one thing that changes selfishness to generosity. No, not the threat of, “If you don’t stop doing that, I’m going to take my toys and go home!” That doesn’t work. The only chemical strong enough to erode the forces of selfishness is the grace of God. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” wrote Paul (2 Corinthians 5:17). The grace of God changes dispositions. But I have to add, it always isn’t a one-shot, immediate “from-grabbing-to-giving” sort of thing. It is an ongoing work of grace which the Bible calls sanctification, as God keeps chipping off the rough edges, reminding us of our brashness, our rudeness, and our selfishness.
Overcoming the gravitational pull of our old selfish natures isn’t overcome by doing a single act of generosity, over which you pompously crow. It’s a lifestyle which is marked by humility, an understanding of who you really are, and the desire to let God love people through you.
Paul wrote about his young friend and understudy, Timothy of Lystra, in Asia Minor, saying, “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 2:20,21).
There is hope, friend. A bumper sticker reads, “Practice random acts of kindness!” Though I’m not exactly sure just what that means, I think it’s moving in the right direction!
Resource reading: Philippians 2:1-11
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/the-only-way-to-change-selfishness/
DTI appeals to limit ECQ duration to 1 week only
The Department of Trade and Industry has appealed that the one-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) stay within the March 29-April 4 period, stressing more companies and workers are in dire need to get back to their livelihood and business amid high unemployment in the country.
DTI Undersecretary Ireneo Vizmonte said this when asked if employers and businesses can still afford a one week closure or minimal operation at the Laging Handa Public briefing.
Vizmonte said the DTI hopes that the National Capital Region or NCR Plus bubble ECQ (Metro Manila and neighboring provinces Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan) be limited to the Holy Week period only as he stressed that there are lots Filipinos with no work even during the general community quarantine (GCQ), a more relaxed quarantine status. The ECQ is the most stringent quarantine or lockdown.
Because of the high unemployment in the country, Vizmonte said that DTI has appealed to limit the ECQ period to one week only to enable workers and businesses to get back to their businesses and livelihood and workers earn income again.
Unlike the GCQ status, more establishments cannot open their operations during the ECQ period thus affecting more workers. Only essential activities are allowed to operate under the ECQ.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development is preparing some relief provisions to affected constituents while the micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are offered interest free and collateral-free loans of up to P100,000 through the CARES Program of the SB Corp., the micro financing arm of the government.
In terms of food supply, Vizmonte said that DTI has made sure that the Inter Agency Task Force allows unhampered 100 percent operations of food suppliers and food manufacturers/processors to ensure that the shelves at grocery stores and supermarkets are filled up.
Producers of essential products, particularly hygiene, and daily needs and pharma, construction and those in export industries are allowed 100 percent capacity.
Also allowed to operate are essential activities like water refilling supplies, food commissaries, eateries but limited to delivery services, public and private financial providers that provide social amelioration channels, IT-business process management firms, and export-oriented firms.
Media establishments are allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity. Also allowed to operate with skeletal workforce are dental and optometry clinics, veterinary, bank transfers pawnshops, armored vehicles, and credit cooperatives and many more.
The capital markets, banks, health insurance providers, energy and power firms, telcos, and Internet service providers, cable and TV, airline, aircraft maintenance, funeral and embalming services, religious services (priests, rabbis and pastors), printing establishments allowed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, security personnel, repair maintenance of machineries, and real estate activities limited to leasing only.
https://mb.com.ph/2021/03/29/dti-appeals-to-limit-ecq-duration-to-1-week-only/
Gov't thinks of people's 'total health' amid calls to extend ECQ
By Azer Parrocha
The “total health” of the nation will be the top consideration in deciding whether to extend the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or reverted back to general community quarantine (GCQ) placed in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces beyond April 4, Malacañang said on Monday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the proposal to extend the week-long ECQ is still under discussion among members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).
He said there would need to be a delicate balance act between curbing the spike in Covid-19 cases and preventing more Filipinos from going hungry and losing jobs.
“Maselan po talaga iyong decision making, hindi naman po pupuwede na sa pagnanais natin na mapabagal talaga ang Covid-19, mas marami naman ang mamatay dahil sa kagutuman at iba pang mga dahilan bukod po sa Covid-19. Total health po ang ating target (It will be a delicate decision-making process because we can’t just aim to slow down the spread of Covid-19 when others die of hunger and other non-Covid-19 diseases. The nation’s total health is our target),” he said in a Palace press briefing.
The national government’s ability to provide cash aid, he said, will also be among the considerations on deciding whether to extend the week-long ECQ.
Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said the government is eyeing the distribution of one-time cash aid to around 22.9 million beneficiaries in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.
The potential beneficiaries account for 80 percent of the low-income households in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces placed under ECQ.
“Titingnan din po natin siyempre iyong kakayahan na magbigay pa nang malawakang assistance kasi napakadami pong bibigyan ng assistance (Of course we also need to see our ability to provide large-scale assistance because there would be a lot of people that would be given assistance),” Roque said.
In an interview over ANC’s Headstart, Roque said the national government reimposed the ECQ as a “last resort” to curb the spike in Covid-19 cases and reduce the strain on the country’s healthcare system.
“We resort to ECQ as an absolute last resort where it appears inevitable that the hospitals will be overwhelmed,” he said.
However, Roque admitted that a week-long ECQ will not be enough to continuously bring Covid-19 cases down.
“Hindi masyado natin mapabababa rin ang numero ng mga kaso maski pa tayo po’y mag-extend ng ECQ. Kaya binabalanse po natin ngayon iyan, kinukonsidera natin iyong total health ng ating mga kababayan, iyong cost-benefit analysis in terms of iyong mga karagdagang Pilipinong magugutom at mamamatay sa iba pang mga dahilan bukod po sa Covid-19 (We won’t be able to bring down our numbers even we extend out ECQ. That’s why we are trying to strike a balance, we are considering the total health of the nation, the cost-benefit analysis in terms of more Filipinos dying of hunger and other non-Covid-19 diseases),” he said.
Citing government data, Roque said the week-long ECQ is expected to keep Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila at 500,000 to 600,000 by April 18.
Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila are currently over 300,000.
(Updated) The government will revert to the general community quarantine status for Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna
Duterte to announce April 5-30 quarantine classifications later Monday
President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to announce later Monday new quarantine classifications meant to arrest a surge in COVID-19 infections until the end of April, Malacañang said.
Duterte will meet the inter-agency task force leading the country's pandemic response and address the public later Monday, said Palace spokesman Harry Roque.
"Inaasahan po natin na sa Talk to the People, masasapinal na iyong quarantine classification simula April 5 hanggang katapusan ng April, at saka iyong issue po ng assistance ng gobyerno,"
(We expect that during the Talk to the People, the quarantine classifications from April 5 until the end of the month will be finalized, as well as the assistance from government.)
Metro Manila and the surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal are under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the strictest of 4 lockdown levels from March 29 to April 4.
Government aims for the public's "total health" in deciding lockdown, Roque said in a press briefing.
"Maselan po talaga 'yang decision-making. Hindi naman po pupuwede na sa pagnanais nating mapabagal ang COVID-19, mas marami naman ang mamatay dahil sa kagutuman at iba pang dahilan bukod sa COVID-19," he said.
(The decision-making for that is sensitive. We cannot let our desire to slow the spread of COVID-19 to lead to deaths because of hunger and reasons apart from COVID-19.)
ECQ bans non-essential movement, mass gatherings, and dining in restaurants. It also reduces businesses that can operate at full capacity.
COVID-19 cases in the Philippines in the past two weeks are "2 times higher than what we were reporting three to four weeks ago," said the health department's Epidemiology Bureau chief Dr. Alethea De Guzman.
While the week-long ECQ could slightly reduce infections, she said, "Posible pong tumaas na naman ang dami ng kaso natin pagkatapos na ma-lift ng ECQ… Isa sa mga nirerekomenda nating eksperto, baka kinakailangan i-extend."
(The number of our cases could increase against once ECQ is lifted. One recommendation of our experts is that we might need to extend this.)
De Guzman said she cannot disclose specific figures yet.
The Philippines is battling a renewed surge in infections, including those of the new and more transmissible variants, prompting the government to tighten existing curbs in the capital and nearby provinces.
Coronavirus cases and deaths in the Philippines totaled 721,892 and 13,170, the second highest in Southeast Asia, with infections reported in the past nine days accounting for a tenth of the total.
Lockdowns have taken a huge toll on the Philippine economy, which contracted by a record 9.5 percent last year.
Roque earlier said the government timed the reimposition of ECQ during the week ahead of Easter - so the impact on the economy will be less severe as many businesses will be closed anyway during Holy Week celebrations.
Public transport will be allowed to operate on a limited capacity, and movement of essential goods can continue unimpeded, he said.
— With a report from Reuters
Babaeng sales agent pinatay ng riding-in-tandem sa Bataan
Patay ang isang babaeng sales agent sa bayan ng Orion, Bataan matapos siyang pagbabarilin ng riding-in-tandem noong Biyernes ng gabi.
Kinilala ang biktima na si Ruth Rafa, 52.
Sa inisyal na imbestigasyon ng pulisya, nasa terrace ng kanyang bahay sa Barangay Upper Bilolo ang biktima at may kausap sa cellphone nang biglang may 2 lalaking sakay ng motorsiklo ang tumigil sa harapan ng kanyang bahay.
Binaril ang biktima ng 2 beses at saka humarurot ang motorsiklo.
Naitakbo pa sa ospital ang biktima pero idineklara nang dead-on-arrival.
Sabi ng pulisya, ang mga salarin ay nakasuot ng face mask, helmet, naka-dark green shirt ang angkas habang naka-asul naman ang driver.
Dagdag pa ni Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, napag-alamang nagtatrabaho rin bilang sekretarya na nag-aasikaso ng land titles ang biktima.
May ilang kliyente umano ng kaniyang opisina ang nagrereklamo sa delay ng pagtitulo ng lupa.
Patuloy ang imbestigasyon sa krimen.
—Ulat ni Gracie Rutao
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/29/21/babaeng-sales-agent-pinatay-ng-riding-in-tandem-sa-bataan
COVID-19 hits former President Joseph Estrada
Former President Joseph Estrada has tested positive for COVID-19, his son, former Senator Jinggoy Estrada said on Monday.
“Nais ko pong ipaalam sa inyo na ang aking ama, na si dating pangulong Joseph Estrada, ay isinugod namin sa ospital kagabi sa kadahilanan ng panghihina ng kanyang katawan,” Estrada said in a Facebook post.
(I want to inform you that my father, former President Joseph Estrada, was rushed to hospital last night due to body weakness.)
“Na-diagnose na po siya na positibo sa covid 19,” he added.
(He was diagnosed to be positive for COVID-19.)
The former president, who also served as Manila mayor, was last listed in stable condition, according to his son.
Estrada’s other children likewise announced the news over Twitter and asked for prayers for their father.
“Please pray for my father who has tested positive for COVID-19 and was rushed to the hospital. Please pray for all those who are likewise fighting this virus,” said former Senator JV Ejercito.
“Our dad, former president Joseph Estrada, tested positive for COVID-19. He’s now confined in a hospital and is in stable condition. Please pray for his recovery and the recovery of everyone affected by the virus,” Jake Ejercito said in another tweet.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1412432/covid-19-hits-former-president-joseph-estrada
Erap hospitalized, positive for COVID-19, says son Jinggoy
Former president and Manila mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada was hospitalized late Sunday and was found positive for COVID-19, his son said Monday.
Estrada, 83, was taken to hospital because he was weakening, former senator Jinggoy Estrada said.
"Stable po ang kanyang kundisyon at ako po ay humihingi ng inyong mga panalangin sa kanyang agarang paggaling," he said in a statement.
(He's in a stable condition and I ask for your prayers for his immediate recovery.)
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/29/21/erap-hospitalized-positive-for-covid-19-jinggoy
LENTEN HOLIDAY NOTICE
In observance of the Holy Week, the Philippine News Agency’s online news service will be off on April 2, Good Friday, and April 3, Black Saturday. Normal operations will resume on April 4, Easter Sunday. — The Editors
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Batangas lawmaker tests positive for COVID-19
Batangas 2nd District Rep. Raneo Abu has confirmed that he tested positive for COVID-19.
In a post on his Facebook page, Abu said that his March 25 swab test showed a positive result the next day.
"Sa parehas namang araw ay agad akong nagtungo sa isang isolation facility upang magpagaling kahit ako ay asymptomatic. Ito ay aking ginawa bilang pagtalima sa ipinatutupad na regulasyon ng IATF at ng Department of Health (DOH),” he said.
(That same day, I immediately went to an isolation facility to recuperate even though I am asymptomatic. I did this to follow IATF and DOH regulations.)
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN RANEO E.ABU Bilang pag-iingat sa banta ng COVID-19,ang aming buong opisina at ang...
Posted by Congressman Raneo E. Abu on Saturday, March 27, 2021
He also said that while he tested positive, his daughter Dr. Reina Abu got a negative result.
Abu's Facebook post was confirmed by his congressional office.
Abu is the 4th congressman to publicly disclose testing positive for COVID-19 this year, after House Majority Leader Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, Anak Kalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor and Negros Oriental 1st District Rep. Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong.
Last year, Representatives Bernardita Ramos of Sorosogon and Francisco Datol of Senior Citizens Party List died of complications due to COVID-19.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/28/21/batangas-lawmaker-tests-positive-for-covid-19
Philippines to increase presence in West Philippine Sea - Lorenzana
The Philippines will increase its presence in the West Philippine Sea, the Department of National Defense said Saturday, amid continued calls for Chinese vessels to withdraw from the disputed waters.
“We are ready to defend our national sovereignty and protect the marine resources of the Philippines,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement on Saturday.
“There will be an increased presence of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard ships to conduct sovereignty patrols and protect our fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.”
Currently, he said, a Philippine navy ship and the Philippine Coast Guard are monitoring activities at the Julian Felipe Reef, where over 220 Chinese maritime militia vessels were reportedly anchored. The Air Force also deploys jet aircraft there daily.
Other agencies such as the Bureau of Aquatic and Fisheries Resources are also helping with efforts at the West Philippine Sea and the Kalayaan Island Group.
The country’s calls for the foreign vessels to leave the Julian Felipe Reef have already been communicated to the Chinese ambassador, Lorenzana said.
“I assure our people that we are addressing the situation. We stand by our position calling for the immediate withdrawal of Chinese vessels in the Julian Felipe Reef, which was communicated to the Chinese Ambassador.”
Earlier this week, the military said it had deployed navy ships to the West Philippine Sea, but not in the reef where Chinese militia ships were seen to avoid confrontation.
Recently, the United States, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada have expressed concern over the presence of the vessels in the nearby disputed waters, and called their appearance a move to “intimidate and threaten” the Philippines, as well as undermine regional stability.
China’s foreign ministry on March 22 claimed the vessels were “fishing boats” sheltering from poor weather.
DFA suspends operations in Aseana, other consular officers
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is temporarily shutting down its operations in its office in Aseana in Paranaque City, and other consular offices.
This is in response to Malacanang's order to put the greater Metro Manila under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from March 29 until April 4.
"In view of the announcement on the implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) from 29 March to 04 April 2021 in the National Capital Region and in the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal and Laguna, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will close its office located in ASEANA Business Park in Parañaque City as well as its Consular Offices in Metro Manila, Antipolo, Dasmarinas, San Pablo, and Malolos on 29 – 31 March 2021," the DFA said in a statement Saturday.
Those affected by the temporary closure will be accommodated on the following dates:
If your original confirmed appointment schedule falls on the following dates: Revised appointment schedule:
29 March 5 - 8 April
30 March 12 -16 April
31 March 19 -23 April
Passport applicants are advised to print out the new email, the application form with their original appointment schedule indicated, the e-receipt and supporting documents. Applicants are advised to submit the documents during their new appointment schedule.
"For authentication applicants, please print out the new email with your new schedule and bring your documents for authentication on your new appointment date," said the DFA.
The DFA said the schedules may still be subject to changes.
Those who wish to visit the Consular Office on dates not included in the given schedule the DFA advises to email any of the following:
-DFA ASEANA
Passport
passportconcerns@dfa.gov.ph
Authentication
oca.authentication@dfa.gov.ph
-CO NCR NORTH (Novaliches)
ncrnovaliches.so@dfa.gov.ph
-CO NCR NORTHEAST (Cubao Ali Mall)
ncrnortheast.so@dfa.gov.ph
Passport
dfancrne.processing@gmail.com
Authentication
dfancrne.authentication@gmail.com
-CO NCR EAST (SM Megamall)
Passport
ncreast.so@dfa.gov.ph
Authentication
authenticationncre@gmail.com
-CO NCR CENTRAL (Galleria)
ncrcentral.so@dfa.gov.ph
-CO NCR WEST (SM Manila)
ncrwest.so@dfa.gov.ph
Passport
dfancrwest.passport@gmail.com
Authentication
dfancrwest.authentication@gmail.com
-CO NCR SOUTH (Alabang)
Passport
ncrsouth.passport@gmail.com
Authentication
ncrsouth.authenticaiton@gmail.com
-CO ANTIPOLO
antipolo.co@dfa.gov.ph
info.coantipolo@gmail.com
-CO DASMARINAS
rco-dasma@oca.dfa.gov.ph
dfa.co.dasmarinas@gmail.com
-CO MALOLOS
malolos.co@dfa.gov.ph
malolos.gc@gmail.com
-CO SAN PABLO
sanpablo.co@dfa.gov.ph
Passport applicants may also call the following numbers:
02 8234 3488
0977 353 3942
0915 360 7410
0966 410 8465 (Authentication Concerns)
"Kindly wait for the Consular Office to confirm your requested schedule before proceeding with your appointment," said the DFA.
"All applicants are required to have masks and face shields on and will be subjected to temperature checks prior to entry, among other public health measures to be implemented by the Consular Office."
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/28/21/dfa-suspends-operations-in-aseana-other-consular-officers
Saturday, March 27, 2021
'Perfect': Matteo Guidicelli describes 31st birthday celebration with family
“Perfect!”
This was how Matteo Guidicelli described his 31st birthday which he spent in an undisclosed beach destination.
On Instagram, he shared a photo of his complete family including his wife Sarah Geronimo where they can be seen striking a pose by the shore.
“Celebrated my 31st birthday with the Family. Perfect. To everyone out there, Thank you very much for all the greetings! And please stay safe,” he wrote in the caption.
Guidicelli turned 31 on March 26. He made his birthday post on the same day that his wife is set to hold the “Tala: The Film Concert” marking her first full-length performance after her joint concert with Regine Velasquez, “Unified,” in February 2020.
On Saturday, photos of him and Geronimo made the rounds online showing them attending a groundbreaking ceremony.
The celebrity couple was spotted leading the event in a series of photos uploaded by Tassels Events and Party Needs. However, photos of Geronimo and Guidicelli have since been removed from the post.
"Couldn't be happier to witness and assist a groundbreaking ceremony. Our Tala hearts are shining!” the caption said, still hinting at the presence of the “Tala” singer and Guidicelli.
Government told to consider MECQ, beef up mass testing to slow down COVID-19 surge
The government must consider placing COVID-19 hotspots under lockdown anew, a health expert said, as the number of daily new cases soared to a record-high of 9,838.
Former COVID-19 task force adviser Tony Leachon proposed the implementation of a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), the second highest of quarantine levels for two weeks, while running at least 50,000 tests per day, to halt the increase in coronavirus cases.
He also called for better contact tracing, improved protection for healthcare workers, and the creation of satellite clinics for patients who can't access health facilities.
Most hospitals in the capital region already reported full capacity for COVID-19.
Leachon said the government should have a plan of action and urgently decide on ways on how to control the uptick in cases.
"Leaders will [need to] step up to the plate. Hindi tayo puwedeng walang mangyari dito," he said in a video broadcast on his Facebook page.
Leachon also lamented the government decision to allow church services this coming Holy Week, as this could further increase COVID-19 cases.
"Sana hindi muna kahit Holy Week kasi pwede naman online. God is present anywhere...kahit 10 percent capacity, parishioners [will come] from different areas, iba-iba ang level of hygienic measures," he added.
"Hindi tama po na magpalabas tayo," he added.
On Friday, Malacañang reversed an earlier announcement for Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal—which government called "NCR Plus" bubble area—and allowed limited religious gatherings from April 1 to 4. Under the new rule, churches can hold a program only once a day, while observing a 10 percent capacity to control crowds.
Leachon said the government must also speed up vaccination, especially in the National Capital Region, Region 4A, and Central Luzon, where COVID-19 cases are rising uncontrollably.
SK chairman sa Isabela, timbog sa pagtutulak umano ng marijuana
Arestado sa isang buy-bust operation ang isang chairman ng Sangguniang Kabataan sa Cabatuan, Isabela nitong Biyernes ng umaga.
Kinilala ang nahuli na si Joren Palomeno, 24, na SK chairman ng Barangay Centro.
Ayon sa Cabatuan Police, naaktuhan umano nila ang suspek na nagbebenta ng isang sachet na may lamang marijuana sa pulis na nagpanggap bilang poseur-buyer kapalit ng P500.
Nang kapkapan ang suspek ay nakakuha pa umano ang mga awtoridad ng dalawang sachet ng marijuana at ang cellphone na gamit nito sa transaksyon.
Minamanmanan na ang suspek na kabilang umano sa listahan ng high value target, ayon sa pulisya.
Sinampahan na ang suspek ng reklamong paglabag sa Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.--Ulat ni Harris Julio
Friday, March 26, 2021
Guidelines To Impact Your Grandchildren
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call. Acts 2:39
A gray-haired woman in her 60s walked down the aisle of a plane, stopped by an empty seat and asked the person sitting next do it, “Excuse me, do you have any grandchildren?” When the very surprised person responded, “Yes, I do!” the woman moved on down the aisle. Asking the same question, the person next to the empty seat stammered, “No, but we wish we did.” Sitting down the woman said, “Wonderful! Now I will tell you about mine!”
That’s the way grandparents are, but in a disconnected world where families are often fragmented and separated by distance, it’s getting harder and harder for a grandparent to interface with grandchildren. You can do it, however, and in the next three minutes I’ll give you six ways to impact your children’s children.
Guideline 1: Make your life a living testimony of God’s grace. For years on my television program I would ask a final question, “How would you like to be remembered after you are gone?” Answers were diverse but there is one thing for sure: you will be remembered one way or another. My grandfather was stingy and frugal but grandmother was generous. Her oatmeal cookies and fried chicken were world-class. When I studied in the university she would write, including some money that grandfather never knew about. How will you be remembered?
Guideline 2: Be involved in their lives. Here’s a seldom considered scientific fact: phone lines run both ways. Older folks often sit by the phone waiting for it to ring, moaning and complaining that nobody calls. Hey, friend, why not call or text your kids or grandkids every week? If you have several grandchildren, program their telephone numbers on your phone and ask, “How are you doing? Any special needs I can help with? What’s going on in your life?” Don’t think you are bothering them; you’re keeping a relationship alive.
Guideline 3: Take inventory of the spiritual heritage you are leaving behind. My father-in-law, Guy Duffield, was one of the godliest men I ever knew. On the night God took him home, he asked me to read Psalm 71, which says, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” “Have I done that, Harold?” he asked. If anyone ever did, he had done just that.
Guideline 4: Record your testimony of the redeeming grace of God. Write letters, even ones for your unborn grandchildren, video or record your life story, tell future generations what God has done in your life. Tell your story. Yes, they want to know.
Guideline 5: Surround your grandchildren with a fence of prayer. What you cannot do, God can and will. Trust Him. At times grandkids ignore your advice but they cannot escape your prayers. Yes, you can make a difference by praying.
Guideline 6: Set your house in order. And what does that mean? Time allows only two thoughts: First, make peace with your enemies. Don’t carry to your grave bitterness, harsh thoughts, and angry memories. Forgive.
An old gentleman 90 years old was told, “I hear you have no enemies at all.” “Yes, that’s right.” “And what’s your secret?” “I outlived them all,” he said. In reality few people do. Bitterness kills, but forgiveness neutralizes.
Then this final thought: “Do your giving while you are living so you are knowing where it’s going.” Dig a well for a village in Africa. Support an orphan in Russia. Send a grandchild to Bible School. Help your church; establish a foundation that will use your money wisely; but don’t leave your estate to that greedy grand nephew who calls only to find out how soon the undertaker may come for you.
Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-8
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/guidelines-to-impact-your-grandchildren/