“High, Higher Than The Sun”

U2 3D is probably the next best thing to being as close to a U2 live concert I’ll ever see for sure. Arguably the best thing…

Firstly, I don’t think I’d watch the concert among really passionate audience. I’m sure it’s quite a high but it looked too scary for me. So, I am not complaining at all as I was enjoying U2 3D. Nextly, it made me feel like the band (i.e. Bono) was playing just for me. I felt like a queen being rendered a special number (for 88 mins)… A magical DREAMLIKE experience!

And what a way to run credits with a song Yahweh… Lyrics: “Take this soul… and make it sing… Yahweh”… Only Bono can pull it off… (I cried on that one)…

Here I go again, in la la land…

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Nice to Know About Bono’s Faith…

(got this excerpt from a blog)

the book was Bono in Conversation, by Michka Assaya)

Assayas: Appalling things seem to happen when people become religious at too early an age or when their experience of life is nonexistent. Don’t you think?

Bono: Zealots often have no love for the world. They’re just getting through it to the next one. It’s a favorite topic. It’s the old cliché: “Eat sh%#* now, pie in the sky when you die.” But I take Christ at his word: “On Earth as it is in Heaven.” As to the first part of your question, in my experience, the older you get, the less chance you have to transform your life, the less open you are to love in a challenging way. You tend towards love that’s more comforting and safe.

Assayas: As I told you, I think I am beginning to understand religion because I have started acting and thinking like a father. What do you make of that?

Bono: Yes, I think that’s normal. It’s a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma.

Assayas: I haven’t heard you talk about that.

Bono: I really believe we’ve moved out of the realm of Karma into one of Grace.

Assayas: Well, that doesn’t make it clearer for me.

Bono: You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics—in physical laws—every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It’s clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the Universe. I’m absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that “as you reap, so will you sow” stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff.

Assayas: I’d be interested to hear that.

Bono: That’s between me and God. But I’d be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I’d be in deep sh&%. It doesn’t excuse my mistakes, but I’m holding out for Grace. I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity.

Assayas: The son of God who takes away the sins of the world. I wish I could believe in that.

Bono: But I love the idea of the Sacrificial Lamb. I love the idea that God says: Look, you cretins, there are certain results to the way we are, to selfishness, and there’s mortality as part of your very sinful nature, and let’s face it, you’re not living a very good life, are you? There are consequences to actions. The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death. That’s the point. It should keep us humbled… It’s not our own good works that get us through the gates of Heaven.

Assayas: That’s a great idea, no denying it. Such great hope is wonderful, even though it’s close to lunacy , in my view. Christ has his rank among the world’s
great thinkers. But Son of God, isn’t that farfetched?

Bono: No, it’s not farfetched to me. Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: he was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn’t allow you that. He doesn’t let you off that hook. Christ says, No. I’m not saying I’m a teacher, don’t call me teacher. I’m not saying I’m a prophet. I’m saying: “I’m the Messiah.” I’m saying: “I am God incarnate.” And people say: No, no, please, just be a prophet. A prophet we can take. You’re a bit eccentric. We’ve had John the Baptist eating locusts and wild honey, we can handle that. But don’t mention the “M” word! Because, you know, we’re gonna have to crucify you. And he goes: No, no, I know you’re expecting me to come back with an army and set you free from these creeps, but actually I am the Messiah. At this point, everyone starts staring at their shoes, and says: Oh, my God, he gonna keep saying this. So what you’re left with is either Christ was who He said He was—the Messiah—or a complete nutcase. I mean, we’re talking nutcase on the level of Charles Manson. This man was like some of the people we’ve been talking about earlier. This man was strapping himself to a bomb, and had King of the Jews” on his head, and was they were putting him up on the Cross, was going: OK, martyrdom, here we go. Bring on the pain! I can take it. I’m not joking here. The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside-down by a nutcase, for me that’s farfetched…

The Faith

The Faith by Chuck Colson

Faith is a complete view of the world and the humankind’s place in it. Christianity is a worldview that speaks to every area of life, and its foundational doctrines define its content.

Thanks for the book, Hannah!

Books of Chuck Colson I’ve read (some several times):

1. Loving God (college)
2. Kingdoms in Conflict
3. Who Speaks for God
4. Born Again
5. The Good Life
6. The Body (last year’s Holy Week)
7. Against the Night
8. The Faith
9. A Dangerous Grace (devotional)

On Niceness

” A world of nice people, content in their own niceness, looking no further, turned away from God, would be just as desperately in need of salvation as a miserable would - and might even be more difficult to save” - C.S. Lewis

Authors I Know in the First Degree :)

I really never thought I’d write this in my journal. That it finally came true. That I’m actually doing it. Right now. This very moment…

By the time I received a second book another friend of mine wrote, I had this picture in my mind to write about authors I know in the first degree. It was like a strike of lightning. An intense desire to ask God for something kinda weird, really…

I have been a lookingcloser aficionado since 2005, when I read Jeffrey Overstreet’s review in Christianity Today on Millions. I found really discerning discussions on his take on books and movies. That I ought to look for excellence in them. To call garbage as it is but also to give grace. To look closer why characters fail and learn painful lessons. To find Truth in it.

When I found out he was writing a novel about his movie experiences in Through A Screen Darkly. I don’t think I’ve wished for more than anything else last year. Well, aside from my trip to Taipei, that is… and his other book Auralia’s Colors…

So, yes. I wrote to him.

I can still feel my embarrassment in writing that letter. This girl wrote to the effect of an ode to a hero. Far be it for me to use the “F” word here. Admittedly so, this girl is definitely one of his .

Three months after I regular-mailed the letter… (please refer to my journal below )…

It made me realize, as the usual, what God can do… for me… for my heart…

“When we submit to God’s plan, we can trust our desires. The longings of your heart then are not incidental, they are critical messages. They are not to be ignored, they are to be consulted. God uses your passions to turn your life. God is too gracious to ask you to do something you hate. Psalm 37:4 says, ‘Enjoy serving the Lord and he will give you what you want.’”- Max Lucado Devotional Bible

 

 

So, here’s to my friends. My kindreds in the most meaningful sense of the word.

 

How the Moken Sea Gypsies Got Their Book by Angeline Koh

Angel taught me that in whatever decision I shall make, base it in obeying God and you will never regret it.

 

Uncommon Faith by Mark Moses

“Faith doesn’t take away the hurt, though, it just helps us get through it and see purpose in it. Thank you, niknik, for turning your disappointment into a testimony of trust in God. In heaven’s eyes, that’s worth far more than a promotion. I KNOW God will reward that trust, either here or in eternity. And that reward will be much greater than the promotion. Just give God time.” – Kuya Mark

 

Through a Screen Darkly by Jeffrey Overstreet

“For Vikki, with gratitude for your enthusiastic support and generosity. Keep in touch!” – Jeffrey Overstreet

 

 

Auralia’s Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet

I ran into this article in an interview with Katherine Paterson (author of Bridge of Terabithia) on books not necessarily “safe for children”… “ Well don’t give them the Bible, because it’s certainly not a safe book. Safety and faith are different things. If you want everything to be safe, then you can do without imagination. If you’re so afraid of your imagination that you stifle it, how are you going to know God? How can you imagine heaven?”.

Auralia’s Colors is about seeking the truth, excellence and beauty. I am excited to journey with Auralia.

A new kindred, novelist Jeffrey Overstreet (do you know him?)… :)

It’s been four days and I still completely feel like my heart is going to explode with joy…

Rewind four days ago…

I opened my computer today. I turned to Jeffrey Overstreet’s blog, as the usual. Read the article done in a bit of a hurry on The Golden Compass. Ran around like a headless chicken with work. Had free lunch courtesy of a co-worker (Yippee!). Halfway to being a chicken, I responded to a knock.

Got a couple of letters.

One letter from The Navigators Philippines was a receipt of my support for a missionary couple (which doesn’t count anymore as good work because besides the fact that they’re super friends of mine, my left hand SO knows what my right hand was doing)…

The other letter was actually a package… From novelist Jeffrey Overstreet!!! Do you know him?

I was absolutely beside myself. I was crying. I was screaming. I just kept yelling, “Oh my Goodness!”. And in between hyperventilation explained to people around me, “Author… that I admire… sent me a package…”. (a very funny co-worker joked, “I thought he made you co-author”). I knew in my heart it was at least a book. But no, he completely understood how i felt. There were two books!!!

If i may borrow his term, “something fell from the ‘Sky’ “…

Will write more about how we became kindred when I get from Taipei. In the meantime, I am on my second read of Through A Screen Darkly and can’t wait to start Auralia’s Colors… How strange though that i was wearing this t-shirt…

In Memoriam…

I did not go home to celebrate All Saints Day. I chose to spend the long weekend working. But as I started the day, I suddenly felt guilty of not honoring love ones who had died. There are three people that came to my mind… Tatay, Lola Pansay and Ate Jan…

Last month, our family in the “Shire” received an invitation to attend an event in celebration of the National Heroes Day that would pay tribute for policemen . You see, Tatay died in the line of duty in 1986. My sister sent me the tribute movie. I was really touched by what the organizers did and I felt really proud of my Tatay’s work. I was bawling by the time it showed the picture of our family in front my father’s coffin. My mother was so young and we, the kids were so little. I realized too that it’s been so long since I even thought of Tatay. I would mention him once in awhile but I haven’t really remembered him.

Lola Pansay was Nanay’s mother. She would choose to have me take her to places when I was just in pre-school. I always thought she trusted me enough but then I realized I was just too noisy a companion that we both would never end up getting lost. (also I can read pretty well at that age). As a kid I enjoyed getting out of the house and take those jeepney rides. Sugar treats are for me the climax of the trips of course. She left for Manila by the time I started primary school. Lola Pansay died of pancreatic cancer in 1990.

This year, my friend Jan Moses died of complications from skin cancer. She was just so dear to me that when she left for the States 3 years ago, I felt a part of me was taken away. Even when she was the one suffering, she offered so much comfort to me… turning sadness into praise all the time… her steadfast trust in the Lord even when suffering and doubt tempt me to question God’s goodness is what I treasure most of all…

C.S. Lewis says in A Grief Observed…

“ I remembered being rather horrified one summer morning long ago when a burly, cheerful laboring man, carrying a hoe and a watering pot came into our churchyard and, as he pulled the gate behind him, shouted over his shoulder to two friends, “See you later, I’m just going to visit Mum”… A six-by-three-foot flower-bed had become Mum. That was symbol for her, his link with her. Caring for it was visiting her. May this not be in one way better than preserving and caressing an image in one’s own memory?”

Mostly we hear that our loved ones are better off where they are. I would rather remember our times together and how they made me feel. In my selfishness I often ask if they can see me still… avoiding the pain by telling myself that there really is no loss at all.

I found this epitaph that C.S. Lewis playfully composed… I would really appreciate what you make of it…

Erected by her sorrowing brothers
In memory of Martha Clay.
Here lies one who lived for others;
Now she has peace. And so have they.

Being Glad For Life…

“Be glad for life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars.”

Whew! What a couple of months… Needless to say that “I Have Been Up To Here”! However, as usual, God continues to surprise me with all pleasantness… Dear God! Where would i be without thee?…

Next time folks, shire-folks, shirelings, halflings and kindreds…i shall make more sense…

announcement: i posted a better written Looking Closer Page… wadya check it out?…

Mother Teresa among the Moken Sea Gypsies…

I first heard about Aunty Esther (Naw Say Bay) on my first trip to Singapore in January 2006. Angel came back from her trip among the Moken sea gypsies in Ranong and was very enthusiastic in documenting Aunty Esther’s life. I was able to listen to Aunt Esther’s recordings and I was inspired and overwhelmed myself. As we talked about her adventures, I was convinced all the more of the need for Aunty Esther’s testimonies to be written.

Angel’s passion and continual awe to Aunty Esther’s work was so contagious that when she told me about a community service among the sea gypsies that she was planning that July, I signed on immediately. Maybe at that time I just wanted to have a glimpse of their experiences with the sea gypsies. And okay I admit, I was pretty envious of it .

As I read the book, I can’t help but compare Aunt Esther’s love for the Moken sea gypsies with that of Mother Teresa’s love for the poorest of the poor in Calcutta. They both remained obedient to God’s call in their lives. When Mother Teresa was asked why she was serving the poorest of the poor against all possible odds, she would answer, “Jesus has taken my hand and I must follow Him.” With that same spirit of obedience and steadfastness to God’s will, Aunty Esther remained among the Moken tribe for more than 30 years. She had typhoid fever, shingles, cerebral malaria and learned their culture and language. She even wrote the New Testament in the Moken dialect!

I am so proud of what both Angel and Aunty Esther have accomplished. This book is a way to bless and to multiply our faith in God who is personal and faithful. It is a testimony of what God can do and has already done. It made me value both their experiences, sacrifices and obedience to God’s call.

Ode to my shire-lings

Heya kids!

tita niknik’s posting my faves… gina try ko lang… hope it’d look nice… be good to your mom, k?… everytime i remember our trip to KL i just can’t help but think… Look at what God can do!!!

 luv ya mucho!

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Ninoy Aquino, Jr: A Conversion

This article is from Who Speaks for God? By Chuck Colson…

“Mr. Colson, I must talk to you!” An oriental man with penetrating eyes excitedly grasped my arm as I boarded the crowded jetliner. To avoid commotion in the aisle, I suggested that he sit in the empty seat next to mine.

“My name is Benigno Aquino,” he began. “I was in prison seven years and seven months, much of it in solitary confinement”. He paused. “I can’t believe I am meeting you. I wanted to die in prison until I read your book.”

As he recounted his amazing story I remembered where I heard his name. Aquino, was a young, articulate senator and popular opposition leader to President Marcos. When martial law was declared in 1972, Aquino, along with other political dissidents, was thrown into prison.

“The guards used to let the dogs eat half my dinner and then give me what was left,”. Aquino told me. “I hated everyone. Then my mother sent me your book. Nothing ever touched my heart until Born Again.”

One night Aquino knelt in his cell and gave his life to Jesus Christ. His viewpoints, his life, his heart all changed. He continued to oppose Marcos, but without his former bitterness and hate. He and his supporters rejected the Marxist teaching they began to embrace in the oppression of prison. Then in 1980 he was suddenly freed to come to the U.S. for a triple bypass operation.

“One day I will be back in the Philippines, “ he told me. The warmth of his smile told me that his heart had never left it. “ I will either be back in the government – or will be back in prison. Either way, we’ll start Prison Fellowship. I promised the Lord that when I walked out of prison.” – happened in 1980, written in April, 1982

The article was apparently written before his death in August 21, 1983. A whole chapter about Ninoy was also written by Chuck Colson in his book Kingdoms in Conflict (1987). In that book, Colson further reiterated…

“I knew when we had completed our flight, I had another Christian brother.”

Robert Shaplen, a foreign correspondent who had known Aquino for years, wrote in the New York magazine,

“ At fifty, he seemed to have acquired a new maturity, and though he also retained his natural ebullience, a relative serenity that he had never had before/ Some of his friends felt he had undergone something like a religious conversion as a result of his years in prison…

Colson says further…

“If he could run for office he believed he would be President. If Marcos threw him in prison, then he would be president of Prison Fellowship. “If I’m killed, I’ll be with Jesus,” he told me, smiling.

How I wish this is being taught in our churches. I wouldn’t mind it being taught in school either. Whenever I read on it, I can’t believe how much Chuck Colson recognized Ninoy’s fight for righteousness and not just in the light of fighting against tyrannical oppression but because of a spiritual conversion; he believed that all governments should rule under God.

As we celebrate Ninoy Aquino Day, may we see him in this light…