Watch Fun VIdeo - Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) Los Angeles District Picnic and Raffle Fun 2011 July

Another successful picnic and raffle fun fellowship event was held by Bukas Loob sa Diyos or BLD ("Opening one's heart in God") Covenant Community Los Angeles District at Ralphs B. Clark Regional Park, Buena Park, California on July 24, 2011.

Watch this shared fun video that says it all as we continue to keep Jesus in our hearts in everything good that we do, and this time, celebrating God's gift of life with our brothers and sisters in Christ under BLD, and "Jesus Saw Inside of Me" from YouTube video editor as our fitting background music.



Go to this link for: "another video version without the music"

See more related pictures via our picasa galery link below.

'Bukas Loob sa Diyos' or BLD Los Angeles 2011 Picnic and Raffle July 24

Everybody enjoyed the atmosphere of fun and camaraderie among members of the community with  various Filipino delicacies and great recipes served to the delight of those who made sure they did not miss this year's picnic, climaxed with an exciting raffle event.  

All those with tickets on hand were keen on winning the major prizes either for themselves or for their family and acquaintances they represented.  I, for one, would be more than happy to see any of my donors and ticket buyers win any of the cool prizes at stake to enhance my ticket selling credibility one notch higher, won't you agree?  

Ticket entries were handed to Bob Perkovic, Carlito and Evelyn Alvarado who gladly served all paid tickets, put them into the 'tambiolo' before it all started rolling by 5PM.  The grand prize winner was not present, but the seller, Lita Briones, was there to acknowledge and confirm the identity of the winner.

Good for me and John Abe, despite the heat from the sun and from the flaming charcoal, we got the most number of  'likes' grilling great tasting barbeques superbly marinated by Danny Jose.

It was the most sought after food since we began grilling, sometimes, not able to keep up with demand and yes, bias or not, lol, better than the Fil-Am favorite chicken adobo of Evelyn Alvarado and the savory beef steak of Ted and Prescy Najarro, just right after I took over from Bong Uy who had to complete a quorum as he was duty by his BLD tennis buddies.

This gives me an idea, huh.  Danny, Bong, John and I can, perhaps, put up a barbeque business on the sides at downtown LA and with our BLD community ever growing, marketing will not be a problem, lol.  Let's wait and see what Jun and Alice , Boy and Madsy , Hermie and Lina , Ed and Bopeep have to say.

I may have gone too far pulling your legs, but what is good about this community is the selflessness and the willingness of many of its members to share the love of Christ with others, that together with our families and friends, we may all see the light of Christ in this life, while celebrating together and enjoying God's countless blessings as we learn to accept God in Christ Jesus, to lead our life in this journey towards eternity, as we may eventually learn to live and discover the beauty of finding the true path while we may choose to grow together in the spirit.

Soon after that grueling yet humbling and heart warming hands-on training grilling BBQ's as a novice from master John Abe, I started looking for that delicious, nutritious and anti-carcinogenic mouth watering mangoes brought by Lucy Castro and her Mekeni group, but, no way, they were all 'gone with the wind,' lol.  "Parang hinipan ng hangin" ("as though blown by the wind"].

Whatever tastes good never last with the Pinoy taste buds.  That is why in any BLD event, watch your tummy or your waistline before it grows out of healthy proportion.

    

Field games were played among the youth, singles, single parents, ME couples and family members who were all there to have fun, and fun they did have, with soothing and energy giving praise and worship songs from the choice collections of Tony and Tess Roque filling the air. 

Ralph B. Clark Regional Park has a huge area of trees and green grassy lawns were kids and people of all ages can enjoy a refreshing jog, walk or play, or even go camping on tents or hiking along nearby hills.  

Some of the boys happily swung their tennis rackets which they brought along knowing that once you have paid at the entrance gate for a meager  fee of only five dollars a car, you can play the whole day and use the park's facilities for free.

"All is well that ends well."

The BLD picnic and raffle activities on July 24, 2011 may just be another fruitful day among community members, family and friends, that came to pass, but the best part was the love that was shared in Christ Jesus praying that his words of truth will always stay in our BLD hearts as they lighten up our daily journey in this life, and as we continue to yearn for spiritual growth in Christ and be one with God.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17, Saint Paul, after he admonished everyone to live in peace with each other, to encourage the timid to help the weak, to be patient with everyone, nobody to pay wrong for wrong and to always be kind to each other and to everyone else, he said, “Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

[Read on our post:  "Commentary on - "'Jesus Saves' via Christaninsal.overblog.com," on 'Love in Christ,' NDE, Mama Mary and the Saints." as we call for unity in faith.]

----------------------------

Brief BLD Announcements:

[1] Open to all believers in Christ and in the Holy Trinity, we invite you to join our BLD Covenant Community under Los Angeles District, through our incoming Marriage Encounter Weekend in May 2012 (exact date and venue to be announced as soon as available).  For BLD members outside of the LA District and all those who wish to learn more about "Bukas Loob sa Diyos" or BLD, a Catholic charismatic renewal movement in its mission to grow its Christian discipleship among people of any faith or creed irregardless of race, age, education or financial status, please feel free to send an email to BLD DCS in Evangelization Hermie and Lina Villaflor (linav793@yahoo.com).

Another Marriage Encounter is on the works this coming May 2012.  Details will be posted on this site when available.

--------------------------------

[2] BLD Raffle Winners (June 24, 2011 Draw) = >> "Congratulations to the Winners ... and to all Donors and  Organizers!"

1st Prize   50" TV Home Theater Entertainment System   >>>   Grace Cruz
2nd Prize  Laptop Computer  >>>   Loretta Castro
3rd Prize  Digital Camera   >>>   Carlota Capulong

God bless and Godspeed - GHE Admin



Subscribe in a reader

Commentary on - "Down But Not Out - Voices of the Long Term Unemployed" from Yahoo News and Being in Sync with God

Reading on our link below from Yahoo News can be an eye opener as we face reality, that "life is not always what we expect it to be."

[Read this link as our commentary subject:  "Down But Not Out:  "'Voices of the Long Term Unemployed' from Yahoo News"]

Let us get some inspiration, nevertheless, from one of my favorite world leaders in the famed fiery British Prime Minister in two World Wars of I and II, Sir Winston Churchill (read more on Wikipedia.com).

While challenging and reviving the morale of the British people and its military forces in his speech aptly titled "Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat" (read more from WinstonChurchill.org) he said :

"It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival."


We can always turn to our human spirit, ever relentless and persevering, and never to give up to the overwhelming pressures brought about by the changing fortunes of time and faced with the challenges in finding a worth while and one honest way of facing the challenges that life brings to fore.

No doubt, unemployment has become rampant especially in the US pegged at 10 to 15% or more with true figure varying depending on the source.  The number one economy in the world also has a lurking problem of unpaid foreign debt to the tune of 14 trillion dollars.

Looking for that elusive source of income has never been so challenging be it a job, your own business or a non-profit entity, foundation, cooperative endeavor, or it can be investments of your time, effort, services or finances in stocks in a business partnership or corporation, in royalties, in writing or publishing books, or even in well loved and trusted products you can think of, all these as probable options for anyone looking for what could be the best possible income derivative.

Being in Sync with God

Your belief and trust in the Lord will fill your way through.  The more you appreciate the truth in trusting God, the more you can better prepare yourself in the challenges of this material world.

If you do not believe in God, I am humbled as I respectfully  invite you to our link below and appreciate your taking a trickle of your time to this revelation while opening your heart and spirit ...

[Read on our post:  "God's Awesome Works in God's Awesome Creation and the Messiah in Jesus - Commentary on High Speed Captures - a gallery on flicker"]

Wondering how seeking discernment on issues involving material things may require guidance from the Divine Providence? Don't even have a second guess.

I believe that everything happens for a reason and your coming over reading this post is no accident at all whether somebody referred you to this site or by leap of fate you have come across this article, as this opens a new door for you to realize how God has been calling you for that rare opportunity to know Him better through the truth in His words and in His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

In Psalm 95:8-11, it states, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah (means quarreling), as you did that day at Massah (means testing) in the desert, where your fathers tested and tried me, though they had seen what I did. For forty years I was angry with that generation. I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways.” So I declared an oath in my anger, “They shall never enter my rest.”

Every time, just open your heart to him, expect him to reveal more truth about himself in this life through your faith.

While you may be in a quandary what path to take, just pray and trust in Christ as the Holy Spirit guides you to the right choice based on your beliefs as a true Christian.

Looking for work has really been difficult for many, but this should not pose any problem, why?  Reflect on this passage from the bible and see how true.


In Matthew 6:25-27, Jesus said to His apostles, "Do not worry about your life, what you eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap of store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more important than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?


Wow!  And if you ask people who lived close to a 100 years or so, did they have anything in common?  Did not a positive outlook in life help them live a longer life, aside from filling their life with love of others and for others?

While God wants us to work the best we can to provide for our family, he wants us to keep our love for Him by showing our love and concern for others as well.

Have you noticed how the lack of consideration for others have alienated us from the love of others which could have made our life richer in spirit, more peaceful, joyful, happier and more fulfilled?

As compared with working in harmony with others, does this not make our work easier to handle, makes us a good team player which eventually and leads us to greater productivity?

And looking beyond work comes the blessing of being with the family where that elusive chance of being with our love ones comes right into place.


For Whatever is Lost, Some Good Thing is Gained

I remember when I had angioplasty (a non-invasive procedure where a tiny stainless steel stent was placed in a blocked vein lining the upper right ventricle of my heart to keep the blood in normal flow) a few months after I had a mild heart attack, I had a long unexpected vacation on sick leave, lol.

I may have had a heart problem, but the best part of it, for me, was being with my love ones like I have never been before and this kept me in a better bonding shape with all members of my family.

The company I was working with granted me quite a long rest as per my doctor's advice.  And it was indeed a fitting and a much needed therapy.  "Truly," I said, "God is good all the time."

What if I preferred to look at things the other way, became more fearful of death, more grumpy and demanding for my care and more unforgiving and blamed everybody every single step of the way for a perceived mistake they make?  Will this help and make things any better or worse?

The second time I had a life threatening close call was when I had a mild stroke after we transferred apartment into Los Angeles.  And that was just last September of last year where I got hospitalized for a week.

As usual, I got pampered by my family, lol.  But this did not go over my head and the longer I stayed in the hospital, the more I yearned to go home as I said to myself I was feeling okay and ready to go home as early as the fourth day in the hospital.

I was praying to God what purpose He was intending me for this time now that I had my second lease on my life, until I came to realize three weeks after I got out of the hospital, God has revealed in me the truth in using natural complements.

I stopped using Coumadine after three weeks of continuous use as a blood thinner as I found it out to be a rat poison as I browsed through the web.

Since I did not want to use anything that was identified as a rat poison, I went back to using red wine and regularly used Nitric Oxide to dilate my blood and blood vessels.

I was confident using red wine as I remember being given only aspirin at the hospital on the first day, after having taken a 1/3 oz of red wine that remained from our refrigerator on the day of my mild stroke as I unknowingly ran out of supply, plus a mini aspirin given to me by my daughter on my way to the hospital.

By the grace of God, my numbness on my right hand disappeared after around three hours in the hospital and my speech improved from a slight slur the following day.

God is good, all the time.  Until now, with my immune system improved, I stopped using medication as both red wine and Nitric Oxide has worked perfectly well for me without any side effects.

And I take green tea, grape seeds and VCO or virgin coconut oil capsules almost everyday to help lower down my cholesterol and by blood pressure.

Up to now, I am more confident using natural complements as I found out from my researches on the web, related books I read, and on my monthly newsletter subscriptions with Health Science Institute, that the body has an immune system that helps heal itself.

You can just imagine how great and wonderful our Almighty God is.

And with the help of antioxidants, toxic substances from the body are helped out and our immune system gets strengthened.

My faith in God has strengthened my resolve into believing in natural means as a better alternative to healing as these are creations of God just as we are.  Nature heals and blends well with nature the holistic way.

And always be reminded that stress can kill.  Attuning ourselves to God and in His words in Christ can better help us heal as this helps much in enhancing our immune system and in keeping us healthy.  Love in us and for others truly help in ones healing.


[Read further on our related post:  "Goodbye to Heart Disease?  See How"]


2 Corinthians 10:3-5 exhorts us in St. Paul, “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All these related posts under our “health label” and "lifestyle" are for educational purpose only. Consult a healthcare practitioner for any health problem(s) or “a doctor if symptoms persist”.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


How God Moves as We Trust in the Lord

God moves in mysterious ways and when you are with God and in Christ Jesus, things just happen in a positive way beyond your expectations.  Just trust in him.

Have it ever occurred to you that whenever you put more weight on material things in your life, the more you find trouble in your relationship with others?  But the more you express your love, forgiveness and understanding for others, the more you find peace in yourself?

And in my experience, the more I have become obedient to him, the more blessings flow my way in a special way, as I feel the warmth in the love of God and of others.  For me, it is just like experiencing heaven were love with humility and obedience makes you one with God.

[Get inspiration from our related post:  "'Love' by Saint Paul, Love of God and Self-Pity"]

Long term unemployment may be introducing you to something better, but only when you surrender everything to God through Christ, will you be able to fully understand how and why everything goes into place, as such with your faithfulness and good works comes God's added blessings in your life with that great feeling of confidence and contentment that only the love of God and in God makes one whole in both body and spirit.

As in Matthew 6:33, Jesus tell his disciples, "... seek first His (God’s) kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

I am for productivity, freedom, liberty, love, peace and justice, but all these comes with a responsibility towards others, to care and to love, while we respect and uphold the rules and regulations in our working place and in the country we serve.

Material things may mean a lot to many people.  But have you noticed and felt how something higher than what we see before our very eyes makes all things move the way they do in this world and in the universe, both physical and spiritual, and that too is revealed by God in the Holy Bible.

In Matthew 4:4, “As it is written: ‘Man cannot live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  And only in seeking God through opening our spirit in us, will we be able to better understand Him as God is spirit.

And for those who have lived a shorter life but have lived their life keeping Jesus in their hearts, may have left their family with a tragic, heartbreaking and untimely loss.

This too poses a challenge on one's faith, as in most instances, some end up blaming our Creator for their loss.

Not until a reality check opens 'thine eyes to the truth will thy find peace,' and that 'all things happen for a reason.'

If it is time to go and God is calling you, it is "God's will be done," less God listens to our plea to extend our life, as we live in a borrowed life.

Only God through His Son, Jesus, has power over life and death.

In Revelation 16:15, St. John wrote of God Almighty’s message to all men, “Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.”

Further reflecting on God's words of wisdom, the family experiencing such loss may find love, humility and submission to God's will as a better option as reality comes as an affirmation of God's greater plan for them.

As long as we are in Christ, for every loss, a greater blessing comes forth as gain.

In the same way that one who has just lost his job may find it best to accept and rejoice in God's plan and continue to pray for guidance as he seeks enlightenment from the Holy Spirit while investing the right time and effort looking for that elusive opportunity either to help pay the bills or be of service to others.

Everything will be in place in God's time and in God's way for one who puts his trust in the Lord.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:6-17, Saint Paul, after he admonished everyone to live in peace with each other, to encourage the timid to help the weak, to be patient with everyone, nobody to pay wrong for wrong and to always be kind to each other and to everyone else, he said, “Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

And since God in Jesus, His Son, is the "truth, the way and the life," seeing their love one now at peace with God in heaven, they can always rely on him or her as an angel who will always be there for them, guiding and protecting their path to glory with God, so long as they keep their faith burning in Jesus.

"Life is what we make it."  Living this life with God's words of truth in hope, love, peace and justice, and the more appreciate God's blessings while learning to live a simple life is what reality is calling everyone to take.

You may probably have heard somebody telling you, "Don't work too hard."  Which is a sound advice as you would not want  to work more than your limits and pushing yourself to the hilt yet put your health at risk.  Always work smart exercising caution and safety while at work and be on your toes as you think of ways to make your work as efficient as possible being productive at the least possible time that you can help your company grow the business.

In your honest way of contributing to making the company grow its business, it is not only you and the company that is benefited, but other employees in the company as well.

While you keep humble at all times, be on the look out for opportunities that can best use your talent that can help you, your colleagues and your company achieve its assigned goals and objectives all the time.

Remember, nowadays, consider your job as always temporary wherein you can be replaced anytime you show a timid or a non-caring and unprofessional attitude.

Being a team player is a must and being obedient and up to expectations of middle and upper management where no room for mediocrity is allowable should be foremost in your mind.

For a job candidate, a well prepared dude, professionally dressed, has more chances of employment than one who shows lack of interest and enthusiasm while applying.  Preparing ready answers for possible questions before the interview can help you a lot.

In these hard economic times where competition is a lot tougher, it is advised that you be flexible in your salary expectation as almost all companies are on the upper hand looking for well fit and more qualified candidates at the least cost.

For internet work-from-home businesses, it is best to shun away from them especially if you do not have the interest and computer know-how in starting one.  It may just be a waste of your time and of your hard earned money less you agree to spend time working diligently as there are some entities that offer training for three to six months with an assured income after the course, a few with "money back guarantee."  

Otherwise, a good backup education with a reasonable priced formal course for six months or so may be a better choice than a vague promise of easy steps to make you rich schemes.  If anybody promises to make you rich quick, and it sound too good to be true, better step back before you get trapped.

There are short dental and medical assistant courses, care-giver courses, office assistant and book keeping courses and the like that you can take offered at reasonable prices.

If you are aggressive and adventurous enough, you can go warehouse and office-to-office hopping for certain job vacancies including utility or energy meter readings even though seasonal, can be a good way to start your way through the organization.

The need may be so urgent that you sometimes find yourself fortunate enough to be accepted just as long as you are willing to start at a low salary rate.  Once you are in, it is easier to blend into your next target job in the business.

Selling Products You are Confident Selling or Marketing

If you have marketing and selling skills with customer service charisma, choosing the right products you are confident in selling can help.  Products can vary from insurance to stock market shares, from health, slimming and wellness products to knives and kitchen wares or from credit cards and advertising food service outlets to cable network and telephone or mobile phone services.

Number one requirement for you to succeed in this is your interest, enthusiasm and perseverance to win or close a sale.

Product knowledge, integrity and charisma which includes building relationships are also key factors in being successful as a sales and marketing personnel aside from planning with  right prospecting, organization and making a viable referrals list, and time management for a more serious and professional approach to efficiency that will earn you the awe and credibility you rightly deserve as this too reflects to your clients, and this can help much getting that elusive desire for your products triggering the needed kill for your closing.

All these should add up to efficiency in your presentation and closing.


Patience and Perseverance

If after all best efforts have been exhausted in looking for a job fails, persevere and never stop looking.

Anyone who perseveres in the Lord in both good efforts and in prayer will find his way through and soon, you will find the right income earning activity that can best suit you, in God's will and in God's time.

Do not be discouraged if you fail, and always hope in prayer as you smile your way through your troubles and perseverance as you also smartly walk your way through.

With your unrelenting faith and a healthy and joyful disposition, you will find what is best for you in due time.

Do not ever put to waste the great opportunities presented to you in this life by seeking easy money or short pleasures the easy yet the evil way.

You can never hide anything from God.  Every evil thing you do, you have to repay (read Romans 12:19), as God assures of this..

Everything that is not of God, forget it for it will just cause you trouble.  You do not have to take my word for it, just look around you and see.

You may get away with it for some time, but you do not realize how things can go worse later on or go awry and chaotic in your life that even your family and love ones may suffer.

If it is hell you ask for, it is hell you will get.

But if it is heavenly happiness and true peace,  keep God in Christ, at the center of your life.

Networking with your friends in religious or non-profit organizations can also help, as they know you best and can make great referrals for you among their community of friends.

Precisely why it is always necessary to build a good name for yourself where you may belong.

Doing volunteer work in social services can likewise give you good future source of referrals.

If you have experienced gain from loss in your life, feel free to share your comment that others too may see the opportunity to work as a productive member of the community as you find joy and happiness living with the light in Christ.

In John 14:6 Jesus said to His apostles, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. Further in John 3:16, Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”


Subscribe in a reader

Watch this Hilarious Photo Booth from Funniest Stuff

This funny video from Funniest Stuff is another winner.

It is worth sharing with others to lighten up one's load as the ongoing global economic crunch has given a lot of us some pressures and stress along the way.

Unburden yourself now and give yourself the needed break by watching this video and don't worry if you can't stop laughing.


"Hilarious Photo Booth from Funniest Stuff"


Now let us get a related inspiration from Saint Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:6-17.  

Saint Paul, after he admonished everyone to live in peace with each other, to encourage the timid to help the weak, to be patient with everyone, nobody to pay wrong for wrong and to always be kind to each other and to everyone else, he said, “Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

As long as we are in Christ Jesus, we have to be happy as we count our blessings in his love and share this love with others.

Subscribe in a reader

See This Funny Video: "Never Laughed so Much Before" from Funniest Stuff

Watch this very funny video link that is guaranteed to make you laugh, "Never Laughed so Much Before" from Funniest Stuff.

As they say, "Life is what you make it."  So, why not make your day a fun day today, no matter what, by sharing this very hilarious funny video clip.

I tell you, you won't stop laughing until the very end, just like me.

It is nice to smile, and better, to laugh, as this stretches the muscles around the mouth area and help keep us young especially when done regularly.

Keep this in mind, smiling and laughing can both be fun and healthy.

And with this and a worry free attitude,  it has been found out by many researchers, scientists and doctors that our immune system work at its best.

Subscribe in a reader