So I have a new favorite song.

But before we get to that, let's get into context.

Tonight, I went to the Passion Conference here in Manila.

My night didn't start well, actually. Chique and I were supposed to leave work at exactly 6 o'clock, but work came flowing in (as usual) at five, so I had to work extra fast to make our 6 o'clock deadline. I finished about 15 minutes behind schedule. And then it was raining mercilessly outside. ARGH!

Not to be discouraged, we charged forth and made it to the PhilSports arena by seven (I think). We ended up in the bleachers, which wasn't my section of choice... Well, with young people lining up outside the stadium since lunchtime, I guess it wouldn't really matter much if we got there at five.

There was a bit more time for me to take a deep breath and refocus my thoughts to the upcoming worship time (as opposed to the stress and traffic outside) so by the time the music started, I was up and ready. The praise and worship was crazy cool and terrific, but I think what made the night super special for me is what I learned. I got so much out of that short period of time (and I'm still trying to process all of it) but for now I'm only going to focus on one thing of the things that really struck me:

Most of us have an idea that our lives—compared to the expanse of the universe, the length of eternity and the greatness of God—is but a matchstick. When you light a matchstick, it's super cool to look at as a hot fire blazes... But after several seconds, the fire runs out of stick, and all what's left is a teeny tiny burnt piece of wood.

If that matchstick was my life, then I can say, "Wow, checkit! Look at my fire! I'm so cool and stuff!" (which may be true) but what happens when the fire runs out? What has my life been lived for? Did I get born just to study, graduate, get a job, live on my own, get a hubby, have kids, retire and then die?

If that were true then that'd be an awfully boring life.Read full post...

But what if my life was like a little matchstick that, after being lit, joins another fire... One that's bigger and brighter and does not run out? My fire and the bigger fire become one, and, even if my matchstick runs out, my fire will always burn with the bigger fire. In short, even when I die, the fire that was what I did in my life would continue burning, because it's part of a greater, mightier thing that God—the eternal, ever-living God—is doing in my generation, and the generations to come. That's super awesome!

I've heard before that the things we do for God have eternal value, but hearing it like that, with the matchstick and all, really struck me tonight. I don't want my life to be just 15 minutes of smokin' fame; I want to be with that big, magnificent fire! I want my fire to be with his fire... and I want everyone—everyone—to be with me with his fire...

Thus my new favorite song.



God of this City

You're the God of this city
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You Are

For there is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

For greater things have yet to come
Greater things are still to be done in this city
Greater things are still to come
And greater things are still to be done here

You're the Lord of Creation
The Creator of all things
You're the King above all Kings
You Are

You're the strength in our weakness
You're the love to the broken
You're the joy in the sadness
You Are

For greater things have yet to come
Greater things are still to be done in this city
Where glory shines from hearts alive
With praise for you and love for you in this city

Greater things have yet to come
Greater things are still to be done in this city
Greater things are still to come
And greater things are still to be done here



Needless to say, this song, coupled with the Word that was shared earlier and the fact that the 8,000-something-something young people filling the PhilSports Arena were singing this in one voice, gave me the goosebumps and brought me to tears.

Passion in Manila was an awesome experience.

But, I'm sure, what's to come will be even more awesome.

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Campus Harvest Manila 2008 : from the outside

A little bit delayed, yeah, but whatever. Campus Harvest Manila happened the other week and I'm still feeling the echoes of the excitement during the event. (The tag "campus harvest" still remains to have the biggest font size in my Multiply tag cloud.)

So here I am, jumping into the fun.

Read more...In Campus Harvest Asia in 2006, I was part of the worship team, and I always said that my favorite part of it was getting a spectacular view of watching people---thousands and thousands of people---worship God passionately. In 2003 when I was part of the production team, I only got to peek from behind the curtains to see the people. But being on stage during worship time, and openly hearing songs of praise from around me was... it's like a taste of heaven. Overwhelming, really, and sometimes I didn't have time to wonder if I was still hitting the right notes...

This year, though, I wasn't able to stand on that stage and lead worship like we did the last time. This time, I was working for the media center, and we were doing (almost) real-time updating of the site. But it's funny: even though I wasn't actually there in the venue, I felt like I was there, too, because I got to hear all the messages, and I was able to see all the photos. (And before anybody else outside the event, too! Haha!) The messages were GREAT, and even though the event was primarily for students, everyone of all ages can pick more than one or two things from them. Look at a few of the blog posts submitted in LA Mumar's blog to see what I mean.

But, finally, in the last day, Saturday, after doing some more work in our Fort building, I ran to the venue and I was able to attend the worship time after the last session.

In response to Ea's Campus Harvest blog post, I had said:

. . . as great as it is to help in leading people worship, it feels just as good (or even better!) to see the next batch continuing what God did through us. Kahit pa parang nakakapagpatanda pa sa atin. Haha!

And it really did feel great. Actually, it felt amazing. And to top it off, I was able to look around the stadium again. I was able to get a 360 degree view of thousands and thousands of worshippers... and I didn't have to bother if I was still singing the right lyrics.

Campus Harvest 2003 was great, and every year, it gets better. What more next year?
Campus Harvest 2008 was awesome for me, even though I mostly experienced it from the outside: through photos and podcasts. What more if I was actually there?

Hehe. Campus Harvest Manila just ended, but I'm already excited for next year!

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

That is Why

Just to feel Your arms around me
Just to know Your grace has found me
Just to hear Your voice surround me
Calling my name

That is why I live
That is why I move
That is why my heart can not go on without You
That is why I sing
That is why I cry
That is why no other love but You will satisfy

Just to stand beside You knowing
Your promise that You're never going
Never leaving, always holding
Holding my hand

That is why I live
That is why I move
That is why my heart can not go on without You
That is why I sing
That is why I cry
That is why no other love but You will satisfy
That is why

Just to hear Your voice surround me
Calling my name...

---

That is Why
by Christ for the Nations