2Co 1:10  [For it is He] Who rescued and saved us from such a perilous death, and He will still rescue and save us; in and on Him we have set our hope (our joyful and confident expectation) that He will again deliver us [from danger and destruction and draw us to Himself],

I’ve listened two good sermons yesterday (while doing laundry)  from Teresa Conlon ,Time Square Church, NY, (I missed this Church)
The Journey To Hope
Small Things Are Big Things

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 30 Mile bike
2. 1K Swim
3. Downgrade notebook to x32 Vista

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Sleep
0700, Breakfast; journal;
0800,
0900, 30Mile Bike
1000, IK Swim
1100,
1200, Downgrade Dell Notebook from x64 to x32 Vista
1300, Transfer all essential desktop files to notebook
1400,
1500,
1600,
1700,
1800,
1900,
2000,
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

Psa 27:14  Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.

I’ve been asked a few times what type/kind of music I listen to.  Answer:  Click Here  Ellie, this is better than mj.  Please give it a try.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1.
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Breakfast; journal; 3Mile Leg Workout
0600, Leave for work
0700, At work
0800, At work
0900, At work
1000, At work
1100, At work
1200, At work
1300, At work
1400, At work
1500, At work
1600, At work
1700, At work
1800,
1900,
2000, Dinner
2100,
2200,
2300, Sleep
2400, Sleep

1Jo 4:9  In this the love of God was revealed in us, because God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1.
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Breakfast; journal; 3Mile leg workout
0600, Leave for work
0700, At work
0800, At work
0900, At work
1000, At work
1100, At work
1200, At work
1300, At work
1400, At work
1500, At work
1600, At work
1700, At work
1800,
1900,
2000, Dinner
2100,
2200,
2300, Sleep
2400, Sleep

Psa 18:19  He brought me forth also into a large place; He was delivering me because He was pleased with me and delighted in me.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1.
2.
3.

Round Rock lost power for at least 10 hours.  My disaster plan did not work well.  Here’s the report.
1. VHF Handheld radio, working on AA Batteries
2. AM/FM Radio, working on AA Batteries
3. KC5OZQ Packet Radio Station, down, no power. I could not secure a 12V supply from my car.
4. Laptop for Packet Radio Station, down. Need to run from my car.
5. Flashlights, working
6. Coffee grinder, working off my car DC to AC Converter
7. Coffee machine, down, my DC converter overloaded, only has 300W on it.  Need bigger capacity
8. Home phone, all down, running on Timewarner Cable, modem needs power
9. Cell phone, working but batteries low, need to charge using the converter.
10. Gas stove, working
11. Water source, working
12. FB mobile, working but needs battery on my cell.
13. VHF Packet Email (Winlink) working if hookup through my car (need to work on this)
14. Bagels, plenty
15. Clif Bar, plenty
16. Transportation, 2 bikes ready to go
17. Car fuel, half full both cars

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Breakfast; journal; 5Mile Time Trial
0600, Leave for work
0700, At work
0800, At work
0900, At work
1000, At work
1100, At work
1200, At work
1300, At work
1400, At work
1500, At work
1600, At work
1700, At work
1800,
1900,
2000, Dinner
2100,
2200,
2300, Sleep
2400, Sleep

Joh 15:7  If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1.
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Breakfast; journal; 5Mile Time Trial
0600, Leave for work
0700, At work
0800, At work
0900, At work
1000, At work
1100, At work
1200, At work
1300, At work
1400, At work
1500, At work
1600, At work
1700, At work
1800,
1900,
2000, Dinner
2100,
2200,
2300, Sleep
2400, Sleep

Psa 34:19  Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Jehovah delivers him out of them all.
Psa 34:19  Many evils confront the [consistently] righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

My lifetime afflictions:
1972-Age 08, I was hit in the head by a flying baseball bat during a baseball game in Merida
1983-Age 18, Death of my father (I was so sad/confused, I wore a mourning pin for 2 years … I think). Started college without my dad.  Decided to follow his footsteps. Enrolled at CIT and then took up EE. Same school/same objectives.
1986-Age 20, Met my wife Britta for the first time (this is not an affliction) ;-O
1988-Age 23, Fell from a 15 feet ceiling to the ground (first day of work at General Milling Corporation)
1988-Age 23, First bike accident at Pardo-Mactan route, hit a pedestrian at 18mph
1989-Age 24, Second bike accident at the foot of Mactan Bridge, (almost died, Mama Bulak and Papa Jojo were there and helped me, Bebs/Chadd nursing my wounds)
TURNING POINT OF MY LIFE: 1989, Easter Sunday – Eden was there and witnessed me responding the altar call by Pastor Joe Desarno
1989-Age 24, Gave my life to Christ (Maranatha Christian Fellowship – Pastor Tony Ebarra and Joe Alfafara as my mentors), gave up my 5 years of Aikido training in exchange for the promise of the Holy Spirit.
1991-Age 25, Survived the Ormoc flood in November 5, 1991, ~5000 people died. This is 5 days before my departure to New York to meet Britta. Witnessed the rising of the water at the bus terminal and the 9 feet water level rising at Rizal Street. I survived that day. Ended up sleeping in the car overnight after helping at maternity hospital with Marla and Lynnete Go.  Slept in my car and at around 3am in the morning, I started crying as the Holy Spirit ministered to me about the disaster.  I did not know yet that there were 5000 casualties that day.  My car (mom’s red car-undamaged) was parked right in front of the catholic church (children’s playground), I walked towards the sea wall with mud about 2 inches deep.  Saw dead people on the street, the beautiful bermuda playground was covered with mud and debris.  Saw cars hanging at the edge of the sea wall and just a bunch of  dead bodies lying on the ground. I asked God why this disaster has to happen? His answer, “My ways are not your ways”.  From that day on, I don’t question Him anymore.  He has His own ways.
1992-Age 26, I joined the Army in New York (could not find an engineering job in NY) and the day before I was scheduled for boot camp, we learned that Brtita was pregnant with Brittney. So sad to leave Britta pregnant.  I wanted out but I already signed the papers.  Start of 4 years wandering in the desert to find the promise land.
1996-Age 30, Got out of the Army, did not know where to find a job.  Fast forward, I end up working for AMD in Austin
1998-Age 32, A Samsung manager called me and asked me to work for Samsung, I hesitated/regretted at first because AMD was at the peak at that time (took a pay cut).  But this decision to work for Samsung led to a better job and I met new friends.
2001, Age36, I was sharpening a lawn mower blade using an electric angle grinder.  I dropped the grinder accidentally and the running grinder hit my right knee, open wound (1”x.5” in size) and blood was all over.  Knee was fine at the end of the day.
2001, Age 36, I was driving from work (nigh shift), my car hydroplaned, did a 360 in the middle of Parmer Lane at 50mph, I hit the guard rail but survived.  Broken front bumper was the only damage.
2002, Age 37, During my 45mile bike ride, at Mile 25 near Rice Crossing, 2 dogs attacked me, I tried to evade but end up crashing hard. Bleeding and bruises on my left arm and leg, pedaled for 20 miles to get home.  Survived to tell the story.
2004, Age 38, Car crash in Interstate I35 at 70 mph, I slammed my brakes and avoided the accident but the driver behind me failed to stop and and a loud “bang” and a severe shaking of my car right after.  I got out of the car to assess damage, Pathfinder did not have any structural damage, just a broken license plate holder.  Did not even claim any insurance.
to 2006, Age 40, A close family member suffered a setback, I had to fly to New York to pick her up.  The objective was to travel back by car with her.  At mile100 after we left New York, the car started making noise.  I prayed and told God I will not stop driving for this car problem.  At mile 200, the noise stopped.  We slept through the night in a hotel and then drove the next day. After 1500 miles, mission accomplished.  Got her settled at my home. 
2006, Age 40, My marriage was threatened by external event, Britta emotionally exploded on Christmas Day of 2006. (one of the greatest ordeal I have to survive)
2007, Age 41, Applied a job for Samsung Fab2, just wanted to work with new technology. Did not know that Fab1 was in the brink of closing.  A good move
2008, Age 42, My heart attack at age 42, almost died (100% blockage post my 1 hour indoor cycling training, did not collapsed, collateral arteries saved my heart.
2009, Age 43, Samsung work stability threatened, I survived.

So why do I have to mention all these events here?  One reason, to show to some of my friends that God and his promises are real.  If you experienced those afflictions and survived, will you be silent?  I won’t because those experiences can encourage other people.  Those hard times are examples of trials and tribulations turned into victory.   It is really hard for me to convince some of you that all of these are true but I did truly have a first hand experience of Psalm 34:19.  The key word is “ALL” and just a few and that is the reason why I worship and praise Him every time I have the opportunity.  I know that some of you are questioning your life’s disasters.  Why it has to be me?  Why this time?  And the most dreadful question … Why?  One sermon told me that everything in our lives are pre-arranged and I never believed on that before; but when I look back into my colorful/interesting life journey, I can always agree on that statement.  Things do happen for a reason.  Sad to say that sometimes we wont know the answer until we are out from the big storm.  Be encourage.  God is still in control of your destiny,

Life is filled with afflictions but when we are following the path of righteousness, God will provide us with an exit strategy and deliver us victoriously.

To my friend Ellie, the Holy Spirit is ministering to you. Do not be bothered.  Our God is a God of Peace and not confusion.  We just need to piece together the things that was placed in your heart long time ago.  One hint, it is for the Glory of His Kingdom.  Keep reading.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 2.4mile swim (will attempt, the >95F weather is slowing me down)
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Sleep
0700, Breakfast; journal;
0800, Drop off the kids
0900, Journal
1000, 2.4 Mile Swim
1100, 2.4 Mile Swim
1200,
1300,
1400,
1500, Pickup Brent
1600, Pickup CC
1700,
1800,
1900, Backup Sharepoint Server and Hyper-V
2000,
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

1Co 2:9  But as it is written, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard," nor has it entered into the heart of man, "the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."

To Ellie/Cel, I don’t want you to become a madre.  Just study with me.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Celebration Church
2. Yard work
3. 1k swim
4. Configure Sharepoint Server2007

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Sleep
0700, Breakfast; journal;
0800,
0900, Celebration Church
1000, Celebration Church
1100,
1200,
1300, Sharepoint Server2007
1400, Sharepoint Server2007
1500, Sharepoint Server2007
1600, Sharepoint Server2007
1700,
1800, Yard work
1900, 1k swim
2000,
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

Psa 57:1  To the Chief Musician. Do not destroy. A secret treasure of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me; for my soul trusts in You; yea, in the shadow of Your wings I will make my hiding-place, until these great troubles pass by.
Psa 57:2  I will cry to God most high, to God who does all things for me.
Psa 57:3  He shall send from Heaven, and save me from the scorn of him who would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1.
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Breakfast; journal;
0600, Leave for work
0700, At work
0800, At work
0900, At work
1000, At work
1100, At work
1200, At work
1300, At work
1400, At work
1500, At work
1600, At work
1700, At work
1800,
1900,
2000, Dinner
2100,
2200,
2300, Sleep
2400, Sleep

1Pe 1:18  knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers,
1Pe 1:19  but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot;

Yesterday was one of the heavy emotion day for me at work.  I lost a very close co-worker and what’s hard is I never saw it coming.   I thought he was doing well and secured in his job.  On the other hand, my other close friend kept his job.   The only bad thing is I am close to both guys and I think the reason one was kept is because the other was let go.  It’s complicated to explain but you get the point, I am just having a mixed emotion waking up this morning.  His departure from my workplace felt like a death in my family and even my team were so shocked why it has to be him.  I helped this guy get this job a few years ago.  I personally mentored this guy, groomed him, helped him in whatever ways.  He was not an ordinary co-worker of mine but a friend, a close friend.  These are the things I don’t understand in life.  Sometimes things happen to trigger a better event and I am praying and hoping that this event will lead into a better life for him.  Lord, I pray that you bless this guy the more.  I know that you allowed this thing to happen to him and you must have good reasons behind it.  Show to the world that you can turn a bad day into a victorious lifetime.  Show to him that even though he suffered today, that on the next day you will provide him with better opportunities. I asked this in Jesus name and I know you heard me.  Let there be peace in his mind and heart today. Let there be security and comfort that even though he is in the middle of the storm, you provide him with an invisible guidance to look for things to consider to provide for his family.  To all my prayer partners, please help me intercede.

Dream: I was walking in a group when my boss called me and said, “this will not take that much time, I need to show you something”. He opened a conference room filled with people with an empty blackboard and it was evident that the contents of the board was just erased. 20090819, 0530

MIT (Most Important Task)
1.
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Breakfast; journal; 5Mile Time Trial
0600, Leave for work
0700, At work
0800, At work
0900, At work
1000, At work
1100, At work
1200, At work
1300, At work
1400, At work
1500, At work
1600, At work
1700, At work
1800,
1900,
2000, Dinner
2100,
2200,
2300, Sleep
2400, Sleep

Rom 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 5:2  Through Him we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice on the hope of the glory of God.

I am thankful that I was given another chance to prove to the management that I have still some value left on me.  I am thankful that TripleR stayed together also.  I am sad because I will miss quite a few friends that I bonded for >10 years.  It is a heartbreaker to watch a place full of glorious days and then in one day be wiped away. These are the things that is really hard to understand.  Why would God allow these things to happen?  I know the answer to this question but I just want to mention that here to let you know that I sometimes question God. 

MIT (Most Important Task)
1.
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Breakfast; journal; 5Mile Time Trial
0600, Leave for work
0700, At work
0800, At work
0900, At work
1000, At work
1100, At work
1200, At work
1300, At work
1400, At work
1500, At work
1600, At work
1700, At work
1800,
1900,
2000, Dinner
2100,
2200,
2300, Sleep
2400, Sleep

Pro 21:21  He who follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.
Pro 21:21  He who earnestly seeks after and craves righteousness, mercy, and loving-kindness will find life in addition to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) and honor. [Prov. 15:9; Matt. 5:6.]

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Remain still.  (Today, I will be in the midst of the storm)
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Breakfast; journal; 5Mile Time Trial
0600, Leave for work
0700, At work (first day back to work post 2-week vacation +post Samsung Austin Fab1 closing announcement)
0800, At work
0900, At work
1000, At work
1100, At work
1200, At work
1300, At work
1400, At work
1500, At work
1600, At work
1700, At work
1800,
1900,
2000, Dinner
2100,
2200,
2300, Sleep
2400, Sleep

1Jo 2:25  And this is what He Himself has promised us–the life, the eternal [life]

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 2.4Mile swim
2. Backyard cleanup
3. Continue MOSS2007 deployment

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Sleep
0700, Breakfast; journal;
0800,
0900, Drop off cc to school
1000, MB of Georgetown for Britta’s car check up
1100, 2.4 Mile Swim
1200, 2.4 Mile Swim
1300,
1400, Pickup cc
1500, Backyard cleanup
1600, Backyard cleanup
1700, Backyard cleanup
1800, Backyard cleanup
1900,
2000,
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

Rom 8:26  So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.
Rom 8:27  And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God’s will. [Ps. 139:1, 2.]
Rom 8:28  We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

Please read Matthew’s Henry’s commentary below for more in depth exposition of today’s Word. He explained it so well.  I know it is long but it is worth reading and learning.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary: (bio)
Rom 8:26-28 –
The apostle here suggests two privileges more to which true Christians are entitled: –
I. The help of the Spirit in prayer. While we are in this world, hoping and waiting for what we see not, we must be praying. Hope supposes desire, and that desire offered up to God is prayer; we groan. Now observe,

1. Our weakness in prayer: We know not what we should pray for as we ought. (1.) As to the matter of our requests, we know not what to ask. We are not competent judges of our own condition. Who knows what is good for a man in this life? Ecc_6:12. We are short-sighted, and very much biassed in favour of the flesh, and apt to separate the end from the way. You know not what you ask, Mat_20:22. We are like foolish children, that are ready to cry for fruit before it is ripe and fit for them; see Luk_9:54, Luk_9:55. (2.) As to the manner, we know not how to pray as we ought. It is not enough that we do that which is good, but we must do it well, seek in a due order; and here we are often at a loss – graces are weak, affections cold, thoughts wandering, and it is not always easy to find the heart to pray, 2Sa_7:27. The apostle speaks of this in the first person: We know not. He puts himself among the rest. Folly, and weakness, and distraction in prayer, are what all the saints are complaining of. If so great a saint as Paul knew not what to pray for, what little reason have we to go forth about that duty in our own strength!

2. The assistances which the Spirit gives us in that duty. He helps our infirmities, meant especially of our praying infirmities, which most easily beset us in that duty, against which the Spirit helps. The Spirit in the world helps; many rules and promises there are in the word for our help. The Spirit in the heart helps, dwelling in us, working in us, as a Spirit of grace and supplication, especially with respect to the infirmities we are under when we are in a suffering state, when our faith is most apt to fail; for this end the Holy Ghost was poured out. Helpeth, sumantilambanetai – heaves with us, over against us, helps as we help one that would lift up a burden, by lifting over against him at the other end – helps with us, that is, with us doing our endeavour, putting forth the strength we have. We must not sit still, and expect that the Spirit should do all; when the Spirit goes before us we must bestir ourselves. We cannot without God, and he will not without us. What help? Why, the Spirit itself makes intercession for us, dictates our requests, indites our petitions, draws up our plea for us. Christ intercedes for us in heaven, the Spirit intercedes for us in our hearts; so graciously has God provided for the encouragement of the praying remnant. The Spirit, as an enlightening Spirit, teaches us what to pray for, as a sanctifying Spirit works and excites praying graces, as a comforting Spirit silences our fears, and helps us over all our discouragements. The Holy Spirit is the spring of all our desires and breathings towards God. Now this intercession which the Spirit makes is, (1.) With groanings that cannot be uttered. The strength and fervency of those desires which the Holy Spirit works are hereby intimated. There may be praying in the Spirit where there is not a word spoken; as Moses prayed (Exo_14:15), and Hannah, 1Sa_1:13. It is not the rhetoric and eloquence, but the faith and fervency, of our prayers, that the Spirit works, as an intercessor, in us. Cannot be uttered; they are so confused, the soul is in such a hurry with temptations and troubles, we know not what to say, nor how to express ourselves. Here is the Spirit interceding with groans that cannot be uttered. When we can but cry, Abba, Father, and refer ourselves to him with a holy humble boldness, this is the work of the Spirit. (2.) According to the will of God, Rom_8:27. The Spirit in the heart never contradicts the Spirit in the word. Those desires that are contrary to the will of God do not come from the Spirit. The Spirit interceding in us evermore melts our wills into the will of God. Not as I will, but as thou wilt.

3. The sure success of these intercessions: He that searches the heart knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, Rom_8:27. To a hypocrite, all whose religion lies in his tongue, nothing is more dreadful than that God searches the heart and sees through all his disguises. To a sincere Christian, who makes heart-work of his duty, nothing is more comfortable than that God searches the heart, for then he will hear and answer those desires which we want words to express. He knows what we have need of before we ask, Mat_6:8. He knows what is the mind of his own Spirit in us. And, as he always hears the Son interceding for us, so he always hears the Spirit interceding in us, because his intercession is according to the will of God. What could have been done more for the comfort of the Lord’s people, in all their addresses to God? Christ had said, “Whatever you ask the Father according to his will he will give it you.” But how shall we learn to ask according to his will? Why, the Spirit will teach us that. Therefore it is that the seed of Jacob never seek in vain.

II. The concurrence of all providences for the good of those that are Christ’s, Rom_8:28. It might be objected that, notwithstanding all these privileges, we see believers compassed about with manifold afflictions; though the Spirit makes intercession for them, yet their troubles are continued. It is very true; but in this the Spirit’s intercession is always effectual, that, however it goes with them, all this is working together for their good. Observe here.

1. The character of the saints, who are interested in this privilege; they are here described by such properties as are common to all that are truly sanctified. (1.) They love God. This includes all the out-goings of the soul’s affections towards God as the chief good and highest end. It is our love to God that makes every providence sweet, and therefore profitable. Those that love God make the best of all he does, and take all in good part. (2.) They are the called according to his purpose, effectually called according to the eternal purpose. The call is effectual, not according to any merit or desert of ours, but according to God’s own gracious purpose.

2. The privilege of the saints, that all things work together for good to them, that is, all the providences of God that concern them. All that God performs he performs for them, Psa_57:2. Their sins are not of his performing, therefore not intended here, though his permitting sin is made to work for their good, 2Ch_32:31. But all the providences of God are theirs – merciful providences, afflicting providences, personal, public. They are all for good; perhaps for temporal good, as Joseph’s troubles; at least, for spiritual and eternal good. That is good for them which does their souls good. Either directly or indirectly, every providence has a tendency to the spiritual good of those that love God, breaking them off from sin, bringing them nearer to God, weaning them from the world, fitting them for heaven. Work together. They work, as physic works upon the body, various ways, according to the intention of the physician; but all for the patient’s good. They work together, as several ingredients in a medicine concur to answer the intention. God hath set the one over against the other (Ecc_7:14): sunergei, a very singular, with a noun plural, denoting the harmony of Providence and its uniform designs, all the wheels as one wheel, Eze_10:13. He worketh all things together for good; so some read it. It is not from any specific quality in the providences themselves, but from the power and grace of God working in, with, and by, these providences. All this we know – know it for a certainty, from the word of God, from our own experience, and from the experience of all the saints.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 30ile bike
2. Continue on Sharepoint Server 2007 deployment
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Sleep
0700, Sleep
0800, Sleep
0900, Breakfast; Journal
1000,
1100, 30mile road cycling
1200, 30mile road cycling
1300,
1400,
1500,
1600, Sharepoint 2007 Deployment
1700, Sharepoint 2007 Deployment
1800, Sharepoint 2007 Deployment
1900, Sharepoint 2007 Deployment
2000, Sharepoint 2007 Deployment
2100, Sharepoint 2007 Deployment
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

Psa 56:9  When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.

When I cry (meaning-pray) to God, my enemies turn back.  Unknowingly, we have so many enemies around us and we just don’t normally recognize them.  Take for example a day full of misfortune.  Somehow there are days that are just full of mistakes, problems, heartaches, sickness, bad news, anxiety, worries, fears and they come in batches and sometimes in big bundles that we are so overwhelmed of it.  How do we handle these issues? The short answer is prayer.  Cry to God and if you don’t get any answers, keep crying. Not all of you are aware of my heart condition, but having a fragile heart keeps me in tip toe’d condition at all times.  Yes, I do all the cardio stuff diligently but inside me are worries, the what if, the anxiety of another heart attack.  It is a constant battle every minute of my life and especially a few hours after my workout when I can feel a slight sensation in my chest.  When I go to bed, before I pass out, I can hear voices of the enemy telling me that my life is short and that I’d better enjoy my life to the full (meaning-do all the crazy stuff).  Then this bad news of work situation at Samsung Austin, so many crazy ideas being thrown at me. What if I lose my job?  What shall I do? 

Honestly, my heart and mind are established,  no depression or anxiety and I don’t have to supplement my brain with extra chemicals to make it balanced. I don’t know what the future holds for me.  I live one day at a time and I constantly keep myself connected to the Lord so when the big storm comes, all I have to say is “Lord, let’s do it together”. But there is one thing I want to share with you today, it feels like I have a protection over me wherever I go.  Take for instance our Florida trip, that >2500 miles and if you ask me, there were a few near misses on the road but somehow, we were kept in a safe passage.  I can’t write all my tiny little victories here but all I know that when the enemy strikes on me or my family, the enemy turn back. (For those close to me, you know all my life struggles)

To some of you that are in a storm, hang in there, cry to God, be in the Word and be encourage.  Try faith if you haven’t yet.  For those that don’t struggle, celebrate but be in the same attitude as if you are in a difficult situation. 

Sharepoint Server 2007 Project:
I am on page 197 of Sharepoint Server 2007 Administrator’s Companion book and was able to setup the test server using the outdated Dell Poweredge 1550 rack server. At this point, I haven’t seen a big plus in using the Sharepoint 2007 version instead of just the plain Sharepoint 3.0 built in to W2003. Although, the book mentioned so many additional features that are in the SP2007, I have yet to discover the value of it.  From an admin’s perspective, the Sharepoint  3.0 version is much easier to deploy.  One thing I like with the SP2007 version is the painless setup to SQL2005 backend database and the segmentation of each sites.  Somehow, in the long run, SP2007 is much simpler to maintain.  The only big downside of SP2007 is the additional cost to the clients because SP2007 is not free and when you add the SQL Server 2005 database, the cost will even be higher.

It is 0721 in Round Rock, time for my 12mile bike ride then me an cc are going to church.  CC is driving.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Celebration Church
2. 12Mile Time Trial
3. Mow yard
4. 1K Swim
5. Sharepoint Server 2007 Test/Deployment/Documentation

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Breakfast; Journal
0700, 12Mile Time Trial
0800,
0900, Celebration Church
1000, Celebration Church
1100,
1200,
1300, Sharepoint Server2007 Setup/Documentation
1400, Sharepoint Server2007
1500, Sharepoint Server2007
1600, Sharepoint Server2007
1700, Sharepoint Server2007
1800, Sharepoint Server2007
1900, Mow yard
2000, 1K swim
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

Pro 2:5  Then you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of [our omniscient] God. [Prov. 1:7.]
Pro 2:6  For the Lord gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Yesterday was a chaotic/confusing/uncertain day for people that works for Samsung Austin.  The management announced yesterday to close Fab1 for a year for retooling and conversion to 300mm (press release). I’ve been with Samsung for 11 years now and I’ve seen the ups and down of the company for so many times and Samsung somehow finds a way to survive.  Closing Fab1 was bad news but a decision to convert it to 300mm is good news.  I am now in Fab2, (the 300mm factory) but when I heard the news, it felt like a big burden/stress fall on me.  My job is not secured and I told my wife and kids to prepare for the worst.  I am in a big storm right now.  There are so many what ifs flowing through my mind. To all my prayer partners, stand the gap for me, I need your prayers.

You might be asking now “what my next move?” My answer is – NOTHING.  I will not do anything yet.  I will wait until the storm passes.  My life backpack is full of contingency plans and it is just a matter of pulling each item one by one as soon as the need arises.  In the meantime, I will continue doing the same thing – be in the Word and in prayer.

I’ve asked this question to some of my friends before and no one seems to get the answer correctly.  “If one wish will be granted to you right now, what will you ask?”  Most of the answers were – money, more money, good health, a good husband, a good wife, a nice job, peace, joy, happiness, a child, my family, power. (1Kings 3-5) King Solomon’s answer was Wisdom, because in Wisdom, he can find money, power, honor, fame etc.

What is Wisdom really in plain English? “When you ask something in prayer, a revelation is given to you and you took a step forward/make decision and the results are positive.” (my 2 cents)

MIT (Most Important Task)
1.
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Breakfast; Journal
0500, Journal
0600,
0700,
0800,
0900,
1000,
1100,
1200,
1300,
1400,
1500,
1600,
1700,
1800,
1900,
2000,
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

Isa 54:10  For though the mountains should depart and the hills be shaken or removed, yet My love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.

On the 11th of August, I wrote about Established Heart and today’s devotional is about another category of dealing with bad news.  Well, today, I received a call from an important person telling me a good news and a bad news.  I have to dig deeper on this bad news.  Maybe stay in my prayer closet for days or maybe go to my secret place for a long time.  Am I afraid? Not really because I know that the Lord is preparing a table for me.  My heart is established and He prophesied this day (today) for the bad news and gave me the Word to hang on.  

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Call Lon Smith Roofing
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Sleep
0700, Breakfast; journal;
0800,
0900,
1000,
1100, Indoor cycling
1200,
1300,
1400,
1500,
1600,
1700,
1800,
1900,
2000,
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

2Ch 15:2  And he went out to meet Asa and said to him, Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him [inquiring for and of Him, craving Him as your soul’s first necessity], He will be found by you; but if you [become indifferent and] forsake Him, He will forsake you.

Replace the name Asa with your own name and read it loud.  Not too many people seek God everyday.  Our days are filled with so many activities that we put God at the lowest priority.  I am guilty on this at times especially when I am on vacation.  There is just too many things to do at hand and we don’t recognize the need for God anymore because all is well and in order.  I have to regroup and regain normalcy again as soon as I notice that I am drifting away.  Thinking God is supposed to be 24/7 so that when the storm comes, you are already in the right mindset and no need for panic.  What happens when we are heading toward a cliff and we are not in communication with God, we hit the brakes and ask for God’s guidance.  In God’s perspective, we should be communicating with Him 24/7 and when we are heading towards a cliff, all we have to say is "”Lord, let’s jump off the cliff together”.  These bad things in life happen when we disobey God’s basic principles by putting ourselves in the wrong place with the wrong people.  By violating the law of the land, ie. doing 85mph on the highway when the speed limit is 65. I’ve seen quite a few accidents on the road lately and I’ve concluded that if we only follow the law of the land, there will be no accidents (maybe less).  Same thing with our day to day problems, if we just follow the basic principles of love and relationship, there won’t be any separation of family.  Of course we don’t know these things especially we are in the midst of the storm. Easier said when we are in not in the storm and not even experiencing difficulties in real time.  But one truth, if we put God first, we cannot go wrong in our decision making.

Key learning:
1. Seek God and not God seek for us
2. If we seek Him, we will find Him
3. Once we find God, He will not forsake us
4. Don’t seek Him, you will be forsaken

MIT (Most Important Task)
1.
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Sleep
0700, Sleep
0800, Sleep
0900, Sleep
1000, Breakfast; Journal
1100,
1200, 20Mile Bike
1300, 1K Swim
1400,
1500,
1600,
1700,
1800,
1900,
2000,
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

2Jo 1:9  Everyone transgressing and not abiding in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Unpack
2. Rest/Recovery
3.

0000, Driving From Florida to Austin
0100, Driving
0200, Driving
0300, Driving
0400, Driving
0500, Driving
0600, Arrived in Austin
0700, Breakfast at IHOP
0800, Unpack
0900, Unpack
1000, Organize
1100,
1200,
1300,
1400,
1500, Nap
1600, Nap
1700, Nap
1800, Nap
1900,
2000,
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

Psa 112:7  He shall not be afraid of bad news; his heart is fixed, trusting in Jehovah.
Psa 112:8  His heart is sure; he shall not be afraid though he sees his oppressors.

My life is filled with bad news and I wish my heart was established then (I’m ok now).  But one thing I learned with bad news is you cannot panic.  Stay calm, don’t say a word, count every move you take and stop creating additional mistakes.  Have you heard of “undesirable effect” (UE).  UE follows from a bad news. UE comes after the storm or a a big problem.  You are trying to solve a problem and you did this/that and the result was not the outcome that you wanted to see.  That is UE. The opposite of UE is DE for “desirable effect” (the good outcome).  When we are solving a problem, there is always a UE and DE.  A true solution to a problem should have a zero UE.  Get it?  I’ve used this UE/DE technique so often that it is now an automatic response to any problem solving situation.

But what happens when the bad news is really a bad news. What happens when there is death in the family or a terminal illness strikes or a spouse commits infidelity or you lost your job or calamity in your town or you can’t get along with your wife/husband anymore or you failed an exam or your child is pregnant before marriage or your son is in jail because of drug use or you can’t find the job that you like or your bank account is empty or you lost the trust of a friend… what do you do?

When Bad News:
1. Don’t be afraid (don’t panic)
2. Trust the Lord (don’t fix it yourself before consulting in prayers)
3. Every move should be based in righteousness (if the next move is somewhat wrong or unrighteous, you are guaranteed a UE)

RE: Vacation Farewell
My son is now almost 13 years old. A grown up kid old enough to be a man.  Last night he cried like a baby in my bed trying to convince me to let him and Brittney stay one more week here in Crystal River.  I counted an hour of crying trying to change my decision.  My answer was no and will always be no (the team has to come home together-no one is left behind).  Britta was on his side and started to shop for plane tickets already.  To Marie and Chynna: Brent enjoyed his stay here with you and I just want to document this moment so that one day we can look back to August 2009 that we enjoyed our 7-day vacation.  Me too had a great time.  I loved the bike lanes here at Ft Island Trail and the waters in your backyard.

To Bless and Alex, Thanks a lot for the 5 star accommodation.
To Olivia and Bob, Superb hospitality, thank you.
To Gina and Balt, nice meeting you.  May our friendship grows
To Darlene, I will see you one day….
To Gina Go, we always see in the spirit…. no need to see u in person
To Tiyo Albert, I enjoyed the walkthrough of the history of Cebu/Merida (the when I was your age thing…)
To Marie/Chynna, I can’t describe my feelings into words. You girls are a great company (just look at the pictures)
To Dayline, for spending almost 2 hours with me over the phone while I was kayaking
To Eli, for the vision we shared,

My photography style is “capture everything”. Please be patient, I don’t normally create a flawless presentation of my pictures.  I normally delete the bad ones and then categorizes it by day (no editing) and then publish it.  I don’t like the FB albums because it requires time to do (I am a bit lazy).  The most efficient way to view the pictures is using the Slide Show feature of Picasa, set to time interval settings from 3 to 1 sec.

20090812FLVacationSummary 
20090809FLVacationDay06_JetSkiing
20090809FLVacationDay06_Kayaking
20090808FLVacationDay05_RestDay
20090807FLVacationDay04_TampaD90

20090807FLVacationDay04_TampaD50
20090806FLVacationDay03_Orlando
20090805FLVacationDay02_RestDay
20090804FLVacationDay01_TripToFlorida
20090803FLVacationDay00_Preparation

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Florida to Texas return trip
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Breakfast; Journal
0600, Pack
0700, Pack
0800, Goodbyes
0900, Goodbyes
1000, Leave Crystal River
1100, Driving, 1h
1200, Driving, 2h
1300, Driving, 3h
1400, Driving, 4h
1500, Driving, 5h -Alabama
1600, Driving, 6h
1700, Driving, 7h
1800, Driving, 8h-Mississippi
1900, Driving, 9h
2000, Driving, 10h-Louisiana
2100, Driving, 11h
2200, Driving, 12h
2300, Driving, 13h
2400, Driving, 14h
0100, Driving, 15h
0200, Driving, 16h-Texas
0300, Driving, 17h
0400, Driving, 18h
0500, Driving, 19h
0600, Driving, 20h
0700, Driving, 21h. Arrival Round Rock

Exo 4:12  Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and will teach you what you shall say.
Joh 1:1  IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Isa. 9:6.]

PROMPTER-provider of missing words: somebody in a theater whose job is to prompt actors who have forgotten their words or lines

To fully understand the message today, we have to go back a few verses in Chapter4.  Moses was given his marching orders by God but Moses refused to accept the responsibility because of his speech problem. Most of us are the same way.  We worry about what things to say when we are given the responsibility to talk to someone.  We sometimes resist the instructions given to us because we don’t have the ability to deliver the message. We think that we don’t have the skills and the knowledge to teach, to counsel, to encourage, to give directions to others.  Sometimes we think that we need to go to Bible college to know the message of the Bible or interpret what God is saying to us.  The truth-we just need to believe.  Believe what? …. Believe that God is real, that the Bible is real, that Jesus came here to save us. When the Bible say something to us, we need to listen.  A few years ago, I was confused too in how to really use the Bible as my guiding system.  Then a friend shared to me John 1:1 “IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.”  I’ve memorized this verse when I was a child through Sunday school and I never truly understood the verse until I started doing a daily devotional.  My understanding of the Word, (every word) is a Word from God, ‘kinda like a message from God.  So when I open my Bible every morning, I get to hear from God through my daily study of the Word. The concept is not that hard to follow.  Open your Bible everyday, read 1 verse and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you for revelation.  You will be surprised how much information is relayed to you (heavenly information)

Key Learning today:
1. Go (take a the first step)
2. Teaching follows

That is the beauty of the Ministry of  the Holy Spirit. We are commanded to GO (execute/take the first step and then get our learning and teachings along the way.  Jesus commanded the same thing when He called the 12 disciples.  He said, Come and follow me.  He did not say, hey learn first, clean yourself first before following me.  The good thing about our faith is just following simple commands.  Come and follow Him.  Of course, we have to be obedient when we are given a specific instructions. Open your spiritual eyes and you will see the clear path of your journey.

I had a conversation yesterday with Eli and I am so glad that I finally have a spiritual partner that I can share my visions with. I did not know that God was preparing someone with the same vision I have for the future.  I understand that we have to build a solid foundation (Biblical) with this project but I know deep in my heart that this is the direction of my future.  I do not know the details yet but I will be looking forward to seeing it unfolds day by day.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1.
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Coffee; Journal
0700, 20mile bike
0800,
0900,
1000,
1100,
1200,
1300,
1400,
1500,
1600,
1700,
1800,
1900,
2000,
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

Act 13:39  And that through Him everyone who believes [who acknowledges Jesus as his Savior and devotes himself to Him] is absolved (cleared and freed) from every charge from which he could not be justified and freed by the Law of Moses and given right standing with God.

How simple it is to stand right with God, just believe.  Believe in Him.  That’s it but how often we run around in circles trying to search for the truth. 

I am trying to gain normalcy in my routines here while on vacation.  So far, I am able to execute my morning routines.  I’ve done 75 miles of cycling so far here in Crystal River and I’m impressed how bike friendly this place is.  I did some short kayaking yesterday and I am still learning to love this sport.  I love anything water, I love floating in the water and I love swimming. Hopefully by the end of the day, I will go home to Texas with the love of kayaking.

Ignore my tweet updates, those are delayed posting from tweeter. 

I like to publish my pictures in FB but there are too many to upload and I don’t like to spend extra time organizing my pictures except just putting it into folders and uploading it to Picasa.  Maybe later, I’ll create a short version.  Gina’s pictures are in the Orlando album.

I failed to met Darlene while in Orlando due to time constraint.  Too many people that I have to drive around plus the traffic.  I had my GPS all the time but when you miss an exit, getting back to the destination was hard.  I spent 2 hours at I-4 trying to get back to the Prime Outlet. To Darlene, please don’t be offended that I failed to meet you.  Maybe next year.

To Olivia, Thanks for the wonderful stay at your nice home.  We enjoyed the great accommodation and your hospitality.  I enjoyed talking to Bob also, we are Army buddies and we always connect in terms of talking about Army life.  We just can’t stop talking.

20090808FLVacationDay05_RestDay
20090807FLVacationDay04_TampaD90

20090807FLVacationDay04_TampaD50
20090806FLVacationDay03_Orlando
20090805FLVacationDay02_RestDay
20090804FLVacationDay01_TripToFlorida
20090803FLVacationDay00_Preparation

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Kayaking
2. Pickup Mauro
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Sleep
0700, Breakfast; journal;
0800, Kayaking/Photography
0900, Kayaking
1000, Kayaking
1100, Kayaking
1200, Lunch
1300,
1400,
1500,
1600,
1700, Pickup Mauro
1800,
1900,
2000,
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

Jam 1:3  Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.
Jam 1:4  But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.

Trials produces endurance and patience. 

20090808FLVacationDay05_RestDay
20090807FLVacationDay04_TampaD90

20090807FLVacationDay04_TampaD50
20090806FLVacationDay03_Orlando
20090805FLVacationDay02_RestDay
20090804FLVacationDay01_TripToFlorida
20090803FLVacationDay00_Preparation

MIT (Most Important Task)
1.
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Sleep
0700, Breakfast
0800, 35Mile Bike
0900, 35Mile Bike
1000, Snack
1100, Home depot, house repair
1200, Lunch
1300, Rest
1400, Nap
1500, Nap
1600, Nap
1700,
1800,
1900,
2000,
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

1Jo 3:3  And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless).

MIT (Most Important Task)
1.
2.
3.

0000, At Olivia Perral’s home
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Sleep
0700, Coffee
0800,
0900, Breakfast @IHOP
1000, At Busch Gardens Theme Park
1100, At Busch Gardens
1200, At Busch Gardens
1300, At Busch Gardens
1400, At Busch Gardens
1500, At Busch Gardens
1600, At Busch Gardens
1700, At Busch Gardens
1800, At Busch Gardens
1900, At Busch Gardens
2000, At Busch Gardens
2100, Tampa to Crystal River
2200, Back in Crystal River
2300,
2400, Sleep

Psa 91:1  HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].
Psa 91:2  I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!
Psa 91:3  For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

20090805FLVacationDay02_RestDay
20090804FLVacationDay01_TripToFlorida
20090803FLVacationDay00_Preparation

MIT (Most Important Task)

0. 20Mile Bike
1. Orlando with Friends
2. Meet Gina Pongos
3. Meet Darlene Go

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Breakfast; Journal
0700, 20 mile bike
0800,
0900, To Orlando
1000, At Orlando
1100, Drop off the kids at the mall
1200, Meet with Britta’s classmates
1300, Meet Gina Pongos Drop off Mauro
1400,
1500,
1600,
1700,
1800,
1900,
2000, Meet Darlene Go
2100, Sleep at Darlene’s house
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

Joh 14:26  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will be your teacher in all things and will put you in mind of everything I have said to you.

20090804FLVacationDay01_TripToFlorida
20090803FLVacationDay00_Preparation

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 20mile bike
2.
3.

0000, Britta Driving
0100, Britta Driving
0200, Britta Driving
0300, Britta Driving
0400, Driving
0500, Sleep
0600, Sleep
0700,
0800, Arrived Crystal River
0900, Breakfast
1000,
1100, 20Mile Bike
1200, Rest
1300,
1400,
1500,
1600,
1700,
1800,
1900,
2000,
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

2Ti 1:12  And for which I undergo these things: but I have no feeling of shame. For I have knowledge of him in whom I have faith, and I am certain that he is able to keep that which I have given into his care till that day.

2Ti 1:12  And this is why I am suffering as I do. Still I am not ashamed, for I know (perceive, have knowledge of, and am acquainted with) Him Whom I have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on), and I am [positively] persuaded that He is able to guard and keep that which has been entrusted to me and which I have committed [to Him] until that day.

When we go to war, our government has precise objective of what needs to happen.  Military leaders are well aware of the objective before they even send the first soldier into the battlefield.  We all know that whenever we engage ourselves into a war, winning is not assured.  No one is telling us that we are going to win and come out victorious.  In the Kingdom of God, it does not matter.  When we receive our marching orders and we are engaging in the enemy territory, we need not worry about how we are going to win the war.  Why?  Because the war was already won.  How? Christ already went to the cross and died for us and then rose again from the dead.  So many things happened when Jesus went to the cross and one relevance is we do not have to fight our battle.  He already did it for us.  So when we are in the midst of trouble, we need not worry about the certainty if we are going to make it through or not.  Our battlefield objective is secured.  We are already declared as winner.  Apostle Paul knows more about this.  When he wrote to Timothy, he knows that his sufferings were just temporary and even when it looks like he was defeated, he knows by heart that the things (his responsibilities) he was assigned to are going to get done.  So true with us.  When God gave us a special assignment, it is just a matter of executing the action plan.  We need not worry if we will succeed or not.  Why?  Because the Bible told us that He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end and when He start something, He will finish it.  What a promise!  For those who are reading this journal, God started a project on you.  Open your eyes and look around .. what signs you have around you.  Happy beginning and welcome to the Kingdom of God here on earth.  Such a pleasure to know that we do not have to wait for the end of our life to experience the benefits of the Kingdom.

It is 0827 in the morning here in Texas.  Our team is expected to leave Round Rock by 10am.  The clothes are still not packed.  Britta is still sleeping and the kids are still in bed.  Oh well, so much for the planning.  I calculated that if we leave by 10am, we will be in Florida by 6am Wednesday.  I will forget my calculation for now.  I don’t really care if we leave on time or not.  I have no precise objective other than testing my “away from home survival function” meaning “can I accomplish things away from home and live a normal life—meaning, can I still study the Bible, can I still write about what I’m reading, can I still pray for my friends, can I still ride my bike.  The rest of the things does not matter.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Depart for Florida
2.
3.

0000,
0100,
0200,
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Sleep
0700, Breakfast; journal;
0800, Pack-Final
0900, Pre-Flight check
1000, Depart for Florida
1100, Driving
1200, Driving
1300, Driving
1400, Switch driver
1500, Rest
1600, Rest
1700, Rest
1800, Driving
1900, Driving
2000, Driving
2100, Rest
2200, Rest
2300, Rest
2400, Rest

Luk 22:32  But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren

When we are called to the Kingdom, it is not really for us, it is for the people that surround us, for the brethren, our brothers and sisters (everyone).  We go through difficult times once in a while but all these are just a preparation for a greater purpose.  How can we help someone if we ourselves never experience hardship. How can we comfort someone if we ourselves are always inside our comfort zone.  Peter here was instructed by Jesus to establish his faith first (for himself) once he did, then he spreads it to the brethren.  The same thing is true for us.  We have to establish our faith, get a good foundation, study the Word, be in prayer at all times (no compromise) and then help those around us.  This is a process and it does not happen overnight.  Ask yourself this question: When are you planning to start your spiritual journey? 

I am on 2-week vacation (forced by Samsung) we cannot save our vacation days anymore for 2009 and I have to scramble for places to go and things to do for 2 weeks.  At first, we (Britta, Brittney, Brent) agreed to go to Dallas but then later on they changed their minds.  After several brainstorming session, we end up with Florida.  We are driving 1000 miles (one way) for a vacation.  Is this a vacation or an expedition?  This is not the first time we’ve done a long drive to Florida so this should be simple now. So with this so called vacation, I have to prepare everything.  It reminds me of field training exercise in the Army.  Take everything with you that is needed in the battlefield.  And so  I did. Then later today, I felt like I need to do more than just having a relaxed vacation so I decided to bring my bike.  I consulted google maps already and plotted the coordinates in my notebook (all set for Fort Island Trail cycling) and I am excited to explore Citrus county for a few days on the bike.  Mawing is going with us and this makes the trip more interesting.  Get ready for 500 pictures per day because he is bringing with him pro photography gears also.  Mawing also is scheduled to meet with Dr. Gina P. in Orlando.  This will be interesting also because we haven’t seen Gina since high school. (To Doc Rhoel, email me your speech to her… ;-O.  Other plans include a meeting with Britta’s college classmates in Orlando, I heard the names Thelma and Rico. 

20090803FLVacationDay00_Preparation

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 35Mile Bike
2. 1K swim
3. Pack for 7-day Florida expedition

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Sleep
0600, Sleep
0700, Breakfast; journal;
0800,
0900,
1000, 35Mile Bike
1100, 35Mile Bike
1200, 1K swim
1300, Prepare Yukon for long drive
1400, Prepare Yukon for long drive
1500,
1600,
1700,
1800,
1900, Pack
2000, Pack
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

Pro 29:26  Marami ang nagsisihanap ng lingap ng pinuno: nguni’t ang kahatulan ng tao ay nagmumula sa Panginoon.
Pro 29:26  Many crave and seek the ruler’s favor, but the wise man [waits] for justice from the Lord.
Pro 29:26  Many seek the ruler’s favor; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.

Every minute while we are still breathing, we are constantly making decisions.  One software programmer wrote that life is like a software program, just a bunch of 1’s and 0’s.  I did not understand at first and as he explains, he said that there are only 2 things the program asks in every line of code. It is either do this or do that or get this or get that until all the code are executed to finish the task that the software wants to accomplish.  Our lives are like that, we are constantly at the command line waiting for an instruction to be executed. Let me illustrate an example:

At home-Start of my day today:
1. Alarm clock beeping, turn off alarm clock and get up or turn off the alarm clock and go back to sleep… go to step 2
2. Go to the kitchen, grind/brew coffee/eat bagel or grind/brew coffee or delete bagel breakfast… go to step 3
3. Go to the office, read the Bible, write journal or just do nothing… go to step 4
4. Get dressed for cycling, ride bike … go to step 5
5. Take the easy route or take the hilly route … go to step 6.
6. Cycling done, take a shower.. go to step 7 
OK, you get it.  we always make a decision in everything we do. It is either yes or no (1’s and 0’s), do or not do, go or not go, call or not call.

So what is the relevance of the 1’s and 0’s in today’s reading? The answer is the programmer.  The person that creates the program.  The person that designed the program.  Most of us are under someone’s management unless you are living in a remote island by yourself.  We are bound by that management rule (spoken/non-spoken). At home, my wife has a (silent) management rule.. ie. be faithful to me, be truthful to me, cook me breakfast every morning, vacuum the house etc.  At work, come to work on time, do your job well, don’t waste your time … etc. On the road, speed limit is 70mph, no left turn, stop signs.  There is always a rule no matter where we go.  We have to follow those rules or the system we are in will fail.  What system? The system of marriage, the system of work, the system of road safety. 

Most of the failures in life are due to our wrong interpretations of the programmer’s command.  We deviate from the original plan and that is why failure happens.  There are so many examples that I can enumerate here… failure of marriage, failure of work, failure of health, failure of finances and if you examine the failure mechanism, you will discover that there was one time that you violated one rule and big event follows. Those event sometimes changes lives.

It is easy to seek the pleasure of our management team but such is not the ultimate goal.  The lesson from Proverbs 29:26 is follow the guidelines from above and you are always in the right track no matter what.  Don’t please people, please God instead.

MIT (Most Important Task)
0. Church
1. 10Mile Time Trial
2. Iron clothes
3. Mow yard
4. 1K swim
5. Continue FL expedition prep

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Breakfast; Journal
0600, Journal
0700, 10Mile bike
0800,
0900, Celebration Church
1000, Celebration Church
1100, Grocery shopping
1200,
1300, FL expedition prep
1400, FL expedition prep
1500, FL expedition prep
1600,
1700,
1800,
1900, Mow yard
2000, 1K swim
2100,
2200,
2300,
2400, Sleep

1Jo 4:16  And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him.
1Jo 4:16  And we have seen and had faith in the love which God has for us. God is love, and everyone who has love is in God, and God is in him.

We cannot love God if we don’t love our neighbors or any human being.  It would be hypocritical to say that we have faith in God but hates even one person.  Such easy words to say but really hard to execute. There is always one person in our lives that will be in the “un-love” category. 

What can we do? SIMPLE, love them. How?  It is up to us.  We just have to be creative in doing it.  Express your love in whatever ways you think that will send a message  that you don’t hate them anymore….that you have forgiven them and loved them.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 5Mile Time Trial
2.
3.

0000, Sleep
0100, Sleep
0200, Sleep
0300, Sleep
0400, Sleep
0500, Breakfast; journal; 5Mile Time Trial
0600, Leave for work
0700, At work
0800, At work
0900, At work
1000, At work
1100, At work
1200, At work
1300, At work
1400, At work
1500, At work
1600, At work
1700, At work
1800,
1900,
2000, Dinner
2100,
2200,
2300, Sleep
2400, Sleep