Cup of Love Special Edition

I asked my friend to comment about my series.
He told me that it somehow lacks a few emotions here and there, especially on Chelsa's part.

For others who don't know yet, I've been writing this mini-series for a while. And I'm writing it in little pieces of hearts and post it in the glass windows of a cafe in Vega named Ristretto.

That's why I'm limited to a few set of words per episode.

Because of this comment (and the feeling of being limited in a piece of heart), I'm thinking of expanding each episode.
I'll add some new pieces of story to each episode making it a little bit colorful...

What do you think?


*Note*
Please wait for Episode 8, I'm still in the process of encoding it. :D

*Note #2*
If I will go full-blast about this, I'm thinking of making a small book about it... and all other episodes written here after Episode 8 will be a trailer episode so as not to have spoilers.

*Note #3*
I am thinking also of making a small movie about it. I'm now actually writing a small script and cast description. If you want to take part, just email me or comment here.

SLW Mini-Story Series: Cup of Love (2:7)

Week 2: Episode 7: Happy Fudge II

Entry date: Febuary 1, 2008, Friday

"Kuya, itry niyo yung bago namin... Happy fudge"

Happy fudge... Tinanong ko kung bakit happy fudge ang name... Sabi nina ate ay may nagsuggest ng name daw kahapon after eating it... Pampasaya daw kadi. Hence, happy fudge...

Sa totoo lang... Tama nga siya... Kung sino man ang nagsuggest ng name na yun... "it brighten up my day" ika nga... Sobrang sarap...

"Kuya! Feb na! May date ka na ba?" biglang tanong nina ate...

Oo nga no? Feb na... It's been a very long time since nung last "date" ko...

Would I ask Chelsa out this Feb?

Siguro... Kung wala man siyang gagawin sa 14... Or date... I will ask her out..l and then ibibili ko siya nitong Happy Fudge... Para masaya!

-Mark's blog

"Tamang Trip": The First Mission

I was diving (again as always) inside the Internet when I came across bons and ja's multiply page and their post entitled: "This is sooo much FUN! Magawa nga sa MRT. =)".

I read it and watched the video attached with it and was inspired to also put up a team of agents here in the Philippines and do a mission just like that...

if you want to see the video that I'm talking about...


It's about the Frozen Grand Central mission of the Improv Everywhere agents...

Then I found out that Improv Everywhere has a "global" site... so

If you want to join us here... sign up at http://improveverywhere.ning.com
then if you are near LB, Laguna... sign up at our local group http://improveverywhere.ning.com/group/philippinessection1

and if you are near manila... you can sign up at http://improveverywhere.ning.com/group/improvmanila

We like to have as many agents as possible so we can have some clean fun and entertain many :D

do hope to meet with you guys when we come up with our first mission :D

SLW Mini-Story Series: Cup of Love (1:6)

Week 2: Episode 6: Happy Fudge I

Entry date: January 31, 2008, Thur

The day started bad for me...

First, I didn't get an invite to meet Christine of HappySlip next thursday. Then, I have to attend meeting after meeting after meeting... Then, my special problem or SP is not yet finished... Sigh... Too much stress...

So I decided to go back and visit this café to relieve my stress. Dito ko nakilala yung may-ari nung place, si kuya Jaz. He suggested to try his new creation.

Masarap... Mainit yung chocolate sa loob ng fudge... I asked kung anong pangalan nung fudge, sabi niya wala pa..

Sabi ko, "Happy fudge" na lang... Because napasaya ako after kong kainin...

Sarap

-Chelsa's blog

SLW Mini-Story Series: Cup of Love (1:5)

Week 1

Episode 5: Trying to Remember

Entry date: January 30, 2008, Wed

I only have a few minutes to write, I need to be at the town mall by 630pm. Anyway, natanong ko na din kahapon si Lisa about kay Chelsa... At ang ngiti.. Panalo talaga si Lisa, ang dami agad nasabi...

"Nililigawan mo ba?"

Ang ganda ng tanong e... Siyempre... Hindi pa... Gusto ko muna may background akong alam bago pumorma diba? Good thing payag si Lisa na tumulong...

Hmmmm... Come to think of it... Parang nakita ko na si Chelsa before... Parang nakilala or nakita ko na siya somewhere... Di ko lang matandaan...

Whooops!! 630 na!! Tapusin ko na itong hot cocoa ko...

-Mark's Journal

SLW Mini-Story Series: Cup of Love (1:4)

Week 1: Episode 4: The Surprise Question

Entry date: January 29, 2008, Tue

We met again ni Lisa kanina sa café for our lunch. Tulad ng dati I ordered my favorite cheezy pasta and hot cocoa. Tulad ng dati kwentuhan parin kami... From subjects, to teachers, to TV shows, to telenovelas, to people, to friends, to food... Any topic under the sun...

Then she asked me a question na hindi pa nya tinatanong before...

"Ano ba gusto mo sa isang lalaki?"

Napatigil ako sa tanong niya. I asked why. She said "Wala lang" and then changed the topic...

Bakit kaya niya yun natanong?

-Chelsa's Blog

SLW Mini-Story Series: Cup of Love (1:3)

*Note*

Ngayon pa lang pala ipopost nina ate sa Ristretto yung Episodes 3 and 4... Later, I'll write Episode 5...

Week 1: Episode 3: Boy meets Girl

Entry date: January 28, 2008, Mon

I visited again the café... It seems wala pa yung girl from last week nung pagdating ko nun... So umorder ako muna ng Trail mix mocha at tsaka chicken sandwich. After a few minutes, dumating din siya with another girl.. Nung nakita ko yung kasama niya.. Si Lisa pala!

Small world nga naman ika nga nila, the person na magiging daan para makilala ko yung girl ay kaibigan ko at kaibigan din niya!

Now I know na ang pangalan niya ay Chelsa...

Before I left for my next class, nagkaroon ng konting kwentuhan...

Small world talaga...

Hmmmm... Gusto ko pang makilala siya... Matanong nga si Lisa bukas... No?

- Mark's Journal

SLW Mini-Story Series: Cup of Love (1:2)

*Note*

The stories are also posted at the glass windows of Ristretto Cafe. I think they have posted Episode 3 today. I'll be there later to write Episode 4.

Week 1:Episode 2: Cheezy Trail

Entry date: January 25, 2008, Fri

"Isang Cheezy pasta and hot cocoa"

Yun ang aking order kanina sa café. It was my 2nd time here actually at naging paborito ko agad ang cheezy pasta nila. Parang tulad ng luto ni mama...

Namiss ko tuloy si mama...

Oh well... Paguwi ako bukas ay sasabihin ko ito sa kanya at idadala ko sila dito ni papa pagdumalaw sila dito sa LB. Pero bago yun, may meeting pa mamaya so dito muna ako...

Hmmm... Share ko lang, yung guy na-umorder kanina after me ay cheezy pasta din ang binili... Paborito niya rin kaya yun?... Oh well...

- Chelsa's blog

SLW Mini-Story Series: Cup of Love (1:1)

*Background*

I started this mini-story series last January 24, 2008. I was inspired by the "heart" filled glass window of the Ristretto Cafe and thought of "contributing" something like a series. So I came up with a mini-story and each episode corresponds to the date it was written. Here is the first episode of the mini-story series. Enjoy...

(Yeah I know the title is mushy...)

Week 1: Episode 1: First Time

Entry date: January 24, 2008, Thur

And then I saw HER...

It was my first time here at this café.

I think it was Kei who suggested that we eat here, so punta naman kami kasama sina Joshua at Dana. We picked the couch near the glass window and ordered our lunch. Habang kami ay masayang kumakain at nagkwekwentuhan, may isang babae ang pumasok...

And then I saw her...

I can't find the right words right now to describe her beauty... But what stuck in my mind was her smile... Her simplicity...

Pero quarter to one na nun, kelangan ng pumasok ulit... So bago umalis, tumingin ulit ako for the last time sa kanyang kagandahan at nasabi...

"Oh well... Hanggang tingin na lang ba?"

- Mark's Journal

SLW Stories: The War Within [Chapter 1:Episode1]

Chapter 1: The End
Episode 1: The Story

It’s been years since this war began on our country.

All I can remember is that I was a kid back then. The enemy, who call themselves “Legio Luxuria Subreca”, wants to conquer this country and spread its terror within.

Back then; all the enemy can do is to take small attacks on our country’s outlying bases. Some of those little skirmishes breaks through but then repelled a day or two.

Everyone thought that they can’t do anything, but still we didn’t take it lightly. We gathered intelligences one-after-another and fortified our frontlines each and every month. We studied the enemy’s movements and mode of operations. We knew how they move, plan, and attack. We knew how to defend our country. We thought we are invincible.

Then the unthinkable happened.

It was about two years ago that their first major attack on one of our major bases. At the same time, the morale of the country was down. The base then was captured and occupied for almost two months. Using their tactics, they spread their terror within the country. After two months they, were defeated and the base was again regained. But the damage has been done.

After that, we discovered a new way to defeat the enemy. We thought that we can do it, but we can’t. The whole country wills it, and yet it’s weak.

After two to three months, another base falls, only to be retaken after a week or two. But the damage has been done and terror has spread. It’s like a dark plague crawling all over the country.

Now, almost 22 years after the war began, they have siege and nearly reached the two core cities, the city of Terah and Dimna. If these two cities fall, the whole country falls also. Everyday, our fortifications fall. Everyday, terror seeps and is now affecting these two cities. Everyday, we are losing hope.

We thought we can do it alone. Now, only a miracle can save us.

- An excerpt taken from the journal of Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Taylor of the 13th Batallion of the Republic of Tornesoul.

TJ's Eyspesyals: Oper8ion 1st Quarter (O81Q)

As promised, I will write my own set of goals this year. Starting my 1st Quarter goals:

1. Spiritual Life
- I will read the Companion (Catholic Scriptural Guide) and Didache (Daily Bible Reflection for Catholics) and write small reflections as a start everyday
- Once a month, I'll try to go to confession (for this quarter - that is at least three times)

2. Family Life
- I'll be a good son, I'll put them in the priority set 1 when it comes to responsibilities

3. Work Life
- I'll check the papers early
- I'll make sure or try to make sure that they get the lesson at hand
- I'll improve my video capturing and editing skills

4. Financial Life
- I'll start dwelling on mutual funds
- Learn more about this "Realty Business"

5. Physical Life
- I will wake up early everyday
- Eat 3 times a day

6. Emotional Life
- I will know some of my limits (at least 2)
- I will know my emotional strengths (at least 5)

7. Intellectual Life
- Finish 2 books
- Start enrolling for Masters in Computer Science

So this is my goals for this quarter. I do hope and pray that I get to meet and attain all of them before the end of March.

Special Episodes: The Transition

Again I say goodbye to this year.

It was just like last year. Well, not really like last year.
This year was fruitful.
This year was dark also.

It was a year of pruning and constant changing.
And it was really hard for me at the start.
The scars of the past and burdens are still there.
And until now, it keeps on making me fall.

I was focusing too much on the concerns of this world and myself, that I forgot how to build upon my influence and God’s influence in my life and the world.

I forgot many things, just because I focused on the problem too much.
Being given a mission is not easy, all the more that it is not when we focus on the problem too much, and even more that it is really not that easy when we forget that we are not alone in this task.

I almost completely got lost.
But the Lord is good. He knows what’s happening. And He sure is too stubborn enough not to let go of me.
Now, I’m taking baby steps again… and some big leaps… to get back on my feet. The gravitational pull of the past is really great, but I have in my heart the constant hope and with the constant help that I get from God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, and my family and friends, I know someday… I can make it… maybe this following year, or the next, or the next-next… or the next-next-next…

So I bid farewell to this year. And just like what I read awhile ago from some message from my friend, I bury the mistakes I made, and create a new benchmark for my success this year, and hope to get my goals the following year.

Thank you to all of my family, my friends, my sponsors, and everyone who are in between for the support and Love you have given.
For this, in return of your Love, I will struggle more in loving you all with the best that I can.

As for my OTL (One True Love), whoever you are, be prepared because I’m preparing myself for you. If we see and get to know each other this year, that’s good, if we don’t get to see and know each other, then I’ll still be preparing for us and be hopefully waiting the following years.

As for my plans, because of the renovation and some lessons I took up this Christmas vacation, I completely forgot making some plans for the following year, so I’ll do the planning for the first quarter of this year’s 2008 by January 2, and I’ll post it here if I got time later.

Whew, I’ve written too much, got way past my supposed mark for myself. Well, as I hug this coming New Year with delight, may God bless us and bring new and prosperous fruits for us to share with each other.

God bless and Happy New Year :D

Special Episodes: Nothing to write this Christmas

Oh well, let’s just say I have to give in.
This is my first Christmas where I don’t have anything to give.
I didn’t text others (like I used to…)
I didn’t buy any gifts for others…
Talk about sharing…

But anyway, I had a lot of fun moments this Christmas.
I made quite a lot of new friends this merry season, like the children animators at the STCJP parish, and also being able to be part of the “Kakaibang Panunuluyan” play of the Christmas Midnight Mass.

I got a lot of rest also. And some time again to read some of my books. And write again.
And felt God’s love in some way that I can’t explain… and shared it also to others… that is not expressed in texts or gifts…

Well… As I have said… I have to give in…
I don’t know what to write today.
So this will be my “special episodes” where I will just write what’s in my head…

I just wish you all a Merry Christmas today. And I have to say, this day is not really about Jesus alone. But us receiving God’s Love for us through the incarnation of His Love, the Word made Flesh, the birth of His only Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

God bless you all :D

Rebirth of All Series: Crash and Burn

My last entry was September.

It has been a long time since I last written an article for you guys to read (except the CCC part, which was last October)

Anyway, just as the title suggests: Crash and Burn

For the last 2 months, my life went haywire, being caught up by the aftermath of the recent events and happenings starting this year. Figuratively, my life crashed and burned.

Although, on the outside, you can see me as a-ok, inside, is empty. Although I attended a lot of seminars and stuff, I’m still lost inside.

I seemed too detached to the people around me. And I almost totally forgot all my writing and my works. I was on the thin line between sanity and insanity.

But now, is recovery time. And I have so many things to tell you. Those 2 months of force-retreat gave new meaning. The flame from the crash intensified. And now, a phoenix rises from the ashes.

So, just before this year ends, I want to celebrate the rebirth of this site. Although the façade looks the same, I do hope my stories that I will share will give more inspiration to love the people around you.

More faith, more hope and more love.

CCC Prologue - Part 1: The Life of Man - To Know and Love God

Catechism of the Catholic Church Reflection Series

(Because of copyright issues, I'll just include here links that will bring you to the readings for the given topic... Please READ the given readings so as to have knowledge of what we are discussing here :D

I'll include my personnal notes and quotations from the readings as my added reflections about the text)

Prologue

Link: Prologue

Added Resources:
John 17:3
1 Timothy 2:3-4
Acts 4:12

I. The Life of Man - To Know and Love God

Link: Prologue - Part 1

Added Resources:
Matthew 28:19-20
Mark 16:20
Acts 2:42

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Personal Notes:

"FATHER,... this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." - John 17:3

- This is Eternal life. I exhort you to know more about God and about Jesus. It's not enough to just worship every week or go to mass. Know more about our Faith. Know more about God. Our relationship with Him does not stop at baptism or just being a Catholic (and for some of us at our YLSS), being intimate with Him is knowing Him more. And that is eternal life.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" - Matthew 28:19

- This is our ultimate vocation. To evangelize. To spread the Good News.

"All Christ's faithful are called to hand it on from generation to generation, by professing the faith, by living it in fraternal sharing, and by celebrating it in liturgy and prayer." - CCC #3 /C.f. Acts 2:42

- We are ultimately called to witness His Good News with our lives. It is not enough to know and to teach it. Rather, we live it day-by-day.

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That's all for now, share your thoughts or questions :D

Introduction to New Series: CCC Reflection Series

This will be my introduction for my new reflection series of the book Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).

The topics will be taken from the said book.

So any blog entry will be under this series will be titled CCC Reflection Series: [title of the topic]

Unlike the other blog entries, there is a topic outline for this series. It will be inline with the CCC Table of Contents. You can find the topic outline (and the readings also) here.

Link: CCC Topic Outline

Again, thanks for reading and God bless :D

Love Blog Series #6.3: I Will Love Today

"Not next year, not next month, not next week, not even tomorrow...

I will Love today..."

I once said that line in a forum... I can't remember where or why but I said it and will say it again:
I will Love today...

It's been quite long after my last post and all thanks to the time I need to muster that strength to write this simple but fruitful article.

It's so simple I don't know how to explain it.
Why? Because internalizing how to love is a behavioral habit that will start simply like this...

When we we wake up, just feel the presence and love of God (even if you feel groggy). Say a little prayer (and maybe read the Word of God), thanksgiving, ask for what we need today... then smile (even if you don't feel like it) and say "I will Love today"...

It is a behavioral habit that will go on like this...

For the next few hours until night time (8 to 12 is few), when we meet a person we ask ourselves, "How will I love this person today?". When we get irritated we ask "How will I love this person today?". When we are betrayed, lambasted, and rejected by people around us we ask "How will I love these people today? (Really!!! How do I love these people?!!! My ghullay!! hehehehe)". When we feel loved and cherished by someone we ask "How will I love these people today?" We will always ask these question... every time... everywhere...

Lastly, it is a behavioral habit that will end like this...

Before you go to bed and sleep, feel the presence and love of our God (even if you feel tired). Say again a prayer (and maybe reflect), thanksgiving and ask for guidance tomorrow... then smile (even if the day is some what "subjectively" bad)... then say "I did Loved today"... then go to sleep...

Simple... to say...
but to do... it will take quite a while.

But it will become a habit. Just take the first step... then the second... then the third... then the fourth... until you can walk on your own.

I do hope I've inspired you to love always... to always remind ourselves to love... and be loved.
And always ask for the guidance of love of God. He was, is, and will always be the source of Love. You will never be empty when we ask for that Love.

I did Loved today.


PS1. Next topic in our series: Loving God

PS2. Watch out for our next set of topics: Being Complete

Timeless Specials #2: Love does not wait

Yes... Love is not for tomorrow... it is not for later... it should be done now! In every moment and opportunity... love must be done today at this time.

This is a lesson I will never forget.
I was supposed to help in the mini-seminar about worship and I want that my sister attend the seminar. So I "texted" her of her location because she was not there yet.
And then she replied that she will not come. But because I want her to be there, I replied and it sounded a little bit angry, which is somehow true. I felt a little bit irritated then that my sister is passing up an opportunity to learn and maybe share it to others.

She replied back that she will attend the mini-seminar. But I know it is just because I got "angry". So I didn't reply back to her because I may end up fighting with her.

But the unthinkable happened. My mommy and daddy was out then and was planning to go to the seminar by jeep. Then, she collapsed just before she left and was rushed immediately to the hospital. I got the news a little bit later from mommy. She knew what my last reply to my sister because my sister texted her about my text. I asked if was it my fault but she assured me it was not because before my sister left, she was telling mommy that she's a little bit sick. But it didn't help, the burden was with me and I can't concentrate on preparing for my talk.

I was thinking what if my sister will not wake up. It may be partly my fault that she collapsed because of my "persuasive" powers in my text to her. I may not have the chance to say sorry and make amends. But what really burdens me, was that I didn't try to understand her situation before I get irritated. I was not loving her as a brother to a sister. I was not doing my mission. And now this happened that she collapsed without her doing something strenuous. I stormed the heavens and the airwaves (by texting) to pray for my sister.

My prayers were quickly answered because she recovered immediately right after she arrived at the hospital and mommy and daddy was also there. And it was right before my talk that the news arrived. The burden was lifted and I gave out a sigh of relief.

And I reflected upon it while giving my talk (yeah, I was doing two things at that time...) I realized that love does not wait on you. You must always love everybody and you must always do it now... there is no other time to do it but now. People you love may be gone in a flash and you may regret not loving them to the hilt. It was my mission: to learn to love and to show love. And I am not doing it!! That's why I am so burdened that time. I was not doing what God is telling me to do. I still am going back to my selfish self. I still get angry to my parents, I still get a little bit irritated with my brother and sisters. I still am a little bit snobbish to my ministry friends. I still get irritated to people that doesn't follow God. I still get too righteous... And by doing that, I lose every second of opportunity to show love even to the people close to me. I'm not showing God's love to them...

May it be that I remember this day. So I will have the constant effort to love them as I love myself. I may falter, fail, fall, sin... but I will still struggle. It's better to love than to preach how to love. It's better to love than to teach them doctrinal and Catholic truths. They will never understand the truths of the Universal Church if there is no love. They will never understand the teachings if there is no love. They will never learn if there is no love. For even if there is faith, hope, gifts of the Holy Spirit, friends, family, teachings, ministry, great songs and the like, if there is no love, it will be noisy gong or clanging cymbal. Even if I perfected my craft in preaching, in business, and in other things, if there's no love to my family, friends and neighbors, I will have nothing and I will not gain nothing.



For all these things exists; but the greatest of these things will always be love.



PS1. back to our next topic in our subseries: I Will Love Today

PS2. Watch out for our next set of topics: Being Complete

Love Blog Series # 6.2.3: Loving You

Do You Know God's Name?
I found this site by Pastor Ahyh (www.yhwh.com) and I asked permission to use some of his explanations about God's name.

Now before we begin... How will this be connected in loving your neighbor, your enemy, your friend, your loved-one, your boyfriend, girlfriend, family, mother, father, etc...?

You'll soon find out. Now let's have a special verse that will connect your question to God's name:

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40

Let's start off from where I ended last topic. We have discussed before that we need to love God not because God needs our love but because it is more of a response to His love. It is also for us to learn how to really love. And in loving someone, one thing we must know is that person's name. So what is God's name?

From the bible, we can find the answer from Exodus 3:13-14. This is when Moses actually asked God His Name.

13Then Moses said to God, "Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you.' Now they may say to me, 'What is His name?' What shall I say to them?"

14God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" - Exodus 3:13-14

God's Name is not God. It's not Lord. It's even not Jesus. Yes, His name is Jesus when He was on earth. But before being called Jesus, He said His real Name also:

"Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.'" - John 8:58

So God's Name is I AM. Now, this is the translation (or meaning in English words) from the Hebrew texts originally written many years ago. The transliteration (or using the same letters of the English alphabet) of "I AM" is YHWH or YaHWeh. So in Hebrew language, God's Name is Yahweh.

Now in using the Hebrew language, YHWH becomes
is Y meaning Yod, rhymes with "rode"
is H meaning He, rhymes with "say"
is W or V meaning Vav, like "lava"
and another H.

Now, the Hebrews wrote it from right to left making it

But God didn't wrote it left to right or right to left. He wrote it from top to bottom. And He didn't use a pen and paper to write it. He used something else (YES!! He's the Most Creative Writer I've ever known...)

He wrote His Name like this:



You!! He wrote His Name in our very existence and in every existing human being. His Name is you, your neighbor, your enemy, your friend, your loved-one, boyfriend, girlfriend, mother, father, etc... Just look: The Yod is our head, the 1st He is our arms, the Vav is our torso and the last He is our legs. This supports the reason that what we do to the least of our brothers, we do it unto Him. Because His Name is us!! He created us not only in His image and likeness, we are His very Name!! Isn't that amazing?

That's the reason why we need to love others... That's the reason why we need to also love ourselves. We are His very Name. And because we love Him also, we also ought to love others as we love ourselves. It's also a response to His love. Thus, making the only true, logical and basic reason why we love others is because we love our Lord, YHWH (See Love Blog Series #3: True Love Has One Reason Alone).

So, this ends the "knowing" part of this topic series. Now will get into the "internalization" part. Tune in next time for our next topic.

PS1. Sorry for the delay. It's been 2 weeks, I know. I have to ask permission from Pastor Ahyh (Thanks for permitting me to spread the word!!) I also have to "connect the dots" so to speak to make a point :D

PS2. Next topic in our subseries: I Will Love Today

PS3. Watch out for our next set of topics: Being Complete

Love Blog Series # 6.2.2: Does God need my love?

Have you ever asked this question?
Why did God "commanded" us to love Him?

Does God need my love?

I mean, He, our God, King of kings, Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, Creator of heaven and earth, commands us to love Him above everything and with everything that we got...

Our minds, our hearts, our bodies, our souls, our strength... He wants us to love Him. Why? What for?

He is the epitome, source and the very meaning of Love. He is Complete. He will not be sad like us when we are not love. He can erase the very existence of His creations if decides to. He will not feel incomplete even if we don't love Him. He is everything.

So why did He commands us to love Him in the first place?

Here is the reason: The command is for us, not for Him.

You don't get it? The reason He gave you that commandment is for our own good. It is not for Him, it is for us. He didn't create that 1st greatest commandment for us to love Him so that He will be loved and feel being loved just like us. He is the very source and epitome of Love and He is Love Himself thus He doesn't need to be loved just to be loved. The 1st greatest commandment (which encompasses the 1st three commandments God gave to Moses) is meant and created for us.

I can give you three (3) reasons why this greatest commandment is good for us.

1. We are wired, hard-programmed, and created to love... and in this commandment, Him. We search for love in all places. Why do we search it? Because love brings us joy. All of us has also this common reason of loving someone, it is because we are loved. And because we felt love we have joy. Man has the capacity to love because he felt loved first. The problem comes when we ourselves confuse the Giver of Love to something else and then we focus on that something else, we love this "something else" because we thought they give love to us... which brings me to the 2nd reason...

2. God does not and will not leave you... Period. Everything else will leave you, may it be your girlfriend, boyfriend, parents, loved-one, dog, cat, computer game, PC, cellphone, friends, work, academics, grades, bar, beer, money, and even that sexy woman over there... They will leave you. These "something else" will not be there for you always. In truth, The phrase "I'll always be here for you" will not be true always because I, too, also can leave you. So, If you love these things above everything else and give to them all you got... There is 100% even 200% guarantee, no-questions-asked, and pretty sure of it that they will leave you.

Isn't that truth destructive? Devastating? To love "something else" and to give this "something else" everything that you have only to find out that this "something else" will leave you alone... having an unrequited love? Only to find out that this "something else" does not and will not love you until eternity and will just again... leave you alone?

That's why God wants you to love Him... with everything that you have... To focus on Him alone. Yes, you can love your family, friends, work, boyfriend, girlfriend, pets... but they are only second to God. You give everything to God. Because He will never, ever, leave you. Believe me. Your love for Him is secured. Your everything is secured. And you will have fullness of joy until eternity because He is Eternity... He is Infinity. Your world will not crumble because He will always be there for you. Come to think of it, if You love Him, He will be your everything. Now, the reason why He will not leave you brings me to my last reason...

3. God loved, loves and will always love us... In the first place, we will never exist or even cease to exist if He doesn't love us. Because we are formed because of His love. Even everything else exists because of His love. That's why we are wired to love, because He loves. He is love. And in Him we are complete. We attain fullness of joy. That's why our everything is secured in Him because He is Everything.

And because He has loved us first, our response is to love Him back. It is now not a command but an act. A response to what is truly given to us. Because He wants you to be more like Him... Because He created you in His image and likeness... And Because Jesus is also the Father and the Father is also Jesus... and Jesus loves the Father... then we are to do the same... for this response of love to the Father is for us... He gave this so that you can have fullness of joy in His Love.

PS1. Watch out for the next topic in the series: Loving You

PS2. Watch out for our next topic series after this: Being Complete