You are on page 1of 51

Fathers Day 2016 Issue

Devotional: My Heavenly Fathers Kiss ... Lillian Javellana


Editors Thoughts: ... Fathers Day .. Melodie Mae Karaan Inapan

Featured Items:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Fathers Know Best ..... Romulo Binoya Halasan, Jr


A Fathers Day Tribute to Papa Jack .. from the 6 Rosendo Brothers
Cheyenne by Catherine Moore ... shared by Jessie Colegado
Memories of Daddys 4th Girl ... Macie Porteza-Flaherty
Remembering Daddy . Melodie Mae Karaan Inapan
My Memories Of My Father .... Ellen M. Zamora
Ten Reasons Why My Dad Is The Best .. Rene Derek Joseph DJ Inapan
The Best of Dads ... Ardys Joy Caballero-Gadia
Happy Fathers Day To All MVCian Dads ... The Editors

SULADS Corner: . Home By Himself . Janeth Q. Lantoria


Patch of Weeds: ... Jesse Colegado
LIFE of a Missionary: ..... East Of Eden ... Romulo M. Halasan

CLOSING: Announcements |From The Mail Bag| Prayer Requests | Acknowledgements


Meet The Editors |Closing Thoughts | Miscellaneous

Devotional: My Heavenly Fathers Kiss


Lillian C. Javellana, BSN81
"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him,
and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. Luke 15:20 KJV

ave you ever thought or imagined our heavenly Father kissing you? I do. And He really does!
This is the reason why I know.

Just like any other child we all have done something wrong. We all have messed up at some
point. I have done something wrong so many, many times. I have messed up so many times. And each
time, I would be hesitant and almost fearful to approach my father, afraid of being punished or
scolded. As an adult I still continue to mess up. I still continue to have many, many mistakes, do wrong
things so many, many times no matter how hard I try not to. Unnecessary, hurtful, offending words
still come out of my mouth sometimes, unfortunately. Some dishonest actions or decisions still
happen no matter how hard I try to be honest at all times. And each time I know I erred, I feel guilty.
The Holy Spirit convicts me. Each time, I feel hesitant and discouraged--almost ashamed to approach
and face my heavenly Father as I kneel beside my bed at night to pray, thinking the errors I have done
during the day. But as I pray, confessing my sins, the guilt and the burden of sin always vanishes as I
press into His presence. As He embraces me and kisses me tenderly, His embrace of acceptance and
kiss of forgiveness assures me that I am really forgiven. I know that my human nature will always
cause me to fail, to err, and to make mistakes that could hurt my fellow human beings, and above all
my Lord, but I am assured that each time I approach my heavenly Father's throne of grace and confess
my shortcomings, I will always get His kiss of forgiveness through Jesus. Jesus said it Himself in the
parable of the prodigal son. Each time I feel that kiss, it always makes my heart glad and my whole
body warm and a smile would always appear on my face.
Isn't it amazing, to receive the kiss of forgiveness from our heavenly Father? Each time I kneel to pray,
I anticipate my heavenly Father's kiss. It is like a good night or good morning kiss from our earthly
father. Our heavenly Father is just as real as our earthly father. He is within our reach. He longs and
yearns to embrace us and to kiss us. It is so awesome to know that this is real. He waits for us to come
before Him. "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you...." James 4:8.
So, have you ever thought of your heavenly Father kissing you? Have you ever desired for His kiss, the
kiss of forgiveness? He is only a prayer away. He yearns and longs to embrace you and to kiss you. He
yearns to have that intimate relationship with you. Yes, you, personally. Experience that Father-child
relationship with your heavenly Father. Receive His kiss of forgiveness, your life will never be the
same.
"I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and my iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my
transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah." Psalms 32:5

Editors Thoughts: Fathers Day


by Melodie Mae Karaan Inapan

Father's Day

is a day to honor all the fathers for

everything they do for their children. This is an occasion to


express gratitude towards our dads for all their love and
support.
Fathers Day has been celebrated for over a hundred years
now and it is an event in many countries around the world.
In North America and the United Kingdom and even in the
Philippines, Fathers day is celebrated on the third Sunday
of June. On this day, families rejoice with their dads and
show their fathers how much they care. Family members
think about what makes their dads happy by having exciting
activities or simply by taking over the household chores so
their dads can relax on this special day.
This Fathers Day edition is our way of honoring all the dads
out there. Be blessed with the heartwarming stories or
testimonies from our CyberFlashes editors and other writers.
May our dads feel loved and cherished as we pay tribute to
them, the pillars of our homes.

Melodie
P.S. For those whose fathers are still around, dont forget to
tell them you love them. Dont forget their hug and kiss
before bedtime.

Fathers Knows Best


By Romulo Binoya Halasa, Jr

lease say present when your name is called," instructed the teacher. It was the
first day of school and as a first grader, I was excited and looked forward to the
activities in class. As the teacher began reading the names from the attendance
record sheet, I eagerly anticipated my named to be read.
Romulo Halasan, Junior. The teacher called. But no one answered to that name.
Romulo Halasan, Junior, she called again, this time with more intensity. Still there was
no response. My classmates started to look around for the mystery first grader who was
not paying attention to the teachers instruction. I too was curious and joined the class in
looking for the owner of the name, thinking I had a cousin with the same family name as
mine.
Romulo Halasan, Junior. The teacher called out again as she walked towards me. I was
puzzled and looked around wondering perhaps Romulo Halasan, Junior was sitting next
to me. But then the teacher stopped in front of me and looked me straight in the eye.

Hitting my hands with the stick she held, she said: You stand and say present. You are
Romulo Halansan, Junior.
With a puzzled look on my face, I stood up and slowly told her, Maam, di man ko si
Romulo. Ako si A-L (Ah-el) Halasan. (Maam, I am not Romulo. I am A-L Halasan.) I
started to cry and left the classroom running straight home. When my mother saw me,
she asked why I was crying and why I was not in school.
Still in shock, I replied, Gipasanginlan ko sa akong teacher na ako daw si Romulo. (My
teacher said that I am Romulo.). My mother burst into laughter as she told me the reason
for the change of name. When I was born, my mother named me Avantlyle B. Halasan.
However, my father changed the name to Romulo Halasan, Jr.
Even if my father named me after him, I was called by my nickname, A-L until I finished
college. Romulo Jr. was used only in important documents, often drawing comments such
as: Your name is quite old, or people would just laugh when I use that name on
government papers. I simply did not like Romulo as my name.
Sometime after graduation, I started working for a company in Thailand. One day the big
boss stopped by my desk and asked me, Your name is Romulo, right?
Yes! was my immediate reply.
My boss continued, Your name reminds me of a very brilliant man. I guess you are also
a brilliant man. He added that he was referring to Carlos P. Romulo, a prominent Filipino
who served as the president of the General Assembly of the United Nations, aside from
the many political achievements he had.
I realize that my father did not only lovingly entrusted his name to me, but also the hopes
and aspirations for me to carry out his name in the future. I take that as a challenge
seriously and I will proudly carry my name as Romulo Jr.
I am one of my fathers biggest fans. He loves telling stories, a hobbyist, a historian and a
people-person. He enjoys fishing, gardening and loves listening to Oldies music. He
has a simple taste for food and fashion. He loves to play tennis and enjoys travelling.
To my family, he is Dad. It always makes me smile when he starts bragging about his
children as he introduces them to his friends. He often talks about me as my son who
will someday be like meor even better. He goes on to enumerate my talents with pride.
Because if he wont brag, then who else would? That is a Dad. He will always be proud
of his children. He supports them and entrusts his hopes and aspirations on his children.
My dad has made a huge impact in my life and I am proud to be named after him. Truly,
fathers know best.
Happy Fathers Day, Dad. (FYI, I am also naming my son, Romulo Halasan, III.)
Romulo Binoya Halasan, Jr.

A Fathers Day Tribute to Papa Jack


from the 6 Rosendo Brothers
This song You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban we lovingly dedicate to our Papa Jack.
To hear/see Josh Groban sing the song Click HERE

You Raise Me Up
"When I am down, and oh, my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be,
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up to more than I can be.

There is no life--no life without its hunger;


Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come, and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity."

This mundane life may have robbed you of your consciousness,


It may have banished the kind and humble gentleman within.
However, your legacy will forever live in us,
To be passed down to your children's children, and to the next generation.
We assume you are not just gazing blankly at the space above,
But you are staring at the face of Jesus.
Awake or dreaming, you are LOVED!
Eternally grateful to our Papa for sending us to MVC, the School of the Light:
Chylbert Rosendo-BSC, of Clovis, CA
Oliver Rosendo-GM (BS Electrical Engineering-USP) of Cebu City
Ferdinand Rosendo-BSN, of Skokie, IL
Fernando Rosendo-BSN, of Niles, IL
Leslie Rosendo-BSN, of Chicago, IL
Joaquin Rosendo, Jr.-BSN, of Fresno, CA

Cheyenne by Catherine Moore


shared by Jessie Colegado

atch out! You nearly broadsided that car!" My


father yelled at me. "Can't you do anything
right?"

Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head


toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to
challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my
eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle.
"I saw the car, Dad. Please don't yell at me when I'm
driving." My voice was measured and steady, sounding far
calmer than I really felt.
Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back. At home I left Dad in front of the television
and went outside to collect my thoughts. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of
rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about
him.
Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon. He had enjoyed being outdoors and had
reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack
competitions, and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that
attested to his prowess.
The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it;
but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever
anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a
younger man.
Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. An ambulance sped him to the
hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing.
At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived. But something
inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders.
Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors
thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone.
My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh
air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust.

Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory.
He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger
out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue.
Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly
counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe
Dad's troubled mind.
But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done and it was up to me to
do it.
The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health
clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that
answered in vain.
Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, "I just read something that
might help you! Let me go get the article."
I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of
the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved
dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog.
I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer
led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of
pens. Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted
dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for
various reasons--too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows
of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer,
one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed.
Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hip bones jutted out in lopsided
triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me
unwaveringly.
I pointed to the dog. "Can you tell me about him?" The officer looked, then shook his head in
puzzlement. "He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought
him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've
heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow." He gestured helplessly.
As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror. "You mean you're going to kill him?"
"Ma'am," he said gently, "that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog."

I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. "I'll take him," I said. I
drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house I honked the
horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch. "Ta-da!
Look what I got for you, Dad!" I said excitedly.
Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. "If I had wanted a dog I would have gotten one. And
I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it" Dad
waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.
Anger rose inside me. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples.
"You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!"
Dad ignored me. "Did you hear me, Dad?" I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his
hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed, blazing with hate. We stood glaring at each other
like duelists, when suddenly the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad
and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw.
Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his
eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal.
It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne.
Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty
lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even
started to attend weekly Church services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly
at his feet.
Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded, and
he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne's cold
nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I
woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. He
had passed away quietly sometime during the night.
Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's
bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite
fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of
mind.
The morning of Dad's funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I
thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the
many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was
a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life.
And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. "Do not neglect to hospitality to strangers, for by
this some have entertained angels without knowing it."

"I've often thanked God for sending that angel," he said.


For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the
sympathetic voice that had just read the right article... Cheyenne's unexpected appearance at the
animal shelter... his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father... and the proximity of
their deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all.
(From Still Waters Ministry)

Memories of Daddys 4th Girl


Macie Porteza-Flaherty

Rainy June
Daddy:

(whispering) "Macie, wake up! Put your jacket and shoes on."

Me: "Where are we going, Daddy? Its dark outside.


Daddy: "It's YOUR turn. Your horse is being born right now. Hurry!"

I held on to Daddy's fingers as I ran blindly with him


through the darkness. We reached an open field,
where Ate Virgie's horse lay on the ground, groaning.
Daddy: "Stay here. Don't move."

As darkness melted into dawn, I watched Daddy and


my uncles deliver a breach-born, brick-colored
healthy colt. MY VERY OWN HORSE! Raindrops
started to fall from the sky and Daddy came back to
me.
Daddy: "What do you want to name your horse?"
Me: (Unmindful of his question) "It's raining,
Daddy. We're getting wet!"
Daddy: "Hmm ... yes, we'll name her Rainy June!"

It was the month of June.

Blessed is she...
Ate Virgie: "Daddy, I washed your clothes and found 20 pesos that you left in your pants
pocket."
Daddy: "Really! Well ... Blessed is she who washes my trousers for she shall be rewarded
of her efforts. That 20 pesos is now yours, Virgie!"
You can imagine after that, we sisters, racing to wash his clothes ... hardly even waiting till
he took them off! That didnt last long, though!

I believe I Can fly...


I was sitting in class one lazy afternoon and Daddy was standing out at the F Wing ramp,
motioning me to come.
Me: "What is it, Dad?"
Daddy: "You want to fly?"
Me: "Daddy ... did you say ff-fly?"
Daddy: "Come with me!"

I followed his lead to the front of the administration building and got into the vehicle
driven by Mr. Don Christensen. We drove down the mountainside to the airstrip and got
into the MVC Cessna aircraft and buckled our seat belts.
Within minutes, the powerful little metal bird took us up into the sky ... and we flew for
quite a while, hovering over the campus boundaries and beyond.
My fears turned to trust and my body completely comfortable as it swayed along with the
aircraft's changing directions. The only tremor I felt was from the engine's rumble and
the occasional drops and jerks from air pockets and currents of the wind.
My heart was pounding with gratitude and pride that my father cared about including me
in this extravagance! I must have been the closest child he could get hold of in a hurry!
Lucky me!
I'm flying! Yes, Daddy, I DO want to fly!
Me: "When can we do this again, Dad?"
Daddy: "Haa, I was just lucky to get the invitation!"

Daddy had ways of saying NO in witty,


unconventional alternatives:
Me: (Pointing at a picture) "Daddy, I want to go here...?"
Daddy: "Hawaii, yes its a beautiful place".
Me: "Can we go to Hawaii, Dad?
Daddy: "Go ahead...!"
Me: "Go a-ahead? By my o-own s-self? But I'm just a kid
...I can't go anywhere without you.
Daddy: "Go ahead ..... keep on DREAMING!"

Remembering Daddy
Melodie Mae Karaan Inapan

On a warm excitement-filled October afternoon


in 2007, while the entire Filipino nation sat glued to
the boob tube to watch peoples champ Manny
Pacquiao in a boxing match with Antonio Barrera,
death stalked in our home. An ambulance whisked my
fifty-nine-year-old dad to Miller Hospital. He was no
longer responsive and life was fading from his
emaciated body. As the ambulance nurse tried to
revive him, Dad breathed his last before he even
reached the hospital. At the emergency room a team
of doctors tried to resuscitate him in vain. Daddy
finally gave up his sick bed after several years of
suffering from a debilitating disease and got his muchneeded rest.
I knew in my heart that Dad would one day go
because of his illness. But then one cant really get
himself ready for the inevitable. When I got word of
Daddys passing, the news hit me like a thunderbolt.
The floodgates of my soul burst open and I wept
uncontrollably. I was in shock, numb and engulfed in paralyzing emptiness. My pillar,
my role model, my source of strength was gone. How does one live on without a father,
without a dad to go home to? The pain of losing Dad was every bit excruciating.
After Dads funeral, I returned home with a void
in my heart. I sat on the sofa and found myself
travelling down memory lane back to when Dad was
healthy and strong and full of life. I remembered
him in the kitchen preparing my favorite tinolang
isda when I arrived home from Mountain View
College during semester breaks. I pictured him
waking up nights and falling on his knees to pray for
me, my younger sister, and my brother in our
rebellious teens. I thought of how he never failed to
read his Bible early mornings and how he would
scribble down notes on his Bible (Mom keeps his
Bible and refuses to give it away.) I could hear in my
mind his song for me when he gave me away on my

wedding day. I recalled the happiness in his eyes when he saw his first baby grandson
for the first time. I could still see his tears when he learned that his second baby grandson
would become totally blind. Dad was present in each milestone of my life. I got up and
walked past the living room to Dads room. I stood at the door looking at an empty
hospital bed. Even in Daddys absence, I could feel his influence in our home.
To comfort my grieving soul, I would listen to his recorded songs on CD (Dad had
a good singing voice which I continue to miss even now.). I opened his locker where his
clothes were kept and picked a shirt. I could smell Dads faint scent as I ran my fingers
on the soft fabric, pressing my tear-stained cheeks on it. How I painfully missed my
father.
Eight years have passed since then. Although I have learned to deal with the pain
of loss, I still miss my Dad so much and there are times when my tears would just fall
freely when I remember him. As I wrote this article I would at times stop as memories
came flooding back and all I could do was sit as the tears streamed down my cheeks. Even
as I struggle through, I know that I have gained at least one thing from grieving for my
dad, a determination to live a life that will find me worthy to be called my fathers
daughter.
So as the world honors all the dads on Fathers Day, I give my tribute to my Dad who
made me believe in myself even as I struggled with identity crisis, who convinced me that
I can be who I want to be, who pushed me to pursue my biggest dreams in faith, who
walked me down the aisle to give me away to the man I would spend my lifetime with,
who rejoiced with me in my triumphs, who cried with me in my losses and defeats. Dads
memory is like a song that lingers on in my mind. I know I will see him again in that
grand Morning when the blast of the trumpet will wake him up. Until then, I just have
to be contented with fond memories of him.

My Memories Of My Father
Ellen M. Zamora

grew up in a little barrio in the town of Tanjay, Negros Oriental. I lived with my parents,
an older brother and two older cousins who were adopted by my parents because their
father died during the war with the Japanese. Our house was beside a big river, and there
were fruit trees and coconuts around our house.
My father was the nucleus of our family. He went to work in town which was some distance from
our house. He rode a bicycle to get to work, but he had to carry the bike each time he crossed
the river and he had to cross that river twice. It must have taken him much effort to go to work,
but he did it every day, except on Sabbaths, so he could provide for his family.
With his meager income he was able to provide food for us and send us all to school. As a little
girl, I always looked forward to his coming home each evening hoping he brought something for
me. I knew when he was coming because even from a far distance I could hear his little cough.
When I heard that sound, I would go running to meet him.
The times when he did not have to go to work were special times for me. He taught me how to
swim in the river. He would tie two mature coconuts together and I would use those coconuts as
a floating device. With the aid of those coconuts I learned to swim dog-paddle style. After I
learned to stay afloat and swim, my father would pick me up and throw me into deeper water and
watch me swim to shore. He also tried to teach me to ride the bicycle but I never learned to
because once as someone pushed me I hit the trunk of a coconut. That ended my bicycle riding
lessons.
When I started school the morning ritual changed. I had to wake up real early so I could bathe in
the river and get ready for school. We had to make an early start because school was 7 kilometers
away and my brother and I had to walk to school in the morning and come home in the afternoon.
When I was in the third grade our adopted sister got married. She and her husband decided to
live in a house closer to town, so my brothers and I moved in with them, and going to school
became a little easier. Now we could ride a tartanilla, a horse-drawn passenger vehicle, and that
was better than hiking. A short time later my parents moved in with us. Now my father did not
have to carry his bicycle as he crossed the river. Maybe he did, when he visited our old house on
weekends.
As I started high school my family moved to town. Now we did not need to ride the chariot to
school, because it was just a short walk from our house. A more difficult decision my father had
to make was when I finished high school. A good family friend, Miriam Sibala, tried to convince
him to send me to Mountain View College where she was attending school.

Going to school at MVC would be more expensive than going to a local school, but my parents
were believers in Christian education so he conceded. He had to work doubly hard to pay the
bills, but with the work program at MVC, the bills were lessened just a bit. My father still had to
work more to keep me in school. Eventually I graduated with a BSN degree but got married soon
after the board exams.
After I got married and had our first son, my parents moved in with us. They were a big help with
the house work and with apostolic service too. Now I realize how nice and convenient it is to
have parents with you. Not having to hire a babysitter, doing background checks and agreeing on
payments, is simpler, more economical and safer for the growing growing child.
My father went home to our town to help my brother build a house on his share of the land
inherited from our grandmother. He left my mother with us to help us with house work as well
as care for our growing family. We now had two boys and a girl. While back home in Tanjay he
met an accident. His health deteriorated after that. It wasnt long before we got word that he
had passed away. Our family went home for the funeral. His passing left a huge emptiness in my
life because he used to be with us almost all the time. I considered him the center of our earthly
life, and now he was gone. I trust that we would meet him again when Jesus comes the second
time. Now all I have are many pleasant memories of my time spent with him. I miss him a lot as
I remember those wonderful times.

Ten Reasons Why My Dad Is The Best


by Rene Derek Joseph DJ Inapan

hroughout Earths history, fathers have always been the figure of leadership. Through all
ages, they have charmed the world with masculine strength, supreme power, and manly
gentleness. The world defines the word father in countless ways. Nonetheless, no matter
how the world creates a picture of what a father should be, each one will have his own
concept of an ideal father.
My dad will always be an epitome of quiet strength and gentleness. I have ten reasons why I love him
so and always will. Ten reasons why my dad will always be the best to me.
10. My dad is my friend. A playmate, a companion, I can count on. I will forever be grateful to the
Almighty Father for a dad like him.
10. My dad is my hero. I dont have to worry about torn pants, missing exam permits, poop-stained
shoes, or broken closet doors. My heros got all the solutions. He knows what to do and he never
complains.
8. My dad is my cook. You should see how my Kuya (big brother) feasts on dads kinilaw na isda
(fish kilawin). Sitting at the dining table, Kuya can almost forget my mom and I exist! That should

tell you how well my dad cooks. Add to that the fact that my bro is a picky eater.
7. My dad is my number 1 fan. Whether I win or lose, my dad is always there to cheer for me. With
Dad, I am never a loser.
6. My dad is my Metrobank. He is a really good bank. I dont have to make deposits, only
withdrawals! Because with Dad, Im in good hands.
5. My dad is my guide. I hate going hiking with my mom because she spoils everything. With her
unwillingness to climb steep slopes and crawl inside dark caves, she turns exciting adventures to
terrible frustrations. But with Dad, life is so much fun and I can get through every obstacle-eyes
closed-- because my guide is fearless and smart.
4. My dad is my teacher. Dad used to help me with my Math lessons. He also taught me Biblical
truths. But beyond all these, he teaches me life principles that shape my being.
3. My dad is my adviser. Whenever Im confused, I turn to him for guidance. He gives me sound
advice that I need.
2. My dad loves my mom. You might wonder why this is number 2 in my list. Had my dad not love
my mom, everything else in this list is senseless. Parents loving each other is what makes a happy
home.
1. My dad is an example. He demonstrates what my brother and I should be when we become
fathers someday so we may also be deemed best by our future children.

I will forever be proud of my dad. In my heart, he will always be the best. Thank you,
heavenly Father for my dad. To all fathers out there, a happy Fathers Day to you. You are
the best in your childrens eyes. Happy Fathers Day, Dad. I love you!!!

The Best Dads


Ardys Joy Caballero-Gadia

MOST STRUCTURE-ORIENTED DAD


Beaver dads like to provide structure and consistency in the
family. The male and female beaver pair for life. The family unit
often includes kits (offspring) from the previous year. The pair
mates in late winter and 2-4 kits are born in late spring. The male
and older kits move out of the lodge during birth. The kits are
born covered in hair and their eyes open. They stay in the living
chamber with mom for about 3 weeks, drinking her milk.
Beaver dad oversees the family, training the young. When the kits
are 2 years old and ready to begin their families, dad drives them
away from the dam. Did you know? Beaver dams found in North
America are up to 1,650 feet wide?

BEAVER
BEST TOUGH-LOVE DAD
Red Fox dads are attentive and indulgent, but they also get the
Best-In-Touch-Love award. For the first month after the birth
of his kits (offspring), his vixen (mom of offspring) must stay in
her den keeping the newborns warm and fed. It is up to dad to
provide her with food every 4-6 hours until she can leave the
den and hunt for herself.
Researchers have seen fox dads get excited about their kits,
playing with them endlessly. One father was even observed
waiting for a watchful aunt to fall asleep and then quietly call
his kits to come play with him. After 3 months, it is time for
lifes first harsh lesson: no more free meals. First dad reduces
the food he brings home and leads the kits out of the den. He
teaches them survival skills, allowing them to discover food
close to the den which he covered with leaves and twigs. The
kits learn how to sniff and forage. While foraging, dad also
plays ambushing the kits, teaching them how to escape from
predators.

RED FOX

BEST AMPHIBIAN DAD


Barking Tree Frogs can be found in the Southwestern United
States, an environment known for hot dry temperatures. To cool
off, they spend a great time climbing trees.
In March to August they lay eggs singly not in clusters like other
frogs do and in the bottom of a pond. The adult frogs then make
a breeding call, a loud hollow sound similar to dogs barking at a
distance.

BARKING FROG

As the summer temperatures rise, many of these ponds dry up.


To secure the safety of the individually laid eggs, daddy barking
frog will keep an eye on them wetting them down with urine
when they begin to dry out. Daddy barking frog is the only North
America frog known to help with parenting duties.

MOST THOROUGHLY MODERN DAD


The phalarope somewhat reminds me of Filipino families that
migrated to western countries where husbands of nurses
demonstrate a truly admirable adaptation skill. This is a shout
out to these manly men who are willing to do whatever tasks
are needed for the good of his family! Anyhow
The phalarope takes role reversal to extremes. The male makes
the nest, incubates the eggs and cares for the young. His
breeding plumage is also less colorful than his mate's, almost
unheard of in the avian world. In the United States, northern
and red-necked phalaropes nest in Alaskan tundra while
Wilson's phalaropes nest in inland marshes in the West.

PHALAROPE

MOST MULTI-DAD HOUSEHOLD


While a female jacana guards her territory from predators, her
harem bustles with more domestic tasks: As many as four male
counterparts are each building their nests and rearing their
individual clutch of eggs. Usually found south of the U.S. border,
these long-legged and long-toed wading birds sometimes range
into Texas.
Now, how is that for a multi-dad household?

JACANA

BEST FEMALE-IMPERSONATING DAD


After an elaborate courtship that includes sunrise swims along
the ocean floor, mom seahorse inserts a tube inside the dads
brood pouch, transferring the fertilized eggs into his care. As
she swims off, he settles down to care for the young.
As the embryos grow (10-30 days depending on the species)
with dad providing them oxygen and nutrition, dads bellys
swells great with child (well, actually 10-300 offspring). Come
delivery time, dad doubles up to squeeze his swollen belly and
pop out the offspring. The process can take hours as the young
spring free and clumsily swim to hook themselves on nearby
grasses. Dad will then go back to the same partner later that
day to mate again.

SEAHORSE

DAD WITH THE BEST DIETING PLAN


Dad sea catfishs mouth is his nursery. As he swims around, his
jaws are full of fertilized eggs the size of marbles which he picked
up immediately after mom laid them.

SEA CATFISH

For the month it takes the eggs to hatch, he keeps them in his
mouth. Then for another 2-3 weeks his hatchlings live in his
mouth until they grow into independence. This entire time, dad
eats nothing living off stored body fat. He resumes eating after all
the hatchlings have left home (his mouth).

MOST MIS-UNDERSTOOD DAD


After an elaborate courtship dance (with him being coy and
cautious and her being aggressive) the giant water bug pair
mate and the female glues her eggs on the males back. Since
he will be spending a lot of energy parenting, after she lays
some eggs he will insist they mate again to ensure his paternity.
After he is loaded with up to 150+ eggs, daddy water bug
strokes the eggs to clean and aerate the eggs. Sometimes he
would sit on the water surface to rid the eggs of parasites.
Having the eggs glued to his back, he is a mobile unit able to
escape predators.
Within a few weeks, the eggs triple in size. Before they hatch,
dad stops eating to avoid accidentally eating his offspring. Once
they hatch and scatter, he kicks off the egg pads off his back.

GIANT WATERBUG

SULADS Corner: Home By Himself


By Janeth Q. Lantoria.

SULADS Comprehensive High School for Lumads

t was Wednesday morning of April 13, 2016 when my husband went to the boys dormitory
to check on the 3 carabaos (water buffalos) owned by SCHSL for farming. At the same time
he would move them to where there was grass. It was a happy day for us even though we
were the only family left in the school campus. Afternoon came and it was time again to move the
carabaos to the nearby wateringhole and shady area. They needed to be moved three times each
daymorning, afternoon, and evening.
But the happy day turned into a sad one when my husband rushed home to tell me the bad
news. Ma, two carabaos are missing!
What? The carabao? I said astonished. What are you going to do now? I added.
Of course, Ill look for them, my husband replied.
Pa, be careful, its getting dark. We will pray, as I recalled the story of the SULAD who was
assigned in Bulalang Mission School lost his mind because of the missing carabao. I prayed to God
that my husband would stay strong whatever may happen.
It was around 4:00 in the afternoon when he started searching. He went down, down, down to the
nearby village. The carabaos were not there. He continued down, down, down again to the next
village, but did not find them. So he came home to the campus tired and hungry. He was very
worried.
Morning came, my husband woke up around 4:00 am. As I was cooking breakfast for myself, he
started to look for the missing carabaos. I monitored his progress every hour by calling him on his
cell phone because I didnt want anything bad to happen to him. Around 11:30 am, I called again
to check because it was almost lunch time. I was surprised to hear that he found one carabao but
not the other. So he looked some more. Because he was very tired and hungry, he came home
with the only carabao he found.

He decided to look for the other carabao the following Sunday. Late in the afternoon of Thursday,
he went to the carabaos with some rope to tie them with, as well as to move them again to another
area. What a big surprise he had when he heard the sound o somethingf running, jumping, and
hopping towards him! It was the missing carabao. It came home by itself! God is really good. My
husband called me on the phone with a happy heart. Praise be to God!
SULADS International, Inc.
If you would like to support this mission program dedicated to taking the Gospel to the people of Mindanao, please write a check to Gospel Outreach. Mark it for the
SULADS and send it to: Gospel Outreach P.O. Box 8 College Place, WA 99324 You may also donate to the SULADS using your credit card by logging on to Gospel Outreach's
donation site (http://www.goaim.org/) and follow the directions. Again, mark it for SULADS. If you would prefer, you may write your check to the General Conference of
SDA and mark the donation for SULADS and send it to: General Conference of SDA Donations 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 Thank you for your support
of this very important project. If you do not want to receive any more newsletters, Unsubscribe To update your preferences and to unsubscribe visit this link Forward a
Message to Someone this

My Father

hen I was 7, I thoughtMy father is the smartest person in the world. He knows
everything.

At 17My father doesnt know as much as I thought he did.


At 21My father doesnt know anything, compared to me.
At 35My father knew much more than I thought he did.
At 50My father was always right.
Unknown
(From These Times, June 1971 via Signs of the Times Newsletter, June 2016)

Jelly Bellys Bean Boozled


Here's a true story from Funnies reader, Don Hopkins:
My pastor and his extended family were playing the game Jelly Belly's Bean Boozled at a holiday
gathering. (In the game you spin and it lands on a jellybean color with two possible flavors--one good and
one bad. For instance, black could be licorice or skunk spray. You have to eat it without knowing which it
will be.)
During the game his 8-year-old grandson spun the color for pear or boogers. The grandson was a bit
skittish about eating the jellybean. His father leaned over to him and whispered, "Son, it shouldn't be bad.
You eat your boogers all the time."
To which his son promptly replied, "Yeah Dad, but I hate pears."
(From Mikey's Funnies)

Father Forgets

isten, son: I am saying this as you lie asleep, one little paw crumpled under your cheek
and blond curls stickily wet on your damp forehead. I have stolen into your room alone.
Just a few minutes ago, as I sat reading my paper in the library, a stifling wave of
remorse swept over me. Guiltily I came to your bedside.
These are the things I was thinking, son: I had been cross to you. I scolded you as you were
dressing for school because you gave your face merely a dab with a towel. I took you to task for
not cleaning your shoes. I called out angrily when you threw some of your things on the floor.
At breakfast I found fault, too. You spilled things. You gulped down your food. You put your
elbows on the table. You spread butter too thick on your bread. And as you started off to play
and I made for my train, you turned and waved a hand and called, "Good-bye, Daddy!" and I
frowned, and said in reply, "Hold your shoulders back!"
Then it began all over again in the late afternoon. As I came up the road I spied you, down on
your knees, playing marbles. There were holes in your socks. I humiliated you before your
friends by marching you ahead of me to the house. Socks were expensive, and if you had to
buy them you would be more careful! Imagine that, son, from a father!
Do you remember, later, when I was reading in the library, how you came in, timidly, with a sort
of hurt look in your eyes? When I glanced up over my paper, impatient at the interruption, you
hesitated at the door. "What is it you want?" I snapped.
You said nothing, but ran across in one tempestuous plunge, and threw your arms around my

neck and kissed me, and your small arms tightened with an affection that God had set blooming
in your heart and which even neglect could not wither...and then you were gone, pattering up
the stairs.
Well, son, it was shortly afterwards that my paper slipped from my hands and a terrible
sickening fear came over me. What has habit been doing to me? The habit of finding fault,
reprimanding--this was my reward to you for being a boy. It was not that I did not love you; it
was that I expected too much of youth. It was measuring you by the yardstick of my own years.
And there was so much that was good and fine and true in your character. The little heart of
yours was as big as the dawn itself over the wide hills. This was shown by your spontaneous
impulse to rush in and kiss me goodnight. Nothing else matters tonight, son. I have come to
your bedside in the darkness, and I have knelt here, ashamed!
It is a feeble atonement; I know you would not understand these things if I told them to you
during your waking hours. But tomorrow I will be a real daddy. I will chum with you, suffer when
you suffer, and laugh when you laugh. I will bite my tongue when impatient words come. I will
keep saying as if it were a ritual, "He is nothing but a boy, a little boy!"

I am afraid I have visualized you as a man. Yet as I see you now, son, crumpled and weary in
your bed, I see that you are still a little boy. Yesterday you were in your mother's arms, your
head on her shoulder. I have asked too much, too much.
Thought: The best thing to spend on your children is time.
(From Mikey's Funnies)

Never Too Old

wo elderly gentlemen were visiting. "I guess you're never too old," the first one boasted.
"Why just yesterday a pretty college girl said she'd be interested in dating me. But to be
perfectly honest, I don't quite understand it."

"Well," said his friend, "you have to remember that nowadays women are more aggressive.
They don't mind being the one to ask."
"No, I don't think it's that."
"Well, maybe you remind her of her father."
"No, it's not that either. It's just that she also mentioned something about carbon-14."
(From Cybersalt Digest)

Nightly Ritual

aylie, 2, sometimes does not like going to bed when she's supposed to. So, she has
learned that there are many ways of getting Daddy to let her back out of bed. With
requests like, "Daddy, I'm hungry!" or "Daddy, I'm thirsty," Kaylie found that certain
requests worked quite well.
Finally one night, her father realized that his precious first-born daughter had just eaten recently,
had just had a drink of water, and that these pleas were becoming a nightly ritual. Daddy
decided that he wasn't going to respond to her calls and maybe she would go to sleep.
Suddenly Kaylie proclaimed, "Daddy, why aren't you listening to Kaylie? I don't appreciate it!"
(From Da Mouse Tracks)

I Wish Jesus Were Blind

n the town of Puno, Peru, writes Lester F. Sumerall, on the border of famous Lake
Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world (which has an altitude of 12,500 feet and
an area of 3,200 square miles), I was in the home of Mr. Reid, a Baptist missionary.
While there, he related an incident to me regarding his small son, Oliver, who had startled the
family by coming into the house from play and inquiring, Daddy, can Jesus see from heaven all
the way down here to Puno?
Yes, son, he had replied, Jesus can see us here in Puno.
Daddy, Oliver then said, can Jesus see inside my heart?
Surely, Oliver, his father answered. Jesus can see everywhere -- even into your heart.
The youngsters problem had not yet been divulged. He looked eagerly into his fathers face as
he continued.
Daddy, can Jesus see me when I am under the house?
The missionary patted his son on the head and said, Yes, Jesus can see you under the house.
Then with an unexpected burst of excitement, Oliver cried, Well, I wish Jesus were blind!
Sumeralls Short Stories
(Our Times, September 1949 via Signs of the Times Newsletter)

Fathers Love Letter: An Intimate Message From God To You


My Child,
You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.


Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.


Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.


Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.


Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.


Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.


Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.


Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,


for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth


and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.


Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.


Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.


Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented


by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,


but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.


1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child


and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.


Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.


Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.


James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.


Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.


Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless


as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.


Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.


Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.


Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you


with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.


Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,


you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you


the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.


Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you


than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.


2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you


in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,


I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,


I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away


every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain


you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you


even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.


John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.


Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,


not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.


2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.


2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression


of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved


that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,


you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you


from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party


heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,


and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.


Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad

Almighty God
Father's Love Letter used by permission
Father Heart Communications 1999 FathersLoveLetter.com

From: http://www.fathersloveletter.com/text.html

Pacos Father by David Langerfeld

here's a Spanish story of a father and son who had become estranged. The son ran away, and the father set
off to find him. He searched for months to no avail.

Finally, in a last desperate effort to find him, the father put an ad in a Madrid newspaper. The ad read: "Dear Paco,
meet me in front of this newspaper office at noon on Saturday. All is forgiven. I love you. Your Father.
On Saturday, 800 Pacos showed up, looking for forgiveness and love from their fathers."
"If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and
go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep
than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of
these little ones should be lost." Matthew 18:12-13
(From the The Christian Challenge and Blessing Email Service)

The Importance Of Dad

ne startling bit of research conducted by the Christian Business Mens Committee found
the following: When the father is an active believer, there is about a seventy-five
percent likelihood that the children will also become active believers. But if only the
mother is a believer, this likelihood is dramatically reduced to fifteen percent.
--Keith Meyering, in Discipleship Journal, issue #49, p. 41.

The Proposal
(This is what happens when we don't listen carefully to our father.)
Jeff had gone to propose to his girlfriend and returned home crying bitterly. "What happened, son?"
his father asked, eagerly awaiting her response. "Did she accept?"
"No, she sure didn't," sobbed Jeff. "When I told her what you advised me to say, she slapped my face
and told me to get out."
"Did you begin by telling her what I told you to say, what I told your mother when she accepted my
proposal? 'Sweetheart, time stands still when I look in your eyes.' Did you tell her that?" asked his
father.
"Oh boy, Dad, did I get it all wrong," Jeff groaned. "I said, 'My dear, you have a face that would stop a
clock!'"
(From Andychap)

Description Of A Father

hen the good Lord was creating Fathers he started with a tall frame. And a female
angel nearby said, What kind of Father is that? If youre going to make children so
close to the ground, why have you put Fathers up so high? He wont be able to shoot
marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending, or even kiss a child without a lot
of stooping. And God smiled and said, Yes, but if I make him child-size, who would children
have to look up to?
And when God made a Fathers hands, they were large and sinewy. And the angel shook her
head sadly and said, Do you know what youre doing? Large hands are clumsy. They cant
manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails or even remove splinters caused
by baseball bats. And God smiled and said, I know, but theyre large enough to hold everything
a small boy empties from his pockets at the end of a day...yet small enough to cup a childs face
in his hands.
And then God molded long, slim legs and broad shoulders. And the angel nearly had a heart
attack. Boy, this is the end of the week, all right, she clucked. Do you realize you just made a
Father without a lap? How is he going to pull a child close to him without the kid falling between
his legs? And God smiled and said, A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to
pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle, and hold a sleepy head on the way home from the
circus.
God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet anyone had ever seen when the angel
could contain herself no longer. Thats not fair. Do you honestly think those large boats are
going to dig out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries? Or walk through a small
birthday party without crushing at least three of the guests?
And God smiled and said, Theyll work. Youll see. Theyll support a small child who wants to
ride a horse to Banbury Cross, or scare off mice at the summer cabin, or display shoes that will
be a challenge to fill.
God worked throughout the night, giving the Father few words, but a firm authoritative voice;
eyes that saw everything, but remained calm and tolerant. Finally, almost as an afterthought, he
added tears. Then he turned to the angel and said, Now, are you satisfied that he can love as
much as a Mother?
The angel shuteth up.
-- Erma Bombeck
(From The Christian Challenge and Blessing Email Service)

Pleasing Her Father

crab and a lobster are secretly dating. Pretty soon, the lobster tires of the lying and tells
her father, who then forbids her to see the crab anymore.

"It'll never work, honey." he says to her. "Crabs walk side-ways and we walk straight."
"Please," she begs her father. "Just meet him once. I know you'll like him."
Her father finally relents and agrees to a one-time meeting, and she runs off to share the good
news with her crab sweetie.
The crab is so excited he decides to surprise his beloved's family. He practices and practices
until he can finally walk straight!
On the BIG day, he walks the entire way to the lobster's house as straight as he can.
Standing on the porch, and seeing the crab walking towards him, the lobster dad yells to his
daughter.....
"I knew it! Here comes that crab and he's drunk!"
(From MountainWings)

The Father

fter a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's pastor slowly stood up,
walked over to the pulpit, and before he gave his sermon for the evening, briefly
introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening.

In the introduction, the pastor told the congregation that the guest minister was one of his
dearest childhood friends and that he wanted him to have a few moments to greet the church
and share whatever he felt would be appropriate for the service.
With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak.
"A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific coast," he began, "when a
fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to the shore. The waves were so high,
that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright and
the three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized."
The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the
first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story.

The aged minister continued with his story, "grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the
most excruciating decision of his life: to which boy he would throw the other end of the life
line. He only had seconds to make the decision.
The father knew that his son was a Christian and he also knew that his son's friend was
not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves. As the father
yelled out, 'I love you, son!' he threw out the life line to his son's friend.
By the time the father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared
beneath the raging swells into the black of night. His body was never recovered."
By this time, the two teenagers were sitting up straight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next
words to come out of the old minister's mouth. "The father," he continued, "knew his son would
step into eternity with Jesus and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into
an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son's friend. How great
is the love of God that he should do the same for us.
Our heavenly father sacrificed his only begotten son that we could be saved. I urge you to
accept his offer to rescue you and take a hold of the life line he is throwing out to you in this
service."
With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room. The
pastor again walked slowly to the pulpit and delivered a brief sermon with an invitation at the
end. However, no one responded to the appeal. Within minutes after the service ended, the
two teenagers were at the old man's side.
"That was a nice story," politely stated one of the boys, "but I don't think it was very realistic for a
father to give up his only son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian."
"Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied, glancing down at his worn bible. A big
smile broadened his narrow face, he once again looked up at the boys and said, "It sure isn't
very realistic, is it?
But I'm standing here today to tell you that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been
like for God to give up his son for me.
You see --I was that father and your pastor is my son's friend."
~Author Unknown
(From MountainWings)

Fatherhood
Yesterday, I took my three sons to a local nursing home and let them pass out gifts to the fathers
there and show them some love, many of them had no visitors. It taught my children how to help
others.
Afterwards, I took the boys to eat and to the movies to see The Karate Kid. On the way to the
movie, I talked to them about always working on improving themselves and how it is a lifelong
process that should never stop.
I explained that even mommy and daddy still have stuff to work on every day to make ourselves
better. I gave each son one thing they could do to work on improving within himself. It was different
for each son but each realized how their one thing would help them to be a better person and
agreed with me. They also knew and felt daddy's advice was in love and had no spirit of criticism
in it.
On Father's Day, I decided to take my own advice and write out goals for myself that I can look at
every Father's Day to make sure I am being the type of father that I desire to be. I advise every
father to write their own personal list based on what you consider a good father is.
Here is my list that I posted above my desk to constantly remind me:

Fatherhood Goals
1. To lead all of my children to salvation and a relationship with God.
2. To be an example of the type of man that I desire my sons to become and my girls to date
and marry.
3. To always provide for the basic needs of my family (food, clothes, shelter).
4. To make sure all my kids have a good education from schooling and develop wisdom that
school doesn't teach.
5. To always provide my kids love and spend the time with them where our relationship always
stays close and they feel they can talk to me about anything.
6. To help them discover their calling in life and develop a proficiency in that area.
7. To leave a positive inheritance to my children consisting of a good name, financial resources,
written wisdom from my life experiences, and spiritual blessings.
~A MountainWings Original by James Bronner~(From MountainWings)

Advise For Senior Citizens


1. It is time to use the money you saved up. Use it and enjoy it. Don't just keep it for those who
may have no notion of the sacrifices you made to get it. Remember there is nothing more
dangerous than a son or daughter-in-law with big ideas for your hard earned capital.
2. Stop worrying about the financial situation of your children and grandchildren, and don't feel
bad spending your money on yourself. You've taken care of them for many years, and you've
taught them what you could. You gave them an education, food, shelter and support. The
responsibility is now theirs to earn their own money.
3. Keep a healthy life, without great physical effort. Do moderate exercise (like walking every day),
eat well and get your sleep. It's easy to become sick, and it gets harder to remain healthy. That
is why you need to keep yourself in good shape and be aware of your medical and physical
needs. Keep in touch with your doctor, do tests even when you're feeling well. Stay informed.
4. Always buy the best, most beautiful items for your significant other. The key goal is to enjoy
your money with your spouse. One day one of you will miss the other, and the money will not
provide any comfort then, enjoy it together.
5. Don't stress over the little things. You've already overcome so much in your life. You have good
memories and bad ones, but the important thing is the present. Don't let the past drag you
down and don't let the future frighten you. Feel good in the now. Small issues will soon be
forgotten.
6. Regardless of age, always keep love alive. Love your spouse, love life, love your family, love
your neighbor and remember: "A man is not old as long as he has intelligence and affection."
7. Be proud, both inside and out. Don't stop going to your hair salon or barber, do your nails, go
to the dermatologist and the dentist, keep your perfumes and creams well stocked. When you
are well maintained on the outside, it seeps in, making you feel proud and strong.
8. Don't lose sight of fashion trends for your age, but keep your own sense of style. There's
nothing worse than an older person trying to wear the current fashion among youngsters.
You've developed your own sense of what looks good on you - keep it and be proud of it. It's
part of who you are.
9. ALWAYS stay up-to-date. Read newspapers, watch the news. Go online and read what people
are saying. Make sure you have an active email account and try to use some of those social
networks. You'll be surprised what old friends you'll meet. Keeping in touch with what is going
on and with the people you know is important at any age.
10. Respect the younger generation and their opinions. They may not have the same ideals as
you, but they are the future, and will take the world in their direction. Give advice, not criticism,
and try to remind them of yesterday's wisdom that still applies today.

11. Never use the phrase: "In my time". Your time is now. As long as you're alive, you are part of
this time. You may have been younger, but you are still you now, having fun and enjoying life.
12. Some people embrace their golden years, while others become bitter and surly. Life is too short
to waste your days on the latter. Spend your time with positive, cheerful people, it'll rub off on
you and your days will seem that much better. Spending your time with bitter people will make
you older and harder to be around.
13. Do not surrender to the temptation of living with your children or grandchildren (if you have a
financial choice, that is). Sure, being surrounded by family sounds great, but we all need our
privacy. They need theirs and you need yours. If you've lost your spouse (our deepest
condolences), then find a person to move in with you and help out. Even then, do so only if you
feel you really need the help or do not want to live alone.
14. Don't abandon your hobbies. If you don't have any, make new ones. You can travel, hike, cook,
read, dance. You can adopt a cat or a dog, grow a garden, play cards, checkers, chess,
dominoes, golf. You can paint, volunteer at somewhere or just collect certain items. Find
something you like and spend some real time having fun with it.
15. Even if you don't feel like it, try to accept invitations. Baptisms, graduations, birthdays,
weddings, conferences. Try to go. Get out of the house, meet people you haven't seen in a
while, experience something new (or something old). But don't get upset when you're not
invited. Some events are limited by resources, and not everyone can be hosted. The important
thing is to leave the house from time to time. Go to museums, go walk through a field. Get out
there.
16. Be a conversationalist. Talk less and listen more. Some people go on and on about the past,
not caring if their listeners are really interested. That's a great way of reducing their desire to
speak with you. Listen first and answer questions, but don't go off into long stories unless asked
to. Speak in courteous tones and try not to complain or criticize too much unless you really
need to. Try to accept situations as they are. Everyone is going through the same things, and
people have a low tolerance for hearing complaints. Always find some good things to say as
well.
17. Pain and discomfort go hand in hand with getting older. Try not to dwell on them but accept
them as a part of the cycle of life we're all going through. Try to minimize them in your mind.
They are not who you are, they are something that life added to you. If they become your entire
focus, you lose sight of the person you used to be.
18 If you've been offended by someone - forgive them. If you've offended someone - apologize.
Don't drag around resentment with you. It only serves to make you sad and bitter. It doesn't
matter who was right. Someone once said: "Holding a grudge is like taking poison and
expecting the other person to die." Don't take that poison. Forgive, forget and move on with
your life.

19. If you have a strong belief, savor it. But don't waste your time trying to convince others. They
will make their own choices no matter what you tell them, and it will only bring you frustration.
Live your faith and set an example. Live true to your beliefs and let that memory sway them.
20. Laugh. Laugh A LOT. Laugh at everything. Remember, you are one of the lucky ones. You
managed to have a life, a long one. Many never get to this age, never get to experience a full
life. But you did. So what's not to laugh about? Find the humor in your situation.
21. Take no notice of what others say about you and even less notice of what they might be
thinking. They'll do it anyway, and you should have pride in yourself and what you've achieved.
Let them talk and don't worry. They have no idea about your history, your memories and the
life you've lived so far. There's still much to be written, so get busy writing and don't waste time
thinking about what others might think. Now is the time to be at rest, at peace and as happy as
you can be!
(From Still Waters Ministry)

Happy Fathers Day to all MVCian Dads!

Eden Of The East

his week, let me tell you about the Central Province of a country called Eden of the
East. Sri Lanka is well known for its natural beauty. Many call it Eden of the East, a
paradise isle, a country situated off the southern tip of India. It was through literature
evangelism that Adventists began their work in Sri Lanka at the dawn of the twentieth century.
Abram La Rue (1822-1903) became the first Adventist to visit Sri Lanka.
The Central Province of Sri Lanka is one of the most picturesque provinces of Sri Lanka with its
world famous tea plantations. I visited Nuwara Eliya, one of the worlds largest tea-producing
district. At an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft), Nuwara Eliya is known for its temperate, cool climate
the coolest area in Sri Lanka. Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, seem to look
over the city.

It really is like the Garden of Eden

A tea plantation

Nuwara Eliya, called Little England, is a hill country retreat where the British colonists could
indulge in their pastimes, such as fox-hunting, deer-hunting, elephant-hunting, polo, golf and
cricket.
Its main attractions include the golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, and boating or fishing on
Lake Gregory. Victoria Park is an attractive and well-used oasis. It is popular with birdwatchers.

A portion of Victoria Park

A Sri Lankan train passing through a scenic countryside.

A lake in Nuwara Eliya with a seaplane taking on passengers.

The city is a base for visits to Horton Plains National Park. This is a key wildlife area with open,
grassy woodlands. Species found here include the leopard, sambar, and the endemic purple-faced
langur. Endemic highland birds include the dull-blue flycatcher, Sri Lanka white-eye, and yellow-

eared bulbul. The plains have a well-visited tourist attraction at World's End a sheer precipice
with a 1050 m drop.
In 1973, A.V. Hyland entered Nuwara Eliya and unintentionally declared the Seventh-day
Adventist Churchs stand against the use of tea. The mayor welcomed him to the city and stated,
Adventists are the first Christians to present health lectures. Indeed, the health message proved
to be an entering wedge and even though the law did not permit the erection of a Christian church
in the city, a multi-purpose complex was built to provide educational facilities, living quarters, and
a meeting hall. A large cross embossed on the church faade indicates that it is a Christian center.
The church was organized in six months, and the pastor trained a number of workers to enter the
work. The mission school continues to attract students from the elite in the city.
The European estate manager of one of the tea plantations said that no one would visit the estate
again to trouble the staff for money but the nurse Daisy Bastiampillai replied, I want my pastors
to visit me often for they need my tithe and offerings to do the missionary work I love so much.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church

Vegetable gardens in the city, some proof that people believe in healthful living.

From these lofty tea estates have come some mighty workers for the Lord in Sri Lanka. I have
visited Nuwara Eliya several times and each time I was requested to speak at the SDA church in
the city. Some of our SDA members walk to church for some 20 kilometers just to attend the
service.
It has taken the SDA church in Sri Lanka 80 years to reach a membership of 1,700. This was due
to the influence of Hinduism and Buddhism. Our major problem in the highlands of Sri Lanka is
that some of our SDA members still work in the tea plantations even during the Sabbath just to
earn a living.
Please pray for our SDA church in the Central Province of Sri Lanka.
Romy Halasan
Vanuatu

The Grand Hotel

Happy Fathers Day to all MVCian Dads! Cont

Announcements
Sent by Laurence T. Gayao. Texas: Fellow Alumni Dr. VicLouis Arreola III is inviting all Filipino in the
Tri-state region to the 2016 Tri-State Filipino Convocation, July 22-24, 2016, at Hilton Garden Inn, 375
Mount Hope Ave., Rockway, NJ 07866 for Registration visit: www.nadapmin.org.

Sent by Seth Popoy III. Seoul, Korea


Greetings from the land of the morning calm, South Korea. We, the Filipino Seventh Day Adventist
Church in Korea (Filsdak church) are looking for a church Pastor who will help the church and its
members with its spiritual growth. We are searching for a shepherd who will lead the flock/church
and help translate the great gospel commission into action. The church is composed of young
adults who are mostly English teachers, Graduate students, and some EPS workers (OFWS). We
are looking for someone who embodies the following qualifications:

Here are the Qualifications:


1. An ordained minister who is not younger than 40 and not older than 55 years old and articulate
in written and spoken English. One who has a decent command of the English language.
2. Should be physically fit since the church is actively involved in sports/friendship evangelism.
One who will have no problems mingling and joining the activities of the youth.
3. Married with or without children. If with children, the children should be high school or college
level.
4. Wife should be VERY supportive of her husband's ministry.
5. Should be open minded and willing to learn and adjust to Korean culture and with other
international cultures.
6. A leader, a visionary, and a man of action who takes delight in house visitations and looking
after the welfare of his parishioners. A pastor who puts emphasis on house visitations and
making connections and rapport.
7. A shepherd who has a burden for souls.
Thank you very much and may the Lords blessings and guidance be yours and to our church as
we unite our voices, efforts, and prayers for the work of the LORD.
Sincerely yours,
FILSDAK Pastor Search Committee Members:
Elder Ed Rivera
Elder Jasper Somozo
Elder Seth Braza
Elder Arnel Dungog
Bro. Mark Zipagan
P.S. If you have any questions or recommendations, please feel free to contact us:
jaspersomozo@yahoo.com(Jasper Somozo) , mercury7881@yahoo.com ( Popoy Braza III),
zipmarkgil@yahoo.com (mark zipagan), Ghols77@yahoo.com (Arnel Dungog)

Acknowledgement
We wish to thank the following individuals who contributed to this issue:

Lillian Javellana for the Devotional; Melodie Inapan for the Opening & Closing Remarks
To those who contributed a Fathers Day item to this issue: Romulo Binoya Halasan, Jr., the
Rosendo brothers, Macie Porteza-Flaherty, Melodie Mae Karaan Inapan, Ellen M. Zamora,
Rene Derek Joseph DJ Inapan, Joy Caballero-Gadia, Evelyn Porteza-Tabingo, Eddie Zamora.
To our weekly contributors Romy Halasan (Life) and Jessie Colegado (Weeds)
To Seth Popoy III, Laurence Gayao, those whose photos we used this week, etc

Meet The Editors


This weeks issue of Cyberflashes (Fathers Day Edition) is a collaboration by all the editors. Next weeks
issue will by Ardys Joy Caballero-Gadia. Please direct all entries to her or to any of the editors.
NAME:
Eddie Zamora
Evelyn Porteza-Tabingo
Jessie Colegado
Joy Caballero-Gadia
Lily EscaraLare
Melodie Mae Karaan-Inapan
Raylene Rodrigo-Baumgart

EMAIL ADDRESS:
ezamora594 at aol dot com
etabingo at gmail dot com
Cyberflashes at gmail dot com
watermankids at yahoo dot com
Lily_lare at yahoo dot com dot ph
melodieinapan at yahoo dot com
raylene.baumgart at gmail dot com

If you wish to subscribe to Cyberflashes, to unsubscribe, or if you changed your email address and want Cyberflashes to be sent
to your new address, please send your request via email to any of the editors. We spell out the @ and dot signs in the email
addresses to prevent worms, viruses, and robots from harvesting them. If you would like to correspond, simply substitute the
correct symbols.

Next week: We are looking for work-education-at-MVC stories, the often forgotten stories of those
students who were not working students and yet had the opportunity to work at MVC as part of the well-rounded
education the college provides. Share your stories at next weeks issue! Email to Joy at watermankids at yahoo dot
com or message her at Facebook!

Closing Remarks
Melodie Mae Karaan Inapan

And finally, we seek blessings for our earthly fathers with this prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven,
bless the fathers who are on earth;
Those who work hard every day
to light a path and show the way;
Those who forget and don't perceive
the devastation when they leave.
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come;
thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Help the earthly fathers know


and praise your name in daily flow,
Making no difference between
the holy realm and worldly scene.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And for the dads without a job,
Strengthen their faith in Provider God.
Feed them with the bread of love
The wine of justice
The meat of determination
The fruit of the spirit;
That they will remember how Jesus gave himself for us
Demonstrating that there are many ways for a MAN TO GIVE.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Teach our men the ways of peace
Desiring that all violence shall cease
Whether husband/wife, parents/children
Black on black, nation to nation
Neither tongue, hand, gun, knife
No shock and awe, no fiery towers . . .
Help humanity learn HOW TO FORGIVE.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Guide all daddies to be wise.
Give them strength of soul to seek the prize
Of a world without racism or greed,
A world where no child is left in need,
A world where cheaters cannot win,
Salvation reigns, there is no sin.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever, Amen.
(By Rev. Marilyn E. Thornton)

You might also like