The Mask of Zorro

It's friendship affirmation day for me today.

So, meet the man.

Meet Zorro.

I do not know what came up to me, that I felt the urge to write about this masked man. It has been a looong time now I have not seen the man I named Zorro. I have a sense that maybe after writing about him, I will be giving him due honor and credit, on how he impacted my life. He may not be able to read this post unless I tell him, but nonetheless, writing about him is all worth it. This is a part of my final closure, once and for all.

ENCOUNTER # 1

I came to know the existence of this man way back 2001 - in an institution where you expect to see the same group of people every week. With him, it's twice a week. With a countenance and a spirit that's uplifting, I know that it's because of the Lord Jesus. He loves the Lord and would start each meeting with exhortations, a Bible verse, and a prayer. Simple but sincere. With his brief, choicest words, he aimed to deliver the Word that would reach ears and touch hearts. 

ENCOUNTER # 2

"Who would be interested to join a campus fellowship?" he asked one day. 

In a heartbeat, I raised my hand. With a schedule that's already been caught up in a dry routine, I needed something to spice it up. So I did sign up, not fully aware what it really means to be in a campus fellowship where he also happens to be a part of.

It was in the fellowship I learned holistically. I am fully convinced that the Lord planned it all the way. Daily prayer meetings, Bible studies, small [cell] & large group meetings, camps and programs kept me on the groove and had made my student life meaningful and productive. My love for the Lord & His people deepened as the Lord revealed His heart, love & purposes.

Zorro and I eventually became friends, and I turned out to be his occasional confidant.

ENCOUNTER # 3

"Why don't you lead the fellowship next term?" 

As timid and reluctant as I am, I declined. He processed the thoughts and laid down the cards. Still I said no. He went on and did not stop, and tagged along with him another kuya. Okay, I give in.

"I will pray and think about it." I said. 

It all happened and things fell into place. The Lord took it from there and carried me all the way. The rest was history. 

ENCOUNTER # 4

"How would you like to work with me?" Hearing those words had made me wanting to strangle him this time. Haha.

"What?! You must be kidding me." 

My heart is already set, committed to the campus fellowship. Setting a plate before me for another responsibility would be too much. He knows that. But I was silenced by him.

For me, it's too overwhelming.

For him, it's possible. It can be done.

He was serious. Really serious. Well, if it's help that he needs, it's help that he'll get. It will just be for a few months. After I have granted his request, then I am free to go, so I thought. Pagbibigyan ko lang s'ya. Every time our paths crossed, he never failed to remind me of it. On separate times, he'd send text messages. At times, he'd call.

Little did I know where the Lord was actually leading me through him. The Lord brought me in a workplace always leaving me at a loss for words. Sorry, but I need a separate post for this one. :)

Zorro and I became colleagues and worked together for a few years.

Recalling: After I have granted his request, then I am free to go. Guess what? For the nth year I am still here - at the same workplace.

ENCOUNTER # 5

Life and time took its course that at some point, Zorro and I needed to part ways. I still remember the last time I saw him, as he was walking out, he said, "Good-bye, Jo." 

"Good-bye, Zorro." 

I don't think he heard it. I came to realize that all of these things were ordained by the Lord. HE prepared me for such a time as this. HE led me gently to His plans and purposes through the masked man.

"Zorro, you know I have never failed to thank you for everything you did for me. Thank you for sincerely believing in me before anybody else did ~ even at times I doubted myself. I am forever grateful to the Lord for knowing you. I declare the best of blessings upon you, your wife, and to your will-be-growing family. Aside from the reason of anonymity, I think I needed to explain to you why I called you Zorro. I think you'd laugh. I think I'd laugh, too. Should that time come [if not, it's okay] only until then, I will share to my readers why I called you Zorro. And only until then, I shall be unmasking you. :)"

So, time to go.

Hoping to see you again, Zorro.

On Hymns & Keys

I was greeted by sun rays through my blinds yesterday morning. "It's my off from work". It occurred to me finally, after regaining my senses from a restful sleep.


A facial warm-up smile, a "Good morning, Lord" and a few body stretches comprised the initial minutes of my day. As I resonate the Lord's gift of a new day and how unfailing He is, a sudden familiar tune took its course.

"Thou chang-est not, Thy com-pas-sions they fail not; ..." 

So, I found myself, singing the hymn away. Its message struck so fresh and new, spoke so strongly to me like never before. I can't get enough of it so I pulled out from my shelf my hymn book. Good thing I remembered I have it in my keeping! Then to the pages I turned, found the hymn [and the surrounding history] my lips was just singing, took my Bible & a cup of coffee, then on a serene moment I went on.

I am a hymn-lover. In a generation where melodies of songs kind of evolved, I still find hymns timeless. Its messages, gripping. Its stories, embracing. Each line, worth singing. I would not dare discount how the music & lyrics of each hymn came about. Each one speaks about the Lord, His attributes, His person - nothing more, nothing less. 


To fellow hymn-lovers, I know that upon reading that 'line' you already know what hymn I was talking about. :)

Great Is Thy Faithfulness, indeed!


I remember way back, when I was 14 years old, I would come near our keyboard and play the basic keys. And this is just one of the hymns I tried to play, alongside with my other favorite hymns. 

I am not a skillful player. I just read notes one at a time, with one hand. But given the chance, I'd like to learn how to play the 'ebony & ivory' ~ not for a recital piece, not for an audience's applause, not to become a weekly committed musician in church, but to simply play hymns for the Lord in mornings like yesterday.

Sing a hymn, play the keys.

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"Great is Thy faithfulness," O God my Father,

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.


"Great is Thy faithfulness!" "Great is Thy faithfulness!"
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided-
"Great is the faithfulness," Lord, unto me!


Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!


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SNIPPET OF FACTS behind the hymn, GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS:

~ Author: Thomas Obediah Chisholm

~ Music: William M. Runyan

~ Inspired by Lamentations 3:22-23

~ "There was no dramatic story behind the writing of the hymn. It went rather slowly for several years." - Chisholm

Hope Of All Hearts

My eyes is battling between a wakeful and sleepful state. But before my already tired eyes from reading send me away to sleep, I decided to close the book for a while to finish one more thing in my checklist today, to write.


Not wanting to ride in the bandwagon's season of 'hearts' out there and in the busy social network that's just a click away, I made a swift turn to my nook. 


I solely want to share this song that I find soothing, so comforting, that in the midst of this ever-changing world, there is but one Hope & Love our hearts could ever find ~ whatever situation we are in. Our song preferences may vary, but the message of this song is worth each listener's few minutes. :)

"To the Lover of my soul, thank you very much. You never fail. You never change. You remain the same. In my failures and triumphs, You love me just the same. 

So, to You Lord I say, 

Happy Heart's Day!

I know it's timeless anyway.

For with you, it's Heart's Day everyday!"

Mrs. Sunshine

The warmth of the morning sun on my cheeks welcomed my day. As I went out for the day to travel north, I was reminded of these words:

"My soul still remembers

And sinks within me.

This I recall to my mind,

Therefore I have hope.

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:20-24

New King James Version (NKJV)

Those words are more than enough to put a smile on my face, a smile from a happy & encouraged soul. Ready for the day to get started, I rode through public transport. I came, look and took the available seat. So there I sat and got settled.


It was then I was made aware of an elderly woman sitting beside me. Her countenance was very peaceful and pleasant. She is glowing like the sun. So I christened her

Mrs. Sunshine.

Thanks to my sunglasses, I was able to look at her from time to time without her realizing it. Oh well, it was fair enough because she was wearing her sunglasses, too. She might also be looking at me! 


I gazed on a different direction to view the urban's busy streets, and to at least shift my attention away from her. Yet still, I was drawn to look at Mrs. Sunshine. Simply and discreetly. I do not know but I have a feeling I can't describe towards her. Concern. Maybe.


I looked at her and around her. She's alone. I looked at her again. I think she is in her 70's. Oh, Mrs. Sunshine, what are you doing here in a foreign land, traveling all by yourself at your age? I asked myself, trying to find an answer.


Okay, I think I am really concerned.


Then to the last stop we came. The rest of the passengers began to alight. So did I. Besides, I need to do it quickly. I still have a long way to go. I barely need two more hours to get to my destination.


As my feet landed on the asphalt road, I unbelievably stopped. I stood still. I looked back to check Mrs. Sunshine.


She was on her feet, taking slow and gentle steps as she began to alight. She was shaking. I can't bear to leave her that way. So I smiled and reached her hand, assisted her until she descended from the vehicle. I thought she would refuse my offer, but to my surprise, she held my hand, grasped it real tight! She must have been praying for a hand. That, I do not know.


"Don't worry Mrs. Sunshine. I got you." [self-talk].


"You are too sweet", she said. 


I smiled back and asked, "Where are you headed?" She told me where she is going and that she needs to ride a bus to get there. With her hand still holding mine, we both crossed the street to where the bus stop was.


"Are you an American, Canadian...?"


"I am an American."


"You are alone. And you are bound to a busier city. Why? Do you have relatives there?"


"I have nobody here [voice, husky]. I am about to meet a business partner." 


Okay, we had a chat. The Mrs. Sunshine I innocently christened a few minutes ago is now holding my hand having a chat with me. If not for our separate appointments, I would have invited her for a cup of coffee or tea. :)


Then, she removed her sunglasses. She revealed her shining bluish-gray eyes, partnered with beautiful eyelashes. I finally saw her face. Mrs. Sunshine, indeed.


The brief time took its course, and we needed to part ways. 


"Take care [Mrs. Sunshine]!" were my last words. Then the bus door closed.


It was a short encounter with Mrs. Sunshine but, it was lovely, serene and sincere. And I can say - deep, in its own right. What made it special was I sensed love for her. I think it was  the kind of love that the Lord wants us to have for the strangers, widows, orphans, the helpless. It was so strong that I can't help but respond. If I may quote,

"Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, 

for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

Hebrews 13:1-2 (NIV1984)

Reach her hand. Show that you care. Those were the Lord's agenda for me at that given moment.


I hope I will not be able to forget her fair-skinned face, shining bluish-gray eyes, partnered with beautiful eyelashes. [How I wish I could sketch or paint!]


One thing I failed to ask. Her name. So, Mrs. Sunshine.. I do not know your name, but I am hoping to meet you again someday. :)

A Nest for Hot Potatoes

I do not know how to put potato and nest in a single post and instantly make sense out of it. You may even think and ask why I put together these two seemingly unrelated things. 

I hope I will be able to achieve this as I go along - as I was trying to sew my thoughts together since last night. If not for my readers, at least for myself.

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Use hot potato in a sentence.


"Gun control is a political hot potato." [A problem that is so controversial or sensitive that those handling it risk unpleasant consequences]


 "I sure don't want to have to deal with that hot potato." [a difficult problem]


"Do not drop me like a hot potato." [to abandon something or someone quickly]


Taking my pick for this blog, I'd pick the third one. Have you been a hot potato yourself? As for me, sure thing. Many times. And maybe I have dropped someone else myself. To my friends, sorry if I did - I may have just been unaware of things, or it was really unintentional (Okay, that would mean another post. I need to go on).


I know how it feels to be dropped. Not just once, but twice - big time. Then now comes an echo of going thrice. In full honesty, I do not want it anymore. This dropping thing has to stop. My heart is already tired if it has to cope and survive again from a fall. 


The Lord took gentle years repairing the damages. And in His goodness, grace and mercies has caused me to discern that an another blow is coming right to my face - and that I need to look and focus unto Him, the Object of my faith, and the Lover of my soul.

"Take it one step at a time, my dear child. 

This time, in My wisdom, you know what to do." 

A hot potato doesn't need a bowl, or another hand to be passed yet again to the next. In his heart, he needs what he thinks is best. He needs to rest, he needs a

--- nest.
Yes, a nest it is. A refuge. A home.
A nest need not be fancy. It is actually just made of twigs, dried grass and leaves. Same thing, a refuge for human hearts need not be fancy, too. Sincerity, warmth and the assurance of just being there is more than enough. 


Sometimes all a person needs is a heart that understands. Enough of the blahs. Heard that. Been there. Expected that. A heart simply needs a place where his unheard soul finds listening ears for his long and painful journeys - - as the heart gathers strength to face life once again.


A hush. 
A hug. 
A nod.
And encouragements from the Word of God.

"Never will I leave you;

Never will I forsake you."

Hebrews 13:5b (NIV)

"He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you."

Psalm 91:4-7 (NIV)

"... I know whom I have believed, and am convinced

that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day."

II Timothy 1:12b (NIV)

When all is again said and done, I know we have been called to stand and rise above our circumstances. By the Lord's spirit, power and might, let us fight the good fight of faith. Let us fight the battle and conquer.
So fellow potatoes, wherever we go, whatever befall, our dearest Lord will be there, to house us in His nest when we are headed for a big fall.

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