2010 WAS MY MOST BLESSED YEAR

April 14, 2011

2010 WAS MY MOST BLESSED YEAR

I almost died four (4) times last year.  But I still consider it as my most blessed year.    Look, seldom is a person given a chance to say his thank you and goodbyes to family and friends before meeting his creator.   I have been given the chance to repent for my sins.    I was also able to ask my mom to promise me that she will secure and assure my children’s future.

Apple was beside me thru this entire journey.  She never left me.  She was always there to comfort, hug, kiss, whisper words of strength and affection.  This made me feel the luckiest person on earth.

I was bleeding profusely.  I was losing blood and the doctors are unable to replenish the lost blood.  Mike , my assistant could not believe it, he was using a “tabo”  ( sorry for a lack of a better word ) to scoop the blood from my bed.  I was slipping fast….very,  very fast.  I was like a candle slowly burning out.

Everybody was worried.  They knew that I was about to go.  I was not afraid at all.  I was in a state of peace.  Prior to that evening, I already called my family and friends to tell them that I LOVED THEM.  I asked them to take care and be happy.  This opportunity that the LORD has given me to call people I loved for the last time is PRICELESS.  Even the richest person on earth might not even get this gift.   I AM ONE OF THE LORD’S BLESSED DESCIPLE.

But the LORD still has a mission for me.  Maybe this blog is that mission or he is preparing me for a bigger responsibility.  Only he knows,  I am anxiously waiting for his plans for me. 

Jesus carried his cross.  Suffered so much in Calvary.  HE DIED TO SAVE US.   This Lenten Season ,  contemplate on our Lord’s love for you.  It  Is a good chance for you to assess your life.  It’s a great time to work on your “LENTEN RESOLUTIONS”.  

LIVE YOUR LIFE BY LOVING OTHERS

EACH OF US HAS AN ANGEL

April 11, 2011

EACH OF US HAS AN ANGEL

I remember 29 years ago.  We went to a medical and church mission to Fuga Island.  It’s a private island which used to be owned by Mr. Alfonso Lim now by the Tan Yus.  It’s probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  The coral formation is virtually untouched and the marine life seems to think that people are also like them.  We spent a couple of days in that island with the priest principal of our high school - ASJ and some doctors and nurses.  Luckily the head doctor was my uncle Billy, he was nice enough to bring me along to be the assistant of Fr. Cabahug.  I still remember the day when we saw a couple of giant turtles in front of our cottage and thousands of small  crabs along the beach.  God really made our world the most beautiful  place to live in.  Because he loved us so much he gave us the gift of partaking its bounty.  We were also given the responsibility of being Earth’s guardian and caretakers.

One afternoon, after church service in one of the barrios, Fr. Cabahug I and my Uncle Albert hurried back to the beach to snorkel.  It was one of the highlight of our trip and the marine and coral life of the island is beyond anything you have seen before.     We were swimming to our heart’s delight until a minor tragedy struck us.  We were in the middle of the coral reef far from shore and I suddenly had  “LEG CRAMPS” the pain was terrible and I was sinking fast.  I thought it was my last day on earth.  But my uncle albert was there to the rescue.  He was like an angel swooping down from heaven to save me.  He instructed me to try my best to just float and he will push me back to shore.  So that’s what he did, even getting wounds on his feet because he had to stand on some spiny corals to get strength when he pushed me to shore.  He was truly my guardian angel. 

I am with my uncle albert every day and we never discussed this incident since the day it happened.  Each of us has our own guardian angel.  Some say that angels only come from heaven.  I say that in our own way we can be angels to others.  My Uncle Albert was the angel who paid for my college tuition and expenses, he was the angel who gave me numerous expensive gifts, he is still the angel that guides me through my life’s journey.  Just last night he told me that I am fortunate because even if I am disabled I can still be of service to others.  Still the person that people can count on.  I love my uncle albert very much.  And as my sign of gratitude I will be the best guardian angel to his children.

Imagine, if every one of us try to be another person’s angel.  We will have a better world.  It’s not all financial.  Sometimes an embrace, a hug and a touch on the hand will be more than enough and can do wonders for somebody who is lost.  You can be that light.  Your light will never decrease in brilliance even if you share it to a lot of people.

 LIVE YOUR LIFE BY LOVING OTHERS

A SIMPLE STORY ABOUT COMMITMENT

A SIMPLE STORY ABOUT COMMITMENT

I have been feeling down  this past few days.  Can’t explain.  Have you ever been  in a situation where things are so difficult  and  no matter how much you try, things stays the same or even worst.

These are instances when it’s nice to watch a movie, telenovela or “ willing willy “.  Ok. I can see a lot of negative reactions or a long silence.   But that’s the way I am.  I like to have  a good cry when I am depressed or not feeling well.   It is like eliminating “toxins” in my body thru CRYING.  I cry when I feel that people need to be uplifted from their lowly situation.   When contestants tell their story to wiily and you could really see their need of  help…These things make me cry.  I cry because I can’t do something to assist them.  I cry because I  thank  the LORD that despite of my disability I am still more fortunate than them.

Yes, Willy Revllame might be extra naughty or obnoxious…but, please give the guy credit…HE MAKES PEOPLE HAPPY AND TAKES THEM OUT OF THEIR MISERIES.   Can you say the same about yourself?

I was invited last Thursday to studio 23 first kabarkada choice award.  We sponsored all of the trophies that were given to the winners.  It was a good experience and added exposure to our brand.  The highlight of the event was my photo opportunity with the football stars - Askals ( Phil & James Younghusband).   Although, I had a slight fever I still went to the event because it was a commitment I had to promote the company.

How do you handle commitment?  Commitment is very important!  Delivering on your commitment might make or break your business.  Sometimes things are beyond our control, but try your best to make good of your commitment.

Six years ago, I had a very funny experience.  I was requested by a client to meet him in Batangas City.  It was a project for the Provincial Government of Batangas.  I was commissioned to sculpt a miniature model of their provincial capitol.  I had stomach ache that morning but I still left for Batangas late in the afternoon.   While along south super highway near the Sta. Elena exit…..I suddenly felt a gush of slimy and indescribable liquid and mushy matter on my pants.  I knew I was in trouble. But  if I did not move much,  I was safe because I was seated in a wheelchair.  Hahahahahaha !    I told myself  “If you don’t move it won’t smell”. 
I had to make a decision whether to continue my Batangas trip or just go back home.   I know the consequences of not being able to meet my client.  My company needed the project, so I decided to continue with the  journey to Batangas City. It was all a matter of commitment.

Sometimes we forgo of our personal interest for things such as these.  My story might be too graphic or gross but that’s how things are …… S_ _T  HAPPENS.   Self sacrifice for the good of the many.

Our Lord Jesus Christ had a commitment to us.  It was to SAVE US.  Even  by  losing his life and suffer unbearable pain and humiliation…..He still made good of his commitment.  Imagine, wouldn’t it be a tragedy for all of us when the word “commitment” is just one of those things.

WHAT GIVES YOU STRENGHT?

WHAT GIVES YOU STRENGTH?

Your strength is a reflection of your inner being.  I do not see it as the  “PHYSICALLY  STRONG”.  It is more than that. 

People always say that I have a strong character, strong willingness to live, a strong sense of defeating life’s trials and moving on.  Yes, I am strong but only because my strength comes from my love and faith to GOD.  He alone can give you light when your world  is too dark.  When everything seems impossible.  When the pain is so unbearable.  ONLY HIM.

I was lying on my hospital bed…seems  like yesterday.  Tears were flowing from my eyes because of the pain and the emptiness inside me.  My wife was not there.  My family who visited me already went home.  Only the special nurses stayed behind  to take care of me.  How I wish carol was there to even hold my hand.  Tell me everything is going to be alright. Give me words and hugs of comfort.   SHE WAS BUSY.   Being busy is the worst ALIBI.  You are never busy for something you really want to do.   Maybe my ex-wife was too busy to perform her duties because it was not a priority.

I will tell you how I was able to get over  the emptiness.  I got hold of my ROSARY…prayed continuously until I fell asleep.   When I woke up, I felt better.  This worked for me.  It will work for you too. Contemplating on the LORD’S hardships in Calvary gives me strength.  The blood from his body cleanses my spirit and makes it strong.  No amount of trial or hardship will ever be enough to defeat GOD’s love.    He gave up his life so that we will live.  Your suffering is so simple compared to Christ’s hardship on the cross. 

Today, let’s begin to carry our own CROSS.  Don’t expect it to be easy…it will be difficult. BUT THE LORD WILL ALWAYS GIVE YOU STRENGTH

LIVE YOUR LIFE BY LOVING OTHERS

WEALTH COMES AFTER FAITH

March 29, 2011

WEALTH COMES AFTER FAITH

My recollection of the first money I earned was when our group “San Beda College Chorale” was invited to sing in a funeral.  It was a funny experience because our host liked our classical songs so much, he was in tears.  I will never forget that he was sobbing and suddenly blew his nose on the white envelope where he inserted the money for us.  It was ok , what was important is the money was  inside.

My share was P 300.00…I was 17 years old.  “My first taste of income” .  I went home so happy because in my heart I knew that with this amount I will be able to bring something for my mom, brother & sister.  We were in little bit of financial trouble then.  My mom was trying her best to make ends meet.   She never complained.  My mom was always smiling, always happy.   Full of zest and vitality.

With that P300.00 I wanted to buy food that will make her and my siblings happy.   I went to the grocery to  buy – hotcake mix, anchor butter and maple syrup.  These were LUXURIES that we can’t afford at that time.  It was a big surprise.  I could just imagine their smiling and happy faces.  SHE WAS NOT SMILING AT FIRST.  Tears flowed from her eyes.  I KNEW THAT I MADE MY MOM HAPPY and PROUD.

How about you?  How did you spend your first earning?  I hope you shared it with the people dear to you.  Did you start paying for your educational loans or college expenses?   Other obligations you promised to pay as soon as you started working.   Believe me, the feeling of sharing is better than spending.

What about when you are in a restaurant? And suddenly some dirty kids approached you and ask for food?   Would you tell them to go away?  Or Give them food?   Sometimes I am guilty of being selfish myself.  But, what if we ALL do a good deed starting today!  Let us try our best to feed the hungry.  But, please use your better judgment.   Better give food than money.

People complain about many things.  But, most of the time MONEY.  We are so engrossed in having money.  It’s like the only important matter in our lives.  Please try to contemplate that all the riches and fortune in this world will NEVER buy you a place in HEAVEN.  In paradise there no such thing as rich or poor.  All children of GOD. 

I have experienced having so much and also having nothing.  Being envied and given pity.  I lost my ability to walk.  Lost all my money.  Did not see my kids and Lose my wife to a FRIEND.  ALL AT THE SAME TIME.  One thing I learned from this chapter in my life.  WEALTH COMES AND GOES.  The LORD can take it away.  Yes, I lost everything but not my FAITH.  That the LORD has a purpose for all of this.    You will be amazed In the LORD’S generosity.  Please wait and be patient.  It will come in HIS time.

Have a pleasant week ahead!

" LIVE YOU LIFE BY LOVING OTHERS "

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Gerald R. Raymundo
gerald@geraldraymundo.com

WHAT IS YOUR SENSE OF SECURITY?

March 25, 2011

SENSE OF SECURITY

Just finished with my dialysis procedure and I am waiting for my ride home.  Its past 6:00 p.m.    I feel great.  It’s like being reborn!  But sometimes it’s the opposite, you feel like slowly sinking in quicksand.

Where do you feel most  secured.?  I am sure most of you feel a sense of security when you are at home with family.  Or just being with someone you love and trust.

I feel secure when I am at the hospital.  Find it weird?  Yes it’s true. It’s been more than 13 years, going in and out of my second residence.  There were times when I spend more days here than home.  I feel so happy when I am with my nurses and doctors.  And of course when I am able to console fellow patients.  It comes out natural because I know how it feels.   Think of it, if you try to do this good deed.  Isn’t it a very gratifying feeling?  Knowing that you made someone smile or just touched his hand to show support and love. 

DO IT NOW!   Most of the time we regret that we have not done things which we should have.  Then blame ourselves or worst others for not being able to.

Looking back and reminiscing things that happened to me when I had my “spinal cord” operation  in 1998.  My experience  as much as I want to forget still gives me so much pain.  Because I am  just human.  The worst thing is if you have been wronged by someone that you gave youe life to.  Someone you are prepared to die for.  And someone you expect to be with forever.  You don’t ever leave someone who is sick, no matter what you reason are.   Worst if your intention is to save yourself.

I understand that my ex-wife was just human.  She was weak.  But maybe the foundation of our love was not that solid and strong.  Because why should someone abandon you at the worst time of your life.  A time when you need her most.  She was so afraid of losing everything.  She was so attached to all our worldly possessions.  She was afraid of being poor again. 

Do not be concerned so much with losing materials things.  These are only temporary.   Yes, we need money to pay for a lot of things.  BUT, you can’t buy salvation.  You just EARN POINTS!  Only the LORD can take or give away wealth. 

Wealth comes after faith.  The LORD will use somebody or an event to answer for all your needs.  Just believe and be faithful.  The LORD’s generosity never fails me. 

In the morning I talk to him and say “LORD BAHALA KANA”  and when I get a chance, anytime of the day I say “SALAMAT LORD” ....and when the pain is unbearable I plead, ”Masakit po, ok lang  po ba kung pwedeng time out muna? , bukas naman ang sakit”


Have a happy weekend.  Kiss and hug the people you love.  Pray for the people you hate.  Help the poor.

LIVE YOUR LIFE BY LOVING OTHERS

DO YOU HAVE A SICK RELATIVE OR FRIEND? EASE THEIR PAIN ….

A few days ago I was talking to the husband of a “Classmate” in the hemodialysis center of Cardinal Santos Hospital.  He was taking care of his ailing wife who has cancer and also undergoing dialysis.  You can see that this couple had a great life together, you sense the LOVE that binds them.  He was beside his wife giving  comfort and affection.  He is prepared for whatever the LORD wants for her.  To him, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT HE IS BESIDE HER THE REST OF THE WAY !

Haven’t you observed that people try their best to be with their sick relative or friend as soon as they learn of their condition?  They visit them at the hospital to support and give words of love and encouragement.    We try our best to be beside them in their hour of need.

My question is….what about 3 to 6 months after? Are you still visiting? Are you still giving comfort and words of encouragement?

If you are really sincere, you must continue LOVING & CARING….for they need us most when things before more difficult.  When they undergo so many medical procedures to prolong their lives or ease their pain.  They need you more when the financial obligations before tougher…when they have depleted their resources because high medical bills.  When things seem to be a never ending battle to be able to continue living.  When their only hope is faith in GOD’S plan for them.   THEY NEED YOU MOST IN THIS CRUCIAL STAGE OF THEIR JOURNEY.

A nurse shared to me a story about a boy who was brought to the ICU of a well known hospital.  The  boy collapsed during a school activity.  Sadly due to complications,  he was comatose and the doctors were apprehensive of his condition.  His parents were informed that the boy had a very slim chance of survival.   The family never gave up….they had prayer vigils in the morning and the boy’s friends and schoolmates had prayers in the afternoon…. EVERYDAY! … I am sure you know the happy ending.  Yes, he got well again.  PRAYERS are very POWERFUL.  Specially when done together! NEVER GIVING UP.

Don’t give up on them.  Continue loving.  Continue Caring.  Be there when they need you the most.

" LIVE YOUR LIFE BY LOVING OTHERS "