http://punzalan.multiply.com/ Sat, 5 Jul 2008 17:01:11 -0000 Sat, 5 Jul 2008 16:48:31 -0000 http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/logo http://punzalan.multiply.com 100 100 DON'T GO TO CHURCH <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SG@mYQoKCEgAADLLDo41"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SG@mYQoKCEgAADLLDo41/Picture%201.png?et=IKrPQmimhddJ2GRhF1AODA&nmid=0" border="0"></a>A couple of Sundays ago, we cancelled all of the services at <a href="http://www.victoryfort.org">Victory Fort</a> due to typhoon Frank. One of the major reasons why made that decision was because we got calls mainly from our volunteers that many of them couldn't make it to serve either because their area was flooded or they couldn't leave their children at home while they go volunteer at church.  The more spiritual move was to actually stay home with their family than go to church and serve.  Yes, you heard me right - we'd rather have our volunteers stay home with their families than go to church and serve at that particular context. Fifty-two weekends in the year, they usually sacrifice time, effort, resources and literally themselves to make our worship services as excellent as they are.  From ushering to technical team, kids ministry to music ministry, admin support to communications, they would serve week in and week out. Thus, without the volunteers, the weekend services couldn't run.  What is a hos... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/145/DONT_GO_TO_CHURCH Sat, 5 Jul 2008 16:48:31 -0000 APPENDIX, LEADERS AND MOVEMENT <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SG4uhgoKCEgAAGYRYLk1"><img style="width: 158px;height: 221px;" class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SG4uhgoKCEgAAGYRYLk1/wwiip251.jpg?et=EqyMgqrlC65n8QAZ%2ByqFaA&nmid=0" border="0"></a>- Just came out of hospital today.  Had an appendectomy last Wed.  What an ordeal.  Thanks for those who prayed and visited. - Heard leadership group last Thursday was super cool.  Congrats to won the chocolates in the Spot The Diff game.  It's been awesome the past 2 weeks.  We're going thru Common Care Counseling Module.  Thanks <a href="http://caloybert.multiply.com">Carlos</a> for covering for me. - Bittersweet stuff in the office.  <a href="http://robhernjr.multiply.com">Robert H</a>. moving to Pioneer and <a href="http://lamumar.multiply.com">LA "chicken pox" Mumar</a> moving to QC.  I just know God's doing something in Victory.  Both churches is going to explode to the next level.  - Excited to see our <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/137/GOD_OF_MIRACLES">baby</a>. - My wife is a superwoman. - Welcome home to the <a href="http://www.gmanews.tv/video/25223/QTV-Pacquiao-warmly-welcomed-upon-return-to-RP">People's Champion</a>.  Makes me want to be a boxer one day. - See you guys this weekend. http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/144/APPENDIX_LEADERS_AND_MOVEMENT Fri, 4 Jul 2008 14:07:18 -0000 WHAT'S UP <img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGWVYgoKCEgAACrJ@uE1/Picture%201.png?et=ZCxWahl2%2C0rd4oAbcMzwdQ&nmid=0" border="0">* I am pumped up for our upcoming series in Victory Fort - OUTRAGEOUS SAYINGS OF JESUS.  I am just so glad we serve an OUTRAGEOUS GOD - His ways are outrgeous, His miracles are outrageous...  He is way bigger than anything we can think of.  * Renovating a house is hard work.  We are moving to the house where Jenn grew up as a teen (St. Ignatius).  So we're buying tiles, wood, paint and all that fun stuff.  Just so glad Arnel and Rola are helping us.  Such a big blessing.  We hope to move mid-August before Jenn gives birth. * Victory Weekend is always exciting. <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGWThgoKCEgAAAVGXkg1"><img style="width: 149px;height: 112px;" class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGWThgoKCEgAAAVGXkg1/06272008.jpg?et=q4B5k2nEOCCRrH%2BMlUjCRQ&nmid=0" border="0"></a> We are currently having Victory Weekend for Women.  We had one for the Men last week.  You can almost see their faces change overnight.  Obviously, discipleship is for a lifetime but getting set free from patterns of the past and sinful habits unloads people and you can literally see it in their faces.  Better than botox and facelifts.  Jenn shared a message a... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/143/WHATS_UP Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:13:19 -0000 I WANT TO BE LIKE BATMAN <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SFhdQgoKCEgAAFwG0i01"><img style="width: 174px; height: 237px; " class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SFhdQgoKCEgAAFwG0i01/image.jpg?et=UbCWW8Rc1YCIa%2BQwsEbopA&nmid=0" border="0"></a>When I was growing up, I was often asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?  Who do you want to become?" So standard questions from kids became some of my answers.  First I wanted to be a pilot.  Then I wanted to become a doctor.  When I got older, I wanted to be a professional basketball player. This influenced my thinking that what you do determines who I am. The French existentialist philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre explained it as "existence precedes essence."  He declares that that we create our essence, our meaning in life after existing, that we create ourselves as opposed to external forces creating us. In short, what you do determines who you are. This is the exact opposite of what God says.  The Bible says that because we are created in His image and likeness, therefore, we behave as God's kids. As Paul says in Acts 17:28, ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ Today, I don't do things to become somebody.  I do things because I ... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/141/I_WANT_TO_BE_LIKE_BATMAN Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:53:23 -0000 MILLENIAL GENERATION: E.P.I.C. (Part 3) The Millenial Generation has been described by Dr. Leonard Sweet as an EPIC generation. Click link to find out more about this http://punzalan.multiply.com/links/item/32/MILLENIAL_GENERATION_E.P.I.C._Part_3 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:45:54 -0000 CROPPING GOD <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SFIoiQoKCEgAAH8lzK81"><img style="width: 218px; height: 219px; " class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SFIoiQoKCEgAAH8lzK81/Picture%201.png?et=GK3eAFf3uBmLzmwEjklnBQ&nmid=0" border="0"></a>Everyone knows how to cut, paste and crop these days - my kids included.  I was cropping our family picture this morning for my Power Point presentation because I was getting ready for a seminar (Teaching With Impact) I was going to teach in Sacred Heart Academy in Pasig. Coming back to the office, I thought about how people try to 'crop God'.  Cropping God?  People try to reduce God into 'managable sizes' so they can pull Him out of their pockets whenever they need Him - from JPEG images to items. But He is above and beyond that.  In fact, we wouldn't want a God we can manage.  When circumstances overtake us, we want Someone who is much bigger than our situation.  And this same BIG God tells us to call Him our Father.  What a privilege...  Imagine the Creator of this vast universe, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, the One who spoke the planets into existence gives us the privilege of calling Him Father.  Big Wow. As we celebrate Father's day th... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/140/CROPPING_GOD Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:57:36 -0000 OBJECT NOT THE SIZE <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SFB1lwoKCEgAAFYT7j01"><img style="width: 206px; height: 136px; " class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SFB1lwoKCEgAAFYT7j01/01580025.JPG?et=z%2CP4nuQTctsfBqLMmR3liA&nmid=0" border="0"></a>While I was listening to a podcast of this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Stanley">guy</a>, I was reminded of the time we spent a year in St. Petersburg. (our pics <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/album/14/One_Year_in_Russia">here</a>) He said that the issue is not the size of your faith but the object of your faith. There's a river in St. Petersburg called the Neva River.  It freezes over during winter time.  My wife, <a href="http://jennpunzalan.multiply.com">Jenn</a>, and our only child at that time, <a href="http://natesdapogi.multiply.com">Nathan</a> wanted to try to walk over the river.  (Our feeble attempt to walk on water.) It took us a while to get on the ice because we weren't too sure if it could hold us. I thought about that... I could convince myself by using faith coupled with positive thinking.  "I won't go through... I won't go through... I won't go through."  But if the ice is only 2 inches think, I would definitely go through. On the other hand, I could be ginormously anxious but still jump in.  And if the ice is 2 feet thick, it will hold me up. The lesson?  It's not the SIZE of your faith but the OBJECT of your faith that matters.&nb... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/139/OBJECT_NOT_THE_SIZE Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:03:10 -0000 OUR BABY ... BOY OR GIRL? <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SEjzCQoKCEgAADBLnMo1"><img style="width: 265px; height: 175px; " class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SEjzCQoKCEgAADBLnMo1/90160077.JPG?et=IQc8mMpvso18eii8IacJRw&nmid=0" border="0"></a>Just a quick update... Last week, I blogged about how God has been so faithful... that He truly is a God of miracles. (<a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/137/GOD_OF_MIRACLES">click here </a>for the blog) An hour ago, we just got back from the clinic to get an ultrasound. And... And... And... Unquestionably, the sonologist says that it's a BOY.  There's this thing that distinguishes boys from girls. Anyway, that's it.  So the Punzalan legacy continues. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  (Psalms 139:14) PS. Picture attached is Nathan's when he was 4 months old. PPS. Any suggestion for names? Some of the names that were brought up are Rafael (God who heals), Matthew, Brandon (feeling Amerikano)... and the weirdest that came up was SHAMONIX.  Don't know where that came from. http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/138/OUR_BABY_..._BOY_OR_GIRL Fri, 6 Jun 2008 08:09:28 -0000 GOD OF MIRACLES <img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SDovYwoKCEgAAGgF7bQ1/Picture%201.png?et=K42dgVX6R390%2C2W7xX1%2CVg&nmid=0" border="0">Almost 2 months ago, my wife (who is 4 months pregnant at that time) had an ultrasound of our baby.  The sonologist came back to us saying that <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SAvv-woKCEgAAGSkDEk1">they found 2 cysts in the baby's brain</a> (choroid plexus area).  I cannot begin to explain to you the horror of hearing the news.  Trying to put up a strong and faith-filled front for my wife and kids, I came back to God asking for strength.  Unbelief started to set in and before I knew it, I had been listing down the "what if's".  What if the baby has...  What if the baby's disability becomes... What if the baby doesn't... Can I be real honest?  It wasn't the easiest thing to go through.  But I was to preach a message that coming Sunday, the beginning of our <a href="http://victoryfort.org/component/option,com_resource/Itemid,27/task,get_audio/id,95/">LEAD</a> series at <a href="http://victoryfort.org">Victory Fort</a>.  Our one point was "MOVE IN FAITH, NOT IN FEAR!" (David and Goliath episode) God has a great sense of humor.  I like that about Him.  He was wanting to test run the message first to me before I even share ... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/137/GOD_OF_MIRACLES Mon, 26 May 2008 03:30:16 -0000 "BUT GOD... MOMENTS" <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/SDdofQoKCEgAAC61V7Q1"></a>God has been making our "Finding Jonah" series in <a href="http://victoryfort.org">Victory Fort</a> super fresh.  He's been giving lots of fresh insights.  Don't you just love the Word?  When you think you know all that there is to know about a particular subject in Scripture, God slaps you in the face with something new. <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SDdofQoKCEgAAC61V7Q1"></a><a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SDdpVgoKCEgAADhBekg1"><img style="width: 249px; height: 228px; " class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SDdpVgoKCEgAADhBekg1/But-God-Phil-pringle.jpg?et=sQ1KZvW9GkIFQXv6qYc3Ug&nmid=0&nmid=97529421" border="0"></a> This particular week, we are tackling Jonah chapter 2 that we've entitled "IN TOO DEEP".  Jonah is now in the belly of the fish.  God said 'Go', Jonah said 'No'.  Now he's in deep trouble.  Pardon the pun. We've said that the main character of the book is not the fish; neither is it Jonah, nor the people of Nineveh.  It is about a God who is in relentless pursuit of His people. Yes, God is in RELENTLESS pursuit of His people. Aren't you glad that God never gives up on us?  He didn't give up on Jonah and neither will He give up on us (unless we are the ones who gives up on Him). All this time, Jonah was in an endless downward spiral towards the deep. To the roo... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/136/BUT_GOD..._MOMENTS Sat, 24 May 2008 00:57:12 -0000 THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE I am so thankful for the stewardship God has given us as a church - to reach and train the next generation of world changers. <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SDdZxQoKCEgAACAUPMM1"><img style="width: 164px; height: 131px; " class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SDdZxQoKCEgAACAUPMM1/IMG_5065.jpg?et=7o7FFkCzYnsUVuGnXSPUcQ&nmid=0" border="0"></a> These past 2 weeks have been all about the next generation. - It started with <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/134/TRADING_PLACES">Vacation Bible Camp</a> in the <a href="http://joeybonifacio.multiply.com/journal/item/332/Deep_Inside_the_Philippine_Army">heart of the</a><a href="http://joeybonifacio.multiply.com/journal/item/332/Deep_Inside_the_Philippine_Army"> Philippine Army Camp</a>.  We saw<a href="http://joeybonifacio.multiply.com/journal/item/332/Deep_Inside_the_Philippine_Army"></a> children of Army Soldiers come and join us by learning God's Word and singing songs of worship to the King of All Kings, General of All Generals, President of All Presidents - JESUS. <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SDdcLgoKCEgAAEo8YsY1"><img style="width: 151px; height: 101px; " class="alignleft" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SDdcLgoKCEgAAEo8YsY1/DSC_2179.JPG?et=boJ55ZogA3lOJxMCI7n9FA&nmid=0" border="0"></a>- Then we had our Pre-teen Camp for 10-12 year olds we've dubbed as <a href="http://kcfort.multiply.com/photos/album/90/CAMP_EQUIP">Camp Equip</a> (click <a href="http://jodibess.multiply.com/">here</a> to see more photos).  It was an equipping time for the young ones.  We taught<a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SDdcRgoKCEgAAEk3XEE1"><img style="width: 121px; height: 181px; " class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SDdcRgoKCEgAAEk3XEE1/DSC_2164.JPG?et=%2CAp69oxjZl%2CZOVo25g%2C%2BzQ&nmid=0" border="0"></a> them how to share the Gospel using Evangelism Explosion, the Bridge and Wordless Book but using friendship bracelets.  Afterwhich, we went to Victory Los Banos where they shared the Gospel to some of the kids from Los Banos.  Several of the kids told me that this was their highlight.  It was interesting to hear that it wasn't the games, nor ... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/135/THINKING_ABOUT_THE_FUTURE Fri, 23 May 2008 23:39:46 -0000 JANINA'S MUSICAL RECITAL Allow me to be a proud daddy to my Princess. These were taken from Janina's Playshop Recital last Sunday, May 18 at AFP Theatre. She played the role of Cinderella. To watch excerpts from the musical entitled "Fairylandia", click on the links below. Reflection... <a href="http://janinavela.multiply.com/video/item/9/Reflection">http://janinavela.multiply.com/video/item/9/Reflection</a> In My Own Little Corner <a href="http://janinavela.multiply.com/video/item/11/In_My_Own_Little_Corner">http://janinavela.multiply.com/video/item/11/In_My_Own_Little_Corner</a> Everyday <a href="http://janinavela.multiply.com/video/item/10/Everyday">http://janinavela.multiply.com/video/item/10/Everyday</a> http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/album/65/JANINAS_MUSICAL_RECITAL Mon, 19 May 2008 15:11:49 -0000 TRADING PLACES I am just so pumped up about what God is doing these days through our <a href="http://victorykids.net">kids ministry</a> volunteers.  I just came back this morning from the Vacation Bible Camp we are doing with children of soliders and officers in the Philippine Army. I was so moved by the 70 plus volunteers that danced, sang, served, taught, loved the kids these past couple of days.  I realize the hours upon hours of hard work that was put into all these. Did I say I was pumped up?  Oh yeah...  Why?  Because we are literally touching this nation's future - future soldiers, colonels, generals and maybe even the next president of the Philippines. Too lofty a dream?  Why not?  Libre lang naman mangarap, di ba?  <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SCuj@AoKCEgAADb43Qs1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SCuj@AoKCEgAADb43Qs1/05142008200.jpg?et=VPDGE02rsMO6MEtc6DHSFA&nmid=&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161" border="0"></a> The Venue <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SCujwwoKCEgAADb63mo1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SCujwwoKCEgAADb63mo1/05142008196.jpg?et=LiXOlsukH3wl4uTZbrj1gQ&nmid=&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161" border="0"></a> The kids coming in the venue 1st day... <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SCukHAoKCEgAAD7kBeA1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SCukHAoKCEgAAD7kBeA1/05142008201.jpg?et=F%2CDTQFagffDtGsSqaiTKcQ&nmid=&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161" border="0"></a> Kenya booth... <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SCukRwoKCEgAAD8xDPA1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SCukRwoKCEgAAD8xDPA1/05142008202.jpg?et=p5%2CMWDgZt7l39AIgWOp4gg&nmid=&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161" border="0"></a> China booth... <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SCukqwoKCEgAAEmuLvY1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SCukqwoKCEgAAEmuLvY1/05142008205.jpg?et=KmWmT%2CUCNsdRrv972Pod3Q&nmid=&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161" border="0"></a> Mexico booth... <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SCukeQoKCEgAAEkfKmM1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SCukeQoKCEgAAEkfKmM1/05142008203.jpg?et=3gJhOdUZECvRZiFmrEvAdw&nmid=&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161" border="0"></a> Stop over... <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SCuk0QoKCEgAAFCRX7c1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SCuk0QoKCEgAAFCRX7c1/05142008206.jpg?et=oEhJ01mBfkP5KFXpQumrlQ&nmid=&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161" border="0"></a> The movers - Gepay, Crickette (our children's church director) and Ruth Hernandez.  You ladies are awesome! <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SCulUwoKCEgAAFyDBUM1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SCulUwoKCEgAAFyDBUM1/05142008212.jpg?et=gOCTh8JoU8SS%2C0e6WqTb%2Cw&nmid=&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161" border="0"></a> Lenny and Joy have been such jewels to the ministry. <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SCulBQoKCEgAAFZ4F1w1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SCulBQoKCEgAAFZ4F1w1/05142008210.jpg?et=WppmQpeI0u3XxQWSENmZkA&nmid=&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161&nmid=96098161" border="0"></a> Col. Felix'... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/134/TRADING_PLACES Thu, 15 May 2008 03:21:58 -0000 GOD DOESN'T LIKE OUR BUTS <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/SCrKxQoKCEgAADar47U1"><img style="width: 213px; height: 188px;" class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SCrKxQoKCEgAADar47U1/jonahrun.jpg?et=LdAZUIVtY5IkHsdN8RV2Gg&nmid=&nmid=96001580&nmid=96001580&nmid=96001580&nmid=96001580&nmid=96001580&nmid=96001580&nmid=96001580&nmid=96001580&nmid=96001580&nmid=96001580&nmid=96001580&nmid=96001580&nmid=96001580" border="0"></a>A couple of weeks back, I wrote a blog  - <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/130/WHEN_GOD_SAYS_NO...">"When God Says No..."</a> The question for me this week is "What if God Says Go...?" "But I don't feel like it..." "But it doesn't make sense..." "But you can't forgive just like that!!!..." "But...but...but..." We can come up with our 'buts'...  Some have big ones, some have negligable ones, while some have ones that stink.  However, our "buts" won't prevail.  He is sovereign. As we embark on our new series, "Finding Jonah", this week in many of our <a href="http://www.victory.org.ph">Victory</a> churches in the Metro, we are going to study the life of a runaway prophet who was called to speak to a group of people he didn't like (a grave understatement). While studying it, there were a couple of lessons I gathered... 1. You can run but you can't win. Jonah wanted to run away from what God wanted him to do.  He tried... very hard... like travelling 2500 miles the opposite direction, but ultimately God prevailed on him. It's virtually impossible to run from God.... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/132/GOD_DOESNT_LIKE_OUR_BUTS Wed, 14 May 2008 11:13:40 -0000 OUR FAVORITE PASSTIME THESE DAYS... This is our favorite passtime these days - biking around the village and going to Caltex's Star Mart to get ice cream and mocha freeze... summer time! I just love going around and biking with my kids! http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/album/64/OUR_FAVORITE_PASSTIME_THESE_DAYS... Fri, 9 May 2008 16:48:57 -0000 A COUPLE OF ROSES <img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SCOragoKCEgAAA4HJwo1/donitarose.jpg?et=LqoeZMYdv21ayClP0xny%2BQ&nmid=" border="0">I heard about the story of a new dad who was left with the baby all day while mom went shopping for some unmaternity clothes. When she returned she went to check on the baby. The smell was overpowering. She found the disposable diaper full and leaking. She was furious! She confronted her husband, "Didn't you bother to check the baby's diaper all day?" The new dad responded, "Well, the box says it's good for up to eight pounds!" This clearly explains why we need moms in the house. Because this Sunday is Mother's Day, we will celebrate it with a couple of roses. As we often do, we will honor moms by giving roses and pray for them - they are the modern heroes of today.  Joey Bautista of Mulatto will serenade the moms with a special song. Secondly, we will have a special message during the 5 and 7 pm <a href="http://www.victoryfort.org">Victory Fort</a> services from a mom who has lived out her faith both in the workplace and the homefront - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donita_Rose">Donita Rose Villarama.</a> See you this weekend!  Happy Mom's Day to all the moms... esp... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/131/A_COUPLE_OF_ROSES Fri, 9 May 2008 01:43:01 -0000 SUMMER ACTIVITIES Jenn and I have been very busy this summer... with our kids' activities. Ah the life of a parent. : ) Nathan - tennis and piano Janina - children's musical theatre and piano Ryan - basketball clinic Nathan and Janina had their piano recital last Sunday and they were excellent. We were so proud of them. Janina played "In May" (Behr) and "Fairies Harp" (Thompson.) Nathan played "Sonatina" (Clementi), "Symphony No. 5" (Beethoven) and "Fur Elise" (Beethoven). Ryan finished his series of basketball clinics. He is loving basketball. Janina got the lead for her recital in Playshop as Cinderella. We are so excited to see her perform on May 18, 3 pm at AFP http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/album/62/SUMMER_ACTIVITIES Mon, 5 May 2008 14:58:31 -0000 WHEN GOD SAYS 'NO'... <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/SBfegQoKCEgAAAYZGPU1"><img style="width: 234px; height: 236px;" class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SBfegQoKCEgAAAYZGPU1/AYP0772402_Veer.JPG?et=4SKecYEsnbH%2BLIPDMgYWog&nmid=&nmid=93637165&nmid=93637165&nmid=93637165&nmid=93637165&nmid=93637165&nmid=93637165&nmid=93637165" border="0"></a>Our current series at <a href="http://victoryfort.org">Victory Fort</a> entitled "LEAD" has simply been revolutionary. We have been learning leadership lessons from the life of David. We've looked at David and Goliath, David and Saul, and David and Nathan. These would be available in <a href="http://victoryfort.org/component/option,com_resource/Itemid,27/task,get_audio/id,95/">podcast</a> version in our website. This coming Sunday, we'll gather lessons from David and Solomon. David wanted to build a temple for God. His intentions were absolutely noble. “Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” (2 Samuel 7:2) While it was such a good idea, God sends Nathan to tell David that it wasn't His plan for him to build it but his son, Solomon will. A few lessons I got from this story: 1. When God says 'no', it's not a rejection but a redirection. David wanted to build God's house but God said 'no'. He had noble intentions and it wasn't for his own glory but still, God said 'no'. When God tells you 'no', that only means he is redirecting you to something bigger and better. ... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/130/WHEN_GOD_SAYS_NO... Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:34:17 -0000 MOSAIC THINKERS While my eldest son, Nathan who is 12 years old, was studying for an exam, my wife approaches me with a question. "Will you let your son do what he's doing?" Suddenly, he is no longer 'our' son but 'my' son. I went in to check what he was doing. While reading his notes, he had his iPod in his ears while eating chips and lying on the bed. I told Jenn that let's see that if he passes his exams, then it should be just fine. The millenial generation today are MOSAIC. Mosay - what? Yes, mosaic. click link to read http://punzalan.multiply.com/links/item/31/MOSAIC_THINKERS Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:43:49 -0000 One of my Favorite Bands This was taken this morning during our Kids Church service. I love it when i see the next generation step up to serve God. That's what we're all about... to see the next generation of world changers fulfill their purpose and destiny in God. Kudos to Diane who volunteers as our worship coordinator. Great job! Also to Rich and Alfred, thanks. http://punzalan.multiply.com/video/item/27/One_of_my_Favorite_Bands Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:15:26 -0000 CAMP, CHURCH AND BABY <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/SAvv-woKCEgAAGSkDEk1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SAvv-woKCEgAAGSkDEk1/baby%20ultrasound.jpg?et=SaA5QetrFZraWgwI%2CF6WeQ&nmid=&nmid=92165138&nmid=92165138&nmid=92165138" border="0"></a>Last weekend was a blast. 1. We had our annual "Me and My Dad Camp". We had about 130 dads that came plus their kids. One dad brought 4 of his kids. He has become my hero since. We did fun and crazy stuff from making our own kites, war games, egg relay, sack race, tug o' war, roasting marshmallows/hotdogs... For pics, click <a href="http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/album/61/ME_AND_MY_DAD_CAMP_08">here</a>. It was awesome to see dads not only bond but take time to pray and connect with their kids. My daughter, <a href="http://janinavela.multiply.com">Janina</a>, said that she saw her friend in tears when dads took time to pray for their kids. I asked her why. She said that her friend was simply touched by the moment of prayer (dads and kids). I know that memories that were built will definitely last a lifetime. Kudos to Jeremir Dolores, Jeff Eliscupides, Alfred Albarracin, Lel Jingco, Jojo Mangilad, Dodie Garcia, Jeff Pickrell for making all these possible. Thank you to Weena for doing a lot of the behind the scenes prep. 2. Seeing our teachers (Glen Quizon, Jimson Uy and Norvic Cheng) rise up to pr... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/129/CAMP_CHURCH_AND_BABY Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:20:05 -0000 ME AND MY DAD CAMP 08 Pictures with Janina and friends in our recent Me and My Dad Camp 2008. Personal Highlights 1. Time with my girl. 2. Cool weather at night 3. Making home made kite (in flight for barely 5 sec) 4. Roasting hot dogs with Janina 5. Dads praying with their son/daughter... made my eyes sweat. 6. Rob ministering to the kids (bro you can be a kids' pastor) 7. Sonny O. sharing powerful principles re mentoring our children. 8. The Sierra Padre Fried Rice by Jeremy Tan 9. Sirloin steak for lunch. 10. Hugs from my girl. http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/album/61/ME_AND_MY_DAD_CAMP_08 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:23:01 -0000 I'M EXCITED! <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/SAcQbQoKCEgAADjnb741"><img style="width: 171px; height: 257px;" class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SAcQbQoKCEgAADjnb741/Makati_church_Me_And_My_Dad.jpg?et=Aaml7dDYyijbTY20fWZHlg&nmid=&nmid=91606089&nmid=91606089" border="0"></a>We are going to have about 300 people (dads and kids) in our <a href="http://victorykids.net/assets/flash/slideroll/MeAndMyDad2007/index.html">Me and My Dad camp</a> this coming weekend.  It's always been a fun and refreshing time.  We've been doing this kind of camp for the past 7 years.  We will see new science projects as dads 'try' to cook meals for their kids. Last year, we had a cool treat (aerobatics show) for the kids and dads. This year, we'll have another simple but nice one.  What is it?  Secret...  I just know that it will be a blast. Watch out for a barrage of pics in the next few days from dads and kids who will go to the camp. If you want a sneak peak of what "Me and My Dad Camp" is, click <a href="http://victorykids.net/index.php?id=19">here</a> to see the video of last year's camp. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers...  Malachi 4:6 http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/128/IM_EXCITED Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:59:11 -0000 TURNING A DISADVANTAGE TO AN ADVANTAGE <img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SALKhgoKCEgAAF5WoGw1/disad.jpg?et=x50ovHkfr3wLUUzUZAIiPA&nmid=" border="0">You can turn a disadvantage to an advantage for the glory of God. I was listening to a podcast this morning and I heard story about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Young_Simpson">Dr. James Simpson</a> (no relation to Bart), a Scottish who discovered the anasthetic properties of chloroform.  A fascinating man who entered university at age 14 and became a professor of medicine in his 20's. While performing countless surgeries, he has witnessed the agony and anguish of men and women during the operation, especially the mothers giving birth to children.  He decided to do something about it.  So he discovered the use of chloroform to be able to perform painless surgery and birth giving.  The first time he was able to use this new discovery to a woman who had all types of complications yet painlessly deliver a baby was so overwhelmed with gratitude, she named her daughter ANESTHESIA. You and I can face surgery today because one man saw a disadvantage and turned it to an advantage. And more than this, in his biography, he g... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/127/TURNING_A_DISADVANTAGE_TO_AN_ADVANTAGE Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:04:54 -0000 STEPPING STONE <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/R@4SEAoKCEgAAGcI2ck1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.punzalan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R@4SEAoKCEgAAGcI2ck1/DVP4912760_Veer.JPG?et=p%2C%2CNp18etOdXKvsrEur5pQ&nmid=&nmid=88579344&nmid=88579344" border="0"></a>I was in a children's party one Saturday and an old friend asked me what I was busy with lately.  I told him that I was involved in training the next generation of world changers. "Oh, you're still in Kids Ministry?  You've been doing that for years!" He said it in a tone that communicated, "You're still there?  When will you go up the 'church ladder?'" I went home from that party thinking about that particular conversation.  But as I thought about it more, it only emphasized that that was NOT how I viewed things. Kids Ministry is not a stepping stone to a 'higher' position so that I can become a youth pastor, then an associate pastor, then a senior associate pastor, then a senior pastor, then bishop and then popehood (or however church hierarchy works)... That's why I've told our leaders much too often, "If God calls me to do something else, I'm open.  But if this is what God calls me to do for the rest of my life, I'll die with a grin on my face." Recently, some... http://punzalan.multiply.com/journal/item/126/STEPPING_STONE Sat, 29 Mar 2008 09:51:56 -0000 BAGUIO? YES, BAGUIO... Yes, I know... why go on a Holy Week when half of Manila is in Baguio while the other half is in Bora... Oh well, that's the life of a Dad... sucker for "thank you daddy. I had a great time in Baguio!" Baguio vacation 2008. For the sake of the kids... With Guttierezes, Patrick, Owie, Rouel, http://punzalan.multiply.com/photos/album/58/BAGUIO_YES_BAGUIO... Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:36:41 -0000