Celebrating 110 Years of the Iglesia ni Cristo

Today, July 20, 2024, at The Forest Hills locale, our mid-year Thanksgiving service celebrates the extraordinary journey of this church from the Philippines. It is a momentous occasion that is being observed by fellow members worldwide. Coinciding with the break of the First World War on July 27, 2014, Brother Felix Manalo registered the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) with the Philippine government in Punta, Santa Ana, Manila,

This is the INC’s 110^th anniversary. From its humble beginnings in a tiny nipa hut, the Church's exponential growth is evident in its glorious and magnificent houses of worship in over 166 countries. This is a testament to the promise of the Almighty God to watch over His people. The Church's expansion to foreign shores and the inclusion of non-Filipinos in its burgeoning membership defied all odds and surpassed all expectations.

Throughout the years, I felt God's love as I navigated life's challenges. Even through the darkest times, I did not feel alone. Life could have been easier if I had not had to stay true to my faith, but instead, my life is so much richer with spiritual blessings. Yes, we only live once, so why not make it worthwhile, not with fleeting pleasures, but with the assurance of eternal life?

The Lord Almighty saved me on that fateful day, Sept. 11, 2001, and He has guided me to stay on the straight road, no matter what. 

I am privileged to be a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo. My favorite hymn reminds me of this. He has never failed to care for me and provide for my every need.  I am blessed; truly, I am blessed. 

Rising from the Far East

https://incmedia.org/rising-from-the-far-east/

 

Centennial

https://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-centennial.html

Happiness is...

 

"The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything they have." - Karen S.Magee

It goes without saying that our family and friends are dearest to us. We are happiest in the presence of our loved ones. But as this COVID-19 year (thankfully) careens down to its end, there are a lot more things, both big and small that fill our hearts and keep us sane. I started to keep a gratitude journal to reduce my stress, to fight off depression. I felt that maintaining the right emotional balance and seeking my joy-triggers would lower my cortisol hormones. I count myself blessed because I find happiness in the simple things, no need for grandiose and material possessions to keep me happy.

December 19, 2020

HAPPINESS is basking in spiritual blessings during our Year-end Thanksgiving worship service. The Church of Christ Year-end Thanksgiving service is on Webex. We have been doing virtual worship services for several months now. But despite the circumstances, challenges, and adversities, it is gratifying to see that the work of the church forges on. I am thankful no matter what. Happiness is knowing that I do not walk alone and that God is always with me.

December 17

HAPPINESS is getting my COVID-19 vaccine today. Finally, the Pfizer vaccine is here. I have been waiting for this. Now that we’re on the Second Wave of this horrific pandemic, I am confident that we have what it takes to fight back with a vengeance. I am joyful that this is the beginning of the end of this disease that has gripped us in a chokehold for so many months. The healthcare workers went through a heart-wrenching period, of personal losses, profound sadness, fears, and anxieties that continue to haunt us to this day. But now there is hope. I must confess that I was teary-eyed because I could see the light at the end of the long tunnel. The vaccine is a game-changer. This will allow all of mankind to get back to the new normal. Thank you to the scientists and the volunteer research subjects; they are heroes themselves. When I told my son that I was vaccinated, he echoed the same sentiment, RELIEF. He was relieved for me.

Happiness is hoping that maybe, a few months later, I will be able to travel and hug my mom again.  #Let'sBeatCOVID19 #Havefaithinthescience

December 16

HAPPINESS is that first snowfall day of the year. There is something magical, and cleansing with the fresh-fallen snow. In this Covid year, I can almost fantasize that the snowflakes will neutralize the evil of this coronavirus. The world was blanketed in pristine white, the howling winds had died down, and the world was quiet and serene. There is a sense of wonderment at the beautiful picture that one can forget that the next day will yield to slush and ice. That first snowfall day is for young ones and the young-at-heart (like me).

I always remember my first snow ever on Roosevelt Island in my first year in the United States.  As I waited at the bus stop, my heart fluttered in excitement as the white fluffy crystals came down from the sky. I raised my face up to the heavens up above, uttered a simple "Thank you" to God, opened my mouth, and caught the snowflakes on my tongue. 

Happiness is plopping down on the virgin snow and doing snow angels, even as your dog wonders if you lost your mind. This picture was with our dear departed Brownie. I need to get one picture with Boomer.

November 15

HAPPINESS is... finally getting my Fall photo shoot in Astoria Park. I did not get the full vibrant foliage that I was hoping for, but at least the red, orange, and yellow leaves are on the ground, with the trees barely and defiantly holding on to their leaves despite the winds. 

Fall is absolutely my favorite season. The  Autumn colors and the crisp air bring a sense of calm and relaxation, even a sprinkle of magic with the change of seasons. I love how the chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins reveal the true colors of the leaves. Against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, the bright hues just fill me with such joy that one can (almost) forget the bad things that happened in 2020.  I love the sweater weather, partly because it covers the body's imperfections. 

My fascination with autumn started many years ago as a young nurse at Coler Hospital in Roosevelt Island, I used to marvel at the glorious beauty around me, even as I skipped merrily on the ground covered with carpets of leaves. The Fall foliage reigned supreme with its riot of color that framed the hospital building like a Monet. Nature in majestic splendor. Albert Camus said, "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower".  Because I lost out on a colorful photoshoot, I resolve to do better next year, and plan my autumn vacation in Vermont or anywhere before winter claims the colors away.

Oct. 25

HAPPINESS is the unexpected but joyful discovery of a Barnes and Noble Store across my doctor's office yesterday. I could not pass by a bookstore without going in to smell the books. I am a self-confessed Bibliophile. I adore the written words that make me feel and imagine. I would happily spend all my time reading. I was like a kid in a candy store. The dilemma is: what would I start reading first?

September 2

HAPPINESS is indulging in exquisitely presented and overwhelmingly delicious food that I do not have to cook myself. Outdoor dining is actually cool and convenient. I am hopeless in the kitchen, but I have a healthy appreciation for all kinds of cuisine, as long as I don't have to chop, mince, and stir over the hot stove. Foodgasm. Disclaimer: I did not finish my portions in one sitting; I always have leftovers. Promise.

July 25

HAPPINESS is those simple joys that come cheap. Who says you cannot enjoy the flowers from somebody's garden? We were considering dining out but the air was hot and muggy on one July afternoon. We opted for enjoying Crepe with Nutella, strawberry, and banana in air-conditioned comfort in my Honda Pilot with my son and sister as we people-watched in Astoria. 

One more thing to read:   Happiness Project

Gretchen Rubin is a writer who relentlessly explores human nature to understand how we can make our lives better. She states, "I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for becoming happier, healthier, more productive, or more creative; when we know ourselves and what works for us, we can change our habits and our lives. Through my bestselling books (The Happiness Project, Happier at Home, Better Than Before, The Four Tendencies, Outer Order, Inner Calm), my award-winning podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, my video courses, and my app Better, I share insights, strategies, stories, and tips that help people understand themselves and create a happier life."

Grateful for 2019 and Excited for 2020

The year 2020 is almost upon us. Onward to a new decade. On this last day of 2019, I looked back to the year that was and made a checklist of my accomplishments, risks and opportunities, and my goals for the coming year. These reflections had grounded me and put into perspective the year that was. If I have to describe my 2019 in three words, it would be: Blessings, resilience, and inspiration.

I feel an overwhelming gratitude for the inner peace of having lived a full life, with no regrets and with thankfulness for all the good things in my life. It was not a dull year for sure, there were a few challenges along the way but they were nothing I have not survived before. I am more resilient than ever, mostly because I appreciate the little things that matter the most. There were more gifts than I deserve.

I AM GRATEFUL…

For being a member of the Church of Christ.
For the gift of life. For spiritual blessings. I am thankful for the exponential growth of the church and I stand proud of its accomplishments amidst the apathy of non-believers. As I deeply meditate, I am humbled for the Almighty God’s spiritual guidance. When you feel God’s presence in your life, nothing else matters.

“O, my Father, I now deeply meditate
On the blessings You give day to day
Truly, you have never failed to care for me.
And You provide my every need.”


For my family.
I am grateful for the chance to see my family again in the Philippines. With my son Jordan and sister Bheng, we had a grand reunion that saw relatives coming from near and far. When the elders in the family sat down for posterity photo, I was awed by the richness of their lives, not because of their material blessings but because of the influence and inspiration that they gave to the younger generation.

I am grateful to hug my mother again. All other things fade behind the complete joy of embracing my 88 year old mom. I hugged my mother close and often, to feel her fierce embrace and to smell her sweet scent; my remembrance until I see her again.


For my work.
There are many challenges in working in such a fast-paced and high-stressed environment but I am thankful for the staff that I have. Such hard-working nursing leaders who only want the best for their department and for the staff who continue to save and touch people’s lives every day.

I am proud to be an ED nurse, albeit not in the frontline role but still able to make a difference. ED nurses make a difference every day. We had a Great catch- One of the nurses thought that a pt who came s/p seizure from the street was an unreliable historian. The 61 y/o pt was disoriented. She looked the pt up in Crime Stoppers and saw that the pt was listed as missing since March. She called NYPD and pt was reunited with son.

Then, a patient came to say Thank You to the ED staff for another chance at life. The 51y/o patient came in on Dec. 25 with syncope then had Cardiac arrest in the ED. Pt was resuscitated and sent to Cath Lab then CCU. That pt was discharged today. He received a dual chamber internal cardiac defibrillator as secondary precaution. He and his family came down to the ED to thank the staff for saving his life. His wife was in tears as she thanked the nurses and doctors.


I am thankful…
For the opportunities that came my way; for being able to spread my wings even out of my comfort zone.
For the places that I have vacationed at; for the warm breeze and white sands, for ancient houses , and for that touching play about the heroes of my native land.
For the warm heart that forgives and understands.
For a mind that continues to be excited for knowledge beyond my horizon and for new skills to be conquered.
For the music and books that soothe my soul.
For friends who remained so despite my busy schedule. That's what friends are for, isn't it?
For the inspiration to become a better person. For gaining strength on the strength of others.
For paying it forward whenever and as often as I could.
For the chance to put words on paper; for finding a channel to fulfill my love of writing; my blogs.
For my son and my family. They will always be my reason for being.


I brought back the New Year’s resolutions that I had in 2014. I think that these are more relevant than the trite resolutions of diets and exercise that everybody else have.
MY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS:
1. Choose the people who whisper things in my ear. I choose to surround myself with friends who are trustworthy and with co-workers with no hidden agenda or crab mentality. I will treasure friends, near and far, who grace my life with their presence.
2. Look for things that inspire, and uplift. Life is too short to waste on inconsequential people. I will draw my strength from those who give positive energy and inspiration, despite all odds.
3. Go for it. Live life with great appreciation for the gift of living and be not afraid to explore where else life can take you.


Happy New Year to one and all !!!

The Centennial

It gives me special joy to proclaim my faith for all the world to hear. After all, it has been 100 years since the Iglesia ni Cristo, or Church of Christ, was founded in the Philippines. From its humble beginnings, the Church has risen in stature and size. Today, on our Centennial celebration, the INC has established magnificent houses of worship in more than 100 countries all over the world.

On July 27, 1914, Bro. Felix Manalo registered the Iglesia ni Cristo in the Philippines and, with his ministers, propagated the gospel and brought the church to its glory and splendor. One hundred years later, on July 27, 2014, the Church held its centennial celebration in the much-acclaimed Philippine Arena. The 55,000-seater edifice was hailed as the largest domed indoor arena in the world. It is a proud testament to the incredible growth of the church in these last days and serves as God's benevolent nod to the dedication of the members.

On the other side of the world, the wondrous excitement of the brethren who attended the activities in Ciudad de Victoria was thankfully captured via internet link-up. The live-streaming of the worship service was seen all over the world, with brethren wishing they were inside the Philippine Arena.

The most special moment for me was when Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo raised his hands to exhort the members to continue the fight and persevere against all odds. It was just what I needed to fortify me during moments of weakness and sadness. That was a defining moment that will stay in my heart forever. The message was clear... the rousing prayer was inspiring.

I remembered my friend Norma, who stayed patient with my insolent questions as I grappled with a tumultuous shift in my long-held beliefs. She paved the way in 1979, when I could no longer ignore the truth.

I thought of my brothers Cesar and Allan, who were my persecutors, and then, when they were called into the fold, they turned out to be even more devoted than me.

All the stories of faith around me filled me with pride. The OFWs who stayed strong through the pangs of loneliness were one in faith with the poor brethren in the slums of Manila. The hundred-strong choir members were united in thoughts with the surviving brethren of typhoon Yolanda. The elder members of the Church shared their joy with the youngest believers.

As the brothers and sisters raised their miniature flags from around the world, we greeted one another with “Happy Centennial.” The sea of humanity roared in exultation.

I am in unity with my brethren all over the world. One God. One Church. One faith.

Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
- King James Bible "Authorized Version," Cambridge Edition



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