Editor’s Page From My Heart
To Start a Relationship with Christ
Dear Readers, Last year, we, in the Philippines had a devastating experience when typhoon Yolanda swept over the Visayas. It was sad and frightening but amidst the angry typhoon, one of our editors, Kim Snider, witnessed first-hand the bravery of Filipino women who calmly prayed and praised God during the typhoon. They entrusted their lives and those of their loved ones to the One who is able to protect us. Kim writes about her typhoon experience in this issue. Additionally, there’s a story of a mom who went against all odds in raising her children, and finally, a story of a mom who had changed her lifestyle when her husband became sick. These women did the right thing and have kept their family strong. Our theme this year is Proverbs 31:10-31. Every quarter, we will write about the various qualities women of noble character possess—Courage, Financial wisdom, Character, and Compassion. Yes, we go through challenges and we experience what seems like a hopeless situation but when we let God empower us and help us out of every trial, we are energized, and we become SuperMoms! Happy New Year! Evelyn Damian, Editor ASIA PACIFIC
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Admit you have sinned. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Believe in Jesus. “For God so loved the world that
He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish; but have eternal life.” John 3:16b
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onfess and leave your sin behind. Stop sinning. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 To continue growing in your relationship with Christ, fellowship with other believers, read the Bible and pray!
We need a little help from our friends... MOMS has no subscription price; it is supported completely through contributions. We distribute 58,000 copies each quarter for free. To help support this publication, send cash or check made payable to: Asia Pacific Media Ministries FAO MOMS. To make a direct deposit, use our BPI, C/A #2431-0042-27. All contributions are used entirely for the outreach of this publication. Thank you!
Photo by Don David MOMS Editorial Staff (L-R): Johnson, Evelyn, Kim & Patrick
MOMS EDITORIAL STAFF Chief Editor Kimberly Snider Editor, MOMS Evelyn Damian Editor, MIP Alvin Tud Distribution Johnson Li Cover & Layout Patrick Tan
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MOMS/MIP Creative Team 2014: Top row (L-R): Nathan, Joshua, Jesse, Revo. Second row: Jeanne, A.M., Rikka, Grace, Baby. Not in the picture: Hazel and Gem.
Published quarterly by Asia Pacific Media Ministries Unit 2608 Raffles Corporate Center, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, 1605 Pasig City, Philippines Telephone: 914-9767 E-mail: moms@apmedia.org Reproduction of photos and articles is prohibited without permission.
Mind & Spirit
What Everyday Heroines are Made Of by Hazel A.B. Javier
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very woman wants to be a heroine in a grand story, like in the novels we read or the teleseryes we watch. Our story doesn’t have to be a great adventure; it just needs to be something that makes us feel worthy. The Bible summarizes the everyday heroine in Proverbs 31:30, “Fair looks are a deceit, and a beautiful form is of no value; but a woman who has the fear of the Lord is to be praised.” What qualities truly make a woman deserve acclaim? • Hardworking and Strong (vv. 13-14, 16-17, 19, 22, 27). The everyday challenge for working moms, stay-at-home moms, and single moms alike is multi-tasking: preparing meals for your children, commuting to the office, doing the laundry, etc. It’s not by luck or chance that goals are met; it is as a famous idiom says, with sweat and blood, and if I may add with a lot of hardwork! • Giving and Never Lacking (vv. 11, 15, 20). Heroines are generous with their talents, resources, time, effort. Decide to look beyond your own needs and understand that your neighbours and workmates are also in need. Maybe if you have prepared a pot-full of adobo, you can drop by a neighbor who has just moved into the next-door apartment and offer that extra bowl of adobo. Remember, God is (and will be) firstly the Giver of all and Great Provider. • Confident and positive (vv. 18, 21, 25). Heroines have an “overcomer” outlook in life. When we have problems, we have to choose not to be depressed. In sickness, we need to believe in healing. Face each morning with thoughts like “the best is yet to come!”
mothers, we need to be able to guide our children daily using the Word of God as our basis of truth. With God’s wisdom, we can help our husbands make tough decisions by praying.
• Wise and God-fearing (vv. 24, 26, 30). It also says in Proverbs that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. As
One may ask if this is humanly possible. The answer is yes, with God’s help, of course.
Real Beauty by Baby B. Padasas
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any women today put their confidence in their physical appearance and as they age, they tend to become more insecure. Some even resort to aesthetic and cosmetic surgery, which in the truest sense is temporary. One of the hottest issues of 2013 has been the honest revelation of insecurity by a 26-year old top model of the world, Cameron Russell, who said that models are the most physically insecure women on the whole planet. If this is the case, even for super models, how then is real beauty defined and achieved? Real beauty transcends sensory perception and is from the inside. Helen Keller, a deaf and blind poetess, credited this quotation to her teacher, Anne Sullivan, who distinctly described what beauty was by saying, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched – they must be felt with the heart.” This brings us to Proverbs 31:30 which re-inforces the truth of a real beauty being intangible. It says, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
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Make a Difference My Mom is—Out of The Box! by Grace Felizardo
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rene Jo Arzadon shares her special relationship with her mother, Ched Estigoy Arzadon. Ched is an assistant professor at the College of Education at UP Diliman, and has assisted in making Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTBMLE) a component of the K-12 which is being implemented nationwide. Irene, what makes you say your mom is “out of the box?” First of all, we had a unique educational experience. We were home schooled for quite some time. She allowed us to study what we wanted to study. If we wanted to go to the zoo, or the museum, she would take us. Or if we wanted to ride our bicycles or play with friends, she would allow us to do that. That was how we were brought up. We have a joke about her. Because she was not constrained with a certain curriculum, nor did she follow the norms of society, she was called kunsintidor na nanay. When my parents decided it was time for us to enter formal school, we were required by DepEd to take up an advance placement test to know if we were ready for the grade level we’re supposed to get into. When the results came out, our levels were higher than the other kids our age. Secondly, mom was willing to give up some material things to keep harmony in the home. When we were young, my brother Cocoy and I used to fight almost every day over the computer or which TV channel to watch. One day, mom got so angry that she cut the power cable of the television! Your mom’s educational approach was unusual. How does she treat her relatives and friends? Mom is so good at communication. She’s the kind of person that you can ask advice from when you have a problem with your husband, family, or kids. She recommends what is practical and the right
thing to do. She is the eldest in her family. She is the one her siblings run to. But she has a tendency to be straightforward. She’s the kind of person who sometimes tells you what you do not want to hear, but you have to listen nonetheless, because deep inside, you know that she’s right. So your mom is a good communicator and friend. What about her role as wife? I feel that my parents are soul mates, that they’re meant for each other. Corny, (laughs) but it’s true. They complement each other. She challenges Dad to excel. They don’t run out of things to talk about. Mommy is very loving, very sweet. I was told that when Mom was single, she appeared tough. It was hard for her to get “kilig.” But with Dad, she’s cheesy and clingy. She’ll call Dad just to say “I miss you!” Or, when she wants to go out with Dad, she forbids us to tag along. Sometimes she brings her work to Dad’s office so they can have lunch together. I can’t imagine myself being cheesy when I have a husband. I’d go “kadiri”! But she says, “When you’re in love, you’ll be like this.” Has there been a difficult time in your family? How did your mom cope?
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We were in Bicol when Supertyphoon Reming hit. Even though my mom was traumatized she attended to our needs first. She encouraged us to draw or write about our experience when we were too traumatized to talk to our parents. When we moved to Manila, she made sure that we saw a therapist. Mommy has done a lot of things. I feel blessed whenever I meet people who tell me that my mom has inspired them to accomplish things. I feel so proud. I always say, “That’s my Mom!”
Make a Difference Superwomen Vs. Yolanda: A true story of courage by Kimberly Snider
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ave you ever asked yourself, “What would I do if I faced death or destruction? How would I act?” Amongst all the negative reports surfacing from the storm, the reports of looting, desperation, and tears, stories of great courage have emerged. And this is one I have to tell. The following scene is etched on my mind forever. The large room was lit only by feeble light waving in through the sheets of rain which assaulted the windows and doorway. The insulation from the roof drifted down like a sort of tropical snow and settled on the shoulders of the three hundred women inside. And of course, there was the noise, the noise of iron roof sheeting banging like a percussion band on overload. Yolanda had arrived. Here I was in Roxas in Capiz on the Island of Panay, a speaker at the Women’s Radiance Conference sponsored by F.A.R.M. (First Assembly of God Roxas Mission). Women from all over the Philippines, Australia, and the United States had gathered to celebrate, fellowship and worship. The event had been planned for months; women arrived early, women were still drifting in on the last day. In short, there was no way to cancel the long awaited Radiance Conference. We had optimistically hoped the typhoon might dissolve, or reverse its path as many did every year—after all, Roxas had not had a direct hit since 1988—but it did not. When the storm finally arrived it was angry. It blasted the church where the conference was held with all the force of 200 mile per hour winds, slanting knives of water, and the roar of unleashed ecological fury. So the question remains—what happened inside the church? How did Filipino women, away from their families and homes, face down Yolanda, the mightiest typhoon in history? How did they face possible death and certain destruction? They faced it standing on their feet, with peace, with confidence, worshiping God. It was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I had been the first speaker that morning, calmly introduced by Rev. Zenaida Calusay the conference director. By 8:30 I was halfway through my message and the winds were picking up. I kept expecting to be told to sit down but no one moved. Everyone listened to the message. By the time the second speaker, Rev. Helen Bates, came to the podium, the symphony of sound had picked up, the rain was harder but again everyone sat attentively in their chairs and listened. Rev. Zenaida sat in the first row. She kept a smile on her face and a relaxed attitude. She exemplified confidence. I took courage and copied her, as did everyone else. Finally, another speaker, Josie Co began to speak. Her message was cadenced with drama and stories. As the storm strengthened and got louder, so did the drama of her message. I kept wondering when panic and terror would set in. It never did. As the typhoon approached its apex, Rev. Zenaida requested the ladies to stand and together we worshiped the Creator, the Almighty, the Lord of the Wind and Storm, the Heavenly Father. We prayed for our families, our loved ones. At last, it became too dangerous to stay in the sanctuary. Women adjourned to smaller rooms, pressed against walls, texting loved ones, praying in small groups for the safety of their loved ones and their homes. Before we left the church that day, some still had no knowledge of their relatives; some had already lost their homes. But… nobody panicked. Nobody cursed God for the storm. We all knew that the peace that was in our hearts came as a gift of God and that He had held the walls of shelter up with His own hands. So what do Filipino women do when faced with death and destruction? They face it with grace and with courage. And, when we are tempted to believe that there is no hope for the Philippines we need to remember the courage of these women, who like other brave Filipinas face the future with hope. Appropriately, the theme of the Radiance Conference was Psalm 34:5: “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”
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Body & Soul Dance Your Way to a Healthy You! by Maria Rikka M. Ocena
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’m not a good dancer. So when some of the women in our church invited me one Saturday morning to a Zumba session at a village park, I hesitated but went anyway to give it a try. After a few stretches and short runs around the oval, loud dance music signaled that the session was about to begin. My eyes grew wide as women started to gather. There were young ladies, mothers, and even senior citizens. Everyone was dancing to the tune, not minding the stiffness of their body, as long as they were lifting their arms, and stretching their legs. Dancing is one of the best ways to stay fit for people of different ages. According to Better Health Channel, Australia, one of the benefits of dancing is improving hearts and lungs. It also increases muscular strength, assists in weight management, and aids in making our bones stronger, therefore reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Different dance styles can be used for exercise. Jazz is a highenergy dance which includes high kicks, leaps, and turns. Ballet is a classical dance focusing on strength, technique, and flexibility. Others have found ballroom dancing enjoyable especially for the “once young” since they are more familiar with swing, waltz, rumba and tango movements. However, vigorous and intensive steps have a high injury risk for bones, muscles, and tendons. Dance Instructor, Paul F. Clifford, suggests that you consult your doctor first if you have not exercised regularly for a long time, are overweight, and are over 40 years old. (Clifford, P.F (2000), Preventing Dance Injuries) It is helpful to choose the dance style that you will enjoy or try one that you think you can work on. There are several places you can begin dancing, like enrolling in a dance class, in a community hall or even at the comfort of your own home. Most fitness centers are now offering dance for their group exercise sessions. You may be surprised that one of the perks of enlisting at the women’s group in your neighborhood is getting a free dance work-out every morning. It’s a challenge to see women finding time to exercise even in their busy schedule. Mothers need strong arms to carry a child and to do the laundry. Sturdy legs are necessary to run around the house to finish some errands before heading to the office. Incorporate dance into your daily routine, swing to the music while washing the dishes, or dangle to the tune while sweeping the floor and you’ll find yourself dancing to a healthy you!
Tuna Cucumber Boat Salad by Rikka Ocena Ingredients: • Canned tuna • 2 cucumbers, medium size • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise • 2 gloves minced garlic • 1 small chopped onion • Salt and pepper
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Procedure: • Drain the canned tuna and place the meat in a mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix all these ingredients and set aside. • Wash the cucumber and cut lengthwise. Remove the seeds. Peel off the bottom part of the cucumber to even it out. • Top the cucumber with the tuna mixture. Serve and enjoy! *Recipe from NewsTV’s 2-Minute Cooking Wonder by Chef Rosebud
Love & Money
The Right Attitude by AM Bernal-dela Rosa
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n the traditional husband-wife fiscal roles, the husband is the provider, usually the one working outside the home, while the wife is the nurturer, staying at home to keep house and take care of the children. Such was also the culture in Biblical times, as the Apostle Paul encouraged the women to be busy at home (Titus 2:5). But over two thousand years have passed since then and women are now thriving in careers of their own; a large percentage of Filipino wives are working outside their homes. The latest Labor Force Survey in the Philippines indicates that almost half of the female population (about 14.2 million) are in the workforce. Some wives have become so successful that they are the primary provider in the family. As we know, working wives or not, the Biblical design is for wives to submit to their husbands. (Ephesians 5) Inspirational speaker, Lane Jordan affirms the role of the wife in her book 12 Steps to Becoming a More Organized Woman, which is entirely based on Proverbs 31. She says, “Women today, whether at work inside or outside the home, should still be accountable to take care of their homes and families.” How can a wife submit to her husband when she puts the food on the table? Can she still have time to do the chores and play with the children when she goes home? How can she affirm her husband when they have switched roles? A couple I know answers these questions. Rowena and Patrick Francisco had not been married long when Patrick was diagnosed with a heart problem. He was forced to leave his graveyard shift job as a donor relations specialist in a non-profit organization. Rowena was then a practicing Civil Engineer in a government agency. Even though the situation was difficult, Rowena accepted the fact that she would become the sole provider for the family. There were major adjustments to make. Rowena said, “Patrick came up with creative small businesses to augment our income but when I saw that we’re not earning much from them, I have unconsciously rejected his suggestions. I’d say, ‘That’s a risk,’ or ‘That might not work because we got bankrupt last time.’ I didn’t fully understand what it meant to do business. One day, I asked him, ‘Why don’t you have new ideas anymore?’ He said, ‘No need to do that. My ideas might not work for you.’ That’s when I realized I had not given him the moral boost he needed. I felt so guilty. Now, I make extra efforts to appreciate Patrick. I became more sensitive to his feelings. Thankfully, he is bouncing back in business now, because he really is skillful and resourceful.” Rowena also had struggles with submission. She was stubborn and wanted to do things her own way. “I don’t like to be told, ‘You should do this and that so we won’t be late!’ I fought thoughts like, ‘Your husband isn’t fulfilling his role so why should you listen to him?’ I consistently
prayed, ‘Lord, humble me.’ To avoid disagreements, I prepare early. “I also came up with a list I called ‘Patrick’s strengths that I lack.’ Every time I struggle with submission, I look at it and learn to appreciate Patrick’ efforts. Through him, I learned what my weaknesses were and I surrendered them to God. Foreseeing what could happen if my reaction is not right helps me remain calm and gain perspective. When Patrick is not in a good mood, I pray, ‘Lord, remind me that I have to understand him because he is stressed with work.’ Then when he reacts positively, I express my gratitude. When I know he has a point, I just keep quiet. “When it comes to handling finances, I do the budgeting. Patrick used to do this but now that I have shifted to a job that doesn’t require me to report daily, I do those errands myself. I adjusted the budget to whatever amount we earned. In purchasing and making decisions, I consult my husband first and share my plans with him. “Patrick went back to a project-based night-shift call campaign job, because the doctor allowed him to, as long as he can sleep a full eight hours daily. The job could extend up to a year, but right now, we are carefully monitoring his resting hours. In the future, we plan to put up a small food business, since we both enjoy cooking. That can also give me more time to look after my children.” Although a working wife might have little time and energy to stretch for house chores, she can show her submission through some kind and encouraging words or “rewards” for her husband. Rowena says, “He helps me with the other chores at home. I see to it that every once in a while, I thank him to show my appreciation for all his efforts. I give him time to unwind by letting him be with his friends and play basketball once in a while, even if it means extra duties at home for me.” While we have come a long way as women, we still need to remember what we vowed to our husbands when we said, “I do.”
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Q A
I have four children and my husband and I work hard to support and give them good education. I’m a regular employee. I feel that I am missing out on my children’s life as I am not always there to guide them when they need me. Sometimes, I don’t join in their activities because I can’t afford to. My husband also works hard to earn more. My sister and a helper are their constant companions. What can I do to improve this situation? If possible, I want to keep my job.
It’s sad that you are missing out on your children’s lives! Your sister and your helper are a blessing because they help provide a safe community where your children can grow up but they cannot take your place! The Bible says parents must be the main influence in their children’s life. This means they must get their values from you! God’s Word commands parents to train up a child in the way he should go (Prov. 22:8). Your presence with them is so valuable. It clearly tells them you care and you are there for them. Here are some options you may take: • Set aside quality time each day to catch up with your children. Dinner time is perfect for sharing and reconnecting with each other. Fight the temptation to move quickly through the evening so you can watch your favorite telenovela, or evening news or do the household chores. Praying together not only connects you to God but to each other. • You and your husband must agree to attend important events in your children’s lives. It encourages them when they see you during Recognition Day, or their basketball game or getting their report card during Parent–Teacher Consultation Day. This may mean taking a leave or being absent from the office. Resigning from work to be with your children for a time may be an option. If some of your children are at a very impressionable age, then your constant presence is a must. The financial setback cannot be compared with the opportunity to be with them during their growing up years. Any decision to spend more time with your children is a step in the right direction so pray for God’s direction. He will tell you what to do.
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Family Bonding
ne great activity for the family to do together is to sit down with a bowl of popcorn and enjoy a really worthwhile movie. We have two—Ama, Anak , the sweet story of family forgiveness, and Ang Sugo, the powerful story of freedom from darkness.
PURCHASE THESE VIDEOS AT: House of Praise, PCEC, or Asia Pacific Media Office, Unit 2608 Raffles Corporate Center, F. Ortigas Jr. Road (formerly Emerald Ave.) Ortigas Center, Pasig City, 1605 Philippines Tel. no.: +63-2-9149767 E-mail: distribution@apmedia.org www.apmedia.ph.
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Volume 11 / Issue 40 / 2014
mind&spirit Everyday Heroines Real Beauty
make a difference Out of the Box Yolanda
body&soul Dance Your Way ... Tuna-Cucumber Salad
love&money The Right Attitude
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