In the Shoes of Bilbo (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey)

It's more assuring to go on an adventure with someone who will always be there not just to accompany you but to help or even save you

Watching The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey made me have a look at myself in comparison with Mr Bilbo Baggins and his role in this movie. As the story was just unfolding, I already had a feel that I could be in Bilbo's shoes. His inhibitions are my inhibitions. His lack of experience is my level of experience. His pretty solitary life is the kind I'm comfortable at. I wrote this article to summarize my thoughts about the lessons I realized through the movie. Definitely there are a lot more insights you could have extracted from there but here's mine. Please note that this is not a movie review/summary and I don't have the eyes of a movie critic so please pardon me. :)

(As I was writing this, I tried to present my thoughts in a way that it wouldn't be a pre-requisite that you've seen the movie, although you'd relate with this better if you did.)

[caption id="attachment_480" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Screenshot The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey's page from IMDB[/caption]

Lesson 1: Step out of your comfort zone! 

 

Im looking for someone to share in an adventure

-Gandalf to Bilbo

Bilbo's reflex in response to this invitation was to refuse and point out that people like him (hobbits) in general wouldn't care for an adventure since such are nasty, disturbing and uncomfortable. 

 

[caption id="attachment_479" align="alignright" width="470"] Gandalf invites Bilbo to join him in an adventure. Bilbo refuses.[/caption]

Who wouldn't agree? Although exciting, adventures are usually risky, even hazardous. This reminded me of how God wants us to step out of our comfort zones so we can experience something new in the presence of his abundant protection and provision. There are people who are stagnant not just in their Christian walk but life in general because they choose to be stuck in their comfort zones... afraid to take the risk of trying something new. Perhaps God is calling some of us to start a business, but we wouldn't even dare because it's uncertain. Maybe God is calling us to talk to some people we haven't faced in a while, but we choose not to feel the uneasiness that comes with it. God calls all of us to step on to an adventure so we'll have a chance to learn how certain a companion He is in times of thrilling moments in our lives.

Lesson 2: Convenience is too mainstream! 

You have to manage without pocket handkerchiefs and a good many other things...

-Gandalf to Bilbo

Gandalf reminded Bilbo that as he decided to be a part of the adventure of the company of Thorin Oakenshield, he has already left his home behind and he's gonna face the world ahead. That entails leaving probably everything that he's used to, including the convenience of his home, the company of his friends and neighbors or the comfort of his routines.

[caption id="attachment_482" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Bilbo needs a handkerchief[/caption]

As the old wizard reveals that to Bilbo, I can hear God whispering to me that very concept... That my decision to follow Him may entail a challenge of leaving everything (no matter how good that thing/person is) that could possibly hinder me from walking His ways. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26. (If it's your first time to encounter this verse, don't make conclusions yet. I suggest you study/meditate/research on it first before you think it justifies your hate towards other people)

 

It's a deep breath to remember this because we live in a life where convenience can be our God. We stay where the presence of convenience is. We spend for gadgets or items that offers convenience. We relate to people only if things are convenient. Don't get mer wrong. Convenience, like home is good. God actually provides for us so we can experience convenience. But it should not hinder us from enjoying living life to the full which really is facing the world ahead.

 

Lesson 3: Help is always present! 

 

I was reminded of another trait of God through Gandalf's role in the scene below:

     

[caption id="attachment_481" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Left: The troll encounter
Right: Gandalf saves the company[/caption]

 

Prior to this scene, Gandalf left the company of dwarfs due to the stubbornness of King Thorin. While Gandalf was away, trolls (large humanoids of great strength and poor intellect) captured the company and were already in the act of devouring the helpless dwarfs. Imagine the fear of being a small creature ready to be eaten by large monstrous cannibals! Then Gandalf comes to the rescue and exposed the trolls to the sunlight turning them to stones. If I were a dwarf in that role, I would feel so relieved by Gandalf's presence. He just saved me! [There are 2 more scenes later in the movie where Gandalf's presence saved or at least motivated the company... the escape from the Goblins and the Orcs)

 

For sure, there are times when we will be in grave need (financially, emotionally, relationally, spiritually, intellectually, whatever-ly you could think of!). And during such times, we may not be able to feel God's presence or help because of our myoptic vision focusing on the problem. Just know that God will come through for us because He is our ever-present help in times of need! He assures that "I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5). 

It's more assuring to go on an adventure with someone who will always be there not just to accompany you but to help or even save you, right?

Lesson 4: You matter at all! 

Oh how Gandalf believed in Bilbo.

 I've found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay… small acts of kindness and love.
-Gandalf

Are you a member of the majority who believes that great things can only be achieved by great, popular people? 

Only a Billy Graham can introduce God to a crusade of thousands.

Only a Steve Jobs can build a high standard Apple industry.
Only a Mark Zuckerberg can be a millionaire in a young age.

Only a David could beat a giant and lead a nation as a king.

 

And so with this in mind, we get burnt out from doing our daily activities because we lack motivation. We get to the point when we just do things because we have to and we're used to. But God sees every little deed we do and thinks that it matters! Even the decision to wake up early every single morning just to not be late for work/school is already a working ground for Him to make you great! So don't be discouraged that you haven't accomplished an award-winning task for the day. People may not appreciate your faithfulness but who cares what other people think? As long as the creator of the universe thinks you're doing a good job, then that an assurance more than enough to sustain us!

Lesson 5: Your present decision ripples through generations! 

Thorin appreciates Bilbo for saving his life.

Now this one below, I really can relate to! [After narrowly escaping Azog in which Bilbo saved Thorin's life...]

Thorin Oakenshield: I am sorry I doubted you.

Bilbo Baggins: I would have doubted me too.

 

Yes, Bilbo definitely has doubts about himself. He has gone to a journey with no packed skills for battle nor survival. But had he not decided to face the adventure, he wouldn't have been able to experience really cool stuff such as ride giant eagles, stand in stone giants, be in the rivendell, gain dwarf friends and save save their king, nor possess the controversial ring! And these experience aren't just to fill his journal upon the journey's completion but to pass on to the next generation which we know as Frodo. He has to thank the old wizard for choosing him to join the journey. Gandalf's invitation though isn't complete without Bilbo's response to follow. This sound so evangelical. God, too, has chosen us to be a part of His kingdom. We can doubt ourselves of course because that's just right. But just as Gandalf did not look at Bilbo's qualifications, God also is not looking at our strengths, but He sees our weakness as a working ground in which He can display His strength and splendor. We just have to say yes and sign the contract/covenant. And this pivotal decision definitely will ripple the generation after us.

 

[caption id="attachment_486" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Old Bilbo and young Frodo[/caption]

Made in His Image... Really?

There are a lot of times when I can't help but despise myself over not being able to act appropriately...

When I'm not responding to situations the way I should.
When I'm not loving people the way I should.
When I'm not making decisions the way I should.
When I'm not serving the way I should.
When I can't sacrifice for greater things the way I should.

And that "way I should" is really as how Jesus did it when He lived here on dear earth...
He responded meekly but with authority to difficult situations.
He loved people beyond human reasoning.
He made decisions according to God's will.
He served all kinds of people--poor and ordinary, although as God, He has to be served.
He sacrificed his life so I can live a great life.

And yes, even though I was made in his image, I can never equal His character and glory in as much as even a great photograph or painting can never equal its object's beauty. A mango's photograph, no matter how artistic and realistic, can never bear a mango's mouthwatering smell, nor its sour-sweet taste, not its smooth texture even though the photo was made in a real mango's image.

I'm encouraged that I was not required by my Creator to be a perfect duplicate of Him, because that's humanly impossible. And God never intends us to be that way anyway. I'm satisfied to be made in His image-- that my life will be appealing to the eyes of the people around me, so I can give glory to God as these people see God's GRACE abound in me despite my shortcomings.

Got a Smart Phone?

I was very impressed with this article's value. I think every smart phone user should read it :)



Greg Hoffman is a kid who just got an iPhone from his parents. His mom, Janell Hoffman, wrote these [slightly edited] rules for its use:

1. It is my phone. I bought it. I pay for it. I am loaning it to you. Aren't I the greatest?


2. I will always know the password.


3. If it rings, answer it. It is a phone. Say hello, use your manners. Do not ever ignore a phone call if the screen reads "Mom" or "Dad". Not ever.


4. Hand the phone to one of your parents promptly at 7:30pm every school night & every weekend night at 9:00pm. It will be shut off for the night and turned on again at 7:30am. If you would not make a call to someone's land line, wherein their parents may answer first, then do not call or text. Listen to those instincts and respect other families like we would like to be respected.


5. It does not go to school with you. Have a conversation with the people you text in person. It's a life skill. 


6. If it falls into the toilet, smashes on the ground, or vanishes into thin air, you are responsible for the replacement costs or repairs.


7. Do not use this technology to lie, fool, or deceive another human being. Do not involve yourself in conversations that are hurtful to others. Be a good friend first or stay the hell out of the crossfire.


8. Do not text, email, or say anything through this device you would not say in person.\


9. Refer to # 8.


10. No porn.


11. Turn it off, silence it, put it away in public. Especially in a restaurant, at the movies, or while speaking with another human being. You are not a rude person; do not allow the iPhone to change that.


12. Do not send or receive pictures of your private parts or anyone else's private parts. Don't laugh. Someday you will be tempted to do this despite your high intelligence. It is risky and could ruin your teenage/college/adult life. It is always a bad idea. Cyberspace is vast and more powerful than you. And it is hard to make anything of this magnitude disappear -- including a bad reputation.


13. Don't take a zillion pictures and videos. There is no need to document everything. Live your experiences. They will be stored in your memory for eternity.


14. Leave your phone home sometimes and feel safe and secure in that decision. It is not alive or an extension of you. Learn to live without it. Be bigger and more powerful than FOMO -- fear of missing out.


15. Download music that is new or classic or different than the millions of your peers that listen to the same exact stuff. Your generation has access to music like never before in history. Take advantage of that gift. Expand your horizons.
    


16. Play a game with words or puzzles or brain teasers every now and then.


17. Keep your eyes up. See the world happening around you. Stare out a window. Listen to the birds. Take a walk. Talk to a stranger. Wonder without googling.


18. You will mess up. I will take away your phone. We will sit down and talk about it. We will start over again. You & I, we are always learning. I am on your team. We are in this together.

(Article reposted from Bart King. Emphasis added)

COM42: Wire Communications 2012-2013:2nd Sem

Updated Feb 10, 2013

Below is the chronology of topics for the weekly presentation.

Group 1: DSL (March 2)

Group 2: Frame Relay (March 9)

Group 3: ISDN (March 9)

Group 4: SONET/SDH (March 16)

Group 5: VoIP (March 16)

 

Note: Final Exam will be on March 23

 

Updated Feb 10, 2013

Download lecture on Multiplexing and Modulation 

Updated Feb 1, 2013

 PLDT CabLe Install (with Outside plant symbols)

As requested by the class, I have uploaded the video lectures as resource material for this subject.







All videos are c/o Bellcore

Victorious this 2013!

ONE FIRM TRUTH I can hold on to as I face 2013: I have all the strength I need

While others are consumed to catch some luck as they prepare to welcome 2013, I sat down and made sure I'm geared to face the new year with the Truth.

I have this December 31 habit of making sure I have reflected and evaluated the past year so I can be ready to move forward to the coming year. And so while my relatives are busy preparing for fooooood (as it was too many) and other stuff to cater my clan's reunion, I grabbed my pen and journal and wrote down things I'm thankful for last 2012 and things I'm hopeful for this 2013. :) It isn't enough that I have just these lists but it's a personal necessity that I have something firm I can hold on to as I face 2013's thrills & challenges. Where else can I get that but from God's Word?

I was reading through Gideon's story (Judges 6) and saw a different light to it other than the usual spotlight of him getting signs from God that he'll get victory over his enemies.

¹² The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!”

Here, God is sending Gideon to lead the Israel people out of oppression from Midian's cruel hands. But for some humanly reasons, Gideon complained as if he didn't know why they were facing such a crisis. (Reason is SIN in case you, too, didn't know)

14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!”

 

Funny how Gideon responded again with human logic: “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!”

In other words, he was reasoning out, thinking "Lord, what strength are you talking about? I'm a nobody!" If I were him, I would've felt the same: UNWORTHY and UNABLE to be victorious.

But the catch is, Gideon looked at the typical human perspective of STRENGTH which is usually associated with PHYSICAL, EXPERIENCE, ACHIEVEMENT, POWER, POSITION or AUTHORITY, not realizing that at the very first statement of God in this conversation, He has already revealed the kind of strength that will give him victory: GOD's PRESENCE (v.12).

And so, I can imagine God scratching his head as He reply to Gideon how he will be able win: ¹⁶ “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”

 

So there's ONE FIRM TRUTH I can hold on to as I face 2013.

I have all the strength I need...

to overcome whatever may come my way

to be victorious over my giants and challenges and

to eliminate unnecessary fears that paralyzes my advancement toward my God-given destiny. :)

Isn't that more powerful than the horoscope, predictions, feng sui, lucky charms, etc, which really aren't reliable anyway!?!

HAPPY VICTORIOUS NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

My Blogging Review for 2012 (by Wordpress)

I created my own WP blogsite back in August 2012 and here's how it went since then. :)

I swear to myself I'll write more. Amen! ^_^

 

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.



Here's an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 5,200 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 9 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.