Take time with your loved ones

Through the Strong Winds Part 2 (Learning from an Eagle in Pain)

How to Discipline the Child with Minimal or No Spanking

How to Teach the Bible to Kids

Oratorical Piece THE SCHOLAR by Cherry Moriones Doromal

Monday, August 25, 2014

Back to Basics

By Cherry Moriones Doromal

Hello there! This is Cherry D. speaking

I was invited to speak before a congregation of a small community Christian church in Manila last Sunday. And in my attempt to prepare the message, I was waiting for a perfect internet connection last weekend whereby, for whatever reason, all my internet providers at home failed to give me a stable internet access (not sure if it’s only in the Philippines that we experience it).

Therefore, I ended up manually outlining my message using a recycled notebook, pen and my Bible --not the electronic one. It was a realization that despite full exposure to modernization, we couldn’t rely on technology all the time; hence, the best thing is to get back to basics.

Yes, “Back to Basics” had been our topic which I’m simplifying into a blog today.

My hope is that we all learn from the book of Ecclesiastes which was authored by no less than King Solomon, who also wrote the books Proverbs and Song of Songs.

King Solomon, son of King David, as we know, was blessed with unsurpassed wisdom, with bonuses of power and riches, allowing him to rule over Israel for 40 years. He enjoyed life at its fullest-- drinking wine, rejoicing, and having, literally, a thousand wives and mistresses. Many scholars believe that King Solomon died in his 60s, calculating that he began his kingship at about 20 years old or less, and ruled Israel for forty years.

With his stature and wisdom, what else could a King Solomon ask for? In Ecclesiastes 1, we can see that after all his achievements and glory, King Solomon was at a point of consciousness that everything is life is meaningless. Probably, what he was experiencing is comparable to some signs of midlife crisis that people in their late 40s experience today. In verse 3, he said: “What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?” And in Chapter 12, the last chapter of Ecclesiastes, the author clearly emphasized the need for us to remember our Creator in the days of our youth. He ended up saying that ultimately, the whole duty of man is to "fear God and to keep His commandments”, because every work, good or bad, exposed or done in secret will be judged in time.

Back to basics!

Academically, I finished four courses already, plus one honorary degree, and at present, concurrently taking up another masters and a diploma program. Not to mention that I’m a wife and a mom, too. Busy huh? Having said these, the story of King Solomon allowed me to contemplate on my most important title: “Servant of my Father God”. That is the basic me, which I need to fully assess continually, and while I am still physically strong.

In reality, no matter what we do, what we achieve, and wherever we go, at the end of the day, we will get back to basics. I agree with King Solomon when he opined that he had achieved much, and at the prime of his life, what he sowed would be reaped by others. The thing is that life is a cycle and all our accomplishments will be forgotten in time.

Have you seen the guests of the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Aquino? Or are you not stunned by the luxurious outfits celebrities wear on awards night? No matter how sophisticated and expensive the evening wears celebrities put on, at the end of the day, these superstars will go to bed with the simplest and most comfortable outfits, with no makeup on and have only the basic sleeping wears as they retire at night.

Getting back to basics…

Remember what we learned during our Pre-school and Kindergarten years, where we were trained to distinguish the difference of every thing in terms of color, size and number? “Encircle the biggest.” “Which is the tallest?” Things like that. So that, later in life, we will get to be scrupulous in observing our day- to- day experiences and get used to knowing or perceiving which is right or wrong. In the same way, we get to become good writers by applying the basic knowledge of the alphabet and spelling which we learned in elementary years.

King Solomon knew the basic law in his heart since day one. Before inheriting the throne, his father King David reminded him to always follow God’s decrees and commands (1 Kings 2:3-4). However, along the way, Solomon broke specific commandments God gave to the future kings of Israel such as: “Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away” Deuteronomy 17:17, among others.

None of us is above the law! For instance, one may temporarily fight aging-- which is a law of nature-- through botox, stem cell therapy, cosmetic surgery, etcetera. Those processes may only take effect for a moment, but, in the long run, the law of nature will prevail. Meaning, all signs of physical deterioration will be visible, whether we like it or not.

Just like Solomon, we are kings of our lives. And due to numerous priorities we are busy at, we tend to forget that we are governed by different laws which we cannot get away from—the law of nature, the law of man, and the law of God. With our fast-paced and high-tech lifestyle today, may we learn to set aside our vanity and decide to get back to basics.

If you have time, read the whole book of Ecclesiastes; it’s only 12 chapters, anyway.

And before we end up, let me leave you these words of wisdom from King Solomon:

Ecclesiastes 2:4-11

4 I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. 6 I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. 8 I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well—the delights of a man’s heart. 9 I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me. 10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure.My heart took delight in all my labor,and this was the reward for all my toil. 11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve,everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

And in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: 13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

Video: The Whole Duty of Man as Recited by the then 4th Grader Zekie Doromal (He's 8th Grader now)

Video: The Whole Duly of Man as recited by the then pre-schooler Zecheriah (He's 4th Grader now)

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Women’s Edition: 2 BASIC TIPS TO BETRAYED WIVES

By: Cherry Moriones Doromal

Just got back home from another fantastic family weekend where we celebrated my older son Zekie’s 13^th birthday. Wow! Now, we have a teenager in the family!

Zekie's 13th birthday cake by Dusit Thani Hotel

Although I’m generally pleased and grateful about what’s going on with my life, I must admit that I, somehow, have this ambivalence towards seeing the kids grow up in a flash. In a matter of years, the children become adults, and reality dictates they will have to walk their way to the future by themselves. Hahah, separation anxiety attacks the mom this early!

Zekie and Strong present this lovely celebration cake by Corniche, Diamond Hotel
(Photobomb: nephew Eon on background,hahah)

Anyway, I’m inspired to write this blog for special friends who are currently undergoing tight circumstances in their marriage and family life. A number of Facebook friends would message me regularly to ask for advice on love and marriage, thinking that mine is a perfect marriage and that I’m in authority to give sound advice.

First off, “thanks for the trust”. Secondly, “mine is not a perfect marriage”, and lastly, “… but, we have a perfect God in this family that makes this marriage survive life’s situations where we learn together as a couple each day.”

Having been married to a police officer, it’s quite a challenge that I have to take extra efforts to balance my level of understanding, support and love to my better half versus my personal priorities and major decisions we have to take as a couple-- from where to establish our residence and how long, where to send the kids in school, whether to work, or be a full-time homemaker, etcetera. We are aware that a single decision may strengthen or be a threat to the family life; therefore, my husband and I decided to set and work towards our priorities, bearing in mind their long term repercussions in the family.

Since the lifetime of an officer is a realizable daily journey on roads to temptations attacking family and personal values, working on a strong relationship is an enduring process.

But, actually, it doesn’t really matter what your husband’s profession is, whether he is a businessman, a politician or a street sweeper, temptations or the so-called "test of values" are everywhere. Why? Because we’re on earth, we can’t choose the situations and people we bump into each day. Then, emanates the test of one’s character along the way. Hence, the wife has a special role in guiding her husband and in bringing the husband back to his senses, just in case the latter derails from his values.

Girls, I feel like I have so much in my heart to share, but for now, let me simplify the points into two, which are:

1. Trust your spouse. Love cannot stand alone without trust. It’s the foundation of a smooth and lasting relationship. Otherwise, your home will be jam-packed with paranoia, pointless fights, baseless terror, and tension. However, by trust, I don’t mean being vulnerable to being cheated. Therefore, go ahead, wives, check on the whereabouts and activities of your husbands-- in a nice way!

And a special note to the husband: Remember that it’s your wife’s right to know your engagements as she’s your other half. It’s a basic act of love and respect that you are transparent to your wife. Moreover, it will help keep away worries. Take it as a proactive approach to help you resist or prevent bad choices, should there be any.

2. Expect the best, but be ready for the worst. To think that you’ll separate or go on divorce one day isn’t proper. Scientifically, biblically and medically speaking, positive thinking yields multifarious benefits. And so, it’s all worthwhile to think positive and to practice the “law of attraction” with respect to your marriage.

So, now you have a picture of a perfect relationship in your head. But what if your husband betrays your trust?

Compose yourself for a tough decision. And here, you will have to decide on a personal and case-to-case basis. Are you willing to keep the relationship or are you leaving your husband? Will you treat yourself as a victim or as a survivor?

Upon weighing the ins and outs of the circumstance, and assuming you decided to keep your relationship and be a “survivor” rather than a “victim” of betrayal, anticipate an arduous process that you have to go through. Then brood over the following:

a. Counseling. You may need counseling from a respected confidante, a trusted minister or a marriage counselor. For counseling sessions on how to go about the process, I would recommend that the spouses go together, so that both sides may be heard, for better understanding of the situation, and for mutual support.

Furthermore, as much as possible, don’t go to your parents or parents-in-law to disparage your spouse, as more often than not, it creates a lasting vilifying impression against the erring party and in the end, impairing the family relationship.

b. Pray without ceasing. And that is: Pray when alone. Pray with your husband. Pray with your family. What’s good about praying is that it has no inhibitions—cry, shout, whisper, sing… it’s up to you. And it works!

c. Forgive. Totally! I know this is much easier said than done; nevertheless, without total forgiveness, there will be no healing. Without forgiveness, you cannot move on with your life, even after hundreds of years.

Forgiveness is a crucial stage of the show where you and your husband will have to be strong partners rather than enemies. Although, betrayal is never right, it’s not something you deserve, and is never fair in all respects…the situation is not only about you. In reality, your husband is also struggling within himself due to guilt and desire to win your trust back.

Reputable psychologists, behavioral scientists and educators agree, and I certainly agree with them, that humans are naturally capable of learning from their mistakes and experiences; furthermore, they are capable of changing for the better.

Finally, once you totally forgive, go back to No. 1 (Trust your spouse) and No. 2 (Expect the best and be ready for the worst).

How far have you been traveling in this life? How long will it take you to finish your journey? How important is your marriage and family to you?

Life is a short and temporary cycle of (1) TRUST or DISTRUST, (2) EXPECTATIONS, (3) FULFILLMENT or DISAPPOINTMENT and (4) FORGIVENESS or UNFORGIVENESS… And regardless of our individual differences and personal choices, there is only one ultimate rule that binds the entire humanity: LOVE.

Here's a song that perfectly goes with this blog: SORRY by Cherry Moriones Doromal

Previous Posts

Pass the Message

How to Discipline the Child with Minimal or No Spanking

Throughthe Strong Winds Part 2 (Learning from an Eagle in Pain)
How to Teach the Bible to Kids
Oratorical Piece THE SCHOLAR by Cherry Moriones Doromal

DPublisher News Website

Post by Zekie Zekie.

https://www.facebook.com/cherrymorionesdoromal/posts/10202987118318070Shared this publicly just now. It's been ready...
Posted by Tales of Kumander Misis, Ang Wifey ni Tsip on Monday, 22 June 2015

Monday, March 24, 2014

PASS THE MESSAGE

By Cherry Moriones Doromal

Nearly thirty years ago, we used to play a game called “Pass the Message” where the leader would whisper a message ( for instance:“supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”) to two contending team leaders who would each pass the message to the next person in his team, until the message reaches the last member of the team who would shout out the message. Other than the speed, the message to be passed and shouted out has to be correct and precise; otherwise it’s useless.

With my husband Wilson, taken a week ago

Exactly a year after I wrote my blogs entitled “Through the Strong Winds Part 1” and “Through the Strong Winds Part 2 (Learning from an Eagle in Pain)”, I realized that the very words I wrote were meant for me the same month and day a year after. The blogs disclosed the incredible strengths of an eagle, as well as the ironic unimaginable weakness and pain it suffers during the molting process where the supposed robust eagle becomes helpless, necessitating support from stronger eagles.

Recently, the eagle in me got into its molting stage, that one night, I was so anxious that I couldn’t even open my Bible, nor utter a prayer. It was at this fretful time that my husband sat beside me, opened “Our Daily Bread”, read for me God’s message, shared his insights, and led me into a prayer. Incidentally, the text was my life verse Isaiah 40:30-31 saying: "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Then I remembered the previous blogs I mentioned above and read them once again. Here, I had a different appreciation of my writing. I felt like they were not authored by me and that the Lord was talking to me directly.

God’s message is always clear. Though it comes in many forms—direct, indirect, Bible, life’s circumstances, through nature, through media, dreams, etc. -- it’s always timely, correct and precise.

My husband and I regularly attend Sunday Worship with our children Zekie (12 years old) and Strong (8 years old). During the Sermon/ Message part, I noticed that my kids would grab their Iphone units and would concentrate on somewhat texting or gaming gesture. I called on my kids’ attention one time, and I was surprised that contrary to what I thought, they were not texting or playing. They were actually writing their own notes while listening to the Pastor’s message. It’s a moment of discovery that my kids, at their own level, can write well and fast, hahah… and more importantly, understand what’s being preached. Yesterday, I took shots of my 8-year old’s notes (as is, no edits!) which I would like to share with you:

Photo1 (Strong's Notes 3/23/2014)

Photo 2 (Strong's Notes 3/23/2014)

Photo3 (Strong's Notes 3/23/2014)

One significant lesson I learned in this life is that sometimes it takes silence to get to hear clearly what God says, and in all cases... “an open heart!” John 10:14 says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me”, and verses 2 and 16 mention that the sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd. In the same way, when we listen to the Lord our Shepherd and follow His voice, we will never go wrong.

Like a child, may we listen to the words of our Father, all the days of our lives.

Hebrews 4:12 For the Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Grabbed from Facebook (L-R): Strong, Wilson, Me, Zekie

Click to Listen: A LOVE SONG FOR THE NATION Composed by: Cherry Moriones Doromal

Previous Posts

How to Discipline the Child with Minimal or No Spanking

Throughthe Strong Winds Part 2 (Learning from an Eagle in Pain)
How to Teach the Bible to Kids
Oratorical Piece THE SCHOLAR by Cherry Moriones Doromal

DPublisher News Website

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Mother's Day 2013 Quotes by a Mom

By: Cherry Moriones Doromal

Mother's Day 2013 Manila Philippines-- To honor the mothers, motherhood is celebrated on various dates in different parts of the world. For instance, this year, Mother's Day in the United States as well as in the Philippines will be celebrated on May 12th, whereas, the so-called Mothering Sunday in the United Kingdom will be celebrated on March 10th.The modern Mother's Day is said to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century.

Regardless of the date, it is always proper to recognize our mothers!

Before I got married about thirteen years ago, I never thought I would have a family of my own because I was very much enjoying a blissful social and professional life being single! But, I tell you, from the moment I lived with my husband and upon the birth of my first and second son and up to this moment that I'm writing this blog, my joy is just indescribable. For the gift of family and motherhood, I thank the Good Lord!

Meet my sons Ezekiel (L) and Zecheriah (R)

Motherhood is worth contemplating about, really! For that, let me share with you these quotes by me:

“Motherhood is an opportunity given only to women. It is also an opportunity to prove the type of woman you are. When others see the kids, they see the mom in them.”

“Come to think of it, motherhood is a privilege that even the most fulfilled men in the world can never achieve. Enjoy and treasure it!”

Weekend getaway--Taken last Saturday in Tagaytay City Philippines

“You may not be a mother; but, certainly, you have a mother! The purpose of motherhood is completed through the child. Everyone is part of the process. There is a reason to rejoice! “

“Motherhood is a mission, an accountability, a purpose and a life-long profession. Once you are called to become a mom, there’s no day-off, no turning back… no excuses.”

“Motherhood is my primary career; all the other dealings are either investments to sustain my ‘motherhood career’ or sidelines and hobbies. “

Most importantly..."Did you know that God our Father is also our Mother? The Bible mentions of God’s motherhood to us in various verses such as that found in Isaiah 66:13 that says: As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."

Related Verses:

Deuteronomy 32:18 “…God who gave you birth”

Deuteronomy 32:18 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast…”

Isaiah 42:14 ”…like a woman in labor”

Psalm 131:2 “…like a weaned child with its mother”

Happy Mother's Day to my mom, mother-in-law, mommy friends and loved ones and to all of you fab moms who are reading this!

JUST HAPPY Words and Music by Cherry Moriones Doromal

How to Discipline the Child with Minimal or No Spanking