Do I speak loudly in class?

Do I speak loudly in class? Yes, I believe I do. Being a musician, I know how to modulate my voice depending on the size of the room. I was trained to do that. I took it seriously because I am a choral singer, too.

The better question to ask is, “Do I always speak loudly in class?” Do I answer honestly in class or do I answer what my professors like to hear from me? My answer: No, I don’t always speak "loudly" in class. Usually, I don’t speak loudly in class when I know that my opinion or answer will cause a disturbance in the minds of those inside the classroom.

I experienced it so many times in the College of Music. When I did share my opinions or ask questions, I was usually shunned because what I said was not “in the book”. Thank the heavens, not all of my professors are like that. I encountered one professor who was always ready to hear his students’ questions and insights. If he doesn’t know the answer to my question, he would honestly say he is not sure what to answer. Then, he would encourage me to research about it and give the answer next meeting. That certain professor even defended me when I got a 5.0 in my solfege panel exam. He showed the panel my class performance. After doing so, he then talked to me and asked what happened. I told him I was so scared to fail. He told me it was normal, but he believed that I can survive the UP College of Music because I have the drive to do so. True enough, I am still in the College of Music.

I’m afraid (and SO TIRED) of professors not answering my questions and professors who even brand me as disrespectful when I ask a question they cannot answer. I don’t know why some professors get easily intimidated with their students. Some of my college professors caused a big issue in the college, which I will not disclose here, all because of students who asked “so many questions”. I thought UP professors are open-minded and had the best interest for students. Unfortunately, not all of them are like that. On the other hand, I am very grateful for professors who always want their students to learn and speak their mind freely.

I do not solely blame my professors for not always speaking loudly in class. I am a partly to blame because it is my decision not to always speak in class. When I think of something during the class, it shows in my face and my gestures, but not all are keen enough to see it or ask if I had something in mind that I would like to share.

I’m not sure if not speaking all that is in my mind is going against the UP student expectations. However, there should always be a balance between assertion and quiet pondering.

____________________

21aug2012

Reflection paper for my EDFD120 class. :)

This is an educational autobiography for my EDFD120 subject. :D

My Educational Autobiography on Prezi

hihi. enjoy :P

Sample! :D

Another newsletter by Smilebox

On Benedictions

Now unto Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude vv. 24,25

For today's churches, benedictions are merely a signal to dismiss worshipers, very much like a school bell signaling the end of class hours. In our church, after the pastor utters the benediction for that Sunday, the choir will lead the people to sing The Lord Bless You and Keep You. I have been part of our church choir for 5 years already. It is a marvel how God, through the Holy Spirit, continually remind me that I am still a work in progress. Recently, this is one of His lessons for me.

It has been a habit for me to play the C Major chord after the pastor's benediction. I sing the alto line of The Lord Bless You and Keep You with my eyes on the lyrics projected in front. "Good day to everyone and may you all have a blessed week." Turn off the Clavinova. Bring the pieces inside the music room. Chat with some people. For years, this has been my worship dismissal habit.

One Sunday, I did not play the C Major chord, Ate Nikki did. That was when realizations dawned on me.

1. When I do play the C Major chord, I was so worried to play the wrong chord that I wasn't able to listen to the benediction of the pastor.
2. I stared wide-eyed to the pastor as he said, "Now, receive the blessing of the Lord" before he said the benediction. I haven't heard it before!!!or I was too busy with myself.
3. The pastors always quote benedictions from the Bible. It's His Word! True enough, His Word does not go out in vain.
4. Thus, it is UNIQUELY for His children.
5. I treat benedictions as a habit. A normal occurence.
6. I am so ignorant.

Benedictions are not only heard inside churches. It can be anywhere! The latest, famous benediction is from the book-turned-movie Hunger Games. Before a tribute goes to the Hunger Games, the announcer will shout:

May the odds be ever in your favor!

The odds? What are the odds? They are very hard to guess. They cannot be determined. Odds change. And yes, this fallen world put their lives to the ODDS.

Shame on me. I remember the odds being in our favor more than God being faithful. Wonderful benedictions such as those from Jude and Hebrews came from the Word of God and not from some mortal, sinful men. Why do I regard Biblical benedictions as nothing but mere words? With this shame, I asked God to forgive me for being ignorant about His Word and His promises. It also made me search myself. A C Major chord can receive an approving nod from the choir or the pastor, but does the hand that play it receive the blessing of the Lord?

From that day on, it is ultimately about God. I made myself a worshiper from the announcements to the last note of The Lord Bless You and Keep You. I play the C Major chord with much conviction and I sing with a ring of gratitude in my voice. Also, with the benediction in mind, I can always remind myself throughout the week that Christ Jesus clothed me with His righteousness, presenting me blameless before the presence of the Holy God. The Holy Spirit, my Divine Helper, will help me not to stumble into temptation. The triune God is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I can even share this wonderful truth to others. It can also be an encouragement to someone who is going through hard times. I have yet to find out its other purposes in my life as a Christian.

So, may the odds be ever in your favor?

As for me, may praises be ever to my faithful Savior!

____________________

05may2012

For a list of benedictions, click here.

"Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work."

II Thessalonians 2: 16,17

May you find meaning in those Words. :)

-ara.janelle

Belated Happy Birthday, Happy Cum Laude, Advanced Happy Graduation!

Belated Happy Birthday!

Last April 15, I became twenteen... Nah, I'm not a teen anymore. I'm already 20 years old! I was actually thankful because I will be forced to be mature, though many remarked me as mature compared to my peers. In my lifetime, this year was the 2nd time my birthday fell on a Sunday. What better way to celebrate the day-I-came-to-be but by praising God with my Church family (which includes my biological family)? Singing praises to God, seeing the DVBS participants sing their theme song, hearing God's Word preached, partaking the Lord's Supper...and offering a song to Him.

I came from Calamba the day before for Jetu's wedding and arrived home late. I might not be in the best singing condition anyone can be in. My voice was hoarse. My eyes were droopy. I had coughs and colds. I still had a hard time singing with braces and occasional bleeding gums. Still, it is not for men but for God. That is the only way I can express my gratitude to the God who saved me and gave me 20 years to live. So...click here for the video of the song. The lyrics was made by me while the music was made by AJ Villanueva. I don't expect it to be applauded by singing experts. I was jittery as well since I am not used to singing ALONE. Just pay attention to the words of the song and I hope you'll be blessed! :)

Happy Cum Laude!

April 16, Monday. At 10 AM, I was already at church for Allie's piano lessons. After the lesson, I went to TriNoMa to meet AJ. AJ called me up when I was riding the FX. He exclaimed, "Ara...Cum laude ako!!! Grabe, sinagot ni Lord ang prayers ko!" I was about to cry because I have also been praying for his appeal to be granted. Truly, God answers prayers! When we saw each other, he was all smiles. I was, too. All I can say was, "Congratulations". It was awesome. The timing was perfect. It was a reason to celebrate and thank the Lord for His blessings!

After we ate lunch at Baliwag (walang diet-diet!), we proceeded to the MRT. Unfortunately, the MRT ran out of cards so they couldn't entertain passengers without stored-value tickets. We were forced to take a taxi to JAM Liner. We then boarded a bus headed to Balibago, Sta. Rosa. This is what I call an adventure! XD ENCHANTED KINGDOM!!! XD

So, we arrived at EK. It was my first time to see EK up close. AJ didn't see it for a long time. :D I took only a few pictures because I was afraid to get the digicam wet...or I might drop it. :))

This was a double celebration, for my birthday and for AJ being a cum laude! Yipee! We ended our day with a Banapple dinner. Great way to end a tiring day.

Advanced Happy Graduation!

NOT ANYMORE! We just had our graduation earlier today. T. Melissa also graduated from her Masters' Degree. The Cortes were there (Tita Vangie, Tito Tony, Pastor Jones, Kuya Joey, Ate Xands, Joaqui, and Ate Pulay!). Of course Tita Bee and Pastor Frank was there. IT FEELS SO GOOD TO HAVE A SABLAY ON MY SHOULDER. To think that I will have another chance to wear my sablay on my Bachelor's Degree graduation, I'm just thankful to God for all He has done in my life! (pictures of my graduation...to follow!)

Papa, Mama, and I ate dinner with AJ, Tita Bee, and Pastor Frank at King Bee Commonwealth. SARAP NG FOOD! XD

Thank you God for all the blessings You gave me, my family, and my loved ones (AJ and family, T. Melissa and family, etc.). This will be one unforgettable April for me! :D