Five things to think about this 2021

The New Year is always a good time to think about serious things and take on new challenges di lang para masabing "new year, new me" but because you genuinely want to be a better person. Here are some things to think about taken from Kaya Ko Pa Bes, a weekly devotional "para ma-recharge at ma-encourage ka".

And if you want to join our authors for an online talk for young people, don't forget to tune in on January 23, Saturday, over at the OMF Literature Facebook page.

Topics include

• Online Class Pa More: Managing Time for Online Classes with Rigel Fortaleza and Ser Dk Evangelista

• G! Pursuing Passion Projects with Marts Valenzuela

• Papunta Pa Lang Kami, Pabalik Na Kayo: Managing Family Relationships with Larizza Doneza Dulay

• Pag Gusto, May Paraan! Continuing the Ministry Online by Manuel Zabat II

• Pagod Is Real! Self Care with Kerlyn Bobadilla

Here are some of the challenges that you can do and are included in the Kaya Ko Pa Bes devotional.

THINK BEFORE YOU POST

Hindi naman masama ang mag post on social media. Pero magandang mag reflect tayo kung ano nga ang mga motive natin bakit natin ginagawa ito. Bakit mo ito pinost? Sino ang makikinabang sa shinare mong information? Anong emotions ang nasa heart mo nang pinost mo ito?

"Lord, i-reveal Mo po sa akin ang laman ng puso ko. Ituro mo po sa akin kung may mali rito. Ituwid Mo po ako at tulungang sumunod sa inyo."

IT'S NOT ABOUT WHAT YOU DON'T HAVE BUT WHO YOU ARE GIVING IT TO

Madalas nating i-compare ang ating sarili sa mga taong nasa paligid natin at lalo na sa mga nakikita nating post sa social media. But remember that "the Lord knows what you have and what to do with it." Hindi mahalaga kung ano "lang" ang meron ka. Sa mata ng Diyos, what's important is what you do with what you have and who you are giving it to.

"Lord, give me a willing heart to give all I have for Your glory. Lahat ng sa akin ay sa Iyo. Use me. Send me. Amen."

HOW REAL ARE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS?

Respect - Igalang ang iyong loved one sa isip, sa salita, at sa gawa

Empathy - Intindihin kung saan nanggangaling ang bawat isa

Add to each other - Focus on loving the other, not serving yourself

Love deeply - Look to how Jesus loved us - sacrificially, eternally, and unconditionally

"Isinusuko ko Panginoon ang lahat ng aking relasyon sa Iyo. Turuan Mo akong maging mapagmahal at mapag-aruga sa lahat ng tao sa mundo. Amen."

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS?

Ang tendency natin pag nakaranas ng painful moments ay mag focus sa sarili at sa sakit na nararamdaman. But we need to remind ourselves that everything that happens to us is all about God's plan and His purpose. Instead of asking "why?" start praying "Lord, paano kita mago-glorify?"

"Lord, thank you for reminding me to always obey and glorify You sa gitna ng pagsubok at trahedya ng buhay. Amen."

GOOD CHOICE OR GOD'S CHOICE?

When you're making a decision, whether big or small, do you just make good choices, or do you go for God's choice? Paano nga ba malalaman ang difference between the two? Is it aligned with God's Word? Will it make you more like Jesus? Will it be supported by righteous people and loved ones? Will other people be blessed by it? Will you have the peace of God? These are questions you can think about.

"Lord, you are the author of wisdom and provider of all good things. Tulungan Mo akong malaman ang pinakamabuti para sa akin. Help me make choices according to Your will. Amen."

Kaya Ko Pa Bes is available at OMF Lit Bookshops, shop.omflit.com, Shopee, and Lazada for P225 (20% off at P180 until January 31)

Kaya pa, Bes?

Mula pagpasok sa school hanggang pag-uwi ng bahay, ang daming challenges, ’no? Nakaka-stress!

Hinga muna!

Ang 52 weekly devotions na ito ay sinulat para ma-recharge at ma-encourage ka. May weekly challenges din na pang-develop ng character mo. Through these, you can get close to Him who gives true strength and inner peace. So when the struggle is real, masasabi mong,

Kaya ko pa, Bes!