aup cyberlink - 131103

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AUP's Website: http://www.aup.edu.ph/

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Other link: http://www.filipinoadventist.org/community/bulletin/cyberlink.asp

AUP CYBERLINK

Editor: Romi Talento [email protected]

Please send next week's materials for publication to: Edwin Araba, [email protected] Thank you.

For suggestions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch with any of the Active Cyberlink Coordinators immediately below:

Edwin Araba, [email protected] Barrios, romebarry@yahoo. comMyrna Dial, [email protected] Domingo, [email protected] Fegarido, [email protected] Lynn Lagajino, [email protected] Talento, [email protected] Tortal, [email protected]

Contributors: Conrad J. Miranda IV; Dr. Francisco Gayoba; Nestor Zamora; Dr. Benjamin Banaag; Reva Moore; Charles Fegarido

We began hearing of and reading about “political correctness” in the last decade or two with increasing frequency. Lately it has become such a conundrum that nary a day passes without one’s attention being drawn to something or someone being politically correct or its opposite. You may disagree with those who

have made political correctness a topic among talking heads in the media, but it is they who continue to advance this socio-political phenomenon to the extreme, perhaps.

A common definition of “politically correct” is “conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). However, we can hear and see more and more frequently where the term is

Political Correctness: Has it gone to far? By: Conrad J. Miranda IV [email protected]

applied not only in matters that revolve around political sensibilities but in almost any and all aspects of human behavior and/or interaction.

The principle of political correctness has begun to erode a person’s ability to call a spade a spade.

The term is itself an oxymoron. Consider this: it is said that state and religion do not mix, neither do “politics” or “correctness,” so being politically correct is an oxymoron. Whose politics, whose correctness?

Does government dictate it? Do biblical principles support it?

Today, political correctness is carried to the extreme that even blows logic or reason.

Some common examples: saying “Happy Holidays” as a greeting instead of “Merry Christmas;” using the term “physically challenged” instead of “disabled;” the attempt

to remove references to “God” from public schools and from public/government facilities (even from U.S. coinage); preventing students (in the U.S.A.) from repeating the Pledge of Allegiance which has the word “God” in it, because it might offend the atheists or those of other religious persuasions; and the like.

That is one side of the spectrum. The other side subscribes to political correctness because “it is the right thing to do;” “it’s about being kind and polite,” rather than to sound racist, sexist, homophobic or some other descriptive attribute.

True, there are those who talk and act with the insensitivity of a leather shoe. No one would like to be in that category. But the fact is, many individuals, groups, corporate and government entities have invoked political correctness ad nauseum to the point of utter ridiculousness!

Sure, one has to be considerate of other people’s feelings and give up saying offensive

november 3 {2013}

T h e S c h o o l t h a t t r a i n s f o r s e r v i c e

Tile 2 of 2 ()

Matt. 16:24, NLT, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.’”

“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed their sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow me.’’ . . .

“Accompanied by the power of persuasion, the power of prayer, the power of love of God, this work will not, cannot, be without fruit” – Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 143, 144.

Let's Pray. Eternal Father in heaven, thank Your Word, the Holy Bible, that reveals to us that Your Eternal Son is our only Way to eternal life (for we have no one else to turn to, John 6:66-69). Help us to meditate on Your Word so that we can have a firm foundation in Him and “will no longer be immature like children.

We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching [doctrine]. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth” (Eph. 4:14, NLT). On our own power, we can’t “Stay alert!” and “Watch out” for the temptations of the great enemy, the devil, always working on our pride, ego, and lusts (1 Pet. 5:8). But with Christ on our side, we will be victorious and “more than conquerors;” for He will give us the joy, spontaneity, and success that comes with a vibrant relationship with Him and a genuine heart and love for people.

Lord Jesus, we pray for our alumni who have lost their loved ones and for those still with a void in their heart for their

Lord Jesus, thank You for the religious and cultural HERITAGE we received from AUP/PUC; and the spiritual, intellectual, educational, and character development inspired by our godly teachers, parents, classmates, and friends who had lasting influences in our lives. Thank You for Christian values and principles we learned from Your Word, the Holy Bible, and Your Spirit of Prophecy that we continue to practice, with Your grace, until today. Help us to always praise and thank You for these precious treasures and memories of AUP/PUC. As we trust in Your promise that if You LIVE IN US we already have eternal life (1 John 5:12), help us to fully depend on You and leave everything in Your hands. With the Holy Spirit in us to give us wisdom to be more kind, loving, and forgiving of others, help us to determine NOT to hurt another soul with our words, deeds, or criticism.

Please continue to intervene in the process of approval of the Philippine CHED on behalf of our AUP-COM. Guide and strengthen our AUP Administration and staff as they continue to plan, build, develop, and obtain the best medical consultants, professors, students, and curriculum for the start of AUP-COM in June 2014. Touch the hearts of our retired alumni medical doctors and public health educators to VOLUNTEER (for stints of 6-8 weeks) to teach courses at COM. Give them (and their accompanying families) good health, protection, and traveling mercies as they provide this essential task of teaching future medical doctors to serve humanity and the poor. Bless each and every alumni and their families as we give joyfully, for there is a SPECIAL blessing in Your command, "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7, NKJV).

Bless all our AUP administration, teachers, students, working students, and staff members that they all may dedicate their lives to You and serve You unselfishly and with wisdom in whatever task they are assigned to do. Guide them in their daily tasks and activities to avoid the appearance of evil, and to make AUP a joyful place conducive to academic learning, spiritual development, and lives dedicated to Your service. Help all our students, especially our working students, to trust their future in the hands of our Lord Jesus.

Help us to joyfully SHARE Your many blessings to us to the POOR AND DESTITUTE among us as if we have done these to our Lord Jesus Himself, for He has surely promised a heavenly

Prayer for AUP and AUP Alumni

reward waiting for those who are MERCIFUL (Matt. 25:35, 36). Bless us as we give cheerfully to:

(1) The desperately sick and poor CHILDREN AND MOTHERS needing surgery in the Philippines through alumna Reva Moore's non-profit ministry, "Help the Needy, Inc." (approved by IRS Code [501][C][3]). Your contributions will help pay for these surgeries. The Lord bless you as you abundantly give. Please open their website to contribute seamlessly using credit cards or through Pay-pal: www.helptheneedyoftheworld.com/Help_the_needy_of_the_world/Help-the-needy_Inc..html or send your checks payable to: Help the Needy, Inc., 7811 Laurel Court, Denham Springs, LA 70726. Any amount will be appreciated.

(2) The 400+ UNEMPLOYED LAY MINISTERS of Adopt-a-Minister (A-a-M) preaching Christ's gospel of salvation to those still in darkness: Catholics, Muslims, devil-worshipers, and forest animists in un-entered, remote, and mountain areas of the Philippines before our Lord Jesus comes (Matt. 28:18-20). These 400+ dedicated lay pastors, through the work of the Holy Spirit are able to baptize and nurture an average of 30,000 precious souls A YEAR for Christ. Won’t you become a partner with A-a-M in this FASTEST growing area of ministry in the world (according to GC statistics)? A-a-M thanks all missionary-minded individuals, who may NOT be able to "go into all the world" and preach Christ message of salvation, but are giving of their means for this mission project. Please see their website, http://www.a-a-m.org (notice the hyphens) to donate using credit cards or Pay-pal, or send your checks payable to: Adopt a Ministers, 7811 Laurel Court, Denham Springs, LA, 70726).

comments that would never be said in their presence.

In simple terms, political correctness is doing, saying, writing, behaving as one would have others perceive you even when one’s intent or inner strivings are not the same, for the sake of not offending usually a minority group based on race, gender, belief, sexual preference, political affiliation, etc.

A more recent survey indicates that a very tiny group (usually 2-3%) of a target population is generally successful in promoting its agenda, enough to pressure approximately 85% of that population into accepting its demands for either equal or preferential treatment, resulting in policies and legislation in the direction of that group’s constant and persistent efforts.

We see this kind of movement and resulting effect upon society almost on a daily basis.

The answer to the question, “What are you going to do with it?” can only, truly be a personal one. Sometimes, being politically correct borders on outright misrepresentation, rating four Pinocchios, otherwise known as lying.

Let this be a word of counsel to the wise: “And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ and never doing it, or saying ‘God be with you,’ and not meaning it.

You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true.

Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.” (Matthew 5:33-37 MSG)

missing dear ones. Please be very near these families and surround them with Your love, through the Holy Spirit, to comfort them in their grief and loss. Give them the assurance that their parting is only temporary, and soon You will return to reunite them forever and death will be no more. Even so come, Lord Jesus!

We pray for our AUP/PUC alumni all over the world, their families and loved ones. Please watch over them, protect and keep them from harm, and prosper them spiritually and materially. We pray for those alumni discouraged by family problems and in their relationships with loved ones. Extend to them Your love and forgiving spirit for one another. We pray for material and financial blessings for our alumni struggling with their finances, stresses from jobs, or having difficulties making ends meet, especially in these hard and uncertain times.

Help us to reach out to these dear ones and help them financially, and pray in their behalf, as well. We pray for our alumni, who are sick and ailing in hospitals and in their sick beds. Please touch them with Your healing hands for You are our Great Physician and will provide the healing balm of Gilead.

Ease their pain and suffering and provide relief, peace, and comfort that only You can give. We pray for wisdom for all of us - for healthy habits and lifestyle; for eating healthy diet of fruits, nuts, grains, legumes and vegetables; and healthy walking exercises, sunshine and lots of pure water - not only to lengthen our lives, but to be of service to others and to tell them of Your love.

(3) Our Mission of Hope (MOH) Project sponsored by alumnus Ed Quirante and wife, Teresa, to provide hope and joy YEARLY to our 800+ AUP working students, are for these poor students in need of personal, school, and other items; but are too poor to buy them. Some working students desperately need uniforms, others to pay for arrears in order to graduate; but all need food, personal, and school items. You can help ALL our working students as we share your collective gifts and contributions to purchase these much-needed items and FUNDS. Most of these items and supplies will be SHIPPED for you at NO COST, and will be placed inside a HUGE 40-ft CONTAINER, which will be shipped to AUP in March every year. Please send your contributions to alumnus Jerry Felipe, 33 Logan Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302. Make your checks payable to: EASNAC, Inc. (Memo: MOH). Please provide your name and address so Jerry can send you a tax-deductible receipt. Thank you.

(4) The hungry and homeless poor living in the slums of Manila. Please help feed them through the "Five Loaves Ministry" of Adventist Medical Center - Manila (AMC-M) Church in Pasay City, which is faithfully giving "pan-de-sal" to hundreds of homeless and poor in Manila every Sunday starting at 6:30 a.m. Many AUP alumni are involved in this ministry. Please check out their Christian activities at website, www.facebook.com/our5loaves.

Please provide your name and address so we can send you a tax-deductible receipt. Thank you for your kindness and cheerful giving.

And thank You, Father, for our caring and sharing AUP alumni. We humbly ask all these things in the precious name of Your Eternal Son to Whom be glory, praise, and honor forever. Amen.

By: Charles Fegarido [email protected]

Tile 1 of 2 ()

Matt. 16:24, NLT, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.’”

“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed their sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow me.’’ . . .

“Accompanied by the power of persuasion, the power of prayer, the power of love of God, this work will not, cannot, be without fruit” – Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 143, 144.

Let's Pray. Eternal Father in heaven, thank Your Word, the Holy Bible, that reveals to us that Your Eternal Son is our only Way to eternal life (for we have no one else to turn to, John 6:66-69). Help us to meditate on Your Word so that we can have a firm foundation in Him and “will no longer be immature like children.

We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching [doctrine]. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth” (Eph. 4:14, NLT). On our own power, we can’t “Stay alert!” and “Watch out” for the temptations of the great enemy, the devil, always working on our pride, ego, and lusts (1 Pet. 5:8). But with Christ on our side, we will be victorious and “more than conquerors;” for He will give us the joy, spontaneity, and success that comes with a vibrant relationship with Him and a genuine heart and love for people.

Lord Jesus, we pray for our alumni who have lost their loved ones and for those still with a void in their heart for their

Lord Jesus, thank You for the religious and cultural HERITAGE we received from AUP/PUC; and the spiritual, intellectual, educational, and character development inspired by our godly teachers, parents, classmates, and friends who had lasting influences in our lives. Thank You for Christian values and principles we learned from Your Word, the Holy Bible, and Your Spirit of Prophecy that we continue to practice, with Your grace, until today. Help us to always praise and thank You for these precious treasures and memories of AUP/PUC. As we trust in Your promise that if You LIVE IN US we already have eternal life (1 John 5:12), help us to fully depend on You and leave everything in Your hands. With the Holy Spirit in us to give us wisdom to be more kind, loving, and forgiving of others, help us to determine NOT to hurt another soul with our words, deeds, or criticism.

Please continue to intervene in the process of approval of the Philippine CHED on behalf of our AUP-COM. Guide and strengthen our AUP Administration and staff as they continue to plan, build, develop, and obtain the best medical consultants, professors, students, and curriculum for the start of AUP-COM in June 2014. Touch the hearts of our retired alumni medical doctors and public health educators to VOLUNTEER (for stints of 6-8 weeks) to teach courses at COM. Give them (and their accompanying families) good health, protection, and traveling mercies as they provide this essential task of teaching future medical doctors to serve humanity and the poor. Bless each and every alumni and their families as we give joyfully, for there is a SPECIAL blessing in Your command, "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7, NKJV).

Bless all our AUP administration, teachers, students, working students, and staff members that they all may dedicate their lives to You and serve You unselfishly and with wisdom in whatever task they are assigned to do. Guide them in their daily tasks and activities to avoid the appearance of evil, and to make AUP a joyful place conducive to academic learning, spiritual development, and lives dedicated to Your service. Help all our students, especially our working students, to trust their future in the hands of our Lord Jesus.

Help us to joyfully SHARE Your many blessings to us to the POOR AND DESTITUTE among us as if we have done these to our Lord Jesus Himself, for He has surely promised a heavenly

Prayer for AUP and AUP Alumni

reward waiting for those who are MERCIFUL (Matt. 25:35, 36). Bless us as we give cheerfully to:

(1) The desperately sick and poor CHILDREN AND MOTHERS needing surgery in the Philippines through alumna Reva Moore's non-profit ministry, "Help the Needy, Inc." (approved by IRS Code [501][C][3]). Your contributions will help pay for these surgeries. The Lord bless you as you abundantly give. Please open their website to contribute seamlessly using credit cards or through Pay-pal: www.helptheneedyoftheworld.com/Help_the_needy_of_the_world/Help-the-needy_Inc..html or send your checks payable to: Help the Needy, Inc., 7811 Laurel Court, Denham Springs, LA 70726. Any amount will be appreciated.

(2) The 400+ UNEMPLOYED LAY MINISTERS of Adopt-a-Minister (A-a-M) preaching Christ's gospel of salvation to those still in darkness: Catholics, Muslims, devil-worshipers, and forest animists in un-entered, remote, and mountain areas of the Philippines before our Lord Jesus comes (Matt. 28:18-20). These 400+ dedicated lay pastors, through the work of the Holy Spirit are able to baptize and nurture an average of 30,000 precious souls A YEAR for Christ. Won’t you become a partner with A-a-M in this FASTEST growing area of ministry in the world (according to GC statistics)? A-a-M thanks all missionary-minded individuals, who may NOT be able to "go into all the world" and preach Christ message of salvation, but are giving of their means for this mission project. Please see their website, http://www.a-a-m.org (notice the hyphens) to donate using credit cards or Pay-pal, or send your checks payable to: Adopt a Ministers, 7811 Laurel Court, Denham Springs, LA, 70726).

comments that would never be said in their presence.

In simple terms, political correctness is doing, saying, writing, behaving as one would have others perceive you even when one’s intent or inner strivings are not the same, for the sake of not offending usually a minority group based on race, gender, belief, sexual preference, political affiliation, etc.

A more recent survey indicates that a very tiny group (usually 2-3%) of a target population is generally successful in promoting its agenda, enough to pressure approximately 85% of that population into accepting its demands for either equal or preferential treatment, resulting in policies and legislation in the direction of that group’s constant and persistent efforts.

We see this kind of movement and resulting effect upon society almost on a daily basis.

The answer to the question, “What are you going to do with it?” can only, truly be a personal one. Sometimes, being politically correct borders on outright misrepresentation, rating four Pinocchios, otherwise known as lying.

Let this be a word of counsel to the wise: “And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ and never doing it, or saying ‘God be with you,’ and not meaning it.

You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true.

Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.” (Matthew 5:33-37 MSG)

missing dear ones. Please be very near these families and surround them with Your love, through the Holy Spirit, to comfort them in their grief and loss. Give them the assurance that their parting is only temporary, and soon You will return to reunite them forever and death will be no more. Even so come, Lord Jesus!

We pray for our AUP/PUC alumni all over the world, their families and loved ones. Please watch over them, protect and keep them from harm, and prosper them spiritually and materially. We pray for those alumni discouraged by family problems and in their relationships with loved ones. Extend to them Your love and forgiving spirit for one another. We pray for material and financial blessings for our alumni struggling with their finances, stresses from jobs, or having difficulties making ends meet, especially in these hard and uncertain times.

Help us to reach out to these dear ones and help them financially, and pray in their behalf, as well. We pray for our alumni, who are sick and ailing in hospitals and in their sick beds. Please touch them with Your healing hands for You are our Great Physician and will provide the healing balm of Gilead.

Ease their pain and suffering and provide relief, peace, and comfort that only You can give. We pray for wisdom for all of us - for healthy habits and lifestyle; for eating healthy diet of fruits, nuts, grains, legumes and vegetables; and healthy walking exercises, sunshine and lots of pure water - not only to lengthen our lives, but to be of service to others and to tell them of Your love.

(3) Our Mission of Hope (MOH) Project sponsored by alumnus Ed Quirante and wife, Teresa, to provide hope and joy YEARLY to our 800+ AUP working students, are for these poor students in need of personal, school, and other items; but are too poor to buy them. Some working students desperately need uniforms, others to pay for arrears in order to graduate; but all need food, personal, and school items. You can help ALL our working students as we share your collective gifts and contributions to purchase these much-needed items and FUNDS. Most of these items and supplies will be SHIPPED for you at NO COST, and will be placed inside a HUGE 40-ft CONTAINER, which will be shipped to AUP in March every year. Please send your contributions to alumnus Jerry Felipe, 33 Logan Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302. Make your checks payable to: EASNAC, Inc. (Memo: MOH). Please provide your name and address so Jerry can send you a tax-deductible receipt. Thank you.

(4) The hungry and homeless poor living in the slums of Manila. Please help feed them through the "Five Loaves Ministry" of Adventist Medical Center - Manila (AMC-M) Church in Pasay City, which is faithfully giving "pan-de-sal" to hundreds of homeless and poor in Manila every Sunday starting at 6:30 a.m. Many AUP alumni are involved in this ministry. Please check out their Christian activities at website, www.facebook.com/our5loaves.

Please provide your name and address so we can send you a tax-deductible receipt. Thank you for your kindness and cheerful giving.

And thank You, Father, for our caring and sharing AUP alumni. We humbly ask all these things in the precious name of Your Eternal Son to Whom be glory, praise, and honor forever. Amen.

By: Charles Fegarido [email protected]

Tile 2 of 2 (Page 2)

Debunking a Myth: IUDs Proven Safe Birth Control for Teenagers source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130408184509.htm

Published in the May issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the findings disprove concerns that have persisted for more than 30 years, since

the removal of a harmful IUD from the market in the 1970's, and open the door for many more women -- teens included -- to benefit from the highly effective, long-lasting form of contraception.

"Today's IUDs are not the same as the ones that existed decades ago and are undeserving of the outdated stigma they carry," said lead author Dr. Abbey Berenson, Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women's Health at UTMB.

Health Corner:

"Modern IUDs are safe, cost-effective and provide years of worry-free birth control. Though more research is needed, this study shows that IUDs should be among the options considered to address teen pregnancy rates."

The researchers used private insurance claims from approximately 90,000 IUD users ages 15 to 44 to examine complications, failures and discontinuation rates.

Results were compared by age and type of IUD -- hormonal (LNG-IUS) and copper (CuT380A). Specifically, they sought to investigate whether teenage IUD users were more likely to experience such complications as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), amenorrhea (very light to no menstruation) or IUD failure. Among the major findings:

Please look into my heart and REMOVE everything there that grieves You. I don't want, even a hint of pride, jealousy, covetousness, dishonesty.

Please give me Your heart and Your mind, as you have offered in Philippians 2:5. Give me Your character, for I do not like mine. Cover me with Your Robe of Righteousness. Give me the Holy Spirit to guide me in everything that I do. Please be ever present in my mind because I wish to commune with You always.

I ask that You not only plan my life for me. But rather - LIVE my life for me, for I wish to abide in Your will. Make me a joy to others. Channel Your blessings to others through me so I, too, may experience Your joy. Thank You for dying on the cross for me. Thank You for everything that You do for me. My Father, I love You with all my heart. AMEN. 1 John 5:14-15…"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

Serious complications resulting from the IUD, including ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease, occurred in less than one percent of women regardless of age;

Early discontinuation did not differ between teenagers and older women, inferring that the IUD was not associated with greater complications among this age group; andHormonal IUDs were associated with fewer complications and lower rates of discontinuation than copper IUDs in all age groups.

IUDs have evolved significantly since the 1970s, when a popular IUD known as the Dalkon Shield was found to have grave side effects, including bacterial infections, septic miscarriages and even death. However, a pervasive stigma against IUDs has persisted among physicians and patients. The devices are recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), but many clinicians remain especially reluctant to prescribe them to teens for fear of serious complications -- specifically the rare risk of infertility caused by IUD-related pelvic inflammatory disease.

"An IUD is a virtually effortless form of contraception, as it doesn't require remembering to take a pill at the same time each day," said Berenson. "Thus, increasing young women's access to this effective birth control could have a tremendous impact on reducing unintended pregnancies."

Other authors who contributed to the study include: Dr. Alai Tan, assistant professor, Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health; Dr. Jacqueline Hirth, assistant professor at CIRWH; and Dr. Gregg Wilkinson, professor of epidemiology, Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health and senior fellow, CIRWH. Funding support came from the Society of Family Planning. In addition, federal support was provided by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

I take so many pictures; it is easy to overlook some of them. I just saw this picture of my granddaughter Kaitlyn with her hands folded as if in prayer. So I thought of writing about PRAYER.

Folding hands in prayer is not mentioned in the Bible. So, how did "folding hands in prayer" start and who started it? There are many stories on the origin of "Praying Hands." Religious historians trace the gesture back to the act of shackling a prisoner's hands with a vine or a rope. In Ancient Rome, a captured soldier avoided immediate death by joining hands together. Joined hands symbolized submission.

Some say "Praying Hands" could have come down from the Jewish heritage where they fold hands as a prayer gesture symbolizing obedience, submission, sincerity and repentance. I read that Christianity adopted the gesture of

folded hands or clasping hands together as a sign of man's total obedience to Divine Power. I normally do not fold or clasp my hands in prayer when I pray. But I see myself clasping my hands when praying in church. I feel it's the natural thing to do. Whether we fold our hands in prayer or not, what really matters is how sincere we are when we pray.

But why should we pray? We pray to develop our relationship with God. What will happen if we never speak to our spouse or never listen to what our spouse has to say to us? Our marriage relationship will surely deteriorate quickly, right? It is the same with God. Prayer - our way of communicating with God - helps bring us closer and more intimately connected with God. When we pray, we are in the presence of God. Prayer changes people. Prayer changes the world. My first prayers as a child were memorized prayers that my mother taught me. There was a prayer for mealtime and another prayer for bedtime. I must have been 7 when mother said I could talk to Jesus like I'm talking to my best friend. During worship time at home, I learned how to pray the way mother prayed. She prayed the most loving and sincere prayers.

As I got older and more closely connected to God, in my prayers I express everything in my heart with utmost humility and sincerity. Many years ago I had prayed with a friend for the first time. After I said, AMEN, my friend remarked, "I have never heard someone pray like you!

Sharing Time: All About Prayer

You talk to Jesus as if He is just right there in front of you! Your words are simple everyday words!" I was surprised at her remark. When we talk to Jesus, we should

know that He is listening to everything that we are saying, or He is reading our minds if we are praying without saying the words audibly. And yes, we can talk to Him in any language, and speak boldly yet humbly. Today, my daily prayer has become even more personal, telling God exactly what is in my heart. Prayer is not just asking God for things. When I talk to God, it is mostly praises for Him and telling Him how much I love Him. I learned how to talk to God the way King David (who was after God's heart) talked to Him in the Book of Psalms. In my prayers, I aim to please Jesus in everything that I say and do. Here, I wish to share my everyday prayer: Dear JESUS...Today, I place myself and my family at the foot of the cross. With all my heart, I SURRENDER ALL to You. I have sinned against You, Oh Lord...Please forgive me for all my sins. I am not deserving, but I want to be Your child because I love You so much!

By: Reva Moore [email protected]: Romi Talento [email protected]

Friends, be an encourager!

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not

provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

A survey asked mothers to keep track of how many times they made both negative and positive comments to their children. The surveyed mothers admitted that they criticized at least ten times for every one time they said something favorable. Another survey taken in one city's schools found that the teachers were negative seventy five per cent of the time. This study concluded that it takes four positive statements to a child from a parent or teacher to offset the effects of one negative statement. Wow, when I think about how many times I've said negative things to people in my lifetime, I have some positive paying back to do!

Many times we justify our criticizing, hurtful words and actions by thinking we're right in a matter. But, in fact, the only one who's all right is the Lord! And He has called us to be the encouragers of the world! We have the gift of God residing within us, and we are ambassadors of the His love. We need to constantly remind ourselves to operate under that love in every circumstance - even the most difficult!

Friends, when we find ourselves getting ready to criticize, let's strive to stop in our tracks and say something encouraging instead --- not only to the world around us but to ourselves!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

Kuya Benny

Kuya Benny’s Corner:By: Benjamin Banaag [email protected]

Recipe of the Week

Watermelon Juice: This recipe is the twelfth of sixteen recipes on fruits and fruit juices. By Sandra Vanhoy, Healthy Recipes to Live By

Use approximately 1 pound of melon to make 8 ounces of juice.

If watermelon is organic, you can also juice the rind along with the fruit.


http://pastors.com/44-funny-church-bulletin-bloopers-to-make-you-smile/

This time, we’d like to bring to you the lighter things that happen in and around your church. We call then church bulletin bloopers. Here is the first instalment: Enjoy! Link:

●Due to the Rector’s illness, Wednesday’s healing services will be discontinued until further notice. ●Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist. Come hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.

●The Rev. Merriwether spoke briefly, much to the delight of the audience.

●On a church bulletin during the minister’s illness: GOD IS GOOD; Dr. Hargreaves is better.

●Applications are now being accepted for 2 year-old nursery workers. ●The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, “Break Forth Into Joy.” ●If you would like to make a donation, fill out a form, enclose a check, and drip in the collection basket. ●Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on “It’s a Terrible Experience.”

FUNTERTAINMENT

Six years went by and she got another note from Teddy. This time, he wrote that he had finished high school, graduated the third in his class, and once again the letter ended with "you are the best teacher I have ever had!" Four years later, she got another letter from Teddy saying that while things had been tough at times, he had stayed in school and stuck with it, and that he would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. Once more the letter reassured Mrs. Thompson "you are best and favorite teacher he have ever had!" ". Another four years passed and yet another letter came from Teddy. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter stated that she is still "the best and favorite teacher he has ever had...". But now the letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD. The story does not end there. The spring of the following year, yet another letter from Teddy came. This time the letter said that, he was going to marry her. In the letter, Teddy also explained that his father had died a couple of years earlier. Lastly, the letter stated that he would greatly appreciate if Mrs. Thompson would agree to be the proxy "mother of the groom". Of course, without any hesitation, Mrs. Thompson gladly accepted the invitation! And on Dr. Stoddard's wedding day, guess what? Mrs. Thompson wore the bracelet with several missing rhinestones. Also, she made sure to dab on the perfume which Teddy remembered his own mother as having used. During the wedding recessional, as the bride and groom started to walk out of the church, Dr. Stoddard stopped in front of the pew where Mrs. Thompson sat, gave her a long and tight hug as he whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Mrs. Thompson, thank you very much for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference." With tears in her eyes, Mrs. Thompson whispered back and said , "Teddy, you got it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you." NOTE: In case you did not already know, the Stoddard Cancer Center at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa is named in honor of Dr. Theodore Stoddard.

●Don’t miss this Saturday’s exhibit by Christian Martian Arts. ●We are grateful for the help of those who cleaned up the grounds around the church building and the rector. ●A worm welcome to all who have come today. ●Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Nelson’s sermons. ●During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit. ●Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days. ●The ushers will come forward and take our ties and offerings. ●The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Reverend and Mrs. Julius Belzer. ●The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy. ●Don’t let worry kill you off – let the church help. ●Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person(s) you want remembered. ●Let us join David and Lisa in the celebration of their wedding and bring their happiness to a conclusion. ●Helpers are needed! Please sign up on the information sheep. ●Diana and Don request your presents at their wedding.

As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, like most teachers, Mrs. Thompson looked at her students and said that she "loved them all the same". However, that was a lie because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard. Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and had noticed that he did not play well with the other children, that his clothes were often messy, and that he often smelled like he needed a bath. In addition, Teddy could be quite unpleasant. As the school year progressed, it got to the point where Mrs. Thompson actually took delight in marking with a red felt-tip pen and making a bold "X" by every wrong answer as well as putting a big "F" at the top of Teddy's quiz and test papers! However, at the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, every teacher was required to review each child's past records. and of course, she putTeddy's off until the very last. When she finally got to Teddy's school records and as she reviewed his file, she was in for a big surprise. Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has very good manners. He is a joy to be around." His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well-liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has some kind of terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle." His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has really been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't seem to show much interest in helping Teddy, and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken." Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends, and he sometimes sleeps in class." By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her presents the day before the start of Christmas recess. The gifts were beautifully wrapped and tied with colorful ribbons and bows, except for Teddy's. His was clumsily wrapped in heavy, brown paper obviously from a grocery bag.

TEDDY STODDARD

But Mrs. Thompson took pains to open Teddy's present in front of the entire class, like she did the other gifts. Some of the children started to laugh when she held up a rhinestone bracelet with several stones missing, and a perfume bottle which was only about one-quarter full. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was as she put it on, and how fragrant the perfume smelled as she dabbed some on both her wrists. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to." After all the children had left the room and gone home for the day, she broke down and cried for a long time. And ever since that day, she quit simply teaching reading, writing and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children, and Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind came alive. The more she encouraged him, the quicker he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite having told that lie on the first day of the school year that she would love the children all the same, Teddy had literally become one of her own "teacher's pets." A year later, she found a note under her classroom door. It was from Teddy. The letter ended saying, "you are the best teacher I have ever had!"

Contributed By: Nestor Zamora [email protected]


E-mail Address: [email protected]

CL Website/Registered Members: <http://yahoogroups.com/group/AUP_Cyberlink

AUP's Website: http://www.aup.edu.ph/

AWESNA Website: http://www.awesna.org/

EASNAC Website: <http://www.easnac.org/

Other link: http://www.filipinoadventist.org/community/bulletin/cyberlink.asp

AUP CYBERLINK

Editor: Romi Talento [email protected]

Please send next week's materials for publication to: Edwin Araba, [email protected] Thank you.

For suggestions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch with any of the Active Cyberlink Coordinators immediately below:

Edwin Araba, [email protected] Barrios, romebarry@yahoo. comMyrna Dial, [email protected] Domingo, [email protected] Fegarido, [email protected] Lynn Lagajino, [email protected] Talento, [email protected] Tortal, [email protected]

Contributors: Conrad J. Miranda IV; Dr. Francisco Gayoba; Nestor Zamora; Dr. Benjamin Banaag; Reva Moore; Charles Fegarido

We began hearing of and reading about “political correctness” in the last decade or two with increasing frequency. Lately it has become such a conundrum that nary a day passes without one’s attention being drawn to something or someone being politically correct or its opposite. You may disagree with those who

have made political correctness a topic among talking heads in the media, but it is they who continue to advance this socio-political phenomenon to the extreme, perhaps.

A common definition of “politically correct” is “conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). However, we can hear and see more and more frequently where the term is

Political Correctness: Has it gone to far? By: Conrad J. Miranda IV [email protected]

applied not only in matters that revolve around political sensibilities but in almost any and all aspects of human behavior and/or interaction.

The principle of political correctness has begun to erode a person’s ability to call a spade a spade.

The term is itself an oxymoron. Consider this: it is said that state and religion do not mix, neither do “politics” or “correctness,” so being politically correct is an oxymoron. Whose politics, whose correctness?

Does government dictate it? Do biblical principles support it?

Today, political correctness is carried to the extreme that even blows logic or reason.

Some common examples: saying “Happy Holidays” as a greeting instead of “Merry Christmas;” using the term “physically challenged” instead of “disabled;” the attempt

to remove references to “God” from public schools and from public/government facilities (even from U.S. coinage); preventing students (in the U.S.A.) from repeating the Pledge of Allegiance which has the word “God” in it, because it might offend the atheists or those of other religious persuasions; and the like.

That is one side of the spectrum. The other side subscribes to political correctness because “it is the right thing to do;” “it’s about being kind and polite,” rather than to sound racist, sexist, homophobic or some other descriptive attribute.

True, there are those who talk and act with the insensitivity of a leather shoe. No one would like to be in that category. But the fact is, many individuals, groups, corporate and government entities have invoked political correctness ad nauseum to the point of utter ridiculousness!

Sure, one has to be considerate of other people’s feelings and give up saying offensive

november 3 {2013}

T h e S c h o o l t h a t t r a i n s f o r s e r v i c e


aup cyberlink - 131103

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