And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28(KJV)

The above verse is one of my favorites, if not my most favorite. It’s always comforting for me to say this to myself over and over again especially in times when I am down.These words suddenly popped in my head this morning, when Riz and I were on our way to work. I’ve thought of it,along with thoughts on being late to work again, and the movie “Sliding Doors” (Haha, weird isn’t it?). And it made me think again: Is everything, every single thing, that’s happening in my life for my good? Even the hurts and problems? Do they count? Is the most inconceivable thing that could possibly take place in my life included in the list? Or even the simplest things, like, not making it to the first MRT trip or an earlier FX ride, or being cut in by someone in line so he gets to go first before me. Are those petty things significant?

I remember our pastor back home when he would consistently emphasize on the word “ALL” in his sermons. For instance, the verse Romans 8:28, he would open his Bible and read it as: “And we know that some things work together for good…”, and then he would pause and face the congregation with a questioning look on his face. “Some? No. ALL. All things work for our good.” And then I would see some (if not all?) of the people nod their heads in agreement. Hehe. That was one of his trademarks.

So how does a short word such as “all” mean so much? When God says “all”, he means ALL.

• All things work for the good of those who love God.
• For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom3:23)
• Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we askor imagine… (Eph 3:20)

Sometimes it’s really hard to understand the truth in His Word. Especially when you’re hurting or facing a seemingly impossible problem. You want to look ahead and see the truth but clouds of doubt get in the way. This is particularly true for me. So many’s uncertain in my life right now. You could say that, I’m walking through dark tunnels, playing with fire, and the likes. It’s hard this way coz I don’t know what’s gonna happen next, and the worry and anxiety sort of eats me up. There are times that I doubt His power, but I never doubt His love. And I know, deep inside, that ALL the things He allows to happen in my life, good or bad, small or big, is for my good. And then upon realizing that truth, I am made strong through His power and love.

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If you’ve read the description I wrote about myself that I have placed at the sidebar of this weblog, you’ll see that I described myself as a frustrated singer, frustrated artist, frustrated everything. This is true, considering that I’ve never been best at a specific thing. I’m only a moderate kind of person, somewhat like what they call the jack-of-all-trades. It has always been this group of things that I do (and try to do) but I’ve never been actually superior at doing them. Not even one of them.

If only I could actually be great at just one thing, then I’ll feel that I’m actually be useful to myself and to other people.

And right now, once again, this is what I feel. Argh. There’s just so much I want to learn. I browse through the web and see what amazing talents and skills some people are blessed with and I envy them so much. I realize that my senior year in college was a big waste of time too. I think that, maybe if I hadn’t spent so much of my time on some crappy things (that should be left unmentioned), I would’ve learned much by now, especially the field I chose to be in.

There’s just so much I want to learn. And so little time. I know I’m not that old yet, but I can’t help but feel frustrated right now and feel the I’ve just wasted my time unlearning things. I have to get back on the learning track. I owe it to myself.

No, this is not about the movie. This is about the novel. I didn’t expect to like it at all, but i looooved it so much! Last year, when I saw her reading it, I was kinda feeling indifferent towards the book. And even more apathetic when it’s movie premiered this year. But recently, a friend lent me her copy and I read it last weekend. I honestly didn’t know it would be better than I expected coz I thought it was just some cheesy teeny novel, a Now-&-Then-friendship-adventure kinda plot (though, the Now & Then 90’s film is also one of my favorites! hehe). I was surprised to see myself not able to put the book down (well, i did, a few times for bathroom/food/TV/text break). And was even more surprised when a few parts in the book’s plot actually made me cry. (Ugh, I hate it when i get overly sensitive.)

I was supposed to watch the movie in DVD with my friends, but I saved it after I’ve read the book. It’s always better that way. Paperback first, before the actual film. You get a lot critical that way and you get to say things like, Hey! That doesn’t how it goes in the book! Heh, mind you, I do that a lot. It irritates some of my friends. haha.

Examples of movies-based-on-novels:

• A Walk to Remember - so inaccurate.
• The Notebook - slightly inaccurate
• The Bridget Jones Diary - almost accurate

Pardon me.. the bookish side of me is babbling profusely hence this spontaneous book (and, uh, movie) review.