Month: April 2020

Humans are social being. We are made to connect, interact and socialize. When the normal way of human interaction was interrupted, we find ways to create a new normal.

When lockdowns and stay at home rules were implemented for social distancing, people turned to technology and other creative means to keep human connection going.

Church services are now conducted through different social media platforms. It’s now normal to see live stream of church services on Facebook and meeting for Bible studies and other church activities on Zoom. My church- Lord of the Nations meet on Sunday, 3 PM via Zoom. That’s the new normal.

Birthday celebrations are done through virtual parties. My daughter Gilary’s Zoom birthday party was attended by friends from Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and the Philippines. At the party which lasted for many hours, they played games, sang and danced. That’s the new normal

My daughter Gilda’s friend Teana will have a “drive by” baby shower. Friends are decorating their cars with balloons, ribbons and posters. Gifts will be dropped off by the curb. That’s the new normal.

My daughter-in-law Lyndee, a schools teacher meets her pre-school students through video. That’s the new normal.

Jeanna Brown, a member of church got her first job as a music teacher through a series of video interviews… to the delight of her parents Carla and Gene. That’s the new normal.

Have you gotten used to the new normal? I invite you to share your experience. I’m sure you’ve dabbled into it one way or another. Please share your story in the comment section.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

• 

This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.

He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings

His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Do not dread the disease that strikes in the darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.

If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you.

For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you will not hurt your foot on a stone.

You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet.

TheLord says I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my Name. When they call on me I will answer them. I will be with them in their trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life! PSALM 91

Accept JESUS now into you heart and He will be your Savior and Lord. The promises and provisions of Psalm 91 will also be your portion.

“Jesus, I accept you now in my heart. Forgive me of my sins. Indeed you are my refuge and my safety both in this life and for eternity” Amen

When the world found itself in a new kind of war, a new breed of warriors emerged near and far.

They wear no heavy armors nor carry powerful guns. Instead they don face masks, gloves and hazmat gowns.

Yet the best weapon they carry around, is passion and sincere hearts for the stricken humankind.

The new breed of warriors are the doctors and nurses,

The healthcare providers and the first responders.

Daily they bravely march to unchartered territory.

Waging a serious war against the unseen enemy.

Some warriors were wounded and others had fallen.

In doing their duty their lives had been taken.

Hurray to the many heroes of our time.

You will be rewarded for the work so sublime.

We applaud all of you for your fortitude.

We take our hats off to show our gratitude.

We salute you for your bravery.

We sing your praises for the victory.

For your works are great and extraordinary!

Long live to the new breed of warrior!

May God bless you and give you His best favor!

There are millions of them, I know quite a few. Here’s a list of my heroes. Would you give me your heroes’ names too?

Samuel Robeniol-RN-US (He beat COVID! Got infected while working as a nurse in New York. Fully recovered!!!)

Edita Valenzuela RN-US

Gil Edison Valenzuela RN-US

Ardilyn Sumang Trinidad-RN-Norway

Gelmark Olivares RN-Ph

Angie Barmes RN-US

Shelly Robeniol Lo-MD-US

Rich Lo MD-US

Melissa-Pacis- MD-US

Yolanda Robeniol

Sheila Rose Robeniol NP-US

Cecilia Robeniol

Remy Nunez

Imelda Robeniol

Bethsy Lomahan Luquingan RN-US

Jennifer Ariado RN-US

Adrian Ariado

Claudia Piscador Gaspar RN-Phil

Eunice Briones Calub RN-US

Grace Briones Bataclan-RN-US

Jerome Briones MD-Ph

Lolit deLeon RN-US

Daisy Alvarez RN-US

Victoria Venuso-RB-US

Eric Briones-RN-US

Marissa Pacis Vilchis RN-US

Acel Tenorio Baltazar RN-US

Vania Marie Baltazar Alabata RN-US

Anastasia Rodriguez RN-US

Eva Geronimo’s RN-US

Rachel Sagulo Acupan RN-US

Joenil Jumbas RN-US

Nancy de Guzman RN-US

Leah de Guzman Simbulan RN-US

Merlyn Garcia RN-UK

Our COVID experience will leave us with lots of memories….good and bad. With these are words and phrases that are associated with this fateful historical event. The mere mention of these words will remind us of the unprecedented global pandemic popularly known as pandemic COVID19 which the whole world had experienced.

This list is not exhaustive. I invite you to add to it on the comment section.

Novel Corona Virus

quarantine

isolation

social distancing

pandemic

frontliners

first responders

lockdown

flattening the curve

travel ban

stay at home

PPE

testing kits

ventilators

economic stimulus

CDC

Know your enemy.

The best way to combat the enemy is to know what it is and how it works.

Corona virus like all viruses is not even a live entity. It is a fatty protein. Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot be treated by antibiotics. ’Bio” means life… Our enemy is lifeless. But how does is proliferate, multiply and spread? How does it make the human body seriously sick and even causes death? How do we kill or destroy it?

Viruses are tiny (microscopic): the largest of them are the smallest of bacteria. This enemy is therefore invisible. Viruses consist of a protein coat and a core of genetic material, either RNA or DNA.

Unlike bacteria viruses can’t survive without a host. They can only reproduce by attaching themselves to cells. In most cases they reprogram the cell to make new viruses until the cell burst and die. In other cases they turn normal cells into malignant or cancerous cells.

Viruses cause disease, and they’re quite specific about the cells they attack. For example, certain viruses attack cells in the liver, respiratory system, or blood.

The person affected by corona virus or any infections for that matter, tries to fight through its immune system. Body’s responses like coughing, sneezing, fever are some of the immune system’s way to get rid of the virus. That’s why our immune system must be at its best. This is the reason why people who are elderly or have pre-existing conditions and whose immune systems are compromised are the usual casualties of the disease.

Your war strategy

From this knowledge we can formulate our plan/strategy to win the war. Because of it’s invisible characteristic, we now know that we must protect/defend ourselves rather than attack it.

Defense therefore is the best strategy!

This is why the authorities (government and health professionals) have imposed rules. If you analyze these rules, they are mostly defensive or protective. Let’s enumerate some of these:

Isolation and Lockdown: Schools, restaurants, churches, theaters, none essential businesses etc are temporarily closed. Many offices work remotely at homes.

Social distancing. The virus is easily transmitted. When a carrier sneezes or coughs, the virus lands on surfaces and even stays airborne for sometime. Social distancing is an effective way to control the viruses spread and transmission.

Travel bans

Stay at home

Proper frequent hand washing

Don’t touch your face

Use mask

Keeping at least 6 ft distance when in grocery, pharmacy

To be continued. If you have something to add or share. Please leave it on the comment section. I will include and acknowledge them in the next blog posts.

Be safe everyone. Remember… the strategy is to be defensive!!!!!!

If

Indeed everything happens for a reason, What’s this pandemic cause for intrusion?

Listen!

I will tell you, for your serious contemplation.

I must submit to you the probable reason. Might it be that God is getting our attention?

For

Humanity has turned its back from the God of creation.

We‘ve chosen to worship idols of material things especially the mammon.

And

We’ve abandoned God’s truth and made up our own.

So

God was sorely grieved!

And

For a moment He turned away his face.

Then

The Devil took a chance and quickly spread a menace.

Now

We’re all confused and don’t know what to do! People’s lives are taken. The next might it be you?

It’s good if you are ready for Heaven is for you.

At first God is calling us so kindly and so sweet.

But

We ignored the call and not moved a bit.

So God starts to yell so loud and so shrill.

Shall we listen now or will reject Him still!

God is calling us to repent from our wicked ways.

To be on our knees and seek His holy face.

That the plague may end through His

Mercy

Love

and

Grace

“If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

CoVid 19 has so touched the whole world. It’s intrusion has put our lives on hold.

So swiftly it travelled the earth’s land and sea and covered the world’s vast geography.

It knows no geographical boundary, be it the busy urban or the quiet country.

This global pandemic is not a respecter of person. It does not distinguish any racial or ethnic association.

It had stricken the prince living in the fortified palace but also the pauper in his crumbling shack.

It has harmed the skilled doctor and health practitioner as well as the unskilled laborer.

The invisible enemy has visited and frightened the powerful politician and the same it did to the helpless homeless man.

It said ”hello” to the rich and famous, to the poor and even the unscrupulous.

The enemy wreaked havoc on the economy-the big money affairs of rich and the small pay check of the irregular employee.

The corona virus had put the world to a screeching halt, leaving them dismayed and shocked -wondering when normal life will be back.

One thing the corona virus is telling us: It doesn’t matter who we are, rich or poor, prominent or unknown, male or female, young or old, the prince and the pauper.

A great equalizer, that’s what corona virus proved to be. Rich or poor, young or old. It doesn’t really care who are we.

The war on CoVid19 calls for unity. Everyone’s cooperation is of necessity. For a great many of us, to stay home is our duty!

Yet, on this war, we have the frontliners, the doctors and nurses and the first responders. They risk their very lives to face the enemy. Won’t we intervene with our fervent prayers of intercessory.

As leaders and experts map out the strategy, the populace must respond in solidarity. Practice what they say- it’s for our own safety.

So in unison, humanity is working to destroy the stronghold. It’s plain and simple: DO as you are told.

We are wise.

We are resilient.

We are strong.

We are united, we are together and in this fight we belong.

We will win.

We will conquer the enemy.

And in the end of it all we will gain the victory!!!

For greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world!