The Story of A Star Fish

One hot sunny day, a little boy was walking near the shore when he noticed that there were star fishes wherever he looked, for it was a low tide. These creatures seemed dying as they looked dry because of the heat of the sun. Seeing this as something is to be done, he picked up the star fishes and threw it on the water as quickly as he could, trying to save all the star fishes that was there.

An old man who lived nearby was also walking near the shore and saw what the little boy did. He asked the boy about what he was doing and the he told the man that he was trying to save the star fishes that were dying. The old man nodded his head in complete disagreement and told the boy, with disappointment, that he could never save all the star fishes on his own for there are countless of them. The boy replied showing a little smile and picked up a star fish and threw it on the water and confidently said, "Surely this one would make a difference".

-yajleira

Christian Band of the Moment: Skillet

Skillet is an American Christian rock band, and was formed in Memphis, Tennessee in the year 1996. This band consists of lead vocalist, and bassist John Cooper, his wife Korey Cooper as their guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist, Ben Kasica the guitarist, and the newest member Jen Ledger as their drummer. They have also released seven studio albums, the latest two receiving Grammy nominations: Collide and Comatose. Over the past 13 years, Skillet has spanned many different genres, including alternative, industrial rock, and hard rock.

Skillet was formed as a band in 1996 with two members: John Cooper, former vocalist for Seraph, and Ken Steorts, the guitarist for Urgent Cry. Befriending through touring together.. Urgent Cry and Seraph disbanded soon after, and John and Ken's pastor encouraged them of starting or having their own band. Coming from different styles of rock music, the two decided to name the band Skillet, after the Denny's menu item. Soon after, Trey McClurkin joined the band as their temporary drummer. Skillet had only been together for one month before they received interest from the major Christian record label Forefront Records. In late 1996, they released a self-titled debut, Skillet. The album was well received and the trio continued to write new material as they toured the United States.

Skillet recorded their follow-up album throughout 1997, entitled Hey, I Love Your Soul, which was released in April of 1998. Their second effort was a change in style from the band's first release. With this release, Skillet would abandon their post-grunge approach for a lighter alternative rock that was more dependent on John Cooper's keyboard playing. His wife Korey was enlisted soon after to play keyboards live in order to alleviate John's live performance duties.

-yajleira

Song of the Moment: Say Goodbye by Skillet

Things are changing
It seems strange and
I need to figure this out
You've got your life
I got mine
But you're all I cared about
Yesterday we were laughing
Today I'm left here asking
Where has all the time gone now
I'm left alone somehow
Growing up and getting older
I don't want to believe it's over

Don't say goodbye
Cause I don't wanna hear those words tonight
Cause maybe it's not the end for you and I
And although we knew
This time would come for me and you
Don't say anything tonight
If you're gonna say goodbye

Do you remember
In December
How we swore we'd never change
Even though you're leaving
That our feelings
Would always stay the same
I wish we could be laughing
Instead I'm standing here asking
Do we have to end this now
Can we make it last somehow
We both know what we've gotta say, not today
Cause I don't wanna leave this way

And if it's over
It hurts but I'm giving you my word
I hope that you're always
Happy like we were
Happy like we were

Yesterday we were laughing (if you're gonna say goodbye)
Today I'm left here asking (if you're gonna say goodbye)
And although we knew this time would come for me and you
Don't say anything tonight
If you're gonna say goodbye

This Christian contemporary song of the moment reminds us, specially me about certain things. One, is that things are changing as we are growing up, as the song tells us, like friendships. Second, is that people just come and go. Lastly, is that we are sometimes faced with reality that even our very selves can't accept the fact that reality is so real. There's just one thing that is for sure, as they would always say - Change is for the better.

Sometimes hearing this song being played over the radio somehow brings many memories with my friends, specially agapean friends. Seeing them leave hurts but I know it should happen. As what a friend of mine said, "We don't want to leave but fate is telling us that we have to". I know in my heart that, they too, is somehow, or in some way or the other is sad about the thought of leaving. I know God has something in stored for them and I have to obey Him.

I personally love this song because it implies an honest feeling but it also gives us a positive response to the feeling and that is letting go and being confident that they would be happy. We may be feeling this way but I believe the best thing is letting God do His part in their lives and that somehow is really being a Christian.

-yajleira

May Days

The month of flowers is somehow a breeze to agapeans. This month, agapeans seem to relax and unwind, though some of them has or had their summer classes. Some, or maybe most of them, went home to have time for their families and friends during these days. There was not much of activities this month (I guess, well, maybe), I should say. not much of activities but it seems theirs much wedding ceremonies and celebrations.

On Labor day, agape leaders had their 2nd meeting which was with agape's new alumni. It was somehow one of the ways new alumni could say their goodbyes. The emerging leaders meeting was supposed to be on that day but because of some matters it was moved on the 23rd - 24th of May. On its 2nd day, agapeans joined the celebration as one of our alumni had their wedding day. Then comes the 16th day, and again another alumni couple shared their joy as they gave their vows on the altar.

May days is yet to end, but the surprises for agape and agapeans are still to be expected as God opens doors and windows for fresh opportunities and comebacks of events and campus ministries. Together let us pray for our agape campuses (University of Southeastern Philippines, San Pedro College, University of Mindanao, and our link, Brokenshire College). Let's also pray for pioneering campuses like the Philippine Women's College and Holy Cross Davao College, as well as the Rizal Memorial College. Let's also pray for workers as Jesus had told us to, for the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few.