Do Not Dwell In The Past

By Ianpassion 

Photo was taken at the farm in Manang, Thailand, 2022

I was thinking about Isaiah 43:18-19 as the year 2022 came to an end. In this verse, Isaiah tells the people of the heavenly Father who have been captive in Babylon for many years to forget the former things and not to dwell on the past, because He is about to do something new. He is going to build a new road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

We can imagine that captives are not well treated. They do not have the same rights as the citizens of the country that holds them captive. They are destitute. They do not have their own homes and are most likely incarcerated in labor camps. I'm sure they were thinking, "We can no longer be free and have a chance to live an abundant life. We are stuck here with no way out."

What Do The Wise Men of the East Teach Us?

By Ianpassion

Artwork of Nana, Nemi, and Mama 2022

Many of us are familiar with the story of the wise men from the east who followed the guidance of a star in the sky to find the child Savior.

What happened at the time is sometimes dramatized at our Christmas gatherings.  I  remember that I performed in a skit before about this. My role was that of a camel, and my friend was one of the wise men. My role as a camel and my friend on my back was difficult because I had to walk on my knees, but it was fun.

Pinoy Father Celebrating Father's Day In Thailand 2022

By Ianpassion
Photo was taken hiking at Dao Kra Jai Waterfall, Satun, Thailand 2019

Every December 5 is Father's Day in Thailand, as well as the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is a national holiday. Thais celebrate Father's Day by spending time with their fathers, such as by having a meal or going on a picnic. 

Fathers are extremely important in a family. When there is strife in our family and broken relationships, our role as fathers is vital. Our presence and protection are important; our children need our strength and love as the source of their value and inspiration. 

It Is My Birthday Again 2022

By Ianpassion

Picture at the viewpoint in Manang, Satun, Thailand 

On my birthday, I already make it a habit to write a birthday reflection. I usually reflect on my past experiences and give thanks to the Creator of life for giving me another year to live.

But today, after reading the news about the 34 people murdered, including kindergarten children, at one of Thailand's daycare centers in the northeast, I found it difficult to write a reflection. Piyalak Kingkaew, an experience emergency worker, heading the first responder team told to Reuter, "We've been through it before, but this incident is most harrowing because the victims are little kids." Read more here...

And....this year, I attended several funeral services.  Although the ceremony was very different from what my family back home does, there was one thing that is similar which made me pause and reflect: LIFE IN THIS WORLD IS TEMPORARY and LIFE IS FRAGILE. Whether we like it or not, we will leave this physical world and return to where our souls reside eternally. But the day or hour is a mystery. No one knows. 

Praise May Appear Small But Powerful

By Ianpassion
Sunset at Langu Beach, Satun, Thailand, 2020

The young David had shown us that sometimes all we need to defeat the enemy (problems and fears) is a small stone.


The same is true of praise; sometimes all we need is praise. Praise is a weapon. Throughout the Scripture, we see how praise breaks chains, confuses the foes, and strengthens the weak people.

We are unstoppable when we are speaking and declaring praise. 

The enemy cannot keep a praiser or a worshipper down. Remember Paul and Silas in jail? At midnight, the prison doors were opened, and the shackles were removed. Our praise may appear small or insignificant, but when we praise our Eternal Father, MOVES.

The majority of the battles we face are spiritual in nature. Praise is a very effective weapon and It is even more effective to praise when we are in trouble because the enemy expects us to be discouraged and complaining.

You Might Like To Read These Related Posts: 

We Don't Need To Be The Best To Be Appreciated

What The Almighty Wants Is Intimacy 

Say What You Heard To Keep The Right Attitude