You Can't Love Others If You Don't Like Your Self

By Ianpassion

Picture was taken on the way to Doi Inthanon, Northern Thailand, 2023 

The most important relationship we have is with our "self."


Too many people are not happy with their "self." They focus on what they don't have, on their flaws and failures. Why am I not like him or her? Instead of accepting themselves as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece created in the image of our Almighty Father, they wish to be someone else, to have a better life, and to have a different personality. 

Simple Nemi's 7th Birthday Celebration At The River Side 2023

By Ianpassion

Photo was taken at the river side of Wangsaithong River, Thailand, 2023

My son Nemi is now seven years old. Every time I remember how he survived a near-death experience, I thank our Almighty Father. His mother began bleeding when he was seven months old. So we went to our village's nearby hospital. It was around 4 a.m., and there was no doctor available. We hurriedly left and went to the main hospital in southern Thailand. It was a two-hour drive.

When we arrived, Nittie was rushed to the delivery room for emergency labor. A few minutes later, the doctor came out and informed me that they had already injected her to stop the bleeding. However, if the bleeding would not stop, then they would have to perform a cesarian to keep Nittie alive, but my son Nemi would be immature. 

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.