Cornerstone: Fruit That Remains

One of the insights I went home with from the recently concluded SFC International Conference in Palawan was Gelo Saludo's definition of loving more: To not just bloom where you are planted, but to bear fruit that will remain.

I have been in the community for almost a decade now, and after hearing those words from the last session's speaker, I pondered and asked the Lord if I have contributed anything to the community. Was I able to bear fruit? Did those fruits remain?

Then I received a text message from a brother about the Cornerstone Moving Up Day. Time flies really fast. It was just like yesterday when we had our Orientation and now, another school year will come to a close. And in a sweet whisper, I heard God say, "Cornerstone is the fruit that remains."

I was privileged to be among the first batch of Cornerstone Tutors, pioneers if we may be called as such. At that time, our sector (East A) was assigned to handle Commonwealth Elementary School in Quezon City. Because it was a pilot run, we were able to experience all sorts of what we call "birth pains". There was even a time when there were only two of us who came and we were forced to attend to more than 30 hyperactive students. We were confronted by a disappointed principal, and we had to endure the heat and the long walk just to bring back the kids safely to their homes. The first year was painful, but it was necessary as it taught us valuable lessons which we applied on the succeeding years especially when we already implemented the program in our own sector.

To date, East A is serving in three schools, namely Kabisig Elementary School in Cainta, San Lorenzo Ruiz Elementary School in Pasig, and Felix Sanvictores Elementary School in Taytay. The volunteers have grown in numbers, though still not enough to maintain a 1:1 tutor-student ratio. Much is still to be done, but the program goes on and even flourishes with each passing year.

I am no longer as involved as I was before and some of the former tutors have already gotten married or have moved to other service, but the program remains. Because it is the Lord's work, He never fails to provide. This is the fruit of all the labors and sacrifices of those who responded to the call. The pioneers may no longer be around, just like the first disciples who are now martyrs and saints, but the message of God's love and compassion that they have planted, continues to grow and bear fruit that lasts, fruit that remains.

Cornerstone is now on its fourth year and each year, more schools are added to the list, more volunteers are formed, more lives are touched, more children are given the opportunity to become their better selves academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. I wouldn't be surprised to see this country being led by a former Cornerstone student.

After all, through education anything can happen. :)

And if I won't live long enough to witness it happen, at least I know in my heart, that somehow, in my own little way, I bore fruit that remained.

*****

To get to know more about Cornerstone and how you can be part of this life-changing program, visit the CFC ANCOP website. :)

Comments

Understanding Lupang Hinirang

Every Filipino knows Lupang Hinirang (though some know it better as " Bayang Magiliw "). How can you not know it when it is the national anthem of the Philippines? But do we really mean the lyrics that we sing? Do we understand it in the first place? Photo Credit: http://diazi.ism-online.org This video has gone viral weeks ago. This afternoon, I shared it to my teammates, and one commented, "Yun pala yun . Ngayon ko lang naintindihan." He immediately downloaded it and converted to MP3. So for those who have not seen it, once again, here is Joey Ayala's version of Lupang Hinirang. And I agree, you would never want to sing it in another way. (But that's just me. :D) This rendition is simply beautiful. Truly Filipino. :) Of course that doesn't mean we need to revise our national anthem but maybe we can consider about correcting the way we sing it (read: proper pronunciation). Read more about the Philippine National Anthem here . ...

Jesus Week 2015: A Time To HEAL ♥

I had the best, most meaningful HOLY WEEK ever, so far (the best is yet to come!). :) Thanks to Joy who shared the Jesus Week poster on Facebook. It was God's personal invitation, and I couldn't thank Him enough for the grace that He also gave me to respond. Everything is grace. It was not just my personal decision to join. It was God's grace that allowed me to. So how did it go? Well, as what I have told my friends, it was amazingly beautiful! The experience was priceless! On Holy Monday, I posted Fr. Jerry Orbos' acronym for HOLY WEEK . I experienced all of that and more! :) I won't be able to share everything as there is just a lot of personal, intimate encounters with the Lord. But if I were to summarize, it was a time for me to HEAL. :) H alt . Indeed, I was able to stop and just rest in the Lord. Before leaving Manila, I have already told myself that this retreat will be all about Jesus ( Jesus Week nga e :D ). No emails, no texts, no calls. I...

Thank You, Lord! :)

It has been a long and stressful day (the past three days have been lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng and stressssssssssssssssssssssssssssssful), but You are just so amazing, Lord that I couldn't sleep without telling You how grateful I am. :) Thank You, Lord for the miracle that You did yesterday. Break even and more. :) Thank You, Lord for the laughter and stories shared during the post-mission meeting with Team Thailand. :) Team Thailand - Princesses from SFC Metro Manila :) Thank You, Lord for Lawrence. He is just the (almost) perfect man. He has his flaws, but they are acceptable; he makes mistakes, but they are all forgivable. There are a lot of men but there can never be anyone else. He's really the one. And You know it very well. :) ♥ Nemo. Love. ♥ Thank You, Lord for giving me strength and endurance each day. :) Thank You, Lord for the short but restful sleeps. :) Thank You, Lord for every waking moment and every opportunity that You give ...

The Holy Spirit*

*Cluster 4 Household Topic Reflections from John 15:26-16:4 True friendship is strengthened in adversity. Jesus offers His disciples the best and truest of friends. Who is this promised friend? Jesus calls the Holy Spirit our Counselor and Advocate (also translated Paraclete or Helper). Counselor is a legal term for the one who will defend someone against an adversary and who guides that person during the ordeal of trial. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate and Helper who brings us safely through the challenges and adversities we must face in this life. As Jesus approaches the hour that He was to be glorified - through His death on the cross and His resurrection - He revealed more fully to His disciples the person and the role of the Holy Spirit. What does Jesus tell us about the Holy Spirit? First, the Holy Spirit is inseparably one with the Father and the Son. It is the Holy Spirit who gives life - the very life of God - and who kindles faith in hearts r...

Interesting Facts Courtesy of Celebrity Bluff :)

I was writing a different post, but Celebrity Bluff is just so fun and informative, I had to stop from blogging to list down the fun facts that I learn from each round. :) Thought it would be nice to share them here as well. For future reference. :D Q: In 2012, what kind of animal was named after Beyonce? A: Horse Fly Q: What rare job in China will pay you US$50,000 a year? A: Fart Smeller Q: What alcoholic drink literally means "water of life"? A: Whisky Q: In which part of the body can you find the tragus? A: Ear Q: According to Merriam-Webster, what is the female equivalent of dude? A: Dudine Q: What is longer in the male turtles than in the females? A: Nails And the final question is... Q: According to Box Office Mojo what are the top four (4) movies of 2013 according to global profit? A: (1) Iron Man 3, (2) Despicable Me 2, (3) Fast and the Furious 6 (4) The Hunger Games: Cat...

These Little Wonders

Search This Blog