Thursday, July 3
SUBJECT: *click*

And with this post, I bid a fond farewell to Mere Madness. It has been a wonderful roller coaster ride, and I will cherish the memories afforded by the name, and the friendships made with this name.

I offer my life to Christ, and it is for this reason that I officially transfer to my new home, Superblessed.net. I trust and hope you can join me there.

God bless you. Thank You, Jesus, for always loving me. And may the new name and the new me bring glory to you. In the most beautiful name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

posted by Ganns Deen on 4:44 PM


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Monday, June 30
SUBJECT: Transfer

In less than a week, I will be transferring to Superblessed.net, and my life in Mere Madness will officially be over.

When I first started Mere Madness, more than four years ago, I envisioned it as my outlet for my creed at the time, erudio et iuvo (educate and entertain). Since its inception as a quiet homepage on Geocities, Mere Madness has dealt with music, the academe, education, cinema, and, of course, my life as writer, teacher, and entertainer. I transferred to a blog site, the look of which no longer exists, in 2000, I think, and moved to the meremadness.envy.nu site in 2002, each site becoming more sophisticated in its look, and more about me than I thought. Mere Madness was branching out: a writers' group, an independent record label, a name for a personal Top 30 chart that's existed since 1990 (FYI, Wilson Phillips' "Release Me" was the very first number one single on that chart).

I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in 2001, and the entire dimension of Mere Madness changed since then. I realized that the direction and focus of Mere Madness, in all its schizophrenic metamorphoses, was not really in line with what I felt God planned for me. I am no less hypocritical than the next Christian, but neither am I the least person trying to change for Him, for Christ, who saved my soul and made me whole.

With the imminent transfer to Superblessed.net, it is my hope and plan that my life can be a testament to His goodness, to how He blesses me constantly. At work, I imagine, they may find it hard to believe it (and thinking all kinds of nasty things in their hearts, I imagine), but I am a sinner. That's the truth. And I will always be one. But I try. Constantly. And an awareness of my gratitude for His goodness is a good start.

Mere Madness tried to rationalize the anger I had with the world. Superblessed.net affirms it as a sign that God allows me to grow and be challenged.

Mere Madness talked about music in all incarnations, godly or ungodly, from a glorified perspective, and revelled in the glorification of the music. Superblessed.net looks at music and how it can glorify God.

Mere Madness was a vent for my frustration and anger. Superblessed.net will continue to report the good and bad events in my life, and look at them from a biblical perspective.

Mere Madness was all about me. Superblessed.net is still about me, but ultimately giving testimony about how indebted I am to Him.

I am superblessed. And I have only my God to thank for that. So, please change your browsers, and spread the word, because Ganns Deen is movin' on for Christ!

posted by Ganns Deen on 6:44 PM


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Friday, June 27
SUBJECT: Superblessed.net

Superblessed.net isn't officially up yet. Everything you see is pasted there, and the links, everything isn't up. We're gunning for a July 1 launch, but please bear with us. Hopefully, it'll be a lot more interactive than this site currently is.

I've gotten record lows in terms of visitors, so I certainly am hoping that traffic will improve with the launch of Superblessed.Net. God bless y'all! :D We're so excited.

posted by Ganns Deen on 10:27 AM


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Wednesday, June 25
SUBJECT: Manila Day

Every June 24, Manila, the Philippines' capital, celebrates its annual Manila Day, with pomp and circumstance. Several parades clog the streets, including the famous ati-atihan, which features people half-naked and coated in soot, dancing to some tribal rhythm.

Over in San Juan, people were forcing open car doors and drenching the vehicle's occupants with water as part of their San Juan Day celebration (a Filipino-Catholic tradition, apparently, in line with the feast day of John the Baptist's celebration). I wonder how many fights were started.

Meanwhile, I visited my thesis adviser, got some great tips, and will now get crackin' on my thesis.

posted by Ganns Deen on 8:57 AM


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Monday, June 23
SUBJECT: Blessings

Yesterday, we parked our sturdy golden brown Toyota Revo AUV (Asian Utility Vehicle) about a block and a half away from the church. I normally park a lot closer, but the city government was digging up the street, and mud and dirt was everywhere.

We were there for Sunday service, which normally lasts from 8am to about 4pm, including the after-service planning and discussion, of which Caths and I are a part. At around 2pm, a chilling word spread through the church: vandals had struck. They ripped off the side mirrors of several cars in the vicinity. I feared the worst. When I walked over to our car, praying in the Spirit, I saw my address on the back of our car door: www.superblessed.net. I knew then that God would take care of us.

Our side mirrors were intact. We were the only ones whose car was untouched. God is good.

posted by Ganns Deen on 6:40 PM


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Wednesday, June 18
SUBJECT: Ewww!

On my way to work yesterday, I passed this taong grasa (literal translation, grease-man, basically, it's a street bum), who was humming to himself. As I passed him, he suddenly flashed me! He pulled down the front of his pants and flashed me!

And, of course, in typical Ganns fashion, depictive of his breeding and masculine upbringing, I screamed like a school girl.

There's gotta be a better way of dealing with people who need help in that way, if you get my drift. :p

posted by Ganns Deen on 9:03 AM


SUBJECT:Without due process?

We got word yesterday that, effective July 1st, the College's security agency's contract is considered terminated, and a new agency will come in.

!

That's not really fair now, is it? Some of the guards here have been here for ten years! Where's due process?

posted by Ganns Deen on 9:01 AM


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Monday, June 16
SUBJECT: I dreamed of him

Last night, I dreamed of him, with smooth skin and smiling brown eyes that twinkled as he laughed a wonderful laugh that rang of innocence and living in the moment. He had brown hair and fair skin the color of buttermilk.

I can't wait for my baby boy to be born.

posted by Ganns Deen on 12:06 PM


SUBJECT: Dang

The Spurs won. Dang it.

posted by Ganns Deen on 11:44 AM


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Thursday, June 12
SUBJECT: Blogger of the Month

Some say that he's a teacher, the very bestest kind.
Some say that he should rest a bit, find some way to unwind.
Some say that He's a Christian; some say that he's a spy.
Some say that he's a regular, potatoes and meat guy.

Some say that he is married; some say he's all alone.
Some say he has a heart of gold, some say a heart of stone.
Some say that he has values. Some say that he has none.
Some say that he's the last in line; some say he's number one.

I say that he's a blogger who's charming and unique.
He gives off so much happiness, in God, he's never weak.
I say that he won't flatter, genuine is he.
I've never seen him give off hate or animosity.

So for his disposition, and the friendship of this man.
We give the only honor which this humble Christian can.
The blogger of the month, without further adulation,
is Christopher Wright of the fun blog What in Tarnation!

posted by Ganns Deen on 11:51 AM


SUBJECT: God is good!

How good can God be? Take a look at all fronts:

Personal
I've joined another Christian webring. Click the button for a nicely designed site.


Friends
Praise the Lord! Nathan Hart is alive and well! :D

Vote for Rick for best PhotoBlog at the 2003 Philippine Weblog Awards! Mabuhay ang mga Kristiyano!

posted by Ganns Deen on 11:37 AM


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Wednesday, June 11
SUBJECT: Surfin'

Over at Fleeting Thoughts, they're playin' badminton. Gosh, what happened to my tennis game? Rowie, if you read this, please tell Mike I'm fat again.

Rick got his ear pierced in displaced aggression. It looks nice, Rick-o! But I would never get my ear pierced. ;) (Says the Christian with three tattoos.) And oh, I like Yellow Cab Pizza bestest ever.

Ooh! Philippine Weblog Awards! I wouldn't dream of nominating myself, but that must be cool. I remember when Josh and the others at Blogs4God really lobbied to get some Christians into the fray at the other blog awards, but it didn't work). I notice, naturally, there aren't any awards for "Christian blog," so I think Mere Madness would be miserably out of place. Anyway, I'm moving to Superblessed.net by month's end, so yay!

And finally...
I AM SO TIRED OF F4!!! Will you people be done with Meteor Garden as soon as possible, please? Lord, what is it with these inane soap operas?! My gosh, it's gotten so bad that Maan's taking F4 tests!

posted by Ganns Deen on 10:05 AM


SUBJECT: Creepy

The star of "Jag" is dead. Link from Raffy. That's creepy.

posted by Ganns Deen on 9:50 AM


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Tuesday, June 10
SUBJECT: Hungarian sausage

A friend and I ate breakfast today since Caths couldn't make it to work (her back problems are worsening with baby's growth; it's soooo obviously my child, because it's huge). I had spaghetti; my friend had a Hungarian sausage.

There are reasons why I think hotdogs, Hungarian sausages, and all other phallic-type foods should be banned. Suffice it to say that I now feel quite vulnerable; there's a reason, no doubt, why Filipino-type sausages like longganisa are a mere two to three inches long, while Hungarian sausages and bratwurst measure several inches in length and girth.

And there might be reasons why ladies seem to enjoy the latter more than the former, but I hesitate to go into that.

In the meantime, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to beg forgiveness for my dirty mind. I still have to make a firm absolution to avoid thinking so provocatively of food. After all, I had no problems eating oysters last night.

posted by Ganns Deen on 6:39 PM


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Monday, June 9
SUBJECT: Baby update

During praise and worship last Friday, Caths reported that baby Deen was nudging and kicking and doing all kinds of flips in her womb. Isn't that adorable? Baby's praising and worshipping God with Mommy and Daddy!



posted by Ganns Deen on 10:18 AM


SUBJECT: And another one falls

The Philippine Catholic church faces another scandal in its hands, as powerful Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani has been accused of sexual harrassment by his former secretary.

I imagine it must be very difficult for priests to maintain their vows of celibacy. With the help of God, anything is possible, yet we are still flesh and blood, sinners. I'm not saying that Bacani wasn't wrong; I'm just saying that it really is hard for a man to overcome feelings of love/lust, which he, as a man, has the proclivity to have. A lot of "Christians" in the country have taken Bacani to task for his shortcomings. I disagree with that system. We must preach forgiveness, because from forgiveness comes healing, and the Catholic church needs unity, not division, to continue its work.

Just because one has been proven weak doesn't mean all are. And let he who is without sin cast the first stone. I say forgive the bishop and let him deal with the consequences. In the meantime, the Catholic church needs support, not disdain, in its time of need. We all say we work for Christ; let's prove it.

posted by Ganns Deen on 10:13 AM


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Friday, June 6
SUBJECT: Depressed? Look to the sky.

The butterscotch sunlight that pours through my window is the only splash of color in sight, for outside my window is the concrete jungle that is Manila. The gray cement of the Light Rail Transit, the dull black and white of Taft Avenue pavement, the drab monotone of De la Salle University-Manila... the metropolis has lost all its natural splendor in the drive for manmade success and wealth.

I look up, though, to God's splendid sky, and feel much better. Man can't interfere with that. Yet. And hopefully, he never will.

posted by Ganns Deen on 4:47 PM


SUBJEKT: Blesing

I em hapi. I em so hapi. Da College won da perst pleys in da multimedia animeyshun contest hir in manila. we r da wieners!


posted by Ganns Deen on 2:43 PM


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Wednesday, June 4
SUBJECT: Leap blogging

I am alone in the office right now, and am taking the time to do some leap-blogging on my favorite blogs, something I haven't done in a while. So while my life continues to revolve around God, Cathy, and roasted garlic and shrimp pizza, here's what some other Christian and/or Filipino bloggers are up to:

Josh C. notes, quite correctly, that it shouldn't be right that some citizens seek public health treatment for the ailments that they inflicted upon themselves (i.e., excessive smoking and drinking). I advocate that a healthy lifestyle must be sought, and that taxpayers shouldn't have to shoulder the costs of treating persons who knew that they were slowly but surely killing themselves. There is such a thing, in my opinion, as responsible charity, and it is possible to show the love of God to suffering believers and non-believers than have them "leech" off the society for a sin that they committed in the first place. In the meantime, I think it's our responsibility, in love, to help these people stop before it's too late.

Charlene's got a pretty new template.

Dr. Byron's link to his latest edifier du jour ain't workin', but at any rate, it's good stuff about healing. It's not whether God can heal, it's about whether God is willing to heal. He wants the best for us, but sometimes what is best for us mayn't be what we ourselves would like or expect. We tend to see these things from a greater perspective some time after an event. I think hindsight is a great gift from God. LOL

Ooh! A new stylebook! Me want, me want, to fixed my flawing grammer and speling! LOL Link from Blessed Andrew.

Ha! Welcome back, Mr. Morris! My "Most Humorous Blog" of 2002 apparently plays a practical joke. What a comedian! LOL ;)

Irene posts about tithing 10% (her permalink isn't working either; maybe it's a Blogspot thing). This, obviously, is a very controversial issue, and a difficult thing to deal with for some Christians. In my humble opinion, we should tithe. Not just because God told us to, but because we know, trust and pray that the money will be used to expand His Kingdom here on Earth, for our church to be able to continue; there are stories of churches that had to fold because it couldn't handle certain operations, which is sad, because when the church started, everyone helped out. For me, that's the point of tithing: helping the church grow through monetary contributions. New discovery Mac Swift suggests tithing can include time and effort, and I agree with that, too. We need to see the value of our contributions to our church, which blesses us immensely with spiritual covering, prayer, fellowship, and direction, among other things. I had no vision before I joined the Hope of God Manila church, and I am happy now I did, because I believe my church is a Biblical church that does its part in spreading the Good News across this nation.

Irene, darling, a word of advice and encouragement: keep on tithing, but be a wee bit more responsible with your spending. Your feeling guilty about being a bad steward may just be rooted in fact. If more money goes out than comes in, bottom line, you can't really survive. I was like that until I got married, when I realized that, wait a minute, I've got three mouths to feed, plus education, plus rent and taxes and all that. When I look at it that way, suddenly, that Nicole C. Mullen CD seems a little too extravagant. (I will, however, buy Avalon's Greatest Hits package, and you should too. LOL

Oh gosh! Nathan Hart's gonna have heart surgery. Please pray for Hart's heart.

Little Bear has the strangest dreams.

Type KerenTan.com and you get Keren! Congrats on the URL, K!

Someone's ripped off Darren Rowse's web look. I dunno... I'd be flattered if someone did that for me, but then again, how many people in the world look like me? (You Pinoys who say "L.A. Lopez" are gonna get it good when I stalk you down.)

Amen, Brandon, amen.

Drina's being blessed as we speak. Find out how.

Thanks to Chris Wright and Time To Believe, now I really want to watch Finding Nemo.

I now discover All Weather Human, thanks to Tray. Their lyrics are aweSOME.

I should really study Blog Shares more often. Link from Sue Prince and Craig Tanner.


posted by Ganns Deen on 9:27 AM


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Tuesday, June 3
SUBJECT: Je voudrais rentrez chez moi

Je suis fatigue, et je voudrais rentrez chez moi a dormir beacoup de temps. Je ne veux pas etudier ma Francaise. Je voudrais etudier Chinois, parceque ma epousee est Chinois.

Mais, mon Dieu est tres, tres grand! Merci, Jesu!

posted by Ganns Deen on 1:54 PM


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Monday, June 2
SUBJECT: Gasp!

I've got a white hair! At 26! Ashes and sackcloth!

posted by Ganns Deen on 3:00 PM


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Friday, May 30
SUBJECT: Marketing!

I just came back from the two-day National Marketing Conference sponsored by the Philippine Marketing Association, and I am refreshed and revitalized with regard to my job! What a wonderful way to inject new life into my plans! God is so good.

So, here's what's been up with me lately, for regular readers:
1) Wrote a new song, "Fill My Heart," which we will use for worship at the church two Sundays from now.
2) Continue to await baby's first kick and heartbeat via our prenatal listening device.
3) Attended two weddings.
4) Finishing up the interactive DVD.
5) Still searching for a place to play.

I trust and hope all is well! God bless you!

"The Lord is a stronghold, a refuge in times of trouble, and He knows those who trust in Him." - Nahum 1:7

posted by Ganns Deen on 11:04 AM


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Tuesday, May 27
SUBJECT: Farewell, fond friend

Mark C. Morris is retiring his blog. Mark is a hilarious individual, and won the "Most Humorous Blog" award for the 1st Mere Madness Christian Blog Awards in January 2003. 'Tis shame, 'tis shame.

I am deeply saddened by his decision. Of any post in his blog, this is by far the unfunniest. Farewell, Mark, and Godspeed.

posted by Ganns Deen on 10:26 AM


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Monday, May 26
SUBJECT: Two more new linkies

Kat is another Filipino-Christian who seems very, very dedicated to God. Her blog is refreshingly vibrant, and quite young in tone and perspective. Good site.

And I found Lamar on Blogger. Should add him to the linkie-doodles too.

posted by Ganns Deen on 10:08 AM


SUBJECT: God is so good

Last week, I purchased a prenatal heart listener ("Listen to your unborn baby!"). We hadn't been very successful since then in finding the baby's heartbeat, but since we had a scheduled appointment with Dr. Loteyro, our ob-gyne, we knew that we could find out if baby was okay. After the doctor fished out her Doppler, she put it on Caths' tummy, and we heard our baby's heartbeat! Ooh! Like a galloping horse, stronger than Daddy's or Mommy's!

I recorded it onto my phone. Gosh, I wish there was some way to place it on the site. You guys should really hear it. :D

posted by Ganns Deen on 10:02 AM


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