Treasures from the Debutant's Heart

Last June, 2009, I attended an 18th B-day of Deborah Joyce Zacal who is one of our Dance Ministry teacher in our church. I was one among those who was assigned to give a message for the 18 treasures. My daughter Kriza Mae, was among those 18 teens who danced the "Cotillon de Honor" while my son Cyr Jae was among the chosen intimate male who danced with the debutant and handed one of the 18 roses. Kriza Mae accompanied me and coached me to buy a silver necklace with a G-clef pendant as my gift to the debutant which also served as the symbol on which I based my short wish or exhortation. It was the third time I attended a formal debut but the first time to be assigned the 18 treasures so I was a little bit fidgety while gathering my thoughts an hour before my turn to speak, so as I listened to those who were called ahead of me, the more I wish mine should be with greater impact seasoned with a little humor to break the seriousness of the formal atmosphere.

Part of my short speech went this way: "... the necklace stands for the ways in which God wants His old testament people be reminded of His statutes. (based on the following Biblical truths):

Proverbs 1:8-9 "My son, listen to your father's instruction, And don't forsake your mother's teaching: For they will be a garland to grace your head, And chains around your neck";

Proverbs 3:1-4 "My son, don't forget my teaching; But let your heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and years of life, And peace, will they add to you. Don't let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor, And good understanding in the sight of God and man";

Proverbs 6:20-22My son, keep your father's commandment, And don't forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them continually on your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, it will lead you. When you sleep, it will watch over you. When you awake, it will talk with you";

Later part of my line went this way: ..."the pendant with a G-clef design which looks like a letter S, or a little bit like a letter G, (a nickname of sorts for the treble clef. G- clef helps to show which line of the musical staff represents the note of G) is a musical symbol which stands for melody we hum in our hearts as we utter our praises and thanksgiving to God. When we pause humming hymns in our hearts and start complaining, this G-clef pendant will remind you that whatever circumstance we are in and wherever we are, we should continually make melodies of worship to our loving Savior and almighty Creator who wants only the best for our lives here on earth and throughout eternity!