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Raoul’s Two Cents: January 6, 2023

The Next Door

“You’re traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That’s the signpost up ahead-your next stop, the Twilight Zone!” — Rod Serling

So I’m in the Twilight Zone — a room with three doors … and I need your advice. Do I stay inside the room or do I open one of the doors?

One door leads me back to the Philippines where I can start a business and create jobs for the locals. Another door leads me to my business partner’s home in Connecticut where I can relax and enjoy a carefree lifestyle. The last door leads me to the Washington DC area where all my college friends and relatives are … close to the Smithsonian Museums and fulfill my old dream of becoming a true artist.

At this stage of life, I am not tied down by geography anymore. I can do work remotely. I can relocate where it’s cheaper than this overpriced California state. I’m willing to leave it all and follow where God leads me. So now I’m praying that I hear God’s voice. Where does He want me to go? Where will I be more effective?

I’ve been seriously considering this verse:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33

I notice God sending me signals. A friend told me last night that he wanted to join me if I were to go back to the Philippines. I just got a call (just minutes ago) from a very old friend from the past who invited me to his beach home in Bohol (also in the Philippines). So far, it looks like I should open the first door.

I’m no saint (definitely far from it) but I do want to help … I want to get involved in God’s plan. I want to get involved in the lives of people who surround me. I don’t care about the money. I want to share the Gospel because many don’t really understand it (many don’t even realize how important this is). I want to be where I am most effective. There are details that I obviously cannot get into but I do covet your prayers. I need clarity. Can you pray for me? Thank you.

TGIF people!

Raoul

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is God’s powerful method of bringing all who believe it to heaven. This message was preached first to the Jews alone, but now everyone is invited to come to God in this same way.” — Romans 1:16

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena

Original art by Raoul Pascual

Parting Shots

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA.

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14 Comments

  1. Hilda

    January 6, 2023 at 2:43 pm

    A real crossroads! But there is one that goes straight from where you are. Choose that one! It should get clearer soon.

    Reply

  2. Noel

    January 6, 2023 at 2:43 pm

    Thanks Raoul.. ffuuunnnnyyy…

    Re your dilemma of which door to enter..mahirap sagutin..it all depends on how you see yourself ten years down the line (kung buhay pa). Some people I know divide their time ..tig 6 months US and Pinas… and your $$ will have longer mileage here and could extend more help op kors.

    Reply

  3. Heather

    January 6, 2023 at 2:44 pm

    We have to talk about this the next time we meet.

    Reply

  4. Mike

    January 6, 2023 at 2:44 pm

    🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

    Reply

  5. Amy

    January 6, 2023 at 2:47 pm

    I think door # 1. But I hate to see you go.

    Reply

  6. Lee

    January 6, 2023 at 2:49 pm

    Hi Raoul,

    Wow! Those are all major changes should you take them and very large decisions. There comes a time when no one thinks we can still function even if we think we can. It sounds like you want to make a major change in life and I suspect that you are not the only one involved in that big decision (wife, kids, grand kids, and close friends you have developed over the years). If your family are on board with whatever decision you are making, what is your plan when you get there if you are moving. Will it be something you really want to do? Philippines is a long way from where you are, but so is the east coast of the USA. I assume your wife has an idea or two on whether to move since she has a nice job already and is she ready to hang it up?

    We considered moving to South Dakota, a place we really love and lived there at one time and still have many friends there and a seminary that was interested in me teaching for them again. My wife was excited about it and I took a trip last September to South Dakota and even spotted out some potential places and even put a deposit on a home, but alas, my wife changed her mind and wanted to stay near the kids and grand kids (and three great grand kids!) in CA. We stayed, but often ask if that was the right decision. It is no longer possible for us to make that move. I have found over the years that others always have a clear idea of what God’s will for me is, but seldom do they all agree on what I should do! I listen with patience and appreciation, but still make my own decision with agreement from Mary and what appears to be the best for now and the future. That has helped us to deal with major decisions.

    May God give you clarity of thought and wisdom for what is best for you, wife and your family.

    Lee

    Reply

  7. Tom

    January 6, 2023 at 2:50 pm

    Thanks Raoul. I definitely will pray for you. Loved the skeleton on the phone.

    I have a friend from (of all places) the Quarterbacks Club that after hearing I was being treated for Cancer sends me reflections every morning and I will send you what he sent this morning.
    Tom

    Reply

  8. Oscar

    January 6, 2023 at 3:07 pm

    Good morning Raoul, I’m praying for you Brother, keep in mind that I thought my ex was a blessing, she was a Trap, I thought my old job was a blessing, it was a Trap, I thought all my other job opportunities after my wrongful termination was a blessing, they were all Traps. Keep in mind these far left people in Government in California know who is smart and conservative. They are chasing Conservatives out of California with so called better opportunities. But when you leave you might realize it’s Trap. That’s why I won’t leave anywhere. I feel if I leave the Devil wins . Because my strong faith in God i know that we God Fearing people and conservatives will eventually run the Devil and his minions out of California, or better still — Stop them from Governing. I still feel that Traps are being set up against me but i know Jesus has me. WE CAN BRING MORE PEOPLE TO JESUS IN CALIFORNIA (Ca needs Jesus ) BUT WE HAVE TO STAY TO DO IT. Don’t let them chase you out . But Listen to whatever the Lord tells you. (not me lol ) I’ll just really miss you Brother, I’m praying for you to make the best decision. Love you Brother.
    Oscar

    Reply

  9. Debbie

    January 6, 2023 at 3:08 pm

    I will pray for you and Jackie. I believe whatever door you open, it is God’s plan.

    When I got a divorce 12 years ago, it was God’s plan, even though I did not want the divorce. I moved to Moreno Valley to be near my only child, her husband and my 3 grandchildren. I did not realize how unhappy I was until I moved to be closer to them and made a lot of new friends, and a new career @ 65 years old. I am very happy about my choice, It was God’s plan.

    Blessings,

    Debbie

    Reply

  10. Patrick

    January 6, 2023 at 3:09 pm

    Raoul – What a great message and thoughts. My first reaction would be one of two windows – Philippines or DC with family. Business partner didn’t have same impact. In today’s digital world, you might split time and address each.

    God bless you and yours and a 2023 that has great impact for you,

    Patrick

    Reply

  11. Peg

    January 9, 2023 at 10:00 am

    Raul,
    I will be praying for you. You have to trust that the Lord will open and shut those doors or even build a different door.

    Blessings,
    Peg

    Reply

  12. Rick

    January 9, 2023 at 10:00 am

    Hello bro,
    Thank you for the TGIF! Keeping you and family in prayer as you weigh your options for this very important decision.
    Take care!

    Reply

  13. Edna

    January 9, 2023 at 4:26 pm

    Hi Raoul,

    Greetings!
    Just a note:
    Word of wisdom that suits the people’s need- your need always streamed out from heaven.
    It is a never ending divine provision from the one who cared the world with an everlasting love.

    For personal opinion: I would prefer to be silent as to my own perspective it’s because my conscience will not validate my propositions if I speak it out.

    The one thing that I can legitly do for now is to pray for God’s directions that will lead to true joy and peace.

    God cares…

    Reply

    • Raoul

      January 16, 2023 at 2:55 pm

      Thanks for your different perspective Edna. I understand that it’s hard to suggest something without understanding the whole picture.

      Appreciate your prayers.

      Reply

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