Friday, December 28, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Genuine Christianity
- These are my notes from Myk's post entitled "This changes everything," which contains an hour-long video of Paul David Washer's preaching in a youth conference.
Text: Matthew 7:13-29
Matthew 7:13-14. "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
- There is only ONE GATE, ONE ROAD, ONE GOD, ONE MEDIATOR-JESUS CHRIST. Walk in the way of righteousness like Jesus and if I step out of that path, God will discipline me and bring me back to that path again. If I profess to be a Christian but live like the people in the world, the Bible tells that I should be terribly afraid! Jesus says that there is not only a narrow gate but also a narrow road.
Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." The issue here is not that I have sinned but the point is I've never done anything but sin! Even my great works are filty rugs before God. Apart from the grace of God revealed in Jesus Christ, the only thing left for me is the wrath and fierce anger of God because of sin.
We say, "No, God can't hate me because God is love" but God must actually hate us because He is love. IF WE LOVE WHAT IS HOLY THEN WE MUST HATE WHAT IS UNHOLY. But the sad truth is more of the things we love, God hates. Most of our 'christianity' is based only on songs, culture but not on the Bible!
People say that the cross is the sign of how much a man is worth, that's not true! The cross is the sign of how much depraved a man is that it took the death of Christ to save him!
2. Am I bearing good fruit?
Matthew 7:15-16a. "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them."
Look at your life, look at how you talk, how you think, how you dress, your passion, etc. IS JESUS THERE? or do you look like the world, act like the world? or do you love sin and relish it?
How do you know that you are saved? because you prayed the sinner's prayer? because your parents told you? because you believe? how can say that you believe? You know you are saved because you are in a process of being changed and you are in a narrow way!
Why are there people who say they encounter Jesus but their lives aren't changed?
Remember:
3. Am I doing the will of the Father?
Matthew 7:21. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
This is not plainly about works but the evidence of faith, a style of life that pleases the Father.
Mattthew 7:22 and 23 say, "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" We, most of the time, say, "The most important thing in the world is to know Jesus Christ," that's wrong! The most important thing is that God knows you."Does Jesus know you?
4. Am I applying what God teaches me?
Matthew 7:24-27. The story of the wise and foolish builders.
The point of the story in this context is not about strong or weak foundation. It's about those who hear the Word of God and apply it to their everyday life and those who hear the Word and do nothing about it.
It is important to put everything - the decisions you will make, your finances, the way you talk, the way you dress and so on, in subjection to Jesus by looking at what He says in His Word.
- Thanks to Myk for sharing the video...it rebuked me and challenged me to live genuinely as His servant.
Text: Matthew 7:13-29
How will I know that I am a Genuine Christian?
Below are questions that allowed me to assess myself.
1. Am I walking on a narrow road?
Matthew 7:13-14. "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
- There is only ONE GATE, ONE ROAD, ONE GOD, ONE MEDIATOR-JESUS CHRIST. Walk in the way of righteousness like Jesus and if I step out of that path, God will discipline me and bring me back to that path again. If I profess to be a Christian but live like the people in the world, the Bible tells that I should be terribly afraid! Jesus says that there is not only a narrow gate but also a narrow road.
Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." The issue here is not that I have sinned but the point is I've never done anything but sin! Even my great works are filty rugs before God. Apart from the grace of God revealed in Jesus Christ, the only thing left for me is the wrath and fierce anger of God because of sin.
We say, "No, God can't hate me because God is love" but God must actually hate us because He is love. IF WE LOVE WHAT IS HOLY THEN WE MUST HATE WHAT IS UNHOLY. But the sad truth is more of the things we love, God hates. Most of our 'christianity' is based only on songs, culture but not on the Bible!
"Examine ourselves in the light of the Scripture. Compare ourselves not to other Christians nor to those who say they are Christians but compare ourselves to the Bible!"
People say that the cross is the sign of how much a man is worth, that's not true! The cross is the sign of how much depraved a man is that it took the death of Christ to save him!
2. Am I bearing good fruit?
Matthew 7:15-16a. "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them."
Look at your life, look at how you talk, how you think, how you dress, your passion, etc. IS JESUS THERE? or do you look like the world, act like the world? or do you love sin and relish it?
How do you know that you are saved? because you prayed the sinner's prayer? because your parents told you? because you believe? how can say that you believe? You know you are saved because you are in a process of being changed and you are in a narrow way!
Why are there people who say they encounter Jesus but their lives aren't changed?
Remember:
"If you got something from the Lord genuinely, it will last!"
3. Am I doing the will of the Father?
Matthew 7:21. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
This is not plainly about works but the evidence of faith, a style of life that pleases the Father.
Mattthew 7:22 and 23 say, "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" We, most of the time, say, "The most important thing in the world is to know Jesus Christ," that's wrong! The most important thing is that God knows you."Does Jesus know you?
4. Am I applying what God teaches me?
Matthew 7:24-27. The story of the wise and foolish builders.
The point of the story in this context is not about strong or weak foundation. It's about those who hear the Word of God and apply it to their everyday life and those who hear the Word and do nothing about it.
It is important to put everything - the decisions you will make, your finances, the way you talk, the way you dress and so on, in subjection to Jesus by looking at what He says in His Word.
- Thanks to Myk for sharing the video...it rebuked me and challenged me to live genuinely as His servant.
We are set apart by God then, act as one!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
My Vow this Christmas
I Vow to Worship You
Chorus:
I vow to worship You
this Christmas day I stand and say
Glory, glory in the Highest
in Excelsis Deo
I pledge to celebrate the meaning
of this holiday
Giving praises to the beauty of
Your holy Name
Verse:
More than anything I do
More than anything I say
More than anything I say or do
I worship You
More than any card I write
More than any Christmas light I light
More than any gift I give
I give You my praises
from morning 'til night
I worship You this Christmas (3x)
Christ the Lord
For You alone are worthy (3x)
Christ the Lord
We'll praise Your name forever (3x)
Christ the Lord
Chorus:
I vow to worship You
this Christmas day I stand and say
Glory, glory in the Highest
in Excelsis Deo
I pledge to celebrate the meaning
of this holiday
Giving praises to the beauty of
Your holy Name
Verse:
More than anything I do
More than anything I say
More than anything I say or do
I worship You
More than any card I write
More than any Christmas light I light
More than any gift I give
I give You my praises
from morning 'til night
I worship You this Christmas (3x)
Christ the Lord
For You alone are worthy (3x)
Christ the Lord
We'll praise Your name forever (3x)
Christ the Lord
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Lead the Crowd
I saw this site, http://www.acquirethefire.com/, on the book I mentioned in my previous post. By the way, I dropped by at the Book for Less store in Mall of Asia once again when we had our Christmas Party last December 11, Tuesday, at Science Discovery Center. The book that I was talking about is entitled "Live God Loud."
I visited the site to see what it's all about. Then, I watched some video clips and below is one of them.
Upon viewing this, I was reminded of some points from the book of Oswald Sanders, "Spiritual Leadership."
Responsibilities of a Leader
- Service. The true leader is concerned primarily with the welfare of others not with his own comfort or prestige.
- Discipline. "Train yourself to be godly" - 1 Timothy 4:7. Same way, don't be afraid to rebuke and correct others.
- Providing guidance. The leader must go before his flock. Therefore, he must know where he is going before presuming to lead others.
- Initiate. The leader must initiate plans for progress or recognize the worthy plans of others.
- Take responsibility willingly.
Some Tests of Leadership
- Compromise. Lowering standards is always a backward step and compromise nearly always requires it.
- Ambition. Instead of personal ambition, a leader must show selfless nobility, genuine concern for God's glory and compassion for the misguided people.
- The impossible situation. A true leader rises to face baffling circumstances and complex problems.
- Failure. How a leader handles failure will set much of the agenda for the future. Successful leaders have learned that no failure need be final, whether his own failure or someone else's. No one is perfect and we can not be right all the time.
- Jealousy. A leader will face the problem of jealous rival. His main concern must be God's glory and not his own privilege or position.
"Don't follow the crowd. Lead the crowd." Lead the crowd to Jesus!
I visited the site to see what it's all about. Then, I watched some video clips and below is one of them.
Upon viewing this, I was reminded of some points from the book of Oswald Sanders, "Spiritual Leadership."
Responsibilities of a Leader
- Service. The true leader is concerned primarily with the welfare of others not with his own comfort or prestige.
- Discipline. "Train yourself to be godly" - 1 Timothy 4:7. Same way, don't be afraid to rebuke and correct others.
- Providing guidance. The leader must go before his flock. Therefore, he must know where he is going before presuming to lead others.
- Initiate. The leader must initiate plans for progress or recognize the worthy plans of others.
- Take responsibility willingly.
Some Tests of Leadership
- Compromise. Lowering standards is always a backward step and compromise nearly always requires it.
- Ambition. Instead of personal ambition, a leader must show selfless nobility, genuine concern for God's glory and compassion for the misguided people.
- The impossible situation. A true leader rises to face baffling circumstances and complex problems.
- Failure. How a leader handles failure will set much of the agenda for the future. Successful leaders have learned that no failure need be final, whether his own failure or someone else's. No one is perfect and we can not be right all the time.
- Jealousy. A leader will face the problem of jealous rival. His main concern must be God's glory and not his own privilege or position.
"Don't follow the crowd. Lead the crowd." Lead the crowd to Jesus!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
How to Read the Bible?
I was about to go to Hypermarket, Mall of Asia to buy some food for dinner last Monday (after attending a meeting at Science Discovery Center) when I passed by a book store - Book for Less. Feeling ko parang Book Sale sya na may mga books worth P20.00 only so I went inside. I saw good books; there were Bibles, devotional books, cook books, academic, etc. but they're quite expensive pa rin (for used books) .
I got one book (wheew! I forgot the title!) and scanned the pages. Nabasa ko ung part na "How to read the Bible" (something like that). I could still remember some points...
- Read the Bible per theme. Have a specific topic and read passages about it (e.g. purity, worship, etc.). The use of Concordance may help.
- Read per book. Like any other books, it's good to read by chapter to establish continuity. Eventually, this will give you better understanding.
- Memorize a verse. It's good to read even a verse in the morning, memorize it and keep that in mind for the whole day. (Ginagawa ko 'to at masaya! hihi. Like for today I have Psalm 58:11 "Then men will say: 'Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth."
- Read more. Use other reading materials/references that will help you understand the passage (Bible dictionaries, History, etc.).
- Make your reading creative. Have questions in mind and find out the answer; "Why did God say this?", "What happened after this or that?", "Who was behind this?" and so on.
There are lot of ways on how we can enjoy Bible reading. I'm discovering my own strategy... ;)
I got one book (wheew! I forgot the title!) and scanned the pages. Nabasa ko ung part na "How to read the Bible" (something like that). I could still remember some points...
- Read the Bible per theme. Have a specific topic and read passages about it (e.g. purity, worship, etc.). The use of Concordance may help.
- Read per book. Like any other books, it's good to read by chapter to establish continuity. Eventually, this will give you better understanding.
- Memorize a verse. It's good to read even a verse in the morning, memorize it and keep that in mind for the whole day. (Ginagawa ko 'to at masaya! hihi. Like for today I have Psalm 58:11 "Then men will say: 'Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth."
- Read more. Use other reading materials/references that will help you understand the passage (Bible dictionaries, History, etc.).
- Make your reading creative. Have questions in mind and find out the answer; "Why did God say this?", "What happened after this or that?", "Who was behind this?" and so on.
There are lot of ways on how we can enjoy Bible reading. I'm discovering my own strategy... ;)
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Help!
Hi people! Can you help me with this?
I'm in need of 3-4 Christmas Party Games na ma-eenjoy ng mga adults (starting 35 and up). We (the association-PACEOS) have a Christamas Party on December 11. Ako ang pinaghahanap nila ng games. I tried to surf the net kaso parang di naman nila ma-eenjoy.
Your suggestions are highly appreciated. Many thanks! God bless!
I'm in need of 3-4 Christmas Party Games na ma-eenjoy ng mga adults (starting 35 and up). We (the association-PACEOS) have a Christamas Party on December 11. Ako ang pinaghahanap nila ng games. I tried to surf the net kaso parang di naman nila ma-eenjoy.
Your suggestions are highly appreciated. Many thanks! God bless!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The God-given Ability to Succeed
- posting from Word 4U Today -
Bible Text:
- Deuteronomy 8:18: "But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today."
Do you want your life to count in God's big plan for the planet?
1. Get seriously creative: When God gives you the ability to succeed, it often begins as an idea. But remember you have to do something with that idea, make a plan, talk to people, get it done! Your idea (or someone else's) might come from God. Stop and think: if God's a creator and we are made in His likeness, shouldn't we be creative too?
2.Use your gifts: The gift God gave you is your key to success. He didn't give it to you to be wasted on stuff that has no point or purpose or denied out of a false sense of humility. No, He gave it to you to be invested - to be used! Jesus told the story of three guys who were given money to invest. The first two double theirs; the third buried his in the ground because he was afraid of messing it up. Look out! FEAR IS ONE OF YOUR GREATEST ENEMIES. It numbs your spirit and bangs up your creativity. Use what God's given you. Trust God and take some risks.
3. Get on with it! Ok, sometimes it's wise to wait. But a lot of times, being over cautious will just lead to missed opportunities, disappointments and regrets. Your friends and leaders can help you work this out. But if you know in your heart that God has told you do something for Him, if you've got the ideas and the gifts, don't make excuses, get on with it! Make it happen. Seize the day! Grab the 'now' moments of your life - the 'right time' you're waiting for may never arrive.
Personal Reflection:
I also took note of some points from Deuteronomy 8:18.
- Remember God. "But remember the Lord your God..." Don't take God away from the picture.
- Utilize our ability to produce wealth. "...for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth..." If God has given us the ability, make use of it!
- Hold on to His promises and claim them. "...and so confirms His covenant..." God confirms His promises, so there's no room for doubt. It's also good to mention God's promises to us when we pray.
- Believe His consistency. "...which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today." God is unchanging. He's the same yesterday, today and forever. If He promised and gave success to our forefathers, He will do the same to us.
I was truly blessed with this. I was praying last night kasi...God did answer my query right away. He said, "Anak, go on! Make it happen! I'm with you all the way."
Bible Text:
- Deuteronomy 8:18: "But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today."
Do you want your life to count in God's big plan for the planet?
1. Get seriously creative: When God gives you the ability to succeed, it often begins as an idea. But remember you have to do something with that idea, make a plan, talk to people, get it done! Your idea (or someone else's) might come from God. Stop and think: if God's a creator and we are made in His likeness, shouldn't we be creative too?
2.Use your gifts: The gift God gave you is your key to success. He didn't give it to you to be wasted on stuff that has no point or purpose or denied out of a false sense of humility. No, He gave it to you to be invested - to be used! Jesus told the story of three guys who were given money to invest. The first two double theirs; the third buried his in the ground because he was afraid of messing it up. Look out! FEAR IS ONE OF YOUR GREATEST ENEMIES. It numbs your spirit and bangs up your creativity. Use what God's given you. Trust God and take some risks.
3. Get on with it! Ok, sometimes it's wise to wait. But a lot of times, being over cautious will just lead to missed opportunities, disappointments and regrets. Your friends and leaders can help you work this out. But if you know in your heart that God has told you do something for Him, if you've got the ideas and the gifts, don't make excuses, get on with it! Make it happen. Seize the day! Grab the 'now' moments of your life - the 'right time' you're waiting for may never arrive.
Personal Reflection:
I also took note of some points from Deuteronomy 8:18.
- Remember God. "But remember the Lord your God..." Don't take God away from the picture.
- Utilize our ability to produce wealth. "...for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth..." If God has given us the ability, make use of it!
- Hold on to His promises and claim them. "...and so confirms His covenant..." God confirms His promises, so there's no room for doubt. It's also good to mention God's promises to us when we pray.
- Believe His consistency. "...which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today." God is unchanging. He's the same yesterday, today and forever. If He promised and gave success to our forefathers, He will do the same to us.
I was truly blessed with this. I was praying last night kasi...God did answer my query right away. He said, "Anak, go on! Make it happen! I'm with you all the way."
Monday, November 26, 2007
Birthday Prayer
Lord,
- create in me a pure heart with honest intentions (1 Chronicles 29:17)
- bless me so I can bless others more (Deuteronomy 15:6)
- give me a discerning heart and wisdom (1 Kings 3:9)
- use me more for the benefit of others (Galatians 3:8)
- help me to be humble and think less of my self (James 3:13)
- strengthen me so I can do the work You've entrusted to me (Psalm 73:26)
- give me a grateful heart and help me to keep myself from complaining (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
- make my heart teachable (Psalm 119:27)
- help me to persevere and be mature in faith (James 1:4)
- give me patience and help me to understand that everything has its perfect time (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
- help me to be decisive (Job 38:36)
- draw me closer to You, I want to know You more (Psalm 119:20)
- teach me how to love the way You do - agape love (John 3:16)
Can these be Your birthday gifts to me?
...though I know You have given so much
...and this will take time.
Thank you for another year of Your faithfulness and love.
Random Thoughts
I don't really have something specific to post. Naisip ko lang sayang ang opportunity. It's my first time to be alone here in office (during office hours).
May event kasi ang mga officemates ko. They're divided into two groups. One group handled AHPADA, the 1st International Arts & Crafts Expo held at SMX Convention Center last Nov.21-25. The other team handled the 2nd North Philippines International Tourism Fair in SM Clark, on the same dates. So last week wala rin sila dito sa office but the president and v.p. of the company were here (kaya 'di rin ako naging malaya! in fact, nag mistula akong call center agent kasasagot ng calls nila). Since last day ng 2 events yesterday, medyo rest ata sila kaya wala silang lahat dito.
I was thinking of...
- filing my resignation effective by early January.
- surfing the net to look for other job.
- doing something with regard to the ministry's project for 2008 ('di ko pa ma-mention kasi we, sa dance, are still praying for this). I'll draft the proposal.
- leaving the apartment at mag-uwian na lang sa Dasma.
- going home today earlier at matulog agad.
May event kasi ang mga officemates ko. They're divided into two groups. One group handled AHPADA, the 1st International Arts & Crafts Expo held at SMX Convention Center last Nov.21-25. The other team handled the 2nd North Philippines International Tourism Fair in SM Clark, on the same dates. So last week wala rin sila dito sa office but the president and v.p. of the company were here (kaya 'di rin ako naging malaya! in fact, nag mistula akong call center agent kasasagot ng calls nila). Since last day ng 2 events yesterday, medyo rest ata sila kaya wala silang lahat dito.
I was thinking of...
- filing my resignation effective by early January.
- surfing the net to look for other job.
- doing something with regard to the ministry's project for 2008 ('di ko pa ma-mention kasi we, sa dance, are still praying for this). I'll draft the proposal.
- leaving the apartment at mag-uwian na lang sa Dasma.
- going home today earlier at matulog agad.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Noon at Ngayon
Natuwa ako dito kaya ko pinost...
Ito ang picture namin ni Ate Eu. This was taken during one of our practices (nag-water break lang kami sandali), almost one year ago na siguro.
Ito ang picture namin ni Ate Eu. This was taken during one of our practices (nag-water break lang kami sandali), almost one year ago na siguro.
Before, we handled the same team in the ministry - Towdah. She's the team leader and I was her assistant. More or less six months ago, nagkaron ng reshuffling of teams. Currently I'm handling Tehillah (may picture sa side bar of my page). S'ya naman, Towdah pa rin; a team with 4 members, all leaders.
Ngayon, ito na ang picture namin...
Taken last October 27, my sister's debut party. (Medyo formal naman ang effect :D ) Sobrang nakakamiss lang...
Monday, November 19, 2007
One Spirit
Finally, I have the chance to share these stories. Hahaha! Both happened weeks ago.
*That was Sunday, November 11, the last day of our Expo. I arrived late at World Tade, around 3:00 pm, 'cause I came straight from the church (attended the worship service). I visited the booths and talked to our exhibitors, one of such was Ate Marissa. She approached me and said, "Alam mo, wala pa kaming benta. Kararating lang kasi namin, nag-church pa kasi kami eh." I replied, "Ako rin po." By that, we discovered that we were both Christians. Sobrang tuwang tuwa sya at napaiyak pa! She embraced me and said, "Sabi ko na eh, may iba sa'yo una pa lang kitang makita." Then, she gave me a set of earrings and necklace. Kwentuhan to the max na kami. She has a son who was a pastor and their church was located in Bacoor (parang may Victory Church akong narinig...'di ko na maalala yung exact name).
Another one...
*I rode a bus, San Agustin, last Wednesday. I was on my way to the office around 9:30 am. I sat beside a guy (with his friend on his left). They were talking about a certain person and some of the lines I heard..."hindi mo talaga mapipilit ang isang tao kung ayaw. May perfect time din si Lord sa kanya," and "ganon talaga 'pag nandun ang favor ni Lord." After an hour (nasa Baclaran na kami), hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko and I said to them, "Excuse me, Kuya pwedeng magtanong? (and they said "yes") Are you Christians?" I was correct! They were Christians. I said I didn't intend to listen to their conversation, I just kept on hearing the name of the LORD. Their names: Kuya Roy, 24 and Kuya Noli, 22. Both of them were youth leaders. Kuya Roy was also a dancer and a worship leader. They're part of the Jesus Reigns Church in Buho, Silang. Ini-invite nga nila ako sa Sunday, November 25, it's their church's anniversary. Alam din nila ang Church of God-Dasma, sabi ni Kuya Noli, naging professor nya daw si Kuya Warren Pangilinan during college at TUP.
It's glad to know that Christians have the same spirit and that spirit becomes our identity. We can easily feel whenever our spiritual brothers and sisters are near us (even without knowing them personally). Sobrang na-bless lang ako.
*That was Sunday, November 11, the last day of our Expo. I arrived late at World Tade, around 3:00 pm, 'cause I came straight from the church (attended the worship service). I visited the booths and talked to our exhibitors, one of such was Ate Marissa. She approached me and said, "Alam mo, wala pa kaming benta. Kararating lang kasi namin, nag-church pa kasi kami eh." I replied, "Ako rin po." By that, we discovered that we were both Christians. Sobrang tuwang tuwa sya at napaiyak pa! She embraced me and said, "Sabi ko na eh, may iba sa'yo una pa lang kitang makita." Then, she gave me a set of earrings and necklace. Kwentuhan to the max na kami. She has a son who was a pastor and their church was located in Bacoor (parang may Victory Church akong narinig...'di ko na maalala yung exact name).
Another one...
*I rode a bus, San Agustin, last Wednesday. I was on my way to the office around 9:30 am. I sat beside a guy (with his friend on his left). They were talking about a certain person and some of the lines I heard..."hindi mo talaga mapipilit ang isang tao kung ayaw. May perfect time din si Lord sa kanya," and "ganon talaga 'pag nandun ang favor ni Lord." After an hour (nasa Baclaran na kami), hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko and I said to them, "Excuse me, Kuya pwedeng magtanong? (and they said "yes") Are you Christians?" I was correct! They were Christians. I said I didn't intend to listen to their conversation, I just kept on hearing the name of the LORD. Their names: Kuya Roy, 24 and Kuya Noli, 22. Both of them were youth leaders. Kuya Roy was also a dancer and a worship leader. They're part of the Jesus Reigns Church in Buho, Silang. Ini-invite nga nila ako sa Sunday, November 25, it's their church's anniversary. Alam din nila ang Church of God-Dasma, sabi ni Kuya Noli, naging professor nya daw si Kuya Warren Pangilinan during college at TUP.
It's glad to know that Christians have the same spirit and that spirit becomes our identity. We can easily feel whenever our spiritual brothers and sisters are near us (even without knowing them personally). Sobrang na-bless lang ako.
Counting our blessings (Part II)
Medyo matagal na rin akong hindi nakapagpost though I used to visit various blogs. Minsan kasi mas feel kong magbasa lang...
Anyway, I want to continue mentioning some of God's blessings to me as I have said in my older post.
* My co-leaders sa ministry. Nakakatuwa yung relationship ng leaders, parang magkakapatid lang talaga. They are real blessings. They're true friends. Though may mga times na hindi nagkakaintindihan, mas nangingibabaw pa rin yung love.
* Tehillah Dance Team. This is the team that I handle in the ministry. The team is composed of 25 members (one is in Hongkong), all are teens. Medyo complicated ang stage na 'to (i mean the age) 'cause this is the stage wherein sobrang taas ng level ng curiousity, madalas ang mood swing at to the maximum level ang pagiging sensitive. But then, I love this team so much. God used them to train me not just in terms of leadership but more in character; how to care genuinely, to be patient, to listen, to understand, to love and to pray harder.
* Churchmates' blogs. Sobrang malaking tulong sa'kin ang posts ng churchmates ko. There are times na sobrang discouraged ako and then pag-nagbukas ako ng page at nagbasa, naeencourage ako sa stories nila.
* Church Pastors. "Anointed." Yun lang ang nasasabi ko minsan 'pag nakikita ko sila. They're being used by God to deliver His message to the congregation. Most of the time, sapul talaga ako sa sermon! :)
* Music. Sa buong maghapon na nakaharap ako sa computer doing various paper works, nagmiminister sa'kin yung songs na pinakikinggan ko (ngaun, We Speak to Nations ang tugtog).
When I'm sleepy, patugtog lang ako ng praise songs.
* My Bosses. As I have stated in my previous post, sobrang kakaiba ang superiors ko, madalas hindi makarecognize or maka-appreciate ng mga bagay bagay, demanding at times and so on. But then, I'm thankful for having them. I learned how to be independent, to be decisive and to be submissive.
* My CLDP teacher and classmates. Sobrang nag-eenjoy ako sa class namin sa CLDP. Actually wala namang something special sa class, lecture type lang talaga...makikinig ka lang, pwedeng mag-share if you want. But every meeting is an exciting one for me dahil sa dami ng natututunan ko when it comes to leadership. Saturday, November 24, is our last meeting at pot bless! hihi!
* Trials. If I'll enumerate lahat ng ito sobrang marami but still trials can't outnumber God's blessings. Thankful ako sa mga trials for they draw me closer to God, make me stronger, wiser and more mature.
Indeed, God has blessed me so much and this page might not be able to contain all those. I'm thankful for the sun, for the wind, for the air I breathe, for this life and so on.
*GOD, most of all, I am thankful that I have You. This life will never be as meaningful as this if I haven't come to know YOU.
Anyway, I want to continue mentioning some of God's blessings to me as I have said in my older post.
* My co-leaders sa ministry. Nakakatuwa yung relationship ng leaders, parang magkakapatid lang talaga. They are real blessings. They're true friends. Though may mga times na hindi nagkakaintindihan, mas nangingibabaw pa rin yung love. * Tehillah Dance Team. This is the team that I handle in the ministry. The team is composed of 25 members (one is in Hongkong), all are teens. Medyo complicated ang stage na 'to (i mean the age) 'cause this is the stage wherein sobrang taas ng level ng curiousity, madalas ang mood swing at to the maximum level ang pagiging sensitive. But then, I love this team so much. God used them to train me not just in terms of leadership but more in character; how to care genuinely, to be patient, to listen, to understand, to love and to pray harder.
* Churchmates' blogs. Sobrang malaking tulong sa'kin ang posts ng churchmates ko. There are times na sobrang discouraged ako and then pag-nagbukas ako ng page at nagbasa, naeencourage ako sa stories nila.
* Church Pastors. "Anointed." Yun lang ang nasasabi ko minsan 'pag nakikita ko sila. They're being used by God to deliver His message to the congregation. Most of the time, sapul talaga ako sa sermon! :)
* Music. Sa buong maghapon na nakaharap ako sa computer doing various paper works, nagmiminister sa'kin yung songs na pinakikinggan ko (ngaun, We Speak to Nations ang tugtog).
When I'm sleepy, patugtog lang ako ng praise songs.
* My Bosses. As I have stated in my previous post, sobrang kakaiba ang superiors ko, madalas hindi makarecognize or maka-appreciate ng mga bagay bagay, demanding at times and so on. But then, I'm thankful for having them. I learned how to be independent, to be decisive and to be submissive.
* My CLDP teacher and classmates. Sobrang nag-eenjoy ako sa class namin sa CLDP. Actually wala namang something special sa class, lecture type lang talaga...makikinig ka lang, pwedeng mag-share if you want. But every meeting is an exciting one for me dahil sa dami ng natututunan ko when it comes to leadership. Saturday, November 24, is our last meeting at pot bless! hihi!
* Trials. If I'll enumerate lahat ng ito sobrang marami but still trials can't outnumber God's blessings. Thankful ako sa mga trials for they draw me closer to God, make me stronger, wiser and more mature.
Indeed, God has blessed me so much and this page might not be able to contain all those. I'm thankful for the sun, for the wind, for the air I breathe, for this life and so on.
*GOD, most of all, I am thankful that I have You. This life will never be as meaningful as this if I haven't come to know YOU.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Event Updates
Hay... [isang malalim na buntong hininga]. Tiring pala talaga ang mag-organize ng event lalo na kung ikaw lang mag-isa.
Anyway, below are brief stories of what happened for the past 2 days:
Anyway, below are brief stories of what happened for the past 2 days:
- Opening Day - As expected, agang-aga ng Friday haggard na. Dahil nga sa mga pasaway na exhibitors na hindi nag-ingress last Thursday sobrang cramming sa pag-seset up the following day. Feeling ko, hindi ako napirme sa isang lugar...lakad dito, lakad dun...explain dito, usap doon...lahat na! Hanggang sa nagstart na ang opening ceremony, may nag-aayos pa sa loob ng hall, sa booth nila! Lunch time, I went back to the office to get some documents necessary for the event. Nung makita naman ako ng boss ko, more utos ito. So, until 4pm nasa office pa rin ako to think na I have a meeting with a researcher at 2:30 at World Trade. Pag-labas ko naman ng office, sobrang lakas ng ulan at baha...no choice, sugod ito. Thank God I was wearing black slocks that time so hindi halatang hanggang tuhod basa ako. ahuhu. Buti na lang mabait yung kameet ko...
- Second day (that was Saturday) - May humabol pang exhibitor so may nag-set up pa rin that morning. Yesterday was easier than the past two days. Medyo nakalibot-libot na sa buong exhibit area. But still, I received no text from my superiors kahit pangungumusta lang (ang thoughtful nila di ba? hay...). Anyway, I thank God that there were still people who are appreciative...May ilang mga exhibitors na binigyan ako ng items nila. At the end of the day, I received a watch, a necklace, 2 pairs of earrings, a brooch, 2 shirts and 2 bracelets...all from our exhibitors. :) Umuwi ako sa Dasma one hour before the closing para makahabol sa CLDP class, ayun nakarating naman pero 20 minutes late.
- Last day - Today is Sunday! Remember natatakot akong hindi makapagservice today because of this event? God is really great! Actually Siya pa rin ang nauna sa araw na 'to. I went to church and attended the 7:30 worship and left after the 10:30 service. Nagkita-kita pa kami nila Myk, Pangj and the rest of the youth at nakapagkwentuhan pa sa co-leaders sa dance. After that, dito na ko dumiretso sa office...at nagpost! hehehe!
I'll leave muna for a while for the Egress (na according sa mga organizers ay madugo ding part. Kaguluhang ganap ito!) Then, I'll continue...
Prayer: Lord, thank you so much for strengthening me and for giving me the courage to face this challenge. Truly enough, "those who seek You will find You and will never be disappointed." I claim the victory in Your name for I fight every battle as I put my trust not in chariots nor in swords but in Your victorious and powerful Name! All the glory is Yours, my Master.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Khen's Firsts
I was reminded of the church's giveaway for the Workers' General Assembly 2008. It's a calendar showcasing the first properties of the church: a guitar, light mixer, overhead projector and so on.
Now, I want to mention what are my firsts for this day.
November 9 (tomorrow), will be the opening of our event called the "PACEOS Christmas Pavilion," part of the Total Lifystyle Expo and Digital World at the World Trade Center. The Expo has approximately 200 exhibitors/booths selling different products such as cosmetics, cloths, bags, accessories, furniture, and lamps for the Total Lifestyle and printers, computers, electronic gadgets, appliances and cars for the Digital World. This will run for three consecutive days, meaning the event is until Sunday. And everyone is invited to come. It's free admission (sabay promote bah! hihi!).
In line with this, today is the Exhibitors' Ingress. Let me explain briefly what's going on during the Exhibitors' Ingress. Hhmmm...but I think it'll be better if I'll mention the Contractor's Ingress before this one ('cause contractor's ingress is prior to the exhibitors').
Now, I want to mention what are my firsts for this day.
November 9 (tomorrow), will be the opening of our event called the "PACEOS Christmas Pavilion," part of the Total Lifystyle Expo and Digital World at the World Trade Center. The Expo has approximately 200 exhibitors/booths selling different products such as cosmetics, cloths, bags, accessories, furniture, and lamps for the Total Lifestyle and printers, computers, electronic gadgets, appliances and cars for the Digital World. This will run for three consecutive days, meaning the event is until Sunday. And everyone is invited to come. It's free admission (sabay promote bah! hihi!).
In line with this, today is the Exhibitors' Ingress. Let me explain briefly what's going on during the Exhibitors' Ingress. Hhmmm...but I think it'll be better if I'll mention the Contractor's Ingress before this one ('cause contractor's ingress is prior to the exhibitors').
- Contractors' Ingress. By this time, the booths are set up, carpets on the floor (the entire hall is carpeted), electrical works and overall design is done by the booth contractor (a booth contractor company). That was yesterday.
- Exhibitor's Ingress. All the exhibitors will be coming in to display their products as well as to design their own booths. And my story will start here... (ang haba ng intro!)
Before an exhibitor enters the hall, he needs to register and fill out the forms: Pass In, Pass Out Form itemizing all the things he will bring inside; Waiver; and ID deposit slip. For those who will pay for the booth on site, I need to issue the O.R since I also do the collection. After accomplishing all the forms and settling the fees, sasamahan ko na sila sa booth nila and then, they'll set up.
- Wala namang problema sa bagay na ito, parang ang simple nga lang ng process. But the problem is nag-sabay sabay ng dating ang mga exhibitors at syempre ako lahat ang nag-aasikaso dahil ako lang naman ang staff ng PACEOS. I'm with the Global Link people (Global Link is the organizer of the entire event and is a member of PACEOS) but they can't entertain my exhibitors (PACEOS exhibitors) 'cause they're handling Total Lifestyle and Digital Exhibitors. Take note, eight people are in charge of the registration (for the Lifestyle and Digital). Sabi nga ni Ms. Tina, "mag-isa ka lang? kami nga walo na nahihirapan pa." So, Kumusta naman ako, nag-iisa! (ayun, ok naman, cool lang kahit nahihirapan...ganyan talaga 'pag may LORD sa puso!)
Now, what are my firsts?
- This is the first big event that I'll handle. I'm not into events naman kasi...remember I'm a communication graduate. hihi! Events like this one is more on marketing and management.
- This is my first Ingress. Since first time kong humawak ng event, first time ko rin maka-experience ng ingress. Indeed, it was exhausting! Lalo na 'pag wala si Lord, siguro makakasalita ka ng foul words sa sobrang inis. The people beside me, wala nang nasabi kundi s**t and the like (syempre pag nakatalikod na yung exhibitor ha).
- The event is my first major project. May mga events din naman akong na-handle over the past months pero those were only for the members of the association like general membership meetings with 40 to 50 pax.
- My first time to deal with exhibitors. For the Pavilion alone, we have 30 exhibitors. So, 30 silang nanggugulo sa'kin since Monday! Nandyan yung tatawagan ka maya't maya for clarifications, questions, etc. May kausap kang exhibitor tapos may tatawag sa cell mo, tapos may isa pang magrereklamo na exhibitor, etc. - All at a time - Kanina nga, sobrang galit yung isa naming exhibitor...pinagmukha naman nya kasing tiangge yung expo. As in nag-hang ng clothes sa may aisle and so on. When I approched her at sabihang bawal yun, nagsimula nang uminit ang ulo! Mag-baback out na daw sya. Hay! stressful ang makipagdeal sa mga pasaway na exhibitors! really! 'Di lang sya ang nag-iisang pasaway, marami sila. Some of the exhibitors naman, tomorrow pa raw sila mag-seset up..opening na kaya tomorrow! It's means hanggang bukas guguluhin nila ang mundo ko!
Though hindi pa tapos magset up ang ilang exhibitors, I left the hall by 6:00 and went straight to the office (at ito nga, nagpost muna ako...to rest and to unload!)
Nakakapagod pero masaya. I can't imagine that I was able to handle this one despite the fact that I'm doing everything on my own. Sabi nga ni Bola, one of my officemates but from other company, "Bilib ako sa'yo Karen, nakayanan mo mag-isa lahat yan! Lalo na ang Ingress...that's the most exhausting part of an event. Kung ako yan, magrereklamo talaga ako sa boss ko...sana man lang binigyan ka ng kasama kahit isa o kaya doblehin ang salary mo noh!" Well, I just smiled and said, "Thank God, He's my partner."
God enabled me to do things that are beyond my limits. I want to give Him all the glory and am not going to steal it from Him. Even ako sobrang na-amaze at masasabi kong, "Lord, that's You!" It takes months to organize an event. Like my collegues here (a group of 7), they are preparing for the 1st APHADA International Arts and Crafts Expo at SM X Convention Center on Nov.21-25. They are working for this since late July or early August. The Pavilion, on the other hand, was organized only for two weeks, in which 80% of the load is on my shoulder. That's what God can do!
This might be my first time when it comes to events but definitely it's not my first time to see how God works and to prove how faithful He is.
There are more stories to tell tomorrow until Sunday regarding this matter. But I know all of these stories will contain how God showed His power!
All the glory belongs to you Lord!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Counting our blessings
I was going through my yahoo email and noticed a message from a fellow christian with the subject, "You are blessed!" Below is the content.
- If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won't survive the week.
- If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 20 million people around the world.
- If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.
- If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
- If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish some place, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
- If your parents are still married and alive, you are very rare, especially in the United States.
- If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
- If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder,you are blessed because you canoffer God's healing touch.
If you can read this message,you are more blessed than overtwo billion people in the worldthat cannot read anything at all. - You are so blessed in ways you may never even know.
- My Job. I am currently working as the executive assistant of PACEOS short for Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers, Inc.
- A private organization of Event organizers, venues and suppliers in the country. Members of the association are companies like SM X Covention Center, Heritage Hotel, World Trade Center, Global Link and so on. My work is a quite hard to explain. I am the only staff they have. In effect, I do all the work from messengerial to accounting. haha! Imagine I was able to reach different places knowing the address alone, not the exact location. With this I learned..."Ok lang maligaw, basta marunong kang magbasa at may pamasahe ka, makakabalik ka!" I work in the office without my superiors around ('cause they report in their respective companies). We keep in touch through email and phone. Since, we have an event on Nov.9-11, I do all the work. huh! I can't file a resignation right away though most of the time I feel like doing so. I need to find someone to replace me before I may do so. Often, I say and feel that I'm not enjoying my work anymore but then, I thank God for He provided a job for me. Millions are looking for jobs but they can't find some.
- My Family. I have 5 sisters and 2 brothers. (other details and stories to follow)
- My Christian brothers and sisters. The church is my bigger family. I am really blessed every time I think of them, my co-workers and even the COG building.
- My office computer. This one was my silent friend. It knows even my prayers ('cause I used to encode my prayers here..."kinakausap ko si Lord through my computer").
- My cellphone. Since I entered college, I've been using Nokia 8210. (Niloloko ko nga ang dance, sabi ko pinagbibili ko na ang phone ko..."DOS na lang, two gives" hehe!).
...to be continued. We are blessed more than we can ever imagine!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Days to come
Mahabang bakasyon ito!!!
...especially sa mga nag-wowork in office hours gaya ko..hihi! Sorry na lang sa mga operational ang nature ng work, like my dad na nagda-drive ng train sa LRT. Ganon din naman sa elder sister ko na sa PAL naman ang work at sa isa ko pang sister na sa SM naman nakalocate. Sayang naman...it's better to spend holidays with the whole family.
Anyway, ok ang schedule ko this week but it will not be as free as this sa next week. We (the association where I work as the executive assistant) will have an event on Nov.9-11, that's Friday to Sunday, a Christmas Pavilion at World Trade Center. So, kumusta naman ako?! I just pray that I can still attend the worship service on Sunday. Lord, Sunday is for You... (huhu!). But then, I still believe that everything will be in order 'cause God is in control.
Well, dahil mahaba ang holiday, medyo matagal ko ring hindi mabubuksan ang blog na ito, maging ang sa inyo. :)
God bless you guys!
...especially sa mga nag-wowork in office hours gaya ko..hihi! Sorry na lang sa mga operational ang nature ng work, like my dad na nagda-drive ng train sa LRT. Ganon din naman sa elder sister ko na sa PAL naman ang work at sa isa ko pang sister na sa SM naman nakalocate. Sayang naman...it's better to spend holidays with the whole family.
Anyway, ok ang schedule ko this week but it will not be as free as this sa next week. We (the association where I work as the executive assistant) will have an event on Nov.9-11, that's Friday to Sunday, a Christmas Pavilion at World Trade Center. So, kumusta naman ako?! I just pray that I can still attend the worship service on Sunday. Lord, Sunday is for You... (huhu!). But then, I still believe that everything will be in order 'cause God is in control.
Well, dahil mahaba ang holiday, medyo matagal ko ring hindi mabubuksan ang blog na ito, maging ang sa inyo. :)
God bless you guys!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Saved by the Wings
My sister, Karmina, celebrated her 18th Birthday at Metrogate-Dasma last Saturday, Oct.27.
Since maraming nag-aakalang ako ang nag-debut (thanks to you...feeling ko teen pa rin ako! hihi), I attached her picture below.
Since maraming nag-aakalang ako ang nag-debut (thanks to you...feeling ko teen pa rin ako! hihi), I attached her picture below.
Ako nga pala ang nag-layout ng backdrop nya (upper left corner)...wala lang.
Anyway, we enjoyed the party. Maraming bloopers! One of which is my youngest sister, Keith, na walang ginawa kundi maglakad at bunutin ang lahat ng balloons on stick na nasa pots.
Sobrang sumakit ang ulo ni Mama sa kalikutan at kakulitan n'ya. Hanggang sa nasabi na lang ni Mother, "Buti na lang may pakpak ka, kundi..."
Haha! She was saved by the wings! :)
Lord, I will worship YOU!
Last Sunday, I was so blessed with the entire Worship Service (anyway, wala namang sunday na hindi nakakabless...).
Sobrang nadurog ako sa song na 'to as it mentions who is GOD.
Every time I hear this, all I can do is to bow down before God, raise my hands and cry. I feel like an ice, melting before God's holiness and greatness.
I Will Worship You
My God is faithful,
My God is truthful,
My God is boundless
in all He is.
My God is wisdom,
My God is righteous,
My God is vision for all who seek.
Chorus:
So I will worship You
in the beauty of holiness,
And I will worship You
for the things You've done in me
And when my life's complete
I place my crown at Your feet
And I will worship You
on bended knee
My God is power,
My God is glory,
Lord, You’re the ruler
over all that is.
My God is timeless,
My God is justice,
My God is mercy, mercy, mercy
His Name is Love
His voice is thunder
His heart is tender
His hand is strong
Repeat Chorus
Sobrang nadurog ako sa song na 'to as it mentions who is GOD.
Every time I hear this, all I can do is to bow down before God, raise my hands and cry. I feel like an ice, melting before God's holiness and greatness.
I Will Worship You
Judy Jacobs
My God is faithful,
My God is truthful,
My God is boundless
in all He is.
My God is wisdom,
My God is righteous,
My God is vision for all who seek.
Chorus:
So I will worship You
in the beauty of holiness,
And I will worship You
for the things You've done in me
And when my life's complete
I place my crown at Your feet
And I will worship You
on bended knee
My God is power,
My God is glory,
Lord, You’re the ruler
over all that is.
My God is timeless,
My God is justice,
My God is mercy, mercy, mercy
To Thee, O breath
Repeat Chorus
His Name is Love
His voice is thunder
His heart is tender
His hand is strong
Repeat Chorus
And I exalt Thee
I exalt Thee
I exalt Thee
I exact Thee, O Lord
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Just Love
"There was a man who saw a scorpion floundering around in the water. He decided to save it by stretching out his finger, but the scorpion stung him. The man still tried but the scorpion stung him again. Another man nearby told him to stop saving the scorpion. But the man said, 'It is the nature of the scorpion to sting. It is my nature to love. Why should I give up my nature to love just because it is the nature of the scorpion to sting?' - Don't give up caring, don't give up your goodness, even when everyone around you stings."
I got this text message from Kua Nad and Charm, my co-leaders in the ministry. I deleted the message when I received it from Kua Nad. Few days later, the same message was sent to me by Charm. God might have something say...
I have a friend, a very close friend. We treat each other as real sisters. Though we are separated by distance ('cause she works in Dasma and I, here in Manila and stays here during weekdays), we're able to keep the connection through text and chat. Sometimes, we meet during weekends.
All of a sudden, everything has changed. For the past two weeks, I received no text or phone call from her. I sent messages to her but have received no response. When I saw her somewhere in Dasma (and I knew she saw me too), it seemed that I was a stranger, deadma ba! It's very obvious that she's avoiding me. I didn't know exactly why.
I've been praying about this for several days and I'm really crying out to God. Sobrang hindi ako sanay sa ganong set-up since I treat her as akin. Like with my sisters, 'pag may galit sakin, umiiyak din ako. But then, I'm acting as if nothing happens. I'm texting her, sending her quotes and bible verses, greeting her good morning and so on.
Finally, last night she replied on my text message and said, "Ok lang..." (kinumusta ko kasi). I'm trying to establish a good conversation but she didn't cooperate. Ang sagot nya lang lagi, "Ewan ko sayo...," "Bahala ka..."
That caused so much pain to me...(along with other hang ups) until I said, "Lord, suko na ko!" If she wants it this way then, fine with me! I want to shift my attention to other things. But the Holy Spirit is saying in a soft voice, "Just Love" and a follow through, "You're not designed to be rude. Repay evil with good."
I've learned so much from this circumstance. God taught me to...
...have patience.
...understand.
...keep my eyes on Him.
...pray and be honest before Him.
...trust Him more when it comes to relationships.
...entrust myself not to anyone else except from God (John 2:24-25)
...consider Him as my one and only true friend.
...love.
I got this text message from Kua Nad and Charm, my co-leaders in the ministry. I deleted the message when I received it from Kua Nad. Few days later, the same message was sent to me by Charm. God might have something say...
I have a friend, a very close friend. We treat each other as real sisters. Though we are separated by distance ('cause she works in Dasma and I, here in Manila and stays here during weekdays), we're able to keep the connection through text and chat. Sometimes, we meet during weekends.
All of a sudden, everything has changed. For the past two weeks, I received no text or phone call from her. I sent messages to her but have received no response. When I saw her somewhere in Dasma (and I knew she saw me too), it seemed that I was a stranger, deadma ba! It's very obvious that she's avoiding me. I didn't know exactly why.
I've been praying about this for several days and I'm really crying out to God. Sobrang hindi ako sanay sa ganong set-up since I treat her as akin. Like with my sisters, 'pag may galit sakin, umiiyak din ako. But then, I'm acting as if nothing happens. I'm texting her, sending her quotes and bible verses, greeting her good morning and so on.
Finally, last night she replied on my text message and said, "Ok lang..." (kinumusta ko kasi). I'm trying to establish a good conversation but she didn't cooperate. Ang sagot nya lang lagi, "Ewan ko sayo...," "Bahala ka..."
That caused so much pain to me...(along with other hang ups) until I said, "Lord, suko na ko!" If she wants it this way then, fine with me! I want to shift my attention to other things. But the Holy Spirit is saying in a soft voice, "Just Love" and a follow through, "You're not designed to be rude. Repay evil with good."
I've learned so much from this circumstance. God taught me to...
...have patience.
...understand.
...keep my eyes on Him.
...pray and be honest before Him.
...trust Him more when it comes to relationships.
...entrust myself not to anyone else except from God (John 2:24-25)
...consider Him as my one and only true friend.
...love.
When people avoid you, just love.
When people leave you, just love.
When people malign you, just love.
When people misjudge you, just love.
When people hurt you, just love.
Just love...
...just love them like Jesus.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Patience
I'm reading the book by Oswald Sanders, "Spiritual Leadership." From chapters 1-8, the author tells about the qualities of a leader. One of such is having patience and this is how Sanders defines the term.
Patience
- it is victorious endurance and constancy under trial
- a courageous and triumphant ability to bear things
With the abovementioned definitions, I tried to assess myself. I must admit I fall short.
It is not:
- being half asleep
- ignoring things
I also agree when Sanders said, "Patience meets its most difficult test in personal relationships."
Point to ponder:
"The evidence of our strength lies not in the distance that separates us from other runners, but in our closure with them, our slower pace for their sakes, our helping them pick it up and cross the line"
"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves."
- Romans 1:15
Patience
- it is victorious endurance and constancy under trial
- a courageous and triumphant ability to bear things
With the abovementioned definitions, I tried to assess myself. I must admit I fall short.
It is not:
- being half asleep
- ignoring things
I also agree when Sanders said, "Patience meets its most difficult test in personal relationships."
Point to ponder:
"The evidence of our strength lies not in the distance that separates us from other runners, but in our closure with them, our slower pace for their sakes, our helping them pick it up and cross the line"
"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves."
- Romans 1:15
Jesus, Lover of my Soul
Harana ko kay Lord ang song na 'to.
Jesus, Lover of my soul
Jesus, I will never let You go
You've taken me from the miry clay
Set my feet upon a rock and now i know
I love You
I need You
My Savior
My closest friend
I will worship You
Until the very end
Lord, You are my Savior...
You are my closest and my very best friend...
You are my world...
You are the reason why I live...
You are my God...
You are my King...
You are my everything...
Jesus, Lover of my soul
Jesus, I will never let You go
You've taken me from the miry clay
Set my feet upon a rock and now i know
I love You
I need You
Though my world may fall
I'll never let You go
I'll never let You go
My Savior
My closest friend
I will worship You
Until the very end
- Hillsong
Lord, You are my Savior...
You are my closest and my very best friend...
You are my world...
You are the reason why I live...
You are my God...
You are my King...
You are my everything...
Friday, October 19, 2007
Glorietta 2 Blast
It was around 1:30 in the afternoon when a blast in Glorietta Mall II created a chaos in Makati. Latest update: 8 killed, 70 injured. Below is a copy of a flash report from GMA 7.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
Photos taken from http://www.igma.tv/
But then, victims need our prayers. Pray for our country. Pray, pray, pray...
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
Photos taken from http://www.igma.tv/
I was supposed to be in Makati area today but have decided to stay at the office because I have bulks of work for our upcoming event. Thank God!
But then, victims need our prayers. Pray for our country. Pray, pray, pray...
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Balik College
Last Tuesday, Oct.16, was our Ministry Head's birthday. We had an overnight bonding at Ate Ann's place (beside Robinsons Imus). After eating fetuccine and sapin-sapin, we started the program for the birthday celebrant, that was around 11:00 pm.
- voice over (recorded messages from various COG workers)
- heart puzzle (each piece contains a short message for Ate Ann)
- candle lighting
- prayer
- movie marathon ("Celluar," part of "Final Destination 3")
Mae, Ate Thine and I slept at around 5:00 am (ung iba kasi start palang ng first film tulog na!).
---------* * * ------------
I woke up at 7:00 am...I need to go to work. I had my breakfast with some of my co-leaders (kwentuhan included). After several hours of discussing our team's concerns, I finally decided not to work that day.
At 2:00 pm, we went to Robinsons Imus and spent almost two hours at Tom's World (arcade).
We played...
- voice over (recorded messages from various COG workers)
- heart puzzle (each piece contains a short message for Ate Ann)
- candle lighting
- prayer
- movie marathon ("Celluar," part of "Final Destination 3")
Mae, Ate Thine and I slept at around 5:00 am (ung iba kasi start palang ng first film tulog na!).
---------* * * ------------
I woke up at 7:00 am...I need to go to work. I had my breakfast with some of my co-leaders (kwentuhan included). After several hours of discussing our team's concerns, I finally decided not to work that day.
At 2:00 pm, we went to Robinsons Imus and spent almost two hours at Tom's World (arcade).
We played...
- basketball (at first, sari-sarili kami ng ring. later on, tatlo na kami nila Charm at Hannah sa isang ring. haha! we need to score at least 50 to have another game)
- car racing (actually pag nag-aarchade ako, car race lang talaga ang nilalaro namin ng friend ko. I tried new games yesterday.)
- water gun (medyo non-sense ito sa totoo lang, babarilin mo lang ung mga gulay [target] hihi!)
- wild monkeys (there are monkeys na patutumbahin mo using small balls. you get tickets after)
- hockey (sobrang enjoy kami ni ate ann dito at nanalo sya...score: 3-5)
- bowling "kuno" (we had six balls per game. throw namin yung bola like sa bowling. aim is lumusot ung bola sa highest scored na butas.)
- piso game (di ko talaga alam yung name ng game pero ang gagawin is to insert a one-peso coin at hintayin kung saan tatapat ang coin. if it's in 10, you'll get 10 tickets, kung sa jackpot naman, you'll get 50)
- can alley (this was the the game I enjoyed the most gaya ni Ate Peps. Simple lang yung game. There's a can with cover, pag tumaas yung cover, shoot mo yung small balls. pag marami kang nalagay na bola sa loob, you get more tickets. so ang technique namin ay magtulungan sa paghakot ng bola at sabay sabay ihagis sa can pag-open ng cover. sobrang sakit ng tiyan namin katatawa! nauubos nga namin lahat ng bola. Pag naubos na namin lahat ng bola, tatawagin namin yung staff tapos dadakutin naman nya lahat at ilalabas uli.haha! sabi nya nga, "Pa'nong hindi mauubos eh pinagtutulungan nyo kasi..." parang masama pa loob. hahaha!)
- biking (four lang samin ang nag-try nito, ako hindi kasi mukang nakakapagod masyado. bike race naman sya, as in magpepedal ka. Si Mitch at Mae nga, akalain mong magpaa! Si Ate Ann at Ate Peps naman, medyo pa-girl and pagpepedal. after that, nagsakitan mga legs nila. hay, we discovered another way of having our warm-up! hanggang sa archade ba naman?! hihi)
- Magbubump car sana kami kaso hindi pala pwede ang slippers (we are all in slippers!). After that, kodakan kami sa may Coffee stall dun and took out a pan of pizza at bumalik na kina Ate Ann. Nauna na kami ni Hannah umuwi kasi manonood pa sila ng movie.
I just missed my college days when there were semestral breaks. Feeling ko yesterday college student din ako at nakikisem-break ako sa kanila! hahaha! Thank God for that opportunity to have a bonding with my co-leaders.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Special Thanks
Gia lent me her MP4 last week, save ko daw yung songs nila Mary Mary and Natalie Grant. Since I stay in an apartment (near Philippine Airlines Medical) during weekdays at weekends lang ako umuuwi sa Cavite, I have her MP4 for five days. I really appreciate it!
For two consecutive nights, mag-isa lang ako sa apartment. Rest day ng sister ko. Di naman ako nabore, I had much time with God. I spent almost two hours in prayer. Then, nakinig ng music.
I want to share this song (nakasave sa mp4 ni gia):
Your love is extravagant
For two consecutive nights, mag-isa lang ako sa apartment. Rest day ng sister ko. Di naman ako nabore, I had much time with God. I spent almost two hours in prayer. Then, nakinig ng music.
I want to share this song (nakasave sa mp4 ni gia):
Your Love is Extravagant
Casting Crowns
Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel like moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in our secret place
Your love is extravagant
Chorus:
Spread wide in the arms of Christ
is the love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known
You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again
Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
Your friendship, it is intimate
Thanks ulit Gia! May God bless you more!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Rich Generousity
I want to quote this one from Pastor Anthony's sermon last Sunday.
God created the sun, it gives...
God created the moon, it gives...
God created the ocean, it gives...
God created the earth, it gives...
God created man...
Rich generousity is best defined in the Bible:
2 Corinthians 8:3-4
"For I testify that they gave as much as they were able (not bound by the law and not limited with tithes), and even beyond their ability (work diligently to give more). Entirely on their own (from their own pockets), they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing (looks for the opportunity to give) in this service to the saints."
God is really testing me in terms of giving. He definitely does not need my money but rather wants me to be free from the love of it and to trust Him.
Monday, October 8, 2007
God speaks
Hi! Sobrang namiss ko ang diary kong ito... no time to update for the past few days dahil sa sobrang daming load sa work.
Anyway, it is wonderful to experience God's Omnipresence. God is really talking to us. Not necessarily with an audible voice but through the things we encounter each day. Let me share these:
Anyway, it is wonderful to experience God's Omnipresence. God is really talking to us. Not necessarily with an audible voice but through the things we encounter each day. Let me share these:
- A guy courting a girl - I was about to go back to Cavite from work, that was Friday night. Sobrang haba ng pila sa bus terminal (sa may MRT station). There was a booth there, "Kiss King of Balls," a kikiam/fishball stall. Nagliligpit na ung 2 girls, closing time. May 2 guys na dumating and they waited for the girls. Nung paalis na ung mga babae, syempre ang dami nilang dala. Pinipilit nung guy na agawin ung dala nung isang girl. So meaning, she's trying to win the girl's heart. Ung girl naman sobrang naiinis, pero wala na syang nagawa kasi inagaw na nung guy ung dala nya.
God also tried to win our hearts. He even gave His life to express His love to us (John 3:16). Minsan parang nakukulitan pa tayo kay Lord but then we realized that He's all we need. As for me, His stubborn love has won my heart.
- Waffle Time - I bought waffle (cheese delite) and ate it on the bus. Tapos, nabasa ko sa paper wrapper nya...
Correct! It even applies to us. God refines all our ingredients (character, heart, mind, etc.) so that we will become perfect before His sight.
- Meet the Robinsons - When I reached home, my sisters were watching a film "Meet the Robinsons." Nakakatawa lang kasi it's almost finished when I arrived. Pero sa final credits, nabasa ko 'to: Keep on Moving!
In this life, we are in a race. The race is not a competition, not about who'll be the first to reach the finish line. It's simply about running and reaching the finish line. So no matter how bruised are we because of falling, we need to get up again and keep on moving!
It's amazing how God speaks to His children. We just need to pray for a listening ear and a receptive heart so we can acknowledge His voice.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Rain, what does it tell you?
I received an email and I repost it here.
Stop at the picture for a second, and watch the Rain... then read on...
One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick. Suddenly my daughter, Aspen , spoke up from her relaxed position in her seat. "Dad, I'm thinking of something."
This announcement usually meant she had been pondering some fact for a while, and was now ready to expound all that her six-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear. "What are you thinking?" I asked.
Stop at the picture for a second, and watch the Rain... then read on...
One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick. Suddenly my daughter, Aspen , spoke up from her relaxed position in her seat. "Dad, I'm thinking of something."This announcement usually meant she had been pondering some fact for a while, and was now ready to expound all that her six-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear. "What are you thinking?" I asked.
"The rain!" she began, "is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God wiping our sins away." After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond. "That's really good, Aspen."
Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little girl take this revelation? So I asked, "Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you?" Aspen didn't hesitate one moment with her answer: "We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us."
I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.
In order to see the Rainbow, you must first endure some Rain.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Opposing Principles
I was doing my reflection paper on chapter 3 of the book "Spiritual Leadership" when I realized that the Master's Principles are really different with men’s principles and most of the time, they are totally opposing.
Men: If anyone hurts you, do the same thing to him.
God: If anyone hurts you, pay him with good thing.
Men: A leader must exercise authority, make the most of it and rule.
God: A leader must serve.
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” – Mark 10:43-44
Leadership for men is equivalent to “authority” but for God it is tantamount to “servanthood”.
Few examples are:
Men: If you want to be rich, keep your blessings.
God: If you want to be blessed, bless others.
Men: If you want to be rich, keep your blessings.
God: If you want to be blessed, bless others.
“Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then
because of this the LORD your God will bless you
because of this the LORD your God will bless you
in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Deuteronomy 15:10
Men: If anyone hurts you, do the same thing to him.
God: If anyone hurts you, pay him with good thing.
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty,
give him water to drink.” – Proverbs 25:21
give him water to drink.” – Proverbs 25:21
Men: A leader must exercise authority, make the most of it and rule.
God: A leader must serve.
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” – Mark 10:43-44
Leadership for men is equivalent to “authority” but for God it is tantamount to “servanthood”.
It's amazing how God works in a different and unique way (very different from our ways). Sometimes we can't understand what He's doing and where He's leading us, but still He will say this: Just trust Me!
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9
Thursday, September 20, 2007
God's ALWAYS-NESS
Let me describe what's happening here...
- I'm alone here in the office (Lahat sila umuwin na. I have to work over time to finish my boss' presentation or else I will be here on Saturday and Sunday).
- Wala akong makausap na matino (Minsan kailangan talaga natin ng comfort from people noh? pero walang ganon dito...thank GOD He's the God of all comfort! Maraming nagsasabi ang sipag ko daw mag-update ng blog. Honestly, busy ako as in...pero I need to update this blog once in a while kasi ito lang ang outlet ko since wala nga akong makausap. I let this computer be my silent listener aside from God of course).
- Now that I'm alone, I find it as an opportunity to cry to GOD.
- As I pray, I heard this song (...from my pc and I was reminded that even if the world leaves me, I can depend on
God's A-L-W-A-Y-S-N-E-S-S!!!
Although the sun has been around for a long time
Still have the ability to shine
And although the moon lights up the night
Sometimes it likes to hang out in the sunshine
Although green grass sometimes turn brown
Its refreshed when rain drops come falling down
Creation starts and its renewed
By a single touch from You
So, I depend on You know matter what I do
I know that You'll always come through
You'll never changed the rules
I can depend on the always-ness of You
Chorus:
Never change You'll remain
Faithful through life's ups and downs still the same
Everlasting love for me so heavenly
That's the always-ness
The seasons change without a calendar
And the breezeless know how and when to blow
Never have to wonder where the water goes
Cause it flows home to the ocean flow
Everything reacting in common sense
When placed beneath the of Your omnipotence
Please want you show how I should live
So, glory I can give
Cause I depend on You know matter what I do
I know that You'll always come though
You'll never changed the rules
I can depend on the always-ness of You
[REPEAT CHORUS 2x]
[BRIDGE:]
It's so simple when I do things Your way
So, I try everyday, but sometimes my path can get hard
Even when I start off with the best of intentions
I get weak and fall short
And I know when I'm down You'll be there to lift me up
Your love never waited no - no - no - no - no
[REPEAT CHORUS 2x:]
- I'm alone here in the office (Lahat sila umuwin na. I have to work over time to finish my boss' presentation or else I will be here on Saturday and Sunday).
- Wala akong makausap na matino (Minsan kailangan talaga natin ng comfort from people noh? pero walang ganon dito...thank GOD He's the God of all comfort! Maraming nagsasabi ang sipag ko daw mag-update ng blog. Honestly, busy ako as in...pero I need to update this blog once in a while kasi ito lang ang outlet ko since wala nga akong makausap. I let this computer be my silent listener aside from God of course).
- Now that I'm alone, I find it as an opportunity to cry to GOD.
- As I pray, I heard this song (...from my pc and I was reminded that even if the world leaves me, I can depend on
God's A-L-W-A-Y-S-N-E-S-S!!!
"Alwaysness"
Yolanda Adams
Yolanda Adams
Although the sun has been around for a long time
Still have the ability to shine
And although the moon lights up the night
Sometimes it likes to hang out in the sunshine
Although green grass sometimes turn brown
Its refreshed when rain drops come falling down
Creation starts and its renewed
By a single touch from You
So, I depend on You know matter what I do
I know that You'll always come through
You'll never changed the rules
I can depend on the always-ness of You
Chorus:
Never change You'll remain
Faithful through life's ups and downs still the same
Everlasting love for me so heavenly
That's the always-ness
The seasons change without a calendar
And the breezeless know how and when to blow
Never have to wonder where the water goes
Cause it flows home to the ocean flow
Everything reacting in common sense
When placed beneath the of Your omnipotence
Please want you show how I should live
So, glory I can give
Cause I depend on You know matter what I do
I know that You'll always come though
You'll never changed the rules
I can depend on the always-ness of You
[REPEAT CHORUS 2x]
[BRIDGE:]
It's so simple when I do things Your way
So, I try everyday, but sometimes my path can get hard
Even when I start off with the best of intentions
I get weak and fall short
And I know when I'm down You'll be there to lift me up
Your love never waited no - no - no - no - no
[REPEAT CHORUS 2x:]
GOD's consistency is our security! Praise be to HIM!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Sunday is for the LORD!
Hi there! How are you? Wasn't able to update my blog for quite sometime due to a bulk of office works.
Well, medyo tiring ang week na 'to for me. I went back to Dasma last night to attend our practice for Sunday. Then, back to Manila this morning. I suppose to be in Cavite again by Thursday night kaso mukhang 'di nanaman maisasakatuparan yon.
I have to work overtime for my boss' presentation abroad. She'll leave for a General Meeting in Taipei on Sept. 25. I have to collate all the materials (research) and make a presentation (for her). She wants me to be at the office on Saturday and Sunday. Of course, I can't commit because those days are for the LORD. She said I have no choice. I'm praying that I'll have all the materials by tomorrow so I can work on the presentation immediately and eventually be home on Friday.
Need prayers talaga. But I know that God will put everything in order as He said. I believe I can finish my work without sacrificing Sunday. Basta, I'll hold on to this: "SUNDAY is for the LORD" I fear God more than I fear my Superiors. I don't want to compromise...
Well, medyo tiring ang week na 'to for me. I went back to Dasma last night to attend our practice for Sunday. Then, back to Manila this morning. I suppose to be in Cavite again by Thursday night kaso mukhang 'di nanaman maisasakatuparan yon.
I have to work overtime for my boss' presentation abroad. She'll leave for a General Meeting in Taipei on Sept. 25. I have to collate all the materials (research) and make a presentation (for her). She wants me to be at the office on Saturday and Sunday. Of course, I can't commit because those days are for the LORD. She said I have no choice. I'm praying that I'll have all the materials by tomorrow so I can work on the presentation immediately and eventually be home on Friday.
Need prayers talaga. But I know that God will put everything in order as He said. I believe I can finish my work without sacrificing Sunday. Basta, I'll hold on to this: "SUNDAY is for the LORD" I fear God more than I fear my Superiors. I don't want to compromise...
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Potter & Clay
"Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' Does your work say, 'He has no hands'?" - Isaiah 45:9 -
"...can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand..." - Jeremiah 18:6 -
"...can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand..." - Jeremiah 18:6 -
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Going through Spiritual Confusion
The Lord proved once again that He is a prayer-answering God. He knows our thoughts, our pains...and He is in control. He just wants us to trust in Him with all our heart and hold on to His words although we don't understand.Below is God's for me and now I see things in a clearer view...
There are times in your spiritual life when there is confusion, and the way out of it is not simply to say that you should not be confused. It is not a matter of right and wrong, but a matter of God taking you through a way that you temporarily do not understand. And it is only by going through a spiritual confusion that you will come to the understanding of what God wants for you.
The Shrouding of His Friendship (Luke 11:5-8). Jesus gave the illustration here of a man who appears not to care for his friend. He was saying, in effect, that is how the heavenly Father will appear to you at times. You will think that He is an unkind friend, but remember-He is not. The time will come when everything will be explained. There seems to be a cloud on the friendship of the heart, and often even love itself has to wait in pain and tears for the blessings of fuller fellowship and oneness. When God appears to be completely shrouded, will you hang on with confidence in Him?
The Shadow on His Fatherhood (Luke 11:11-13). Jesus said that there are times when your Father will appear as if He was an unnatural father-as if He was callous and indifferent-but remember, He is not. "Everyone who asks receives..." (Luke 11:10). If all you see is a shadow on the face of the Father right now, hang on to the fact that He will fully justify Himself in everything that He has allowed into your life.
The Strangeness of His Faithfulness (Luke 18:1-8). "When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8). Will He find the kind of faith that counts on Him in spite of the confusion? Stand firm in faith, believing that what Jesus said is true, although in the meantime you do not understand what God is doing.
Now I know that it's not a matter of how much you understand but a matter of how much you trust in God despite all odds!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
No One Else Knows
Have you ever experienced that no one understands you? You can't also understand yourself? I did...
Good thing, there is someone who knows everything, our strengths and weaknesses but doesn't look upon us with contempt. He does look on us with love and mercy.
This song ministered to me and I hope it will be an encouragement for you too...
No One Else Knows
Building 429
My world is closing in on the inside
But I’m not showing it
When all I am is crying out
I hold it in and fake a smile
Still I’m broken, I’m broken
Only One can understand
And only One can hold the hand
Of the broken
Of the broken
Chorus:
When no one else knows how I feel
Your love for me is proven real
When no one else cares where I’ve been
You run to me with outstretched hands
And You hold me in Your arms again
I need no explanation of why me
I just need confirmation
Only You could understand
the emptiness inside my head
I am falling, I'm falling
I’m falling down upon my knees
To find the One who gives me peace
I am flying, Lord I am flying
I have come to You in search of faith
Cause I can’t see beyond this place
Oh You are God and I am man
So I’ll leave it in Your hands
"O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways." Psalm 139:1-3
Good thing, there is someone who knows everything, our strengths and weaknesses but doesn't look upon us with contempt. He does look on us with love and mercy.
This song ministered to me and I hope it will be an encouragement for you too...
No One Else Knows
Building 429
My world is closing in on the inside
But I’m not showing it
When all I am is crying out
I hold it in and fake a smile
Still I’m broken, I’m broken
Only One can understand
And only One can hold the hand
Of the broken
Of the broken
Chorus:
When no one else knows how I feel
Your love for me is proven real
When no one else cares where I’ve been
You run to me with outstretched hands
And You hold me in Your arms again
I need no explanation of why me
I just need confirmation
Only You could understand
the emptiness inside my head
I am falling, I'm falling
I’m falling down upon my knees
To find the One who gives me peace
I am flying, Lord I am flying
I have come to You in search of faith
Cause I can’t see beyond this place
Oh You are God and I am man
So I’ll leave it in Your hands
"O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways." Psalm 139:1-3
Friday, September 7, 2007
Wavering Faith?!
It was around 9:30 in the evening when I left the office last night. Overtime pero wala namang ginawa...
I was about to leave at 8:00 pero pinigilan ako ng boss, kumain daw muna ng dinner. So, sunod naman ako. Ayoko namang mag-eat and run so I decided to go home at 8:30. Nagpaalam na ko by that time, pinigilan na naman ako ng lola mo! Isasabay nya daw ako sa sasakyan nya... I waited for several minutes (nakagawa na nga ako ng assignment for CLDP kahihintay). Sobrang kinakabahan na ko kasi naman ang delikado pala sa lugar namin (sa apartment). If you happen to know MARICABAN, dun nakalocate ang apartment namin. Maraming nagsasabi sobrang delikado daw dun since yun ang taguan ng mga snatcher, hold-upper and so on. So kabado to the max ako. I texted my dad at kung sino-sino pa, asking for prayers.
It was exactly 9:30 when I left the office. Ang saklap lang talaga...hindi rin naman ako sinabay ng boss ko (sayang ang oras sa pag-iintay di ba? ginabi pa ko!). So kumusta naman ang mag-isang paglalakad sa madilim na kalsada palabas!
Kahit anong verse ang i-recall ko hindi pa rin mawala ung takot ko. Finally, when I rode a jeepney to Nichols, sumakay din si Ate Jinie, yung kasama ko sa apartment na ka-work ni Ate Thine! Pambihira talaga si Lord! In short, nakauwi naman ako ng safe at may kasama.
Nahihiya lang ako kay Lord because of my wavering faith. All the time, He gives me the assurance that He will protect me and be with me no matter what happens. Kaso ang tigas ng ulo ko! I entertain doubt and worry!
I was about to leave at 8:00 pero pinigilan ako ng boss, kumain daw muna ng dinner. So, sunod naman ako. Ayoko namang mag-eat and run so I decided to go home at 8:30. Nagpaalam na ko by that time, pinigilan na naman ako ng lola mo! Isasabay nya daw ako sa sasakyan nya... I waited for several minutes (nakagawa na nga ako ng assignment for CLDP kahihintay). Sobrang kinakabahan na ko kasi naman ang delikado pala sa lugar namin (sa apartment). If you happen to know MARICABAN, dun nakalocate ang apartment namin. Maraming nagsasabi sobrang delikado daw dun since yun ang taguan ng mga snatcher, hold-upper and so on. So kabado to the max ako. I texted my dad at kung sino-sino pa, asking for prayers.
It was exactly 9:30 when I left the office. Ang saklap lang talaga...hindi rin naman ako sinabay ng boss ko (sayang ang oras sa pag-iintay di ba? ginabi pa ko!). So kumusta naman ang mag-isang paglalakad sa madilim na kalsada palabas!
Kahit anong verse ang i-recall ko hindi pa rin mawala ung takot ko. Finally, when I rode a jeepney to Nichols, sumakay din si Ate Jinie, yung kasama ko sa apartment na ka-work ni Ate Thine! Pambihira talaga si Lord! In short, nakauwi naman ako ng safe at may kasama.
Nahihiya lang ako kay Lord because of my wavering faith. All the time, He gives me the assurance that He will protect me and be with me no matter what happens. Kaso ang tigas ng ulo ko! I entertain doubt and worry!
God's love is so sweet! He will remain faithful even if we doubt His power.
"If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown himself." - 2 Timothy 2:13
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Walang kwenta ang buhay ko!
"Walang kwenta ang buhay ko!!!"
Ito ang linyang isinigaw ng officemate ko sa kasagsagan ng matahimik na umaga the other day, na itago na lang natin sa pangalang "Ampalaya" (that's her favorite vegetable)...na sinundan nya pa ng "Boring na boring na ko sa buhay ko!" So, tawanan kami sa office as in to the max na tawa. Wala kasing mga boss that time dahil may event(Exhibition) sa CEBU. Ang tagal nga bago ako nakarecover. Hirap palang pigilan ng tawa noh? Sa cubicle ko sa office, super pigil dahil baka sabihin nila OA ako tumawa.
Actually kaya ako natawa kasi nakarelate ako sa kanya that time (remember my second blog entitled BE ENTIRELY HIS?) naboboring din ako sa buhay. I realized di ako nag-iisa..un nga lang wala pa ko sa point na sumisigaw sa gitna ng office at maraming makakarinig (umiiyak lang sa gabi..sa prayer). I also realized I could also be at that exact state if my life is not in Christ. Walang kwenta ang buhay, no meaning, no direction.
God gave meaning to our lives and we came to know that the purpose of this life is to glorify HIM. I believe, as Christians, we need to extend our hands and reach out to those people who say the same thing; that their lives are worthless. They won't feel that they are precious until they know how God loves them!
"...live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more."
- 1 Thessalonians 4:1
Ito ang linyang isinigaw ng officemate ko sa kasagsagan ng matahimik na umaga the other day, na itago na lang natin sa pangalang "Ampalaya" (that's her favorite vegetable)...na sinundan nya pa ng "Boring na boring na ko sa buhay ko!" So, tawanan kami sa office as in to the max na tawa. Wala kasing mga boss that time dahil may event(Exhibition) sa CEBU. Ang tagal nga bago ako nakarecover. Hirap palang pigilan ng tawa noh? Sa cubicle ko sa office, super pigil dahil baka sabihin nila OA ako tumawa.
Actually kaya ako natawa kasi nakarelate ako sa kanya that time (remember my second blog entitled BE ENTIRELY HIS?) naboboring din ako sa buhay. I realized di ako nag-iisa..un nga lang wala pa ko sa point na sumisigaw sa gitna ng office at maraming makakarinig (umiiyak lang sa gabi..sa prayer). I also realized I could also be at that exact state if my life is not in Christ. Walang kwenta ang buhay, no meaning, no direction.
God gave meaning to our lives and we came to know that the purpose of this life is to glorify HIM. I believe, as Christians, we need to extend our hands and reach out to those people who say the same thing; that their lives are worthless. They won't feel that they are precious until they know how God loves them!
"...live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more."
- 1 Thessalonians 4:1
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Embassy!!!
I woke up early in the morning to submit VISA requirements sa Taiwan Embassy in Ayala... pero hindi para sa'kin ha...para sa boss ko.
'Pag dating ko dun pinaghintay ako sa 'Smoking Area' para kumuha ng number (so, kumusta naman ang amoy usok na damit, ang aga-aga!). Good thing maaga ako sa embassy, pag-10 ako. I was about to submit the requirements tapos hindi tinanggap dahil medyo pixelated ang ID pic ng boss ko (eh kc naman inedit ko lang yun sa photoshop). I went back to the office to get the file of that picture, made necessary adjustments and then pina-develop ko sa MOA. After that balik ako agad sa Embassy para ma-file na. Ayaw pa rin tanggapin... :'(
I texted my boss about it kaso nagalit ata.. ang reply sa'kin, "You should have told me..." (dati ko pa nga sinasabing original pic ang ibigay eh). Anyway, ganon talaga...there's no way to rationalize! Ang masaklap lang minsan, pagod na pagod ka na papagalitan ka pa! Pero syempre patience... I was reminded of this text message: "You are never in the wrong place to serve God. Even if no one acknowledges your efforts, God sees and knows. Bloom where you are planted!"
So, babalik na naman ako sa Embassy on Friday or early next week.
Ganon pa man, I just want to look on the brighter side. Natawa ako sa receptionist..kilala na nya ko dahil naka-ilang balik na ko dun. I went there two weeks ago tapos today, twice! (opportunity to "enlarge my tent" hehe!) Time will come, babalik ako sa Embassy to apply for VISA... for me and my family! haha... SOON!
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." - Psalm 27:13-14
'Pag dating ko dun pinaghintay ako sa 'Smoking Area' para kumuha ng number (so, kumusta naman ang amoy usok na damit, ang aga-aga!). Good thing maaga ako sa embassy, pag-10 ako. I was about to submit the requirements tapos hindi tinanggap dahil medyo pixelated ang ID pic ng boss ko (eh kc naman inedit ko lang yun sa photoshop). I went back to the office to get the file of that picture, made necessary adjustments and then pina-develop ko sa MOA. After that balik ako agad sa Embassy para ma-file na. Ayaw pa rin tanggapin... :'(
I texted my boss about it kaso nagalit ata.. ang reply sa'kin, "You should have told me..." (dati ko pa nga sinasabing original pic ang ibigay eh). Anyway, ganon talaga...there's no way to rationalize! Ang masaklap lang minsan, pagod na pagod ka na papagalitan ka pa! Pero syempre patience... I was reminded of this text message: "You are never in the wrong place to serve God. Even if no one acknowledges your efforts, God sees and knows. Bloom where you are planted!"
So, babalik na naman ako sa Embassy on Friday or early next week.
Ganon pa man, I just want to look on the brighter side. Natawa ako sa receptionist..kilala na nya ko dahil naka-ilang balik na ko dun. I went there two weeks ago tapos today, twice! (opportunity to "enlarge my tent" hehe!) Time will come, babalik ako sa Embassy to apply for VISA... for me and my family! haha... SOON!
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." - Psalm 27:13-14
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Be entirely HIS!
Last night I was really crying out to God because I know spritually I'm not fine. 'Di ko maintindihan ang sarili ko..kung anong gusto ko, anong nagpapalungkot sa'kin at kung ano yung heavy load na dala ko...bsta di ko ma-explain. I've been in this state for several weeks. But as I prayed, God revealed what's wrong in me...NABOBORE ako sa takbo ng buhay ko ngayon. Everyday is just the same with yesterday, there's nothing special about it - I sleep, wake up in the morning, work and be at the office, receive mails and send replies, answer phone calls, eat, be in Dasma by weekend and so on...and worse, I read the Bible but not filled, as in wala akong ma-absorb!
I let myself be deceived by the enemy that I'M USELESS. The ministry, the office is not benefiting from me because I'm of NO USE (parang lagi lang akong nagpapalipas ng oras whether at church or at the office). Suddenly, I was reminded of God's message few days ago during my devotion. The striking question goes like this: "USEFULNESS or RELATIONSHIP?" For God's child, direction and guidance come from God Himself not some measure of that child's usefulness.
It doesn't matter if we're being useful or not, what's important is that we KEEP a STABLE RELATIONSHIP with GOD. In HIM, there are no DULL and BORING MOMENTS. We need to ask God to open our eyes and help us recognize that He's working in all things, then, we will see that LIFE WITH HIM IS BEAUTIFUL! Just let HIM use us mightily and it's better if we're unconscious about it. Let's KEEP the relationship and BE ENTIRELY HIS!
"...you are not your own." - 1 Corinthians 6:19
I let myself be deceived by the enemy that I'M USELESS. The ministry, the office is not benefiting from me because I'm of NO USE (parang lagi lang akong nagpapalipas ng oras whether at church or at the office). Suddenly, I was reminded of God's message few days ago during my devotion. The striking question goes like this: "USEFULNESS or RELATIONSHIP?" For God's child, direction and guidance come from God Himself not some measure of that child's usefulness.
It doesn't matter if we're being useful or not, what's important is that we KEEP a STABLE RELATIONSHIP with GOD. In HIM, there are no DULL and BORING MOMENTS. We need to ask God to open our eyes and help us recognize that He's working in all things, then, we will see that LIFE WITH HIM IS BEAUTIFUL! Just let HIM use us mightily and it's better if we're unconscious about it. Let's KEEP the relationship and BE ENTIRELY HIS!
"...you are not your own." - 1 Corinthians 6:19
Monday, September 3, 2007
Hello!!!
well, nagkaron din ako ng time na usisain ang ano mang meron sa bagay na ito...haha!
Actually, matagal na kong ini-invite nila Hannah at Mae na magcreate ng blog...si Gian lang pala ang makakapagconvince sakin...
Ngayon, ako na babati sa sarili ko..."Karen, WELCOME TO BLOGSPOT! kasama ka na ngayon sa 'blog ministry' at isa ka ng ganap na 'blogger!' "
Saka ko na i-momodify ang ibang settings, still have works to accomplish. :)
Actually, matagal na kong ini-invite nila Hannah at Mae na magcreate ng blog...si Gian lang pala ang makakapagconvince sakin...
Ngayon, ako na babati sa sarili ko..."Karen, WELCOME TO BLOGSPOT! kasama ka na ngayon sa 'blog ministry' at isa ka ng ganap na 'blogger!' "
Saka ko na i-momodify ang ibang settings, still have works to accomplish. :)
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