Piece of Me

There are times that we don’t need any THING to make us feel okay. All need and all we want to have is a FRIEND who will be with us along the way and who will never give up on us, who will accept us despite all our imperfections, who encourage us, who will tell us if we are running the right track or the wrong one, and who will give us the chance to love and be loved unfailingly. Sad to admit, there are also times our very own friends are not available at all times that we need them. There are circumstances that we are left alone.

I remember my first month as freshman in college. I live in a dormitory wherein I know no one. I enrolled in a university wherein I also know no one. I am in a city wherein I know no one except my aunt and her family (the problem is I have no idea how to get in there place, they still have to fetch me because it’s far from my dormitory). I have no friends. I have no idea where to eat. I have no idea where the mall is. I have no idea what will happen to me but I just opened my heart to all the great possibilities that I could experience.

I went to the dormitory 2 or 3 days before the exact date of first day of school so I could adjust my daily routines. During the first week, I shed no tear because my friends in manila constantly texts me (thanks to them!), I also became friends with my roommate and I finally met my awesome block mates. But after that week, each night I couldn’t sleep unless tears ran down from my eyes. There were also mornings that as I walk to my class, I literally cry. Funny and weird but I just miss my home and miss everyone else.

So there, I survived one academic year and all not just because of programming myself that I have to be strong and I have to grow but also with the help of the new people around me and old people who prayed for me and with the help of our Best Ever Friend, God.

I socialized with my blockmates, discovered who were dormers too and befriended with 11 awesome people in the class. I joined a Christian Organization in our university. I attended different Christian Churches until I found a Church away from my real Church (haha, thanks to my chuababes!). And. And. And each time I arrived at my dormitory after school, I would talk to God about my day. I played music, wrote Him a letter, read His love letter, believed in His promises and finish the tasks I have to do.

Indeed, I am blessed. My first year of college is not as perfect as I imagined it would be but I don’t know, it’s just amazing. I learned so many things that this blog couldn’t contain but it’s my pleasure to share this one of the greatest lessons that I learned and at the same time I experienced. I have been hearing, sharing and believing that the son of God, Jesus Christ, is our greatest friend but not until after I reminisced how JC helped me go through it all that I really realized … He became my greatest friend. It’s hard to explain how but I am praying that you would experience it too. He loves you and He will never leave you. Unlike any other, He’s always available and He keeps His promises.

This is a piece of my blessed life and this is one of my life’s great testimonies. 

Thanks to You! :)

Looking back at the years that passed, I can say that my sister had a great part of molding me into who I am today. She taught me how to deal with things, from easiest to hardest. She encouraged me to keep standing when everything seemed to fall down. She would push me to conquer my fears. She helped me realize the value of money, relationships and most especially my service to God.

She often quotes Jeremiah 29:11, when we pray or when I feel hopeless …

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

She always reminds me that God knows what He is doing in my life and instead of questioning Him, I should be thanking Him.

I was her little baby but as clock ticks so fast I became her BIG baby. I started to walk slowly on my own, to discover new things and to learn from my experiences. I realized that as I grow-up, life gets more complicated and tougher. That the love I thought was true wasn’t really that, it was just some kind of test to my commitment to our Father. I also thought that by wearing heels, being skinny and having fair skin is being beautiful but it’s not… it’s by being be-YOU-tiful. I also realized that I don’t have to stress myself out to excel at all things, I just have to enjoy and be the best that I can be.

I really thank God for my sister that though I grew up without our mother’s caress, at least I have her to guide me and to love me. Thank you ate because if not through you I wouldn’t understand what great promise lies behind the simple words of Jeremiah 29:11, that when I am into difficult times I should not question God about His promise about prosperity, safety, hope and future. Because He knows, He knows very well His plans for me and not my plans for myself. I just have to be still and know that He is my great God. I just have to keep holding and believing onto His promises in my life. I just have to keep on working to be who He wants me to be because it’s greater than stressing out myself to be I wanna be.

To all the Ate’s out there, I salute all of you. We all appreciate your hard works and sacrifices for us. We may fight with you or yell at you, but really, YOU ARE ONE OF THE GREATEST GIFTS WE EVER RECEIVED FROM GOD. YOU MAY THINK YOU ARE NOT PERFECT, BUT WHO CARES? NO ONE’S REALLY PERFECT… HOWEVER, FOR US, YOUR YOUNGER SIBLINGS, YOU ARE THE BEST AND YOU ARE OUR ROLE MODEL!

WE LOVE YOU, WE SWEAR WE DO.

SORRY IF WE FAIL YOU AT MANY TIMES BUT THANK YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE STILL THERE NO MATTER WHAT.

WE MAY NOT GIVE BACK EVERYTHING THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN US BUT THE LORD WILL SURELY BLESS YOU HUNDRED TIMES.

REALLY, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. LOVE YOU ATE!

You Are Amazing

I was about to sleep but my hand just grabbed my iPad, played a random song, Just The Way You Are (covered by Jayesslee) and I felt like "Oh God, I may not be the prettiest here but in Your eyes I know I am special." And to all the girls and boys out there, this one is for you! :*

According to Genesis 1:27, New Living Translation (©2007)

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

That's why... WE ARE AMAZING JUST THE WAY WE ARE... CREATED AND MOLDED BY GOD.

MOLDED? Because we are not perfect. We have our own short-comings with the Lord. We may have failed Him for so many times but He will always give us chance to bow down, REPENT (as we ask for His forgiveness, we will also ask for His strength that we will not commit the same mistake again and of course we will decide to stay on His track) and BE THE PERSON HE DREAMT US TO BE.

And Yes, we are created in His image but as we live the days of our lives, temptations are all around us. That's why out of love to the Author of our lives, we must pursue Christ-likeness. It's never easy but it is fulfilling. No matter how much satan would try to steal our hope, kill our love for the Lord and destroy our lives, we must keep on pressing towards the goal. 

Let us leave the past behind us, whether it is good or not so good, so that God will be able to do new and unexpected things in us. After accepting God as my Lord and Savior and after deciding to pursue holiness, I believed in 2 Corinthians 5:17, This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

I will never be the same again! Ever! That's why I told my self to never compare myself with others. So what if they have an iPhone and I don't have any? So what if they wear designer's and I don't? So what if they're the top and I am not? God isn't after those. He is after my  heart. :) 

1 Corinthians 10:31

New Living Translation (©2007)

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

And as we do everything for His glory, we will be amazed on how He will shine in our lives! ;)

When I see your face

There's not a thing that I would change

'Cause you're amazing

Just the way you are

And when you smile

The whole world stops and stares for awhile

'Cause girl/boy, you're amazing

Just the way you are!

Don't just be who you want to be, rather, BE WHO GOD WANTS YOU TO BE! ;)

Reminder from Yesterday

This was a note I posted in fb last July 11, 2011 :) 

"I started my day with a prayer and a smile on my face. I did not let the exhaustion I felt last night hinder me to arise today, instead I thanked God because He made me feel better and stronger. So I went to school without any worries, but as I stayed longer I felt the pressure and the criticisms again. And so when I got home, I felt exhausted again. I don’t know where to start; eat, change clothes, do assignments, read books… I ended up texting and surfing the net and I had a non-sense conversation with someone. We texted this way… “sus” “sunget” “ah” “okaaaaaaaay”, then came a thought of the past (I actually don't know now what was this past i was pertaining to) I was so irritable, out of control and helpless. I checked the time and I realized that it’s time for me to talk with our Creator. I sang, prayed and meditated His promise...

Having faith today 

Today's scripture 

Ephesians 3:20

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Devotional

God is able to do more than we could ever ask, so we can never ask for too much. His supply is abundant so keep asking. The key word seems to be “able” that’s the one that brings a realization that I can trust God with all of the difficulties of life.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” as I read this I smiled and got redeemed. Oh well, all I really have to do is to trust our GREAT GOD IN WHAT IS HAPPENING IN MY LIFE AND I SHOULD NOT CARRY THESE BURDENS, INSTEAD, I SHOULD OFFER THESE ALL TO HIM AND LET HIM HANDLE AND TAKE CONTROL OF IT.

I keep you with me in my heart 

You make it easier when life gets hard

 Lucky I'm in love with my best friend 

Lucky to have been where I have been

BEST FRIEND = GOD

AND MY BEST FRIEND DIDN’T FAIL ME, HE MADE ME HAPPY RIGHT AWAY! ;D"

After reading this, I was reminded of how fearless I was before and how I must be a mighty conqueror now. As days go by, we change a lot and we must be aware of those changes so we can asses if who we are right now is who God wants us to be.

And also, recently, I have been praying and praying and praying that God would give me a best friend who will be my buddy as I go to places, who will be my partner in facing my ups and down and who will accept me for who I was, who I am and who I will be. But through this note, I was reminded of who my true and eternal best friend is... It is God. 

I am not alone... :) and I am not just lucky to have Him rather I am blessed! 

Enemy has been Defeated

The song Shout unto God randomly played while I write in my Dear God notebook. Then the words in this song uplifted my fearful heart…

The enemy has been defeated
And death couldn't hold You down
We're gonna lift our voice in victory
We're gonna make Your praises loud

Shout unto God with a voice of triumph
Shout unto God with a voice of praise
Shout unto God with a voice of triumph
We lift Your name up
We lift Your name up 

There are times when we experience fear and discouragement because some things that we expected did not happen or beforehand we already think that it is impossible to happen. But through this passage God reminded me that I must not fear (Psalm 62),

I wait quietly before God,
    for my victory comes from him.
 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress where I will never be shaken.

So many enemies against one man—
    all of them trying to kill me.
To them I’m just a broken-down wall
    or a tottering fence.

They plan to topple me from my high position.
    They delight in telling lies about me.
They praise me to my face
    but curse me in their hearts.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
    for my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress where I will not be shaken.
My victory and honor come from God alone.
    He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in him at all times.
    Pour out your heart to him,
    for God is our refuge. Interlude

Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind,
    and the powerful are not what they appear to be.
If you weigh them on the scales,
    together they are lighter than a breath of air.

Don’t make your living by extortion
    or put your hope in stealing.
And if your wealth increases,
    don’t make it the center of your life.

God has spoken plainly,
    and I have heard it many times:
Power, O God, belongs to you;
    unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.
Surely you repay all people
    according to what they have done.

Someone experienced before (decades ago) how great our God is. And I believe that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is able to perform miracles today and He is able to do things greater than what we thought and expected. It is just us. It is just who lacks faith. It is just us who changes. So from this moment, whatever status the eyes of this world give us (rich or poor, smart or average, healthy or sick, etc.) we must always remember that no one can ever stop us as long as God is with us. He must be the center of our lives that we are willing to give up our own dreams for His dreams, that we are willing to extend are hands to His people, that we are willing to move our feet to follow His steps and that we are willing to open our hearts so that He can come in and reign in our hearts forever.

HE DEFEATED THE ENEMY, IT IS JUST US WHO MUST BELIEVE, THAT HE IS OUR ONLY SAVIOR.

HE IS THE SUPER HERO OF ALL THE HEROES.

UNLEASH YOUR FAITH!!!

BOW DOWN AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT HE IS OUR LORD AND OUR SAVIOR.

 HE IS ALL WE NEED.

"TO BE THE PEOPLE YOU CALLED US TO BE"

No Worries

This blog is all from my heart ;) because this one is tried and tested!

Before entering college there are so many things going on my mind. Like, where will I stay, who will be my friends/buddies, what should I expect, what church should I be attending to, and so many more. Worries and excitement all over because I will be leaving my comfort zone. I will be in a place wherein there's no body I know. A place wherein everything is new. A place that I am now calling "New 2nd Home".

But as I start living the days of the unknown, my questions were slowly answered. I stayed at a dormitory inside our university. I became friends with my block mates most especially with the 11 people that are now really close to my heart. I learned how to manage my time well so that with Christ who strengthens me I could do all things. I may not be the best but at least I did my best. I also attended varieties of churches that up until now I am still praying where should I really be attending to. But going to different churches, made me realize that in all these there is only one God that we are worshiping and praising. No matter how big the building is or how small it is, still there's only one name that is lifted up and it is God's name. 

I left my comfort zone and I am almost used with my new environment. Indeed, God's word is true and alive. Because, before leaving He left me this passage in Matthew 6:25-33...

 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

God is telling us each day not to worry about our future because life is more than eating, drinking, wearing designer's, being the boss or being the topnotch.  We should enjoy the days of our lives by fulfilling our purpose. Just like the birds of the air. They soar and they glide and they trust God with all their might. And God is saying that we are more valuable than they, meaning, He will never leave us nor forsake us. We just have to look at the other perspective because we gain nothing when we worry. It's like where sitting in a rocking chair, we're doing something but we're not moving. We should not work just because it is compulsory, this will only result stress. We should work out of love for our Creator and His people. And the little faith that we have must not remain in this state. We must exercise our faith that we believe in the things that we don't see yet. For the Lord our God, knows very well all our needs and He is ready to shower His blessings upon us. All we have to do is seek Him first... Do all things for Him (as we walk, talk, think, study, drink, eat, help others) so that His name will be glorified in our lives that when we are praised it is not ours it is God's and at the same time that we are mocked, it's not ours it's His. Each day we should be ready with life's challenges and believe that with God no one can stand against us.

"Knees shaking? Start kneeling." ;)

Time is not really enough for all the things this world demands but it is enough to do what God wants us to! 

Let us remember our Creator in the days of our youth! <3

Listen to Give Me Faith by Elevation Worship. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMVvqI1-tM4

In Good Times and In Bad Times

This blog is a random blog. :) 

Many people know and believe that God is Good when Good things happen but I am part of those few who don't believe in this assertion. Why? Because I believe that God is greater. 

God is a Great God because in Good Times and Bad Times He is WITH US.

You have searched me, Lord, 

and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise; 

 you perceive my thoughts from afar.

³ 

You discern my going out and my lying down;

    you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue

    you, Lord, know it completely.

⁵ 

You hem me in behind and before,

    and you lay your hand upon me.

⁶ 

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

    too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?

    Where can I flee from your presence?

⁸ 

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

⁹ 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

    if I settle on the far side of the sea,

¹⁰ 

even there your hand will guide me,

    your right hand will hold me fast.

After reading this passage (Psalm 139:1-10), God revealed to me (once again) that His love for us is immeasurable.

He knows us very well (our thoughts, likes and dislikes, dreams, situation, etc.) because He is our Creator. He has plans for us that sometimes we don't seem to understand because it is contrary with the things that we are expecting. He is omnipresent --- in everyplace in the universe God is present. He is there to guide us, to save us and to comfort us.

In my seventeen years of existence, I have experienced God's love in several ways even if at many times I fail Him. He gave me my family who supports me all the way and who accepts me for who I am. He gave me my friends who sympathizes and rejoices with me. He gave me people who challenged my abilities and who unleashed the best in me. He gave me my leaders who guides me and who reminds me of my true purpose. He gave me another day to live. He blessed me with clothes, food, shelter --- man's basic needs. He blessed my studies and His hand is with me as I pursue my dream to be a doctor. 

He gave me the courage to face this world full of trials. He helped me passed all my examinations and requirements at school. He wiped my tears each time I cry. He took care of me whenever I am sick. He filled me with His love whenever I missed my mother's existence.

And with all these, He encouraged me to be His witness so that others will experience His love too. Out of love for God and for His people, I am doing my very best to extend my hand to those who are in need.

With God there is no such thing as too late, He has given you this day, this chance, this moment to once again run back to our First Love. It is not our biological father or mother. It is not our first boyfriend or girlfriend. Our real First Love is God. He is just waiting for us to once again acknowledge Him as our Lord and Savior.

And as we desire this, let's put Psalm 139:23-24 in our hearts...

Search me, God, and know my heart;

    test me and know my anxious thoughts.

²⁴ 

See if there is any offensive way in me,

    and lead me in the way everlasting.

And expect that GOD IS ABLE TO DO GREATER THINGS IN GOOD TIMES AND IN BAD TIMES...

"GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME. ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD."

when is the time you experience God's greatness in your life? comment it so you could share it with us and bless other lives... <3

LISTEN TO CHRIS TOMLIN'S INDESCRIBABLE!!!! ;)