Why Praise God?

     A friend once said that he doesn't need a 'god' who wants to be praised all the time. He said who would need a vain and selfish being, obsessed with glorifying himself.  So why praise God?  

     It is but natural for us to give praise or thanks for the things that satisfy us - our family, nature, beauty, a good deed and the like.   Praise is an overflow of happiness, contentment or joy.  It is something we cannot contain inside us.  We just have to let it out.  Such also is the reason why we praise God. 

      In his book Desiring God, John Piper said  "We praise what we enjoy because the delight is incomplete until it is expressed in praise. So if God loves us enough to make our joy full, He must not only give Himself; He must also win from us the praise of our hearts - not because He needs to shore up some weakness in Himself or compensate for some deficiency, but because He loves and seeks the fullness of our joy that can be found only in knowing and praising Him, the most magnificent of all beings."1

     God doesn't need us to praise Him for the sake of vanity.  We need Him to complete our joy. Have you ever felt a joy so deep that no circumstance can alter it? A joy that can be felt in our hearts and soul... a joy that penetrates our innermost being.... such is the joy that comes from God and He  is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. 2.   He Himself causes us to rejoice. (Ezra 6:22)

     

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My 2nd to 4th week layouts for Project 52 - Gratitude

Week 2- This week, I thank the Lord for giving us time 

to spend with relatives who we did not see for a long time,

for bonding time with my brother (Desi andJoyce) and his family, 

for a chance to show our love to our dear friends from 

our Dgroup, for the joy we see in our kids' faces when they 

accomplish something new and when they conquered their fear 

as they rode the 'Surf Dance' and 'Jungle Splash'. 

I thank God for the week long prayer and fasting 

and for reminding us about stewardship - 

that everything we have is from Him and for Him.

 

Week 3 - Thank you Lord for our D12/Dgroup,
for homeschooling and for TMA

Week 4  - is week, I thank God for :
1. our dgroup being able to meet at the CCF center.
This is an answered prayer for us
2. a wonderful weather - love the cold breeze
even if all the eggs in the house got frozen 
3. ALL HIS leadership seminar. Learned valuable lessons on
stewardship, giving, and tithing.
Blessed with Pastor Robert Morris' testimony.
I praise God for CCF, our church, for giving us
no excuse not to grow and multiply
4. homeschooling. I always thank God for this
 - it's a gift He gave our family.

My first week layout HERE:


Credits:

1- Desiring God, 2003 ed., John Piper page 49
2.  Desiring God, 2003 ed., page 10

Layout Credits:
Week 2 WA by joyful expressions, designs by helly - the story of us, numbers by Sueli Colbert, template by Honeybees Creative HIve, stitches by ginger scraps

Week 4  Unforgettable by A Little Giggle Designs and template 824 by Andrea Gold 

Week 3 was created using Leaving a Legacy Designs Snips and Snails. It's a fun boys kit that has 50 elements, 20 pattern papers, 8 solid papers and a full alpha with numbers and symbols. Grab it HERE.
     Here's a preview of the kit: 
     

     and the layout I made with it:
      

Chase

My heart will never stop being grateful for all the Lord has done and how He is moving in our life.  I just finished reading Jennie Allen's book Chase and it encouraged me a lot to pursue a journey ... a journey to chase God's heart.

I want to be like David, Lord.
I want to love you with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength.
I don't want to just say it but I want it to be seen in my ways.
I don't want to live for the wrong things.
Lord, lead me to the life you want me to live.

Jennie stated it beautifully, "When I meet God, I want to face Him completely out of breath for having chased him with these few days I have on Earth. On that day, I want to have lived what I say I believe. I want to have talked to God more than I talk to anyone else.  I want to have trusted God and followed Him anywhere."

In my quiet time yesterday, this verse spoke to my heart. "Asa's heart was blameless all his days." (2Chronicles 15:17)   What made God say this about him? Asa removed the abominable idols from all the land and He restored the altar of the Lord.  I need to remove anything that takes the place of Jesus in my life. These things are not bad but they become my idols once I prioritize them over God. God's throne should be in its proper place - in my mind, in my soul, in my heart. By the time the Lord calls me back home, I want my heart to be blameless before Him.

Created using Leaving a Legacy Designs' FRESH START
 and template by Karen Diamond Designs
Visit Kimberly's website for updates:
LEAVING A LEGACY DESIGNS

The Day of Small Things

Zechariah 4:10 For who has despised the day of small things?

          09.24.2013. Today, the Lord has answered one of my heart's desires....to be a part of a CT and scrap my heart out! Amazingly, the site/store's name is  'Leaving a Legacy Designs'.  Scrapping has always been a way for me to unwind and relax. Normally, I would do a layout for days but yesterday, I've seen the Lord's power at work when I finished my first 2 layout assignments in just a few hours!

          I thank the Lord for every blessing that he showers us, big or small I treasure them for they come from the hand of my loving Father. Though I am undeserving of His favor, still He grants my prayers.  Just as I want to bless my kids, God delights in blessing me, too.

          David Guzik said that the day of small things are not to be despised. they are days of priceless shaping and preparation. The small markers of faith in my walk, my small achievements, small victories, small steps that I take, someday, God will pool all of them together revealing a grand plan for my life.

         Thank you Lord Jesus for the joy you give me every morning and the hope you bring for a wonderful future. :-)

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Here's a link to Leaving a Legacy Designs store: Leaving a Legacy Designs

and my first 2 layouts using the kit - Happy Fall Y'All. Grab it while it's 30% off!

Aethan - when he was 6 years old

Our Homeschool Coop

Rainy Days Are Here Again

     Living in a town devastated by Typhoon Ondoy in 2009, I cannot help but feel a little anxious now that the rainy season is definitely here.  I praise God because He quenches even the tiniest, seemingly insignificant fear inside me.

In my quiet time today, these verses spoke to me.
Isaiah 22:8-11
"And He removed the defense of Judah,
In that day, you depended on the weapons of the house of the forest...
and (you) tore down houses to fortify the wall,
and you made a reservoir between the two walls...
But you did not depend on Him who made it,
Nor did you take into consideration Him who planned it long ago."

     Judah made great preparations for their coming battle but none mattered because God has removed their defense (v8). As we prepare for the coming typhoons (real or spiritual), the Lord has reminded me today that He is our only stronghold. He planned everything (yes, everything, not some things...) long ago (v11).  The answer to our anxious and fearful thoughts is a heart fully surrendered to His will, trusting not just in His sovereignty but more so in His love.



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Seeing God's Hand in Ondoy

A Mom's Prayer

     Being a mom is not at all easy but it is the most challenging & rewarding task I have ever had. It has brought out the best & the worst (really!!!)  in me which made me realize that everyday, in everything, I have to live in complete (absolute!!!) dependence on God. My kids know that I love them but I want it to be more than knowing - I want them to feel my love & communicate it in a way they understand. Like when I say I love them but can't even give them my undivided attention. :-(  I multitask a lot (like all moms) but because of this, my relationship and time with my kids suffer.
     I pray that everyday, I  would be able to really love them the way God wants me to, that I may speak their language and by His grace, fill their tank to the brim that they would overflow with love for one another, for us & for others.  I pray that through my example, they would understand that God is forgiving, compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.  I pray that someday, when they are already grown-ups, they would look back with fond memories of a happy home.
     Thank God His mercies are new every morning.  Every morning is God's gift to me, a chance to start over.  Jesus, please mold me to be the mom you want me to be, the mom my kids deserve.

credits: Verena Karolyi's Great Love kit  from GDS. Layout for the Supreme Team Contest Round 3

Debra Anderson's Black Balloon kit from GDS: Layout for the Supreme Team Contest Round 2

Forgive and Forget

    Forgive and forget, that's what they always say. But based on my experience, we can forgive but we cannot truly "forget" what happened and I often wondered why this is so.

     As I read Genesis 31 today, the answer dawned on me. The Lord commanded Jacob to leave Haran and head back to Canaan.  Jacob secretly left his father-in-law in obedience to the Lord but to do so would mean facing his brother Esau who he did not see for 20 years.  Placing myself in his shoes, I would already be thinking of a lot of things --- Lord, is my brother still angry at me? Will he still plot to kill me?  Is there another way, Lord, maybe a detour where I won't meet my brother?  How can I ask forgiveness, Lord, that would be very difficult. Will he forgive me?

     I realized that the Lord will allow us to confront our past so that we can be right with Him. There were times that scenes from my past would suddenly play in my mind and I would often ask the Lord why He wanted to remind me of them.  Today, he gave me the answer ... so that I can truly know that I have forgiven and recognize God's grace in being able to do so and  in the process remember the miracle He did in me.

     Dr. Ray Pritchard said that we can find that courage to forgive if we will remember that when Jesus said, "Father, forgive them,", he was talking about us.  In life, we have fought many battles and in the process we got scars that would mark us forever.  These scars do not hurt us anymore but they would be a reminder of the battles fought and of God's victory. I could never  have the strength to forgive if it was not for Him.

Thank you Jesus!

A Clean Slate

The start of the year is usually the time for us to list our "new year resolutions", reflect on the past year and pray that this year would be a better one.  For some, it would mean a time to correct mistakes and a chance to do things differently.  But the Bible says:  "The Lord's lovingkindess indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning..."  Thank God we wouldn't have to wait another year to set things right.  God has given us that provision daily.

As  I review the past year and write my faith goals, I thank the Lord for answering a lot or prayers and empowering me to do things I thought I cannot do. He has blessed me in a lot of ways though I don't deserve it.  2011 is indeed a busy year.   Too busy that there were times I neglected my quiet time with the Lord and  I would cry to Him and tell Him how much I miss Him.  And in one of my quiet moments last year, He said in James 4:8, "Draw near to me and I will draw near to you".   He was telling me, "Anak, you were so busy, you were the one who moved away from me.  I was always here for you.  I never left your side".  It's true... despite my unfaithfulness, God is faithful .

Our pastor said we slander God by serving Him without knowing Him. This year, my goal (and our Church' goal also) is to be more intimate with Him... to have one defining purpose, one pursuit, one preoccupation and one passion. "One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek:  That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple (Ps. 27:4).

Lord, thank you for the goodness You have shown us and the blessings You have showered us in 2011.  Thank you for the clean slate that you offer, not just every new year but every day. I pray that Your will be done in my life this year... that I may know You more and understand Your ways.  You are enough for me,  Lord. I just want to be where you are.

credits: Gottapixel-A fresh start kit, border by Mye de Leon

Strength for Everyday

I've been battling with flu for more than a week now. I have a really bad cough and just yesterday, I lost my voice and all I can manage is a whisper.  There were nights I cried and told the Lord how much I miss the kids.  I also told Riel and Aethan that I miss them and Riel said, "but mom, we are here with you..." and I would tell him that I miss kissing and hugging them - something I cannot do because I'm sick.    In spite of this, I am able to homeschool the kids, cook, wash the clothes, clean the house and read books to them (until the time I lost my voice).  I thank God for the strength He gives me.  And as I read His Word today, I was encouraged. Dt. 33:25 says, "... As thy days, so shall thy strength be..."  Whatever kind of day I will face - 'in sickness or in health' -  the Lord has already blessed me with enough strength! Isn't that comforting?!!

Ray Pritchard illustrated the verse beautifully.  He said, "Some days are filled with joy, light, and happiness; others with sadness, tears, frustration, pain, and heartache. Whatever each day brings, there will be strength enough to meet it... God will give strength to all our days until the end of our days. We will run out of days before we run out of God’s strength. The more days, the more strength God gives". 

The Lord knows when to heal me and I know He will, in His perfect time. And as I continue to battle this flu, His strength is more than adequate for me.

I cannot thank you enough, Lord, for another wonderful day that you have prepared for me.  Though my body is weak, my spirit is rejoicing for what is one day with flu when you are with me.

Balubad Outreach: Mass Wedding

"Where will we get the funds, Lord?"  I remember asking the Lord this question when we had our first outreach in Balubad back in December 2010.  I can still hear God whisper,  "Anak, when I ask you to do something, I will enable you to do it and I will provide for your every need."  Right before our very eyes, the Lord did just that.  And so from them on, as we continued ministering to the people he brought to us, we have learned to depend on Him for our every need.  

 We have already conducted several marriage seminars and biblical foundation classes from March til August of this year, and finally, last August 27, we had the opportunity to serve the Lord through a mass wedding.  The Lord has provided the funds for our group to sponsor the wedding of 9 couples who attended the 1st outreach.  Praise God!  These couples, by the way, live in Balubad Resettlement Area.  When there's typhoon, these families would always be the 1st to be evacuated.  Seeing their happy and excited faces during the wedding,  was enough reason to rejoice.  I thank the Lord for using us to bless these couples in ways I never thought possible.   Everything is the work of the Lord and I just want to praise Him and thank Him, that by His grace, He gave us the privilege to serve Him and to experience how big and mighty He is.

Thank you for everyone who made the mass wedding possible.

1. Pastor Leo and Ate Sheila - for their vision and entrusting us to be part of it, for their untiring support - as if they have 30 hours a day to spare.  Thank you ate She for the souvenirs.
2. Pastor Erwin and Sis. Jhie - for officiating the wedding, for their support and blessing us with their presence
3. Ma'am Fifi - for her patience and for helping us with all the needed documents
4. Archie of Media Ministry for volunteering to cover the event
5. Arnie and  Bebeth - for their generosity,  providing the chafing dishes and for cooking and preparing the food. (so yummy! The food was overflowing that we even have enough to feed those people who were "just passing by", those who helped clean up the place and also more than enough "pabalot or pabaon" for us and the barangay workers
6. Lara & Mario (and ate also)- for helping us organize, for her generosity, supplying us with the things we need  
7. URC - for sharing 7 boxes of Chumbos that we used for our 2 marriage seminars, as well as, again, the goods (around 20++ boxes) they provided in our December 2010 outreach which we used for the Christmas baskets that we gave away. 
8. Ate Amy - She was an answered prayer for us also! The couple who were supposed to head the food committee were absent and God sent us the best person to take their place.  We thank her  for sharing with us her time and expertise esp. in handling food and arranging the buffet table
9. OMF - they gave a lot of 'Ang Buhay Na Hindi Bitin' booklet in our Dec 2010 outreach that we had enough to give away during the mass wedding
10. Kapitan Randy Leal and his secretary, Marijoy - for all their support
11. Kuya Palag for helping us with the set-up and preparing the stage ahead of time
12. For our prayer partners - everyone who prayed for the event
13. And of course, for our Dgroup... Rolly & Veck, Mike & Misce, Jesse & Ria, Henry & Che, Mark & Abi, Prakash & Nanu, George and Jhen, Carlo & Malou, (and the dgroup kids) We are blessed to see them serving the Lord with their gifts. (The number of the boys  singing "Kahit maputi na ang buhok ko" was awesome!  Hearing them sing and watching them perform on stage, we just can't help falling in love with our husbands all over again!)   It was amazing to see everyone working as one, even without instructions from us.  We hope they will continue to grow and we are praying that everyone would start handling their own dgroups soon. (Amen!)  :-)

In the next months, please pray with us as we continue to minister to the couples and their families through home visitations and Bible studies.  And by God's grace, we pray that we will be able to carry out the planned livelihood programs, parenting seminar and follow-up outreaches in the same area.  

I thank Christ Jesus, our Lord, "who has strengthened us, because  He considered us faithful, putting us into service" (1 Tim 1:12) To you, O, Lord Jesus, be the glory, forever and ever!

OUR DGROUP w/ Ptr Erwin, Sis Jhie, Ptr Leo & family (digiscrap kit by LST)

Riel and Aethan packing the spoons and forks for the mass wedding

 

Preparing the place amidst typhoon Mina, a portion of the gym was already flooded - BUT praise God - the rain stopped minutes before the wedding and it didn't rain all throughout the event --- Thank you Lord!

Henry - preparing the stage - We were not able to put everything that we planned because of the rain - but the placed still looked beautiful. :-)

The boys practicing their song

THE COUPLES

 

Praise God for our DGroup singers!

 

Pastor Erwin and Sis. Jhie with Marvin and Jeannel

THE CAKES AND THE SOUVENIRS - We got yummy cakes that were not expensive. One couple got 1 cake each. Praise God! Thank you ate She for the beautiful souvenirs. Thank you Lara for the cloth bags. Each couple also got 1 Bible.  (They don't have Bibles at home)

Kapitan Randy Leal

DGROUP GIRLS

The boys - during their song number - "Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko"

DGROUP BOYS

THE FOOD - Our Dgroup member assigned to head the food committee wasn't able to attend but Praise God He provided the best person to take her place. Ate Amy from Astoria Plaza was there to help us set-up the buffet table and prepare the food. Thank you Arnie and Bebeth for the food.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

It started as a project in GLC 4.  In June 2010, We were challenged by our church to conduct a bridging event.  We rose up to the challenge and that is when we experienced firsthand how to actually prepare, plan, coordinate and conduct outreaches. 

Some photos of our outreach

credits:Erica Hite,SbyJ

All glory to God!

Not Our Will

Jeremiah 29:11   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.  This is the truth that we intentionally repeat to our kids everyday.  We always tell them that God has a great future planned for them and that they can be what God wants them to be only if they learn to obey.

     I was also reminded of this verse when I read what my 7 year old son wrote this morning.  Today, we read chapter 1 of 'The Long Way to a New Land' by Joan Sandin.  It is about a family who faced starvation in Sweden and when they were already losing hope, they were encouraged by a letter they received which persuaded them to sell everything they have and move to America.  I asked Riel to pretend that he was Carl Erik.  We talked about what he would do if he was in his shoes.  He had lots to say and since my son loves writing, I asked him to write down what he would do if there was famine in the Philippines.  Here's what he wrote. 

"If God chooses me to go to  North America, I want to go to the East, play in the snow and join the Miami Heat basketball team. If God doesn't allow me to go to North America, I will go to Africa where I can find a real giraffe and see how tall it is.  If not going to those 2 countries, I will go to South America, in Brazil to Rio de Janeiro.  When I am there, I'll get some birds of my own and one marmoset. It will be very nice to get all around the word (If God wants me to do it). I will also get to know languages too."

     Though Riel's thoughts were simple :-) , I was blessed to learn how important God's will is for him.  I asked him why this is so, and he said, "because mommy, if I don't obey God, I will be miserable!"

     Four years ago, we could have migrated to another country but God intervened.  There were a lot of things we would not have been able to do if we were not in the place where God wants us to be.  We wouldn't have finished our GLC classes, we wouldn't have a dgroup, or we wouldn't have felt how it is to handle one, we wouldn't have met our precious TMA coop, we wouldn't have homeschooled our kids at all, we wouldn't have this privilege to know our kids intimately, we wouldn't have embraced God's mission for us (to make disciples who will make disciples),  we wouldn't have grown in our walk ... and a lot more. 

     At times when God is silent, I would pray - Lord, please don't allow me to make decisions based on what I feel.   The Lord knows that I can be very stubborn at times, insisting on what I want to do or what I want to happen or what I feel is right but I thank God because He alters my plans and directs my feet. Not my will, Lord, but Yours be done in our life, in Jesus name.

Soul Food for Today: Job 23

I can see myself in Job when he cried out to the Lord - "Oh that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come to His seat...When He acts on the left, I cannot behold Him; He turns on the right, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way I take... (Job 23:9-10)

There were times I felt that God doesn't hear me. There were times I can't feel His presence and times I cannot see His hand.  These are times I just walk in faith, holding on to His promise that He will never leave me - even if my feelings say otherwise.  And Job goes on..."When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold (v10)." He didn't say 'if' but instead he said 'when'.  My life would never be "trial-free" or "pain free" but my comfort comes from knowing that "He knows the way I take".

I like what Bruce Hurt wrote - he said "Our goal should be to be content as we serve the Lord, thanking God when we have good days, choosing to trust Him when days seem not so good, learning to say like Job 'Blessed be the Name of the Lord!".

Reasons I am Thankful

As I woke up this morning, I whispered a prayer of thanks to Jesus.  Thank you, Lord, I am still alive ... that I am with my family ... that there was no earthquake ...  I found a thousand and more reasons to be grateful as I reflected on Psalms 33. 

1.  I thank God for His beautiful creation (33:6-9).  Looking at the work of His hands, how can He be mindful of me?  I remembered the movie 'Horton Heard a Who' where Horton heard a cry of help from a speck of dust.  My Lord who created everything doesn't just hear me, He sees me... He knows every detail about me...He understands me (33:19).  Seeing His creation and seeing 'me' --- I feel so unworthy of the attention He gives me.  I am but a speck of dust but He chose me to be His child... He chose me!

2.  I thank God that He is sovereign and that His plans for me will always prevail.  Ps.33:11 says 'The counsel of the Lord stands forever.  The plans of His heart from generation to generation'.  I am thankful because by His grace alone, I have surrendered my life - my plans, my hopes, my dreams to Him.  I thank Him that by His loving kindness He has "nullified" (Ps.33:10)  the wrong decisions that I made.   With Him, I am secure!

3.  My heart rejoices in Him because I trust in His Holy Name (Ps. 33:21) and I know that He will deliver my soul from death and famine (33:19), from trials and adversities.  He is my help and my shield.  With the recent earthquakes, 'wars and rumors of wars', I would have reason to fear but God has comforted me again and again.  "His eye is on those who fear Him --- on those who hope for His lovingkindness (Ps. 33:18). "

"The Lord is my strength and my shield;

My heart trusts in Him and I am helped.

Therefore my heart exalts

and with my song I shall thank Him."

Psalms 28:7

Spurgeon  said 'The best answer we can have at times is simply the statement that He hears'.  As I trust Him and His sovereign will, I am helped... I am strengthened...I am thankful. 

Have a blessed day!

Seeing God's Hand in Ondoy

Written on Oct. 27, 2009

In Just one day, God has manifested a lot about His character and He gave us the grace to personally experience them amidst the storm.

After our GLC class, we had lunch fellowship with our dgroup. By the time we finished lunch, it was too late for us to go home. There were no taxis and the buses were not moving. We were stranded in Megamall. I thanked the Lord at that very moment.I told Him - "I'd choose to be stranded here than anywhere else". It was bonding time for us and the kids and the kids enjoyed the experience. We were able to go around Toy Kingdom unmindful of the time and they were able to play and run around Megamall. God gave them a big playground! GOD showed us THAT HE IS OUR SHELTER FROM THE STORM! HE'S THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT!

By accident, through a text from Alvin's mom who's in Cavite, we learned that my brother was also stranded in Ortigas area. When I learned this, I gave thanks and praised God. My brother has a car - we don't. The Lord has provided a way for us to go home! GOD IS OUR VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE!

There were a lot more things we praised God for. If we left the class early or left a minute late, we could have been stranded in a bus or in one of the flooded streets and we couldn't have met my brother. GOD'S TIMING IS ALWAYS PERFECT! HE IS NEVER LATE!

The street between St. Francis and Megamall was already flooded by the time we went out of St. Francis. As we tried to cross, the kids said 'Wow!'. They enjoyed jumping through flooded water and playing with the rain. And because our shoes were all wet, we went to SM to buy slippers amd we thanked God again because slippers were on sale! The kids loved their new Justice League slippers which only cost P49 / pair! THE LORD IS COMPASSIONATE AND GRACIOUS! HE KNOWS ALL OUR NEEDS!

When we finally met my brother in Mega, He brought us to a small hotel in Pasig. We thanked God for the phone, the food, the nice bed and the TV. It was only then that we learned about the extent of the damage caused by the flood. We prayed, cried and thanked Him for protecting not only us but our loved ones and friends. GOD IS OUR STRONG DELIVERER.

We praised God that it was just flood and not an earthquake. That it happened in the morning and not at night where a lot more could have been affected. GOD IS THE GOD WHO SEES AND HE KNOWS WHAT WE CAN BEAR. Some may not understand why it happened but it's enough to know that God knows why.

I praise God most especially for the privilege to share the little that we have to some flood victims for even giving is a grace from God. GOD IS THE GOD OF GRACE.

Lastly, Ondoy reminded me that nothing in this world is permanent. Our wealth is never measured by the things we own for we will all leave them behind when we die but wealth is measured by the things we have stored ahead of time in heaven.

Ondoy made this world less appealing to me - making me long for the time I will finally be H-O-M-E.

Finding God in Cancer

Written on April 14, 2009

We have a history of thyroid problems in our family.  After graduation from college, I was found to be hyperthyroid.  There was a cyst in my thyroid gland that needs to be removed - though it was benign.  So when my brother found a lump in his throat and had to undergo the usual procedures, biopsy, blood checks, etc…. it wasn’t such a big deal to us. I even told him, it’s just gonna be like mine.  That is why we were taken aback when the results came out.  My brother had Papillary Carcinoma or Thyroid Cancer.   Cancer also runs in the family but it does feel different when you find out that your 18 year old brother has  it too. I asked the Lord to reveal His purpose- not just to me but to my brother as well.


On April 2, 2009, My brother had complete thyroidectomy.  His operation lasted for 4 hours and  he stayed in the recovery room for 7.5 hours because of hyper-reactive lungs.  The surgeon said he found several nodules already outside the thyroid gland, which simply means it has somehow spread to its immediate “surroundings”, but he said, he has already removed all that he has found.

During this time, I was praying to the Lord to prepare his heart for the gospel holding on to His promises to me years ago in Acts 16:31.  On April 3, 2009, my brother accepted Jesus as His Lord and Savior! Praises be to the Lord for His faithfulness.   The seed has been planted and I pray that the Lord will make it grow.  I pray that Mikee will really have a personal relationship with Him.  Finding God’s love amidst the trials in life is one of the best gifts one can have.  It will be worth the journey for the Lord will never leave nor forsake His people (Heb.13:5)

When you have the Lord in your heart, you get a better perspective of all the trials and testings that you go through because you know  that He is always in control and He will not allow situations in our life that we cannot handle.

I have heard a lot of CCFers testify about their cancer and one thing that struck me the most was when one said - there’s no need to worry about cancer because from the start the Lord has already ordained our days. Psalm 139:16 says “Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them”.  We are just sojourners here on Earth.  The Lord has appointed the day we were born and the day we will die.  Knowing that our life is in the Lord’s hand gives comfort, assurance and security.

In the Tale of Despereaux, Despereaux Tilling said that “you are never imprisoned when you have hope”. Some people who have cancer are imprisoned by fear and hopelessness.  Papillary Carcinoma is one of the most curable cancers but that is not the reason for the hope that we have. Our hope comes from the Lord alone.  He is Jehovah-Rapha, The Lord who heals. He is Sovereign. He is Almighty.  He is God. And most importantly - He is our Father.

I would like to thank all who have prayed for my brother. We are full of hope that Mike will be 100% healed.  He will have his Radioactive Iodine treatment in a few weeks time to ensure that all cancer cells- or whatever is left of them - will be killed. Again, we ask your prayers, not just for physical healing and recovery for Mike but also for spiritual growth.

What is God’s purpose for cancer?  I saw God’s wisdom in the words of my husband.  He said that most cancer patients are predicted, with “a very high degree of accuracy”, as to how many more years, or months, or days  they are “still” to live. Most turn to God at the lowest points in their life and cancer is God’s way to call us back to Him.  In cancer, we can see God’s grace and yearning for us to come to Him - “within a certain timetable”.  If you have cancer and you’re given a month to live, what will you do with your life? What would be your priorities realizing that your days are numbered?  Would you remain stubborn and reject the Lord?  Wouldn’t you turn to God and live each day to the fullest?

2 Peter 3:9 states ” The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”.Cancer is not the end of the battle but just a start of a journey in seeking, finding and knowing God and His purpose for us. Let us not wait for cancer to conquer us.  Let us live each day for God as if it were our last so that when the appointed time comes, we will be ready to face our Maker.

Rom 8:37-39 “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God's purpose for our trials

March 12, 2009

A beautiful message I read today from Steve Zeisler (On Judges 2) - “Life would seem better if we had less pressure, less trama, less temptation and less struggle to deal with. Yet the Lod knows that all of us would live lives of less faith if we had it easier so he leaves behind those difficulties that will teach us war. They will teach us to do battle with what’s wrong, to trust Him and to know Him as a result.”
God bless you!

He numbered my hair, so what?

Written on Oct. 14, 2008

Our Dgroup fellowship lasted until 1030pm yesterday.  For several months now, the Lord has always provided a shuttle for us every Tuesday night except last night. I was craving for Dunkin’ Donut’s BLT over hot choco or coffee so we decided to ride a non-aircon bus from Megamall going to Cubao and look for a Dunkin Donut outlet there. As Alvin and I boarded the bus, it took a few seconds for us to decide where to sit.  There are a lot of vacant seats at the back but we chose to stay at a crowded part in front of the bus which we don’t normally do.

As we sat, a group of teens went inside too and after them came 4 rugged, stocky looking men.  They all sat at the back.  The next thing we knew, there was already a commotion at the back and the 4 men alighted the bus in haste.  One of the teenagers shouted, “wallet ko”.  We then knew that the 4 men were robbers.
There was a stretch from Megamall to Cubao where these men could have had the chance to get all our belongings but they were able to get just one wallet. Alvin and I praised God because no one was hurt.
I remember the story of the 4 leprous men who discovered an empty Syrian camp. “For the Lord has caused the army of the Arameans to hear a sound of chariot and  a sound of horses, even the sound of a great army…” so they fled for their lives. (2 Kings 7:3-8) I know we could have been victims of a holdup last night but the Lord did something to make these men flee in haste.

In my quiet time yesterday afternoon, the Lord led me to this verse. “But the hairs of the your head are numbered…” (Mt. 10:30).  If God cares for trivial things- like the hair on my head … how much more will He care for more important things - like our safety.

Some burdens are heavy and some burdens are light.  Some needs are difficult to meet but some are there at a snap of a finger.  But for our God, nothing really is difficult … nothing is too heavy…nothing is too big.
Psalm 121:2-3 says, “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth…He who keeps you will not slumber”.  Even our safety is a grace from the Lord. Our God doesn’t sleep! He watches over His children 24/7!  Nothing escapes His sight. There is nothing that surprises Him. That is why we have nothing to fear for our protection comes from the Maker of heaven and earth.

My prayer:
Sovereign God, thank you for your protection. Thank you Lord for covering us with your pinions and watching over us. Thank you for caring even for the little things in our lives.  Help us always live in confidence of Your nature - You are the maker of heaven and earth - and nothing is too difficult for you.  All glory and honor are Yours, in Jesus name. Amen.

A Cheerful Heart

         

 Written on December 17, 2007

            "I could be happy only if ...".

            We posted this question in our Bible study last Saturday. Most of the attendees were not Christians and most of them said they would be happy and content just to be with their family.  What can really make us happy? Proverbs 15:13 says 'A Happy heart makes the face cheerful'.   We can smile yet not be happy inside.  But when our heart smiles, I call it joy and from it comes an inner glow, a cheerful face.

           Based on Wayne Cordeiro's Dead Running Leaders, we, in our DGroup, were asked to think of the things that fill and drain our tank.  The moment we feel anxiety and stress, our tanks are draining faster than we are filling them.  The trick is to do things that replenish our tank.  These things make us happy and will help us identify warning signals of burnout.

 These are the things that drain my tank:

1.  Fights or arguments especially with my hubby
2.  Scolding my kids, seeing them cry, losing patience over petty things
3.  Being misunderstood
4.  Sin
5.  Trials
6.  Sickness in the family

 These are the things that make me happy.  These are the things that fill my tank:
(in no particular order)

1. I am recharged whenever I am able to wake up early for my quiet time with the Lord.   One of my goals this coming 2008 is to be consistent in this aspect. I want to be able to read the entire bible next year.  This I failed to do this year. 

2. I am happy whenever I spend quantity and quality time with my family. Long talks and long walks with my hubby (time alone with him), story time and play time with our kids, pillow fights and tickle time

3. I am excited to wake up every Sunday to hear God's message from our pastors and I am doubly blessed to hear God's word through Pastor Peter who speaks with so much authority and humility.  Every after the 8 am service, I love to see the delight in my children's eyes whenever we visit Toy Kingdom and Powerbooks.

4.  Our DGroup fellowship every Tuesday

5.  Sharing God's word through our couples Bible study…to see couples working hard to improve and save their marriage, to see them opening up their lives to our group and seeing them grow in the knowledge of our Lord.  I praise God for bringing new people every Saturday...making our number grow.

6.  Playing table tennis and hopefully, tennis again.

7.  Fellowship with old friends

8.  Words of encouragement

9.  Watching 24 and Prison Break

10. Watching a movie with my hubby.  I miss doing this.  We used to watch a movie at least once a week but now that we have kids, we would call ourselves "lucky" to watch 4 movies in a year.

11. Out of town trips especially to places I have never been

12. Christmas and New Year celebration, birthdays, dining out with family and friends

13. A Scrabble game

14. Digital scrap booking

15. Reading books, inspirational articles

16. M&Ms, Fried chicken, Tagalog Batchoy, pizza and Rocky Road ice cream

17. Friendster, My Multiply and blogging, letters and emails from friends, 24/7 DSL connection, just browsing the net

18.  Listening to my babies talk and seeing them play with each other - praying that they will be best friends and that they both will serve the Lord in the ministry

19.  Overcoming trials

20. Listening to Christian Music.

21. Writing

22. Staying up late with Alvin just talking about our dreams and plans for the future, reminiscing about the past

   

            I give my Lord my utmost thanks for the people and things that fill my tank.  For some, the list may be mundane but it is only because like Paul, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am" (Phil 4:11). I have learned to be thankful in everything and anything.  Discontent is a big factor that can drain anyone's tank and it keeps us from enjoying God's blessings completely. We can never stop our tank from draining but it is up to us to fill them up. We may suffer one trial after another but let us not forget that we have a God who is mindful of us.  Hebrews 13:5 says (and I'll quote the Tagalog translation which fully captures my sentiments), "Sapagkat Siya rin ang nagsabi, sa anumang paraan ay hindi kita pagkukulangin at anumang paraan ni hindi kita pababayaan".  That promise, for me, is enough to bring me joy and fill my tank.

Are We Truly Saved?

Written on May 15, 2008

You tube calls Paul Washer’s preaching as ’shocking’. I believe it isn’t at all. This video is a powerful preaching on how we - as Christians - should live our lives.
       
We have seen how God moved when we watched it during our Bible Study especially when a man, whom my husband and I truly love, repented from his sin and renewed his commitment to the Lord. He has been a Christian for 25 years yet he was still in bondage. We continue to pray that he will overcome and be victorious through the power of the Holy Spirit that is in him.
       
Praises and glory be to God alone!
Below are some of the major points of Paul Washer’s sermon.

• The Bible says EXAMINE YOURSELF, TEST YOURSELF if you are a Christian
• There is a narrow gate to salvation, and there is only one way - Jesus Christ
• We are saved not because we prayed a prayer or someone told us we are saved but because we repented
• If we are saved, we will not talk or dress like others do, or act like the world. God will make a difference in our lives.
• Not everyone who says ‘Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven’ - not everyone who profess ‘Lord’ will enter the Kingdom
• Sign of a genuine Christian is that we do as a style of life the will of the Father
• The most important thing on the face of the Earth is not knowing Christ but that Christ knows you - for even Satan knows Christ.
• There are 2 ways, narrow and broad, one way leading to heaven, one way to hell; there are 2 trees - one bearing good fruit, one bearing bad fruit; one who believes that Jesus is Lord and doesn’t do His will and one who believes that Jesus is Lord and does His will
• We are saved not because the Romans killed Jesus and nailed Him on the cross. We are saved because when He was hanging on the cross, He bore our sins.
• God is so big for Him not to have an effect in our lives.  If our change is from God, it will last.

A Prayer for 2008

Written on January 7, 2008

Whatever I do, I know You see. Whenever I pray, I know You listen. Even when I don’t speak, I know you read my heart. That is why I boldly come to You, My Lord, though I am but dust and ashes.  Help me remember and hold on to Your promises to me and my family, O, Lord.   In our afflictions, let us not forget.  Our circumstances may say otherwise but to Your words I choose to hold on. Not a word from You will fall to the ground.   Thank you Lord for the desires You have planted in me and in my husband’s heart.  Give us the courage and the will to pursue them.  Thank you for the vision, the dream and the hope. Open our eyes to see the blessings You have prepared for us to claim.  Be with us, Lord, this 2008 as You have always been.  Every step, every single one, we lay at Your feet.  Do Your work in us. Make your way straight before us.  In Jesus name, Amen.

We can never outgive God!

 Written on November 29, 2007

     Most Christians struggle in giving tithes because the more we earn, the more difficult it is to part with at least 10% of our earnings (Nehemiah 10:38, Malachi 3:8-1) and give it back to the Lord.  We  find a lot of reasons not to obey.

     Every month, as soon as Alvin gets his salary, we immediately separate our tithes. But this month, it was a little bit different …
and complicated (for us).

       Last Saturday, The Lord reminded me to give our tithes.  I answered, "Lord, how can we give our tithes? Since Alvin resigned, we didn’t have a steady source of income".  The Lord said, "Anak, you can get it from your garage sale". I said, "Lord, Is that included?

     We have been selling old things since Alvin resigned- and I asked the Lord, 'Lord, what about the vaccines that our babies need, their milk and the bills to be paid next week, and a lot more...".  I knew in my heart we need to obey.  I committed an amount to the Lord though I have not yet talked with Alvin. The next day, Pastor Peter answered my question during his sermon.   He quoted Psalms 24:1: "The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains.  The world, and those who dwell in it".  God reminded me that He owns everything and I don’t own even a single cent.

       He asks us to give so that we can experience His blessing.    After the service, I told Alvin what the Lord intends us to do and He agreed to give by faith, knowing that the Lord will sustain us.  If He can take care of the sparrows, He can take care of us.  And He did. In just 2 days after we gave to the Lord, He gave it
back to us more than 1000x through our garage sale!  Praises be to Him!  We can never out give God.

      Just as we sing this song, "…what can we give, that You have not given? What do we have that is not already Yours…".  It is easier to give knowing that everything is His.  Pastor said, As we experience God’s grace in our life, we will be — should be — touched to give more.

        Alvin and I experience God’s miracle everyday in our lives for we have found our LIFE - Jesus Christ