When it's not yet time

21When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet 23and pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.”
24So Jesus went with him.

25And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed. 29Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

30At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

31”You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’”

32But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

35While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?”

36Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.”

Jairus’ pleading with Jesus was heard. Jesus went with Jairus! The fact that Jesus will go to their house, there’s a sure blessing – assured blessing! But along the way, someone has touched Jesus’ garment.

Jairus’ blessing of healing for her dying daughter was disrupted. The assured blessing become a disrupted blessing. Someone has touched the hem of Jesus’ clothes and Jesus noticed that power has gone out of him. As if it was not enough, Jesus tried to find out who touched him!

We saw how Jesus healed the woman and it was a blessing to her. But to Jairus, it was a disrupted blessing, an interruption of Jesus to go to their house and heal her dying daughter.

Is it not enough that the bleeding woman has already received healing? What’s the use of identifying who was it that touched Jesus?

For the woman, it is to complete her healing. The woman felt that she was healed, her bleeding stopped. Jesus wanted to complete her healing.

For Jairus, the disrupted blessing tells him to:

a. Wait for the perfect time.

What was the situation here? Jesus was crowded with so many people, pressing on him. I believe many of these people were trying to take hold of this opportunity to touch Jesus! Many of them were trying so hard for them to have even just a glimpse on Jesus, much so to touch him. Did Jesus suddenly forget that he is coming with Jairus to heal her dying daughter? Of course not! But why in the world, was Jesus still trying to find out who is that someone that has touched him? Is it not enough that the bleeding woman received her healing?

Can you imagine the reaction here of Jairus? If we are to remember, he is running out of time because his daughter is at the point of death. And here was Jesus, still trying to find out who has touched him? Does it really matter to Jairus? Is it important for him? What does it matter, if Jesus found out who has touched him? What will happen if he was able to find who it is that was healed?

Did we see Jairus, so anxious and might be saying to Jesus, “Lord, can’t you see? There are so many people out here pressing on you, how in the world will we be able to identify who that person was?” But, did we hear it from Jairus? It was not told in the Bible, what was the reaction of Jairus while Jesus was looking for the person who has touched the hem of his garments. Only the disciples’ reaction was noted here. I suppose Jairus might have felt the same way, or more. Anyway, he is just the father of a dying child. However, Jairus never said a word, he waited for Jesus. He waited for the perfect time.

What does it mean to us? When we know that our need is in God’s hand, the only thing we have to do is wait. We have to wait for the perfect time.

b. Keep the faith.

The reality of the disrupted blessing finally came in front of Jairus. While Jesus was still speaking to the woman, some men came from the house of Jairus, and told him, “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?” But Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.”

After Jairus have waited for Jesus to finish his dealing with the woman, here comes men from Jairus’ house and told him that his daughter is dead and it is no use to bother the Lord anymore.

Could you imagine what Jairus might have felt after hearing the news that his daughter had died? Could you feel what he felt? If I were to imagine his reaction, he could have said to the Lord Jesus, “Oh Jesus, did you hear the news? My daughter is now dead! If only you and I have walked directly home and ran instead of bothering who has touched you such as you did, oh my daughter could still be touched by you and be healed! But what now? She is now dead!” Oh, could you see and feel the anguish on Jairus’ heart, right at this moment? His daughter is now dead! There’s no use to bother Jesus. Oh, if only…
But, again those were not written in the Bible. It was just my imagination of what our true reactions as human often do. The true story was, Jesus have told Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just believe.” It’s as if Jesus was saying to Jairus, “Don’t worry. Just believe and everything will be alright. I will prove to you who I am… everything will be all right. Just believe”. KEEP THE FAITH!

LIFE APPLICATION:

Like Jairus, are you in the same situation right now, wherein your blessing seemed to be disrupted? Know that God knows the perfect time to give you the blessing. It could be “disrupted” as of now, because God wants you to be ready to take hold of that blessing. He wants you to learn how to take care of that GREAT BLESSING He would be giving you in His time. It could be God is preparing you to be just the “right vessel” of that one GREAT BLESSING. If now you are just like a glass that can take hold of just a glassful of water, how can He give you a “pitcherful” of water? The overage of that pitcherful of water will just be wasted. Wait for the perfect time till you are able to take hold of what God wants to give you, just keep on keeping on. Keep the faith!

Just like Jairus, I may not understand it right now, but all I am asked is to wait and keep the faith.

God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting
God is God and I am man
So I’ll never understand it all
For only God is God
- Steven Curtis Chapman

The Father's Love

An intimate message from God to you...

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. John 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1 Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect Father. Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4 And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7 I have always been Father and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15 My question is... will you be my child? John 1:12-13 I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad.

All you need to do is simply believe that Jesus died in your place to make a way for you to be born into His family. The following words might help you express your thoughts to God.

Father, I want to come home. Please make me your child. I turn from my sin and accept your forgiveness made possible through Your Son, Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. I place my faith and trust in Jesus alone to save me. Thank you for making me part of your family. Would you like to come home?

an intimate message from god to you © http://www.fathersloveletter.com/

Let Me Be A Woman

I am currently starting to read a new book which I borrowed from Grace, entitled "Let Me Be A Woman" by Elizabeth Elliot. (Actually, it's my birthday gift to her last year.) Quoting from the book;

"Lord, I give up all my plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my life, my all utterly to Thee to be Thine forever. Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit. Use me as Thou wilt, send me where Thou wilt, work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever." - Betty Scott Stam

I am at the phase of my life where, no longer I lives in me. My everything wholly surrendered to God's great plans for my life. I do not know but I am very much at peace with myself. All I know is that God loves me, He is in control of my life. I want to pray like Betty Scott Stam had prayed. Let me be a woman. And what kind of a woman? I want to be a woman God wanted me to be.

God reminded me of Proverbs 31:10-31 (Amplified Bible), where the true traits of a woman is defined:

A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.

1. The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on
   and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil.
2. She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.
3. She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it].
4. She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household's food from a far [country].
5. She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks.
6. She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength]
7. she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
8. She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm.
9. She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust].
10. She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
11. She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].
12. She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet.
13. She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made].
14. Her husband is known in the [city's] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
15. She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles [or sashes that free one up for service].
16. Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure;
17. she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!
18. She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].
19. She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.
20. Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying],
    Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all.
21. Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears
    the Lord, she shall be praised!
    Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city]!

As I am waiting patiently for the right man to come into my life. I pray to be a woman for God; who has the following character:

• Trustworthy and honest.
• Comforter, encourager and supporter [of her husband].
• Obedient
• Good manager and good steward [of their finances].
• Knows how to enjoy life.
• Giver
• Industrious
• Secure
• Wise when to speak and not to speak
• A crown to her husband
• Fears the Lord

It's not just a wishful thinking, it's gonna be a long road to travel. It will be my life-long journey...

You are not forgotten

Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow nor reap but Your Father in heaven feeds them. Or look at the grass that is here now and tomorrow is thrown out into the fire, not even Solomon in his splendor has been dressed so magnificently like them. Your Father in heaven knows all that you need. He knows the plans He has for you. He sees each tear that falls. He knows the number of your hair. All of your days have been ordained. Your future decided. You are not forgotten. Continue to declare, "Surely, surely God's goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

He knows my name.
He knows my everything
He sees each tear that I've cried
And He hears me when I call

I am not forgotten
I am not forgotten
I am not forgotten
God knows my name.

NOTES: Yesterday together with our SPs (senior personnel)staff we went to Hacienda Monica, Lipa, Batangas. Our purpose is to have planning session for 2009.

This morning, while I was alone at the veranda and taking a view of the trees and grass and the wonderful sky, I prayed. These things were God's impression to me this wonderful morning. That's how God cares for me. And you can count on it. I love the Lord of my youth, He is still the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He holds my future in His hands.

Badminton 101 (Friendship 101)

Last Friday, 18 July 2008 our division had a Badminton Tournament. Whoah! Such a big name "Tournament"! But basically, it was just a fun game. I'm a badminton player since I was in High School and then when I went to College, I took it as one of my P.E. subjects. But, no, don't get me wrong! It still doesn't mean that I'm a great player at that!

NOON: Ang aming playing court nung ako'y High School ay ang kalsada sa tapat ng bahay ng aking lola! Larong kanto, ika nga! Habang ang aking raketa ay nabili lamang sa tindahan ng Evelyn's (ang school and other supplies store sa aming bayan sa Bulacan...) at ang shuttlecock namin ay plastik na kapag malakas ang hangin.. siguradong iiskor ka dahil di matatantya ng kalaban mo kung san babagsak. At kung minsan nama'y babalik sa iyo ang bola ng hindi naman tinira ng kalaban (Whew!) hehehe

NGAYON: Kuntodo porma, ang raketa ay Wilson o di kaya'y Yonex (na hiniram lang din naman sa kaibigan...). White mini-skirt at kulay asul na Penshoppe t-shirt plus Adidas na rubber shoes (hiram lang din!) hehehe. Inisip kong bumili sana ng rubber shoes na pang-badminton (yun may gum sole, sabi ng salesman!) para sa araw na iyon, (naks! ang yaman!), ngunit wala naman akong magustuhan. Kaya nanghiram na lang ako sa aking kaibigan (buti na lang at meron pa siyang isang rubber shoes na gagamitin!).

Mula ata Martes, ang PAKner kong si Papsi ay inaasar na ako. Ayaw daw niya akong PAKner. Ang gusto niyang maging partner ay yun partner ng gusto niyang partner ko! (ang gulo ba? hehehe) Basta, ayaw nya akong PAKner!

Huwebes. Kami'y magkasabay kumain ng merienda, kasama ang iba pang katropa. Yung gusto niyang maging partner ay nag-backout na, dahil nagkasakit ang anak. Ngunit ayaw pa rin niya sa akin. Aba! Sumasama na ang loob ko ha! Parang hindi na ito biruan lamang. Kaya nasabi ko sa kanya, "Papsi ha, malapit ng sumama ang loob ko sa iyo! Malapit na akong mapikon! Ayaw mo ba talaga sa akin? Sige, di na lang ako maglalaro bukas!" Yun ay birong may halong katotohanan. Sapagkat, malapit na talaga akong mapaiyak ng mga oras na iyon. (Hmmm... lam mo yun feeling busted ka? O yun nireject ka ng kaibigan mo?) Yun ang nararamdaman ko ng mga panahong iyon. Pero, sige tuloy pa rin ang biruan namin.

Biyernes ng umaga. Naglabas na ng official line-up ang aming organizer. Whoala! Hmmm... eh ang pumalit sa gusto niyang maging partner ay ang dati niyang ka-loveteam (biro lang po...). This is my redeeming time! I dared him if he still wants to change partners (ang tapang ko! kasi alam kong wala siyang lakas ng loob gawin yun sa mga pagkakataong iyon hahaha). So it leaves him no choice but to play with me as his Pakner! (LOL!)

Oras na ng pagtutuos, wala na ang sama ng loob ko sa aking PAKner. Unang laro namin, ang kalaban namin Burt and Erick na sa tingin ko ay malakas sa amin. But who cares? The Care Bears? haha! Let's dance papsi! (Ang yabang naka-iskor kasi! hahaha)

We enjoyed the game even if we lost. Not bad! At least we had fun! We had another game, this time with Nanie and Eyen, but we also lost. We had fun still.

Sabi ni Jacq (isa sa juvah girls), dapat daw ay ipa-frame ko ang picture naming ito ng aking PAKner, kasi ang dami daw pinagdaanan. Natuto din ako dito sa kaganapang ito, "A friend loveth at all times." Maaaring may maganda namang motibo si Papsi sa pagpipilit niya na iba na lang ang maging partner ko. Sadya lang kung minsan, ako'y pikon (hehehe). Siguro, kaya din ako nasasaktan kasi hindi alam ni Papsi, pinapili ako between him and Franz.. siyempre, siya ang pinili ko, dahil alam kong mag-eenjoy akong maglaro dahil kaibigan ko ang PAKner ko.

Mababaw lang siguro itong pinagdaanan namin bilang magkaibigan, pero dadaan at dadaan talaga sa pagsubok ang friendship ng kahit na sino at iyon ang magpapatibay sa inyong pagkakaibigan. Ang mahalaga sa bandang huli, "you will still stay friends, di ba papsi?"

A friend loves at all times. - Proverbs 17:17

more ISD Badminton Pictures at this link.

LOVE IS...

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back,But keeps going to the end.

Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled. ( I Cor 13: 1-10 The Message)

Loving good people is as easy as counting from 1 to 3. Loving the unloveable is as hard as chemistry, advanced math, calculus (both differential and integral)... Now, did you get it?

God calls us to love our enemies. I tell you, it's difficult but it can be done. Why? Because, God himself did it to us. He gave us His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross, to save you and me from death. You asked, "Wow! that's incredible!"... Some may say, "What kind of Father can do such a thing?". Yes, that's how great God's love is for you and me. That is the GREAT TRUTH.

We can love because God first loved us. Love is...

P.S. If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior, don't you think it's about time? You may pray,

Lord Jesus, thank you so much for loving me. I confess that I am a sinner worthy of eternal punishment. Thank you for dying on the cross to pay for all of my sins. With your help, I am turning away from all my sins. Today, I put my trust in you as my Lord and Savior and I receive you into my heart. Thank you for forgiving my sins and for coming into my heart. I accept your free gift of eternal life. Thank you that one day, I will go home to be with you in heaven. From this day on, I will follow and obey you. Amen.

Well Done...

In this year's DNG, the song "My Reward" by Paul Baloche was shared to us by Kuya Boyette. The lyrics really spoke of what's inside my heart now...

I want to hear you say words to me "Well done"
I want to hear you say "Good and faithful servant"
I want to hear you say "I've prepared a place for you"
Let all the treasures of this world, fade away.

Jesus, you are my reward.
To hear your voice on that day,
Is all I'm looking for.
Jesus, you are my reward.
To see your face on that day,
Is all I'm living for.

Lagi natin naririnig ang salitang "Well done" kapag umoorder tayo ng steak o kaya fried eggs. Kung minsan, sinasabi natin ito para sabihin sa isang kamanggagawa (naks! lalim!) sa isang bagay na ginawa niyang maganda. Isang tapik sa balikat, isang pagsasabing "ang galing mo, pare ko!".

In the Bible, it can be found in Matthew 25:21. It says "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord."

Those words, I long to hear when I come home to heaven with my Lord. "Well done, my child." But I know that even now, I can experience God's faithfulness and I can taste and see the goodness of my Lord. I want to be a good steward of all the things, blessings, talents and abilities God has entrusted to me, even on my finances. For I know, that if I can take care of these little things, God will entrust me more and more great things. As Spiderman said, "Whatever life holds in store for me, I will never forget these words: "With great power comes great responsibility." It should come hand in hand.

GREAT POWER = GREAT RESPONSIBILITY.

Your success may not come at the precise time when you expect it, or in the way which you anticipate. It may not come so that you yourselves shall see it on earth. But success is CERTAIN in the end. Out of the work come consequences of good - immense if unseen. In all your life, remember this! Expect the time when the Son of Man, no more invisible, shall be revealed; and when by Him shall be opened to you that grand and bright expanse of heaven in which he may say to all of us: "On earth,
ye have been the rulers over a few things; a few facilities, a few knowledges, a few opportunities: Lo, I will make you rulers over many things, in this kingdom of my Father."

God is still at work...

Dave was raised on the mission field in Africa, and after he completed his seminary training he took a position in a local church, still searching for the right one who could go back to Africa with him. He kept looking over the crowd every Sunday morning to see if a new face had appeared. Finally he asked my advice, “What do you think I should do?” What do you think God wants you to do with your life?” I inquired. “I think God wants me in Africa ,” he responded.

“I said, “Then you had better get moving that direction.”

Sudan Interior Mission, the group that Dave was serving, needed him on a rather remote outstation a distance from Addis Ababa. “Great chance of finding a wife there!” people told Dave. Nonetheless, he went.

Meanwhile an Australian nurse felt called by God into medical missions. She was single but hope to meet someone who shared her vision of missionary medicine. Nobody even came close to being answer. Finally she joined the same mission Dave had joined. They told her about a medical in a pretty remote area outside Addis Adaba. Her family and friends told her, “If you go there, you’ll end up being an old maid for sure.”

Putting the will of God above “finding the right man,” she packed and went to Africa.

You guessed it. They met, fell in love and married.

Believe it or not, they both had lived in the same apartment complex in the same city, on the same street, but had to go 7,000 miles away to meet each other, fall in love, marry and have a family. (I got this story from jhunnelle's blogsite.)

This is the 2nd story I read about "serendipity" or destiny as you may want to call it. The 1st story I read was about Shelby. They may all sound fictional to you, but I believe that they are true. Even if they were not, there is one story that is real. You may visit jhunnelle's blogsite and read about how her fiance met her.

Now, you might be asking, "Who's Jhunnelle?". Well, I don't know her either. We haven't met. But, one night as I was trying to look for a write-up about "Touch of Glory", I found her blogsite. Of course, instantly as I read her posts nakarelate agad ako. We are of the same age. We are both Born-Again Christian. We both have the same struggles in waiting for the "right man" in our lives. I was inspired about her story. I believe that God has led me to her blogsite to tell me that He is still at work.

God is at work in our lives all the time. Every need, every desire, every little things or minute details of our lives are in His mind all the time. Our every call is heard. Every tear that falls, he sees. Every thoughts in our minds, he knew. He is the author of life. He is also the author of our love story.

And one day, I am hopeful and prayerful that I will be able to post my own love story God has wrote about in this blogsite.

You may have a struggles or difficulties in your life. It might be something about your job, school, relationships, finances or anything that you think matters to you. I just want to encourage you on one thing, "God is at work in our lives! He loves you so much. There is nothing good for us that He will withhold. Just think, that if God has given His ONE and ONLY SON for you, what is that one thing will He not do for you?

If I Could Have Three Wishes...

I borrowed a book from Ate Gina. It's entitled "Checklist for Women". I first read about Hopes and Dreams... the title, "If You Could Have Three Wishes". I would want to share to you some points from it...

If you have a desire in your heart, a dream that you wish would become a reality, here are some ways you can partner with God to make the dream come true.

• Know what you want. Articulate it and clarify it. Visualize the end result. Set specific goals to turn your dream into a reality.
• Take the dream to God and let Him show you whether it is worthy. Continue to come to Him in prayer as you work toward the goals you have set. Any worthwhile dream grows you as you grow it. Like a seed planted in rich soil, plant your dreams in the soil of God's love and guidance.
• Do the work. Realize that it may take longer than you had planned. Remember that every detour and delay is an opportunity to learn something - often a lesson necessary for making your dream come true. Persevere. Don't give up.
• Trust God to bring the dream to fruition in just the right time, just the right way. Delight in His ways and He will give you the desires of your heart. You can always trust God with your hopes, your wishes, and your dreams. Life may disappoint you, but God will never let you down.

What hopes, dreams, and wishes do I wish God would grant to me?

1. I dream that I will be debt-free by year 2009.
2. I dream to own a fully furnished house by 2009 and a car by 2008.
3. I dream that I will be a wife to the man God has prepared for me and be his support in all his endeavors.
4. I dream to have at least 4 children.
5. I dream for promotion.
6. I dream to retire from IT work in 2012 and be a teacher to pre-elementary students.
7. I dream to put up a business after or before retirement.
8. I dream to own a Jollibee franchise.
9. I dream to travel around the world and around the Philippines.
10. I dream to put up a home for the street children (orphanage).

Wow! I didn't realize that I have 10 BIG dreams! I thought I could make them on my own, but on the second thought, I'd rather work with God. I will partner with Him. All things are possible! Nothing is too hard for the Lord! I know it will happen in my lifetime! I am grateful to God for what He has already done in my past, I believe He is now working at present, but I am also excited about my future!

When I see these things, my heart will rejoice. I will flourish like the
grass! Everyone will see the Lord's hand of blessing on His servant. -
Isaiah 66:14 (personalized)

DREAM Again...

Everyone has dreams. But sometimes, they become forgotten dreams... maybe because of the time waiting for them to happen, maybe because they grew tired of waiting or doing everything to make it happen. However, to no avail, nothing happens.

Me? I have great dreams! A few months back, I still have them in my heart. But somehow, tired of giving it a fight!

After spending time again with God... I've had the conviction that God would want me to dream again, dream great dreams for Him.. attempt great things for Him and expect great things from Him.

I've first heard of the Dreamer's Manifesto by Jordan Sebastian, May 2007 when Dr. Jun Vencer included it in his teachings... and so it goes...

I will dream, I will dream BIG and AMAZING and SPECTACULAR and AWESOME DREAMS.

I will live my dreams. And not compromise for the sake of security or safety or comfort.

I will jump out of my comfort zone and embrace change. CHANGE, whom I fear. CHANGE, whom I dread.

I will seek to live beyond what I can. BELIEVING that the GOD whom I trust is MUCH, MUCH BIGGER. And GREATER than any obstacle I may face.

I will face my fear. I will STOP running away from it and TURN AROUND.

I SURRENDER. I SURRENDER to my GREAT DESTINY, knowing deep in my heart I AM DESTINED for EXCELLENCE. I AM DESTINED for GREATNESS.

Not mediocrity. Not conformity. Not in arrogance, but with the MANTLE OF HUMILITY placed upon me.

Because this is not about me. This is ABOUT GOD.

And I will do all this not in TEN years from now, when I am free. Not FIVE years from now, when I have the money. Not ONE year from now, when I am steady. Not ONE week from now, when I know how. Not even TOMORROW because tomorrow is far from now.

I will LIVE MY DREAMS NOW and I will ACT NOW.

It's time to dream again. It's time to act on my dreams again.

Touch of Glory.. the 2nd Day

July 5, 2008. The alarm on my phone woke me up at 4AM. But I decided to get up at 5AM. I washed my face, brushed my teeth and fixed my things (bible, check! journal, checked! ballpen, checked!)... I put it all in my bag... I brought also with me a digicam to take pictures of the mountain. I planned to take in the sunrise view at the mountaintop, but I wasn't able to find the trail to the mountain. And so I decided to go to the Prayer Hut, but there's no table.. and so I went to one of the prayer cells again.

At 830AM, I went out of the prayer cell and finally found the trail going to the mountain. I took pictures... here they are:

way up to the mountain...
at the mountaintop...

the lake at the center of the mountain...
this is the view from the bench where I rested...
i set my camera's timer.. and click! =P

para lang may souvenir ako... =P

After picture taking, I set off myself to talk to God and pray. There were some other people cleaning the area, but they don't stop me from seizing up these moments with God. I put my earphone on and played worship songs from my cellphone. One of the songs that strucked me was Rescue by Don Moen, it says...

You are the Source of life

I can't be left behind

No one else will do

I will take hold of You

Cause I need You Jesus

To come to my rescue

Where else can I go

There's no other name

By which I am saved

Capture me with grace

I will follow You

My heart is Yours for life

I need Your hand in mine

No one else will do

I put my trust in You

God spoke to me through His words in Ezekiel 36:26-38.

26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I
will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.*27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. 28 "And you will live in Israel, the land I gave your ancestors long ago. You will be my people, and I will be your God.29 I will cleanse you of your filthy behavior. I will give you good crops of grain, and I will send no more famines on the land.30 I will give you great harvests from your fruit trees and fields, and never again will the surrounding nations be able to scoff at your land for its famines.31 Then you will remember your past sins and despise yourselves for all the detestable things you did.32 But remember, says the Sovereign LORD, I am not doing this because you deserve it. O my people of Israel, you should be utterly ashamed of all you have done! 33 "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: When I cleanse you from your sins, I will repopulate your cities, and the ruins will be rebuilt.34 The fields that used to lie empty and desolate in plain view of everyone will again be farmed.35 And when I bring you back, people will say, 'This former wasteland is now like the Garden of Eden! The abandoned and ruined cities now have strong walls and are filled with people!'36 Then the surrounding nations that survive will know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt the ruins and replanted the wasteland. For I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do what I say. 37 "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am ready to hear Israel's prayers and to increase their numbers like a flock.38 They will be as numerous as the
sacred flocks that fill Jerusalem's streets at the time of her festivals. The ruined cities will be crowded with people once more, and everyone will know that I am the LORD."

These were God's promises to me and I know that I am blessed not because I deserve it, but it is because of His grace and mercy. For all the blessings and favors I received it is only by His grace.. by His grace that I am standing on my feet... it is by His grace. I know that I am a child of the King. I am blessed and favored. I will live my life to please my King... I know I will return to this mountain to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving because I met Him there and He answered my prayers... =P

A Visit to Touch of Glory... prayer mountain

July 4, 2008. My heart is so excited in having a special date with the Lord. I would visit Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain to be refreshed and to get away from all the busyness of life... At 4:30PM, I readied myself and went out of the office. It is my first time to go to this place. I've been to other prayer mountains like Peniel in Tarlac, but this time it's different... I will go up to the mountains alone, to meet with my GOD.

What an adventure! Excitement filled my heart. I have never been to the place. All I know is that I have to take an FX from Cubao going to Cogeo Gate 2, then ride a jeepney going to Paenaan. My friend told me to tell the jeepney driver the place and the driver already knew the place.

From Alabang, I rode a bus going to Magallanes to take the MRT. I got off at Cubao Station, walk through Farmers Plaza and headed straight to Gateway. I took the escalator to go down and crossed the street to Araneta Avenue. I asked the guard where can I ride an FX going to Cogeo Gate 2. He said, here you can wait (wow! englisero si manong guard! hahaha).

There are so many people waiting for an FX, but no, no one's falling in line.. they just occupied a lane off the Araneta Avenue (hehehe, pinoy talaga!). The FX caller shouted, Marikina.. and I asked him if that could take me to Cogeo Gate 2. Well, he didn't answer me and shouted again Marikina!.. (suplado! hmp! hehehe).

I walked nearer and by God's grace, I finally got an FX ride going to Cogeo Gate 2. I paid a P100 bill and got a P70 change. Somewhere along Marikina, the driver picked up a passenger. The man paid I think P20, and he's asking for a change. He's insisting that he only owes P15 as fare. He said that only jeepneys have been authorized to have a fare increase. He's telling the FX driver that he is also a driver, a jeepney driver to be specific. Finally, he said that he will get off at Masinag and that it should be a P10 fare.. hahaha! (ang kulet!).

Finally, I arrived at Gate 2. I asked the man sitting beside me where was Cogeo Gate 2. He said, here we are. I also asked where can I ride a jeepney going to Paenaan. The people were very courteous and they tell me the directions. The rain has poured already and the road was muddied. I saw a jeepney with Paenaan on the signboard, but it was already full. I walked a little more and asked a student where can I ride a jeepney going to Paenaan and he pointed a jeepney with a signboard Paenaan. I was not able to control my kakulitan and said to the boy, "Oo nga, kaso sira.. hehehe". But the boy was so courteous and he smiled. I walked a little more and I was able to finally get a jeepney ride to Paenaan. I asked the driver how much, and he said P18 was the fare. I also asked him to drop me off the Prayer Mountain.

After 10-12 km drive, we arrived at the Prayer Mountain site. I saw a tricycle and asked if he could take me to the prayer mountain. He laughed and said, "malapit lang yun ma'am, lakarin mo na lang." Taking his advice, I walked... a little scared because the road was dark... no street lights. The only lighting came from the houses of the street. There was a man and a child walking alongside me, so I asked "where is the prayer mountain?" He pointed me to the gate of the Touch of Glory.

After registering, the guard take me to the female dorm site. I took the 1st bed near the door. I think there are about 6 more people to come, because at least 6 more beds were fixed and awaiting to be occupied.

I decided not to eat dinner and have a fast. I went to the prayer cell. I cried my heart out to God. Wrote to my journal, read the Bible. Pray even more.

From Isaiah 49:
The Lord called me from birth; from within the womb he called me by name.
He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me from
the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver.

He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel and you will bring me glory."

I replied, "But my work seems useless! I have spent strength for nothing and
to no purpose . Yet I leave it all in the Lord's hand; I will trust God for my
reward."

At 1030PM, I went back to my room. Washed myself, talked with Ram (she's one of my dormmates that night). And went off to sleep.

To The One

I prayed to the Lord, for Him to give me a man after His own heart. A man who will love me and I will love for the rest of my life. Days passed by, the days grew into months, and the months went into years. Still, I waited for you to come my way.

It was never an easy thing to do, especially when all of my friends have already married and have their own families. Sometimes, the waiting gets the best of me and all that I can do is cry my heart out to the Lord.

I have no idea when you will come. When and how will our roads cross? When will I see you face to face? When? How? Where? These are the questions I do not know how to answer. It's up to God who takes control of my life.

How I would wish that it'll be sooner. I am very expectant everyday, hoping that it'll be that special day you will find me...

If a day passed by and you still have not come, I'd say "I am one day closer in meeting you..."

I pray to God that He will provide you eveything you needed to get here to me. May He give you the courage to tell me your feelings. I know that I am not an easy girl. But I pray that as God leads you to me, may He also give you discernment to know and see clearly that you are the one He has prepared for me. That just as He has promised me, that when love comes into my life, I will see it just as a banner is raised on a mountaintop or I will hear it just as a trumphet played a sound. It will be clear and it will come to pass.. it will happen in my lifetime...

I will believe... I believe... I believe...

My love will be with you... till that day...
~Zha-Zha~