8 Truths to Remember

1. Faith is the ability not to panic.

2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.

3. God wants spiritualt truths, not religious nuts.

4. Do the math. Count your blessings.

5. Laugh everyday, it's like inner jogging.

6. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

7. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

8. There is no key to happiness, the door is always open.

Happy New Year everyone! Have a blessed 2009.

Father, am I disturbing You?

2009 is coming and I just wish I can slow down the time. I don't want to leave 2008 because I am afraid to face the coming year. My application for the immigration is still pending and I only have less than a year to make things done. Problems...problems..sigh

"let go and let God. let go and let GOD!"

I have to constantly remind my self to do that. I just have to trust Him but being a weak human being I just can't avoid not to think of how will God solve everything. In Him nothing's impossible and I have to keep that in mind. I get really depress, sad and scared when I think about our problems but I believe He will never leave me alone, abandoned. Day by day and every hour of those days I get more and more curious about how God's going to fix things. Am I disturbing Him by doing so? Am I causing Him to slow down? I guess so. ='(

I had cried secretly for a couple of days and got tired of crying. Then, I begged for Him to take all my worries and to make me strong. The next day, I feel no pain anymore. I stopped worrying. I know He will answer us. I know He will. He will. He will. He will.

It's just that...I am really getting stubborn, eager and curious about how He will do it.

Oh God, I am sorry if I am bothering You so much. You had taught me how to trust You. Now, please teach me how to be patient.

Jesus, King of mercy. I trust in You.

Get Your Head in the Game

Are you familiar with Monopoly? If you're not, well, it is a board game wherein the players will be given money and they can use it to buy properties, build houses and upgrade it as the game goes on. The player with the most money and properties wins.

This holiday season my family got a chance to enjoy this game and play instead of doing nothing. My dad, my mom, my younger brother and I competes with each other and it is usually my mom who wins the game.

While we were playing we had some reflections about life that I would like to share...

At times when I had the most property, I didn't care about how many steps would I get from the dice anymore. I didn't have to worry because I owned everything. I can land anywhere and not care because everything's mine. At the beginning it was really exciting because other players pay me and I just kept on collecting money but after a while the game became boring.

There was also a time when I had the most money but unfortunately I couldn't land on properties. It is either I land on chances or end up on a property that I already owned. Even if I had the most money it seemed like it was useless because I couldn't use it.

Isn't it that life is also like that? You would end up not caring about your life when you have no problem. If God will make it perfect, with no flaws, it would become boring. If you can have everything, then living your life will become nonsense, absurd, foolish and crazy. It would become a life living with no life.

What about having all the wealth? Money can't buy everything. It can't buy happiness, love and peace. We can't even use it once we die. I am not a hypocrite. I am not saying I don't need it but I believe being the wealthiest person on earth can't make me problem free, secured, happy 24/7 nor I can buy peace and salvation for everybody.

And wait...there's one more thing..we also tried playing the game with equal share of properties..no biddings and no negotiation. It means that we had tried to maintain that every player would be equal. And we thought..well it is nonsense! It felt like we were not playing. So we conclude that if God had made everybody the same and equal, life would not be exciting to live. We couldn't see improvements and, still, it would be living a life with no life.

A Wish on Christmas Night

Merry Christmas everyone! I wish everybody to have a great Christmas. May we all remember the reason why we are celebrating this day.

A Blessing to Our Family

This is my handsome younger brother, Phillip Jay and I can't believe that he is turning 12 tomorrow.

Jay is an answered prayer. I remember and well my parents would remind him how I prayed and begged God for me to have a younger sibling. I would cry every night and pray for a blessing.

He was born on December 24, 1996 at around 11 pm. I remember how happy I was when my mother told me that she was pregnant months before that day and I also remember how eager I was to help in cleaning our house the day before his arrival.

I also remember taking care of him, putting him to sleep, preparing his milk, playing with him and just telling him how "ate" loves him so much.

I love my brother so much and I want him to be completely happy. I don't care if I don't have anything as long as he can have something.

Jay, I am sorry if sometimes you think that I am mean. It's just that I want you to be a perfect gentleman . I want you to be corrected every time you are wrong. I don't want you to waste the wonderful opportunities that you have. I know sometimes I act like I am mommy but it's just that I don't want you to get hurt and I want you succeed. Study hard and never exchange education for one-time happiness, like your computer games. I love you very much. Enjoy your day!

On God's Throne

Have you ever tried to imagine how is it like to be on God's throne? What if God will give you a chance to be in control of everything? Okay not everything, just your life and let's say just for an hour. What if you can have the chance to miraculously do the things that you want in your life for that hour?

I have tried to do that myself and yes I had started to plan a lot of things. I planned not only for myself and my family but also for the people whom I can help. As I continued to manipulate our lives I realized that I could alter a lot of people's future even by just changing a number of someone's present. I continued to plan and watched carefully every detail so I won't mess up things. I gave up and laughed at myself but I stayed beside God for a while to watch how He does things.

While I was watching Him, I couldn't help not to be amaze by how He does things and yes I got some headache. No not some, my head really hurts bad! Why? Imagine how many people are there in the world, how many people are praying and asking for His help and how many people does He needs to constantly send instruments to return to Him. In addition, people are also connected with each other that by just changing one, two or more lives will also be changed.

I got dizzy by just thinking about how God does things, and yes I still don't know how He does it, but by just trying to figure things out I had understood why God kept on reminding us to be patient and wait for things to be done in His time. Surely God can do whatever we want to be done in our lives but I am sure God doesn't want to mess up others as well. Remember, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1

^_^

The Clock's Tick

I'm sitting here alone in my room
with nothing else to do
Praying and hearing the clock
that goes tick-tack-tick, I don't know what to do

Oh Jesus!

Teach me how to be patient

Oh Sacred heart!

Jesus, I trust in You

You said, Be still my child

and know that You're my God

Everything has been planned

Waiting to be done in His time

Then Father reminded me

About the King's life on earth

Everything wasn't laid before Him

He has to live and wait for the right time

Oh Jesus!

Lend me a heart that is patient

Oh Sacred Heart!

You know that I trust in You

Oh Jesus!

I am beginning to be impatient

As I hear the clock

That goes tick-tack-tick

Oh Sacred Heart!

I know I just have to trust You

Help me to be still and wait

Just like what I have to do

Paraiso

Lea Salonga's version of Paraiso, Ryan Cayabyab's favorite rendition of his original composition which was originally performed by a group in the Philippines called Smokey Mountain.

PARAISO (Lyrics)

Return to a land called Paraiso,
a place where a dying river ends.
No birds there fly over Paraiso,
no space allows them to endure.
The smoke that screens the air,
the grass that's never there.

And if I could see a single bird, what a joy.
I try to write some words and create
a simple song to be heard
by the rest of the world.

I live in this land called Paraiso,
in a house made of cardboard floors and walls.
I learned to be free in Paraiso,
free to claim anything I see.
Matching rags for my clothes,
plastic bags for the cold.

And if empty cans were all I have, what a joy.
I never fight to take someone
else's coins and live with fear
like the rest of the boys.

Paraiso, help me make a stand.
Paraiso, take me by the hand
Paraiso, make the world understand
that if I could see a single bird, what a joy.
This tired and hungry land could expect
some truth and hope and respect
from the rest of the world

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Yesterday, December 12, was the birthday of my mom. We had a dinner at the Century Diner Buffet to celebrate her 44th birthday and then we went to the video store to buy and rent some DVDs. It was just a simple celebration but I know that the most important thing is that we had given thanks to the Lord for another year that He had given to her.

Happy Birthday Mommy!

From Daddy, Kuya Philip, Phoebe and Phillip Jay

Great MomHappy birthday, Mom!
I hope everyone can see,
What a great mom you’ve always been,
And how much you mean to me.I always think about you,
In times both good and bad,
For the things you taught are with me,
In happy times and sad.So on this day I wish you joy,
Just like you pass around.
May all your good times multiply,
And happiness abound.By Karl Fuchs

Blog Awards!

From The Heart of Worship


From Valerie of Simply 4 God

I am very sorry if it took me this long to get the award
but I would just like you to know that
I am very thankful for the blessings that you've shared.
Thank you for inspiring me to write as well as for encouraging me
when I feel down. Thank you for being one of my angels in the blogosphere.

I love to Pray

Not long ago,alright I can't remember how long ago it was, I had attended a seminar which I can't really remember what it was all about but I remember the speaker had asked us how many minutes or hours do we spend in praying. He told us to raise our hands if we belong to the group that he will mention. He mentioned 1 hour, 30 minutes, 15 minutes and a minute. I noticed that there were only a few of us who raised in the "1 hour" group.

I raised my hand that time not because I pray for an hour. I raised because it felt like I was praying for an hour. ^_^ I don't really keep track the time but I might had prayed that long because of the format that was being taught to me to follow. The format is praise God, thank Him, say your sorry then your petitions. My prayer was more like a homework for me to do. It was something that I really don't feel like doing that is why it felt like it was very tiring to do. But my mom would constantly remind me to pray and she would really get mad if I won't and I really don't want to make my mom angry, so I follow her. ^_^

When Jesus changed my heart, praying became an easy thing to do. I still follow the format but not when I pray alone. What amaze me is that you know that you are kneeling or sitting there to pray, you have Him in your heart and mind but then you can't find any words to say.

When Jesus changed me, my heart is constantly in praying mode. I can pray while I am in the train, in the bus, while walking, cooking, taking a bath...anywhere, anytime! I love to pray. I love to pray. I love taking to God about nonsense things. I talk to Him about anything and everything. I don't think I have to be ashamed and to limit my stories to my Father.

Looking back to those days when I just knew who Him and not accept Him fully, I really thought that people who prays anywhere are weird. I thought it was a very holy thing to do. I thought it is not possible for an ordinary person to do. ^_^

I bet that there are a lot of people in the streets, in the train, in the bus or in the mall who would also think that I am weird when I tell them that I am praying while I am standing, walking or sitting there with them. Pray, God, Jesus and Church are some of the words that can paint a really funny face to some people.

The reason that I am sharing this is not to boast about how long do I pray. *_* I would just like to share my reflection towards the reaction of my friend when I said "I pray" when she asked me what do I do at home. It was an awkward moment but I understand her. I know I will react the same way she reacted when someone will tell me the same thing 8 years ago.

Christmas Traditions

What are your traditions for Christmas?

The Pastor Priest in my Church decided to bring "simbang gabi" here in New York. Simbang gabi, or a mass every night/early morning for 9 days before Christmas is a tradition in the Philippines to celebrate the Advent Season.

He introduced it to other church goers as Mass Novena before Christmas. There are different groups who were assigned for each night and the second day, I think, was assigned to the Filipinos. The groups are spanish, italians, phil-american, american and other groups that I am not really sure who are them.

The Filipino team is planning to prepare the traditional foods of the Filipinos for Simbang Gabi.

Having a mass for Jesus is a great way to celebrate Christmas, isn't it?

Advent Season

Advent (from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming") is a season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus; in other words, the period immediately before Christmas. It is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on Advent Sunday. The Eastern churches begin the liturgical year on 1 September.The Eastern Christian equivalent of Advent is called the Nativity Fast but it differs both in length and observances. The progression of the season may be marked with an Advent calendar, a practice introduced by German Lutherans. At least in the Roman Catholic calendar, Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25; in other words, the Sunday between November 27 and December 3 inclusive. Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming. Christians believe that the season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure as they await the second coming of Christ. (From Wikkipedia)
An Advent Prayer

Emmanuel- God with us,
I invite you today to come be with me
and grant me Your blessing.

Help me in this busy season not to miss
the miracle of Your coming in the "everyday-ness"
as well as on the feast of Christmas.

Save me from concern or anxiety
about what to give...
and help me give attention to how I give
my time, my listening and sharing
my help and attention,
my preparation for prayer and worship,
and my prayer itself.

May all this season's gatherings
with family, at Church, at work and with friends
be filled with the joy, reverence and patience
which Advent celebrates.

As Your follower and beloved child
may I prepare my heart
so that Your Word may become flesh
in me and in all whom I meet.

Amen.

From the Pastor's Desk
Fr. Jed Sumampong, C.P

The Champion Bows Down Before the Most High

Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines defeated 10-times world champion Oscar De La Hoya with an eighth-round TKO in their non-title fight in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Out of the 44 fights of De la Hoya this is the only fight that had battered him and cause him to be hospitalize.

Before the fight, people doubted the skill of Manny and thought it was a mismatch. Well, it is really a mismatch! Pacquiao won a games that is seemed to be an easy one for him.

So what do you think might be his secret?

God and prayer, my friend!

Pacman always celebrates the Holy Eucharist before his fight. He also prays before the game begins. Not only that, Manny also prays after every game, win or lose he prays and thank God. In addition, Manny is really blessed because he shares it to other people. Pacquiao always give goods to the poor in the Philippines.

Truly there is nothing impossible when you ask God for help and lift up His name no matter what happens.

Congratulations Manny!

A nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there

Last Tuesday when we had our prayer meeting somebody from the group had shared an episode from the Twilight Zone during the Bible sharing. Being a fan of the show I immediately knew that I should watch it myself because I know it would definitely be one of the great episodes of the Twilight Zone.

The story goes like this...

A Nice Place to Visit

Henry "Rocky" Valentine was robbing a pawnshop. He shoots a night watchman, and then a policeman, but before he can get away he was shot by another police officer.

When he woke up he found himself seemingly unharmed by the encounter. He is now in the company of a pleasant individual named “Pip” who tells Rocky he is his guide and has been instructed to grant Rocky whatever he desires. Rocky was suspicious at first and thought Pip is a cop but decided to follow Pip after he was given some money.

Pip then brought Rocky in a luxurious apartment and told him that it is Rocky's property. Demanding to know what he must do to acquire all this luxury, Rocky remains skeptical when he is told it's all for free. Despite his suspicions, Rocky begins to relax, change his clothes and took a shower, after which he is presented with a meal served on a silver platter. He suddenly becomes suspicious and demands Pip to taste the food, believing it to be poisoned. When Pip claims he can't remember how to eat, Rocky shoots him in the head but finds the bullets just bounce off, leaving Pip unharmed. Rocky now realizes he is dead and immediately assumes he has died and gone to heaven and Pip must be his guardian angel. Pip does not confirm his theory and merely says "yes, something like that."

Later, Rocky was already playing in a casino, surrounded by beautiful girls and winning every game he plays. Outside he sees a tall policeman and is able to make him smaller and thus pick on him. He returns fully contented to his apartment with the girls and Pip, and asks to see some of his former friends who have died. He is told by Pip that this will be difficult, this "paradise" is his own private world and none of the people are real except for them.

Soon, however, after a month he became so thoroughly bored by always having his whims satisfied and predictably winning at anything he attempts, he tells Pip "I don't belong in heaven, see? I want to go to the other place". Pip retorts "Heaven? Whatever gave you the idea that you were in heaven, Mr. Valentine? This is the other place! "

Well...sure it is a nice place but I definitely wouldn't want to live there!

Heaven or the Kingdom of God is not about getting what we want. It is not being rich, famous, having all the luxuries nor having a problem-free life. The happiness and satisfaction that God can give us comes from within. It comes from something deep that we can't even explain why we are happy or contented by the little thing that we have.

The happiness that Christians feel about their life is unexplainable. The wonders of God can't be explained by words. The only reason is God, His love for us and the Salvation from Jesus, that makes us happy, whole and contented.

A true happiness and full satisfaction cannot be achieved by owning and decorating your self with the most expensive jewelries. It can be achieve by filling your heart with the Holy Spirit for the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

Speaking in Tongue Proven to be The Work of The Holy Spirit

Out of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit speaking in tongues is my favorite. I know most often people think that we are crazy, too emotional or just making it up. Well, whatever to them! ^_^ I love speaking in tongues.

There are a lot of things that I would like to say to God. I want to praise and worship Him using all the words that I could think of to help me express what I feel for Him but it is not enough. Speaking in my own language, in my native language or in English, seems not to help me say everything to my Father.

Whenever I am in a state of having a deep connection with God, everything I care about my life on Earth doesn't matter anymore. During those times, I rarely tell Him what I want. I rarely pray for my petitions. My prayers are mostly telling God how much I love Him and just plainly praising Him. I know God can hear my heart every second and I know He sees what I need.

When we are praying for our petitions, I think saying it in our own language can satisfy us because we clearly know what we want. Praising God is different. Thanking Him is different. Worshipping God is different. Words aren't enough to lift up His name. Words aren't enough to help me express my love for God.

Speaking in tongues is an amazing gift from the Holy Spirit. Let's see what science can tell us about this...

Oh Happy Day!

I would like to thank my friend from I Whisper to God for giving me this award. It is such a wonderful feeling that a blessing would greet you when you wake up.

This is not the only blessing that I had received today and I believe that this day will be full of graces from my Father.

Tuesdays really excites me because it is the day when the Prayer Group of our church will meet. I am really amazed by how God had changed my life.

Honestly, praying meetings, Bible sharing or attending mass was boring for me. I wanted to be closer to God but I just don't know why praying was very tiring, felt awkward and it was really hard to do. Even attending an hour of the Holy Eucharist felt like it can drain my energy.

But God is really great, amazing and good. He heard my prayer when I asked Him to help me be closer to Him. He changed me and now I want more and more of Him everyday. My heart is always in praying mode. I pray not because it is a routine or an act that my parents had taught me. I pray because I want to talk to God and thank Him for Jesus.

Thank you Father for everything. Thank you for my friend who had given me this award. I wouldn't have received this award if You hadn't changed me yesterday.

Now...I would also like to award this to some of my friends. I love your blog and I love reading your entries. Thank you for the things that you had shared that helped me reflect.

Valerie of Simply 4 God
Lori of Persevere
Tracy of Seed Thoughts
Lori of My Own Road Home
Diane of Stepping into the Light
Gi of U Can Hope 2

Tell The World of His Love

Tell The World of His Love
by Jamie Rivera

For God so loved the world
He gave us Him only Son
Jesus Christ our Savior
His most precious one
He has sent us His message of love
And sends those who hear
To bring the message to everyone
In a voice loud and clear

Let us tell the world of His love
The greatest love the world has known
Search the world for those who have walked
Astray and lead them home
Fill the world's darkest corners
With His light from up above
Walk every step, Every mile, Every road
And tell the world, Tell the world of His love

(Tell the world of His love)
(Tell the world of His love)

Our Lord our savior our king
Emmanuelle prince of peace
Begotten of the Father's love
Born to set us free
Let heaven and earth sing His phrases
His righteousness proclaim
Let every heart rejoice in His love
And magnify His name

Let us tell the world of His love
The greatest love the world has known
Search the world for those who have walked
Astray and lead them home
Fill the world's darkest corners
With His light from up above
Walk every step, Every mile, Every road
And tell the world, Tell the world of His love

(Tell the world of His love)

Let us tell the world of His love
The greatest love the world has known
Search the world for those who have walked
Astray and lead them home
Fill the world's darkest corners
With His light from up above
Walk every step, Every mile, Every road
And tell the world, Tell the world of His love

(Tell the world of His love)
Tell the world of His love

Miracles are Everywhere and It Happens Everyday

Today, I'm going to share a testimony of how great is our God. This one is a story of my mother that she kept on telling us as a reminder whenever we start to worry about things.

I wish I had a chance to share this story to that person who posted in yahoo that God would have to do 100 miracles in front of him before he will believe in Him and also to the one who asked "why doesn't God do miracles anymore?"...

Anyway, here's the story...

There was this time when our family no longer have food to be cooked for lunch- no rice, no meat, nothing. My dad was not home and my mother was not yet paid from her work.

Our helper then asked my mom what should we have for lunch. My mom said she will not be paid from her job until the next day and she added, "If God will let us eat then He will provide. If He won't let us, then we won't have lunch."

Well guess what? Somebody knocked and paid my mom for the Avon products that she awes her. She gave my mom 50php which that time is enough to buy a kilo of rice and some cooked dish.

We had our lunch then after that my mom was able to get her salary.

I believe that that is a miracle!

Mom, constantly remind us that God's miracle can happen everyday and everywhere. God's miracle doesn't have to be a complete cure from your illness but it can be the day that God had given you to live and make use of the chance to enjoy life. It doesn't have to be a million dollars but it can be your job, the food that you eat, your shelter, and your clothes.

Our life is compose of miracles and gifts from God every second of it.

"There are two ways to live:

you can life as if nothing is a miracle;

you can live as if everything is a miracle."
-Albert Einstein

In Christ All Things Are Possible

As I was searching for videos in Godtube.com to help me learn the keyboard, I saw this video and I believe it is God's message for me.




Amazing Dance


Thank you Lord for encouraging me...and btw..I really love Canon in D by Pachelbel (the one played in the video).

In God We Trust!

Here's your chance to let the media know where the people stand on our faith in God, as a nation. NBC is taking a poll on "In God We Trust" to stay on our American currency. Please send this to every Christian you know so they can vote on this important subject. Please do it right away, before NBC takes this off the web page. Poll is still open so you can vote.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10103521/


(copied from http://takeck.blogspot.com/2008/11/take-stand.html)

A Moment with Jesus

Jesus, thank you for loving me. Thank you for the tears that I have have cried. These tears contains prayers that my mouth could not say. I would forever let my tears flow my God because it is the only way I know that I could pour out my praises.

The best song of praises has not yet been written. The best melody of thanks has not yet been played. The best way of lifting Your Name has not yet been discovered.

Lord, thank you for the peace that you are giving me right now. Thank you for allowing me to experience Heaven on earth because of your presence.

Father, can this moment last forever? Please let this moment last for a little longer. It is so wonderful to be sitting here with You, thanking You for everything.

God, I know I have a lot of things to pray for but I don't know, those things just doesn't matter anymore. I am glad and amazed by how my world stood still now that I am talking with You.

I want to go with You Lord and have an unending conversation with You. Father, I love you. Thank you for loving me.

Oh God, you are amazing!

Lord, the world that You have made had become so polluted with sins. Take me with You Father. I know Your Kingdom is better than this. I want to play with Your angels Lord. I want to sit and just be with You forever.

Father, thank you for blessing me with this moment. Thank you for allowing me to experience this. It's hard to say goodbye. I know You are there. It's just that ending this moment means I have to face our world... I know my world is different now, You have made me see it differently. It's just that...Please spend time with me again Lord. Please? Let me experience this again and again and again.

I love You Lord...thank you Father...I will treasure this forever.

Miracle in Three Days

Three days ago I was worried.
Three days ago I had fear.
Three days ago I didn't have confidence.
Three days ago I had unanswered questions.
Three days ago I had envy in my heart.
Three days ago I was hurt.
Three days ago I was too confused to pray.

Two days ago I knelt before Him.
Two days ago I had asked Him to help me let go.
Two days ago I had asked God to help me trust Him.
Two days ago I cried and begged my Father.
Two days ago I had laid my worries and doubts.
Two days ago I surrendered everything.

Yesterday I was healed.
Yesterday my fears were erased.
Yesterday I had completely forgotten about my worries.
Yesterday He told me He had already solved everything.
Yesterday I thanked Him for the miracle.

Today, I am confident.
Today, I completely trust Him.
Today, I praise Him.
Today, I thank Him for giving me the answers.
Today, I don't have any doubts.
Today, I am stronger than before.
Today, I am happier.
Today, I am more satisfied.
Today, I don't worry about tomorrow.
Today is better than yesterday.

And forever I will be in His kingdom, praising Him,
giving worship to my Father,
thanking my Creator, loving and serving my King.

*thank you for praying with me*

Lord, You are my everything

God never fails to send me angels to comfort me when I am getting weak and when I start to question His plans for me. I had posted an entry Let Go and Let God last week and I honestly felt guilty yesterday for worrying so much and not to be able to let go and allow God to solve my worries. Our papers in the immigration are still pending and I worry because the cut off age for me to be included in the application is 21 and I will already turn 20 by December. I really wanted to cry but I kept holding back my tears because I am ashamed to admit that I have such a little faith. I had told my mom about it but she just said that God loves us and not to worry anymore. I was also confused and too worried last night that I couldn't even understand what my Bible is telling me.

This morning during the Sunday mass I was able to kneel down and talk to God. I told Him to take away the feeling of envy that I have towards my batch mates in college because they will already graduate on March and I just feel left out. I saw their pictures and I just wish I am there with them.

I had already accepted God's plan for me about my studies but I guess I was just starting to worry and I know I am ashamed that I will end up going home and just realize one day that coming here in New York is not His plan after all. That's what my mind is telling me. But in my heart and with my faith, I know God had given me enough signs to do what I have done.

I told my Father that I want to trust Him and to help me let go. I told God that I love Him so much and I know that He loves me too. I pray that He will take away everything that is causing my heart to turn black.

Out of nowhere Isobelle, a friend of mine, sent me a text message and I believe that it was God who told her to do so. She doesn't text me that often and this is her first message that contains a verse. She sent me Mark 11:24 which says...

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer,

believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

Also, a while ago my friend Cherry sent me the link to this video.

The video made me cry especially the part when the girl kneel down, pray, let go and just let God help her.

Lord, You are my everything and all I want to do is just follow Your plan.

Blessings from a Friend

Charming Blog Award

Color My Life Beautiful Award

I thank God for giving me friends in the blogoshpere. Once again, Valerie of Simply4God and Lori of Persevere shared some of their blessings to me and my blog.

When I was new to blogging I really wondered when wil I ever get those blogging awards and now God is giving me a lot. Having new friends and knowing that there are people who are reading your thoughts makes me happy. It feels like you are in a Bible sharing group, wherein you can give your own reflections and at the same time learn from other people.

This award got no rules but I want to share it to my new friend, Anders of Poems of A.W.E. Visit his blog and enjoy his poems for Jesus.

Seek and you will find HIM

A lot of people had denied the existence of God because they said that there is no evidence that can prove that He is real. On the other hand, there are also people who already believes in Him but failed to live the Christian life.

I know that it is hard to convince the blind to believe the scriptures, how much more if we ask them to pray. But in the contrary, I believe that God can make impossible things possible in His time. I just pray that it would be not too late for them to repent and that they could still have time to enjoy the wonderful life of being a Christian. I don't want to argue with them anymore but I hope they would take time to think about what Jesus said in Matthew 25:13, "Watch out, then, because you do not know the day or the hour."

How about our brothers and sisters who failed to build a tight relationship with our Father?

I've heard people who said that the Bible is boring, praying makes them sleepy, they are attending mass every Sunday and, of course, they already believe that God is there. Being a Christian is not merely about involving your self in a religion and following what your religion is telling you to do, like going to Church every Sunday or offering a part of your income.

Christianity is building a relationship with God. Think about the things that you do to show your affection to the girl/boy that you like. Do that to God! Spend time with Him. Talk to Him. A good relationship takes time and effort to build. And always remember that our Father is already on our way, waiting to meet us. He had sent a thousand of ways to help us build that relationship with Him. God is a humble and a giving Father. Jesus said in Matthew 7:7, "Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you."

Know God through the Bible. In Sirach 6:32-33 He said, "My child you can learn if you want to. You can be clever if you are determined to be. If you are willing to listen, you will learn and become wise." and in Sirach 6:37 He is encouraging you by saying "Devote all your time to studying the Lord's commands and thinking about them. He will give you the insight and wisdom you are looking for."

Let Go and Let God

As children bring their broken toys with tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God, because He was my friend,
But then, instead of leaving Him in peace, to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help, with ways that were my own
At last, I snatched them back and cried.
"How can You be so slow?"
"My child," He said
"What would I do? You never did let go."

We have heard a lot of times the advice "let go and let God". It is honestly easy to say this but I know that it is hard for most of us to do it.

Letting go and letting God doesn't only requires us to have faith but also to trust God. Faith talks about believing His existence and believing that He can do things for us. While trust speaks about us knowing and believing that He will do things for us, relying our worries to God.

Most of the time, especially when we encounter difficulties such as sickness, financial problems, failures or whatever it is that we had asked God to help us, we try to resolve it with our own. We worry so much and even afraid that we could not receive the result that we want. Rememeber Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; and also Psalm 56:3, When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

Have faith and trust God. If you are afraid and worried, pray and just believe that He will fix things for you.

The Parable of the Three Servants

Matthew 25:14-30 (Contemporary English Version)
The Parable of the Three Servants

14The kingdom is also like what happened when a man went away and put his three servants in charge of all he owned. 15The man knew what each servant could do. So he handed five thousand coins to the first servant, two thousand to the second, and one thousand to the third. Then he left the country.

16As soon as the man had gone, the servant with the five thousand coins used them to earn five thousand more. 17The servant who had two thousand coins did the same with his money and earned two thousand more. 18But the servant with one thousand coins dug a hole and hid his master's money in the ground.

19Some time later the master of those servants returned. He called them in and asked what they had done with his money. 20The servant who had been given five thousand coins brought them in with the five thousand that he had earned. He said, "Sir, you gave me five thousand coins, and I have earned five thousand more."

21"Wonderful!" his master replied. "You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!"

22Next, the servant who had been given two thousand coins came in and said, "Sir, you gave me two thousand coins, and I have earned two thousand more."

23"Wonderful!" his master replied. "You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!"

24The servant who had been given one thousand coins then came in and said, "Sir, I know that you are hard to get along with. You harvest what you don't plant and gather crops where you haven't scattered seed. 25I was frightened and went out and hid your money in the ground. Here is every single coin!"

26The master of the servant told him, "You are lazy and good-for-nothing! You know that I harvest what I don't plant and gather crops where I haven't scattered seed. 27You could have at least put my money in the bank, so that I could have earned interest on it."

28Then the master said, "Now your money will be taken away and given to the servant with ten thousand coins! 29Everyone who has something will be given more, and they will have more than enough. But everything will be taken from those who don't have anything. 30You are a worthless servant, and you will be thrown out into the dark where people will cry and grit their teeth in pain."

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This parable is reminding us to spread the word and share the love of God to us.

We already received God. We love Him and we are afraid to commit mistakes, but it shouldn't end there.

We should spread the word of God, be instruments, to be willing to become servants who will help people to be closer to our Father and to know Him more. We should not be ashamed to share and speak to others of how great is our God. We should not just keep the gifts that God has bestowed upon us. Testify. Win souls for Jesus.

Feed the hungry. Give the thirsty something to drink. Clothe the naked. Take care of the sick. Comfort the weary. Pray for others. Help those who needs our help and allow them to see God's love through us.

Be not a servant who is good for nothing.

We Need Your Prayers...

One of my best friends' mom is in the ICU right now. She's diagnosed with abnormal uterine bleeding, severe anemia t/c UTI. Right now Daffodil's mother is in need of blood donors.

Please pray for her mother and their family. Please pray for healing and for their financial needs. It is really hard to be hospitalized in the Philippines because we don't have medical insurance there that can help us pay for the bills.

Thank you in advance for your prayers.

Rehabilitation of Prisoners

I was watching videos in youtube.com a while ago and I stumbled upon the videos of the synchronized dancing of the inmates of a prison in Cebu, Philippines. It is an amazing non-violent approach to rehabilitate these people.

Visit www.youtube.com/byronofgarcia to view their videos. They publish videos every month.

God is True because I had actually talked to Him

Yesterday, somebody asked me about how do I talk to God. I told him that I talk to God through praying and one way that God speaks to me is through my Bible. God answers me literally on what I should do, He comforts me or even make things clear for me through it.

Then he asked, "What if you will open the verse wherein Peter hanged himself?". (he said Peter ^_^)

I believe that the Bible is full of symbols. That is why we need to pray and ask God for wisdom so that we can understand it. Each verse that we can open from the Bible when we are praying will give us a personal message. It is not us who is interpreting it. It is through God's wisdom that we will be able to understand it, like as if God is talking directly to us.

I would like to share a verse that I had received when I prayed to God before I left my country. This verse gave me comfort and assured me that it is really His plan for me to leave.

"But now don't be discouraged, any of you.

Do the work, for I am with you.

When you came out of Egypt,

I promised that I would always be with you,

I am still with you, so do not be afraid."

- Haggai 2:4-5

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I really believe that the verses that I had read when I was praying that directly answered my prayers are not coicidence. And honestly? It is actually fun because I am like having a chat session with God. ^_^

It's a Love Story

Last night, we celebrated the 21st church wedding anniversary (they were married twice) of my mom and dad. It was a simple celebration. My dad and I just bought roses for my mom and then we prepared a special dinner.

I am really glad and thankful that my parents are still together and that they are still in love with each other.

My dad treats my mom like a queen. He prepares her clothes for work, our breakfast, her lunch pack, do the groceries, do the laundry and a lot more. My mom goes to work by 5am and so my dad does everything to make things convenient for her; and when mom comes home, dad always make sure that dinner is already ready.

I really appreciate and admire them on how they manage to adjust their lifestyle when we came here in New York. They seem to exchange roles.


My dad was an official in the Philippine Army and he goes home only once in every two weeks or month because of his job back then, that's why most of the time we were left with mom alone. She was really hands-on in terms of taking care of us, teaching us and molding our character even though we always have a helper at home.

I can still remember whenever my dad comes homes, mom would always prepare something special. She will clean the house, buy something to make it more pleasing, and she will always cook my dad's favorite meals.

They are definitely destined by God. Their love story is really amazing. It can make a good movie. But I will write about it next time..

Happy 21st Anniversary mommy and daddy!

We love you so much.

from kuya Philip, Ate Joy and Jay

<--not a good picture..they were about to sleep that time...I forgot to take a pic

Disney is Evil

I actually don't agree with Pastor Josue Yrion. I think we cannot say or even have the right to judge an action or a thing as evil unless we know their motives. I believe that his perception of it makes the thing evil.

I believe that watching Disney movies can't make you evil. Evil is actually everywhere if you don't have God in your life. If you have God in your life, you can actually get a relection about your Christian life with any book or movie you are watching.

I really hate preaches that tells you this and that are evil or this and that is bad. I don't know...I just don't feel this is right.

What do you think about this?

I Love You Lord

I love you Lord

Oh I love you with all my heart

I know those words are not enough

to describe what I feel for You

I want to praise you Lord

and worship You all day

but singing and dancing seems not enough

to lift your Holy Name

Let your Fire fall Oh God

Please set my spirit free

Let me be reunited with your Holy Spirit

Let me step into your Holy world

Your Spirit shakes me

Makes me cry so hard

Makes me speak Your Language

Makes me forget my own world

You make me shout Your Name

Makes me forget the people around me

I don't even mind if they think I'm crazy

Your love makes me crazy

Lord let me step into Your world

Make my spirit dance with You

Allow me to burst

Allow me to praise and worship You

Lord, You make me cry so hard

I believe every tear is full of love

Oh Lord I love you

I love you with all my being

Life in the Spirit

This weekend my mother and I will be enjoying our privilege to join the Life in the Spirit Seminar in our community church. It is a two-day seminar which started today, October 25, 2008 from 9am to 5pm.

Today, I was inspired by the talks and I enjoyed singing and praising God. This seminar is an answered prayer! I've been praying to finally be able to join a prayer group since I came here in New York. I am just grateful and I praise Him so much for this gift.

And tomorrow we will be baptized by the Holy Spirit...It isn't actually my first time to receive and acknowledge the gifts and the works of the Spirit but it will be my first time to be baptized and be officially recognize by my church.

I am really happy that even though I wasn't able to work and study for a while, God had given me the chance to be able to mingle and meet people from the church (people who are already devoting their lives to God and serving Him). He had also given me the opportunity to understand, use and appreciate the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I believe that God did this because He had planned something else for me. I might had the willingness to serve Him but I know I can't do it properly without proper guidance, knowledge, wisdom and confidence to do it.

To be a good soldier of God means you have to be fully equipped and be filled by the Holy Spirit. I am willing to undergo training Lord! ^_^ I am willing to take things one step at a time. I love you God and I will praise Your Name forever!

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Reflection (or whatever you call it..)

*You know whenever I come home from shopping, even if I have new shoes or clothes, I am not just as happy and contented as I am whenever I come home from a prayer meeting or a fellowship. It's like a happiness and sense of peace that comes from deep within your heart that you just can't describe why or even the intensity of it. It's like you are high of some drugs and that makes you act kind, makes you patient and understand other people. It's like your heart is overflowing with love that you just can't stop showing love to other people.

Jesus makes me high. His Spirit makes me high and I just can't stop praising God for making me high!

The Atheist Bus Campaign

PROBABLY?

I really wonder why they want to have a campaign like this. The atheists in London said that they also have the right to say what they think and express their views just like the Christians.

This is ridiculous! Atheism is like a religion wherein their god are their selves and the material things in the world. Why have a campaign when you have nothing to promote? Come to think of it, they are campaigning for their own god!

Stop worrying? Come on! Having that campaign is just like saying that you are worried that people believes in God, the Father Almighty and the Creator of the earth.

Will you let go?

There was this man who was climbing a mountain. Nightfall began to creep and a sudden storm moved in. He decided to keep walking. He is now in the midst of darkness, the storm is moving in, and he loses his grip. He began to fall but luckily he was able to hold on to something. It was enough to carry his weight but the gravity kept pulling him and he knows soon his hands will get tired. Hanging there, he cried out..

Is anyone out there? Can anyone help me?
He hears a voice: Yes.
The young man yells: Oh thank God! Please help me..
Let go. It it me, God.
What?
I said let go.
*Silence*
Let go. It is me, God!
Please somebody help!
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When I heard this story I immediately concluded that the man got a little faith. He must have let go because God told him to do so. Then I shared this story to my mom. Her reflection about the story made me ponder about it too.

She said that what if it wasn't God, even Jesus was being tricked by the devil.

"The devil said, "If you are God's Son, jump off.

The Scriptures say:
`God will give his angels orders about you.

They will catch you in their arms,

and you won't hurt your feet on the stones.' "

Matthew 4:6

She said that God doesn't work that way. God doesn't want us to let go when we have problems. He wants us to have faith and keep holding on and later God will send instruments to help us with our problems. He won't tell us to let go but surely when we get tired of holding on to our ropes he will definitely be there to catch us.

Wait..Isn't it contradicting when we said that we should listen to the voice of truth? When He tells us to step out of our comfort zone, we should listen and believe!

I believe that the voice of truth tells us to follow Him and His plans even if it wasn't the one we are expecting or had planned for our selves. I also believe that the voice of truth tells us things that we should do so we can get out of the pit and not to let our selves step in to it.

Life is like climbing a mountain, a steep mountain. We do our best to keep on walking so we can reach the top. We sometimes fall and lose our grip. We get tired. We rest to be strengthened so we can walk again. We have faith that's why we believe we can get to the top. We need to keep on working and keep on going so that God can help us.

What about you? What's your reflection about the story?

General Update..(please visit the Christian Charity)

gI honestly would like to make a good entry today. I also have two topics that are waiting to be finished and to be published. *sigh* The cold weather must have frozen my brain. Idk.. I really hate cold weather, well not really its just that my scar from a surgery became reddish and painful nowadays.

Btw, I would like to acknowledge Gi for her blog awards for me. Gi, I'll get it soon. Thank you very much for giving me those blesssings.

Also, I would like to invite you all to our Social Network group called Fools for Christ. It is only 7 days old with 57 members.


Visit Fools for Christ

I would also like to invite you all to visit Jabula Networking. It is a team of educational professionals who has formed a reliable and efficient network that locates and assesses legitimate and practical educational needs within poorly funded educational institutions across Southern Africa.

Please donate if you can. By donating to Jabula Networking, you are helping to physically meet educational needs in a practical ways, (books, audio/visual media, building structures, school supplies, etc.) and to offer guidance, supervision and accountability with aided schools in Africa regarding their newly given resources.

Please pray for this Christian Charity company that they may be able to continue helping underprivileged zulu children in South Africa and pray for the children too.

Again, visit Jabula Networking to donate for the children.

News: Walking with Jesus

The story of of a toddler's walk with Jesus..

"He walked out to get her, and the water was well up past his waist,” said Shanna. “When he got to her, though, the water wasn’t even up to her waist, and she wasn’t standing on anything. It had to have been God holding her up. Gibbie was in shock when he saw it, and really had no explanation other than a miracle.”
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“She went out without her shoes on, walked all that distance, and even had to cross two barbed wire fences to get to where they found her,” said Shanna. “There had to be at least 60 or 70 people out searching for her that night, and after it was all over, they were all in worse shape than Ali. My daughter wasn’t even scared, she was just out for a walk.”

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The story touches me deeply. God is great, good, wonderful and the best! That's why I love Him so much.

A Time for Everything

Have you ever tried asking God the "when will it..." phrase?

Often times when we ask God for something we tend to ask Him "when" a lot. We ask God when will it rain, when will my problems end, when will I get rich, when can I have my dream vacation..when..when..when. It is very common to people to ask it especially when they get impatient of waiting for their prayers to be answered.


The Bible said, "Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses." Ecclesiastes 3:1

I got this message when I ask God about the things that I had planned. I ask Him when can I work, when can I go back to school, when will the retirement of my dad be granted and when will our papers be done. I trust Him but I am really getting impatient. But praise God, He is always there to lift my spirit. He is always there to assure me that everything will be granted in His time.

"He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully undestanding wha He does. So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. All of us should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God's gift." Ecclesiastes 3:11-13

Praise God and enjoy what you have right now, for you will never be satisfied of what you are presented when you try to seek for things that it isn't there. Also, it isn't wrong to ask for when but never forget to thank Him for what you are enjoying. Be patient because God knows your needs and He will give what you want in His time.

Blog Awards!

When I started blogging I was really struggling and trying hard to get my blog to be somehow a noticeable part of the world wide web. I still don't know what to write and everyday I am being pressured to make something that can gain me readers and also blogger friends. My blog was a mix of everything but God has always been a part of my writing.

I'm glad God gave me this wonderful opportunity to speak about Him and for me to meet other Christians through the blogosphere. One of the proofs of God's amazing work is for me to meet Valerie. She gave me this Butterfly Award and passed this award, which originated from a blog entitled: Forever N Always, The Faithful Servants Award.

I may not know nor had met Valerie personally but I am really comfortable with our friendship because I know she loves God. I have also been blessed, inspired and encouraged through her writings.

Aside from Valerie's blog, I would also like to share the blogs that I've been visiting regularly..

1. http://persevere-lori.blogspot.com/

2. http://rjarim.blogspot.com/

3. http://anchoredwithhope.blogspot.com/

4. http://blessingsandstrugglesofsinglemoms.blogspot.com/

5. http://godsbutterflyprincess.blogspot.com/

6. http://everyday-light.blogspot.com/

7. http://moregodlessme.blogspot.com/

8. http://walking-with-father.blogspot.com/

The rules for this award are as follows:

1. You pick ten people and pass this award to them.
2. Then contact them and let them know that you have chosen them and their blog for the award.
3. Also link back to the person who gave you the award.

I'm sorry I only have 8..

*Edit*
another blessing...Gi of U Can Hope 2 also gave me this Butterfly Award...thank you Gi!

Does God Really Exist?

"Anyone who does not know God is simply foolish.

Such people look at the good things around them

and still fail to see the living God.

They have studied the things He made, but they

have not recognized the one who made them."

-Wisdom 13:1

Isn't it crazy how some people question God's existence? The world is full of wonders and amazing things that only the mighty hands of God can create. Let's say and pretend that I believe in evolution, doesn't evolution say that one thing comes from something? But still, that something exist because somebody who is powerful made it.

Everyday, we see improvements on the works, studies and discoveries of humans but it doesn't mean that God doesn't exist because we can already explain things. People started to question the existence of a powerful being, which is God, because of Science. And isn't it foolish when God shows us a miracle and we prefer not to acknowledge it as a work of God or His way of letting us know that He exists just because we have this stupid thinking that "we cannot explain it just because we are not yet done on our studies and researches about why it happened".

"But maybe we are too harsh with these people.

After all, they may have really wanted to find God, but couldn't.

Surrounded by God's works, they keep on looking at them,

until they are finally convinced that because the things they

see are so beautiful, they must be gods.

But still, these people really have no excuse.

If they had enough intelligence to speculate

about the nature of the universe,

why did they never find the Lord of all things?"

-Wisdom 13:6-9

So the next time that you will ask that stupid question, face the mirror and there you can see a wonderful creation of God. Humans are not from apes. Animals are not gods. The nature is not god. God is God.

People are Not Alike

My reading for today answered the questions that I tried to ask but dared not; but the funny thing is that God can exactly read our thoughts even if we try to divert our consciousness so that we couldn't think about it. ^_^ I can cheat my self but I know I couldn't cheat Him.

A while ago I watched some series of medical issues from the Discovery Health. The cases that were discussed varies from amazing, scary and touching. I wouldn't just mention or describe what were the issues because I wasn't really paying attention to what it is called. Anyway, while I was watching it, there is a part of me that tried to ask God why would He let them experience it. It was just passing because I really don't want to ask God why.

But like I said, I can cheat my self but I can never cheat Him. I didn't expect that He will answer me...ehehehe... Thank you Lord for answering me. You are amazing! Here's what my Father said:

"Every human being was made from the earth,

just as Adam was, but the Lord, in His wisdom,

made them all different and gave them different task"

-Sirach 33:10-11

Thank you Lord for giving me an answer why people are not alike. You made me different and you made other people different because you had already planned our lives and had set tasks for us even before we were born. I, the way you had molded me, can make diffrence in the world just like other people can.

"Just as clay is in the potter's hands for

Him to shape as He pleases,

so we are in the hands of our Creator

for Him to do with as He wishes."

-Sirach 33:13

"Mold me Lord as You please, I know

I will stand out because You created me."

A Prayer before I sleep..

Dear God,

Thank you for sending instruments that can, will and who minister your words. Thank you for using them to give us encouragement and for letting us be fed by your words through them. Thank you for guiding them every time they speak. Thank you for blessing them with wisdom so that they can share and preach what you wanted them to spread.


Bless the Priests, Bishops, our Pope, Pastors, Rabbis, Reverends, Chaplains, Nuns, Evangelist and whoever else that I didn't mention who ministers Your words. Guide them Father and bless them with thoughts that will come from You. When they speak, let it be You who is speaking to us. Correct them Father at times when they are trying to preach using their own judgement and especially if they are starting to claim that they are Your Son. Guide them Father so they won't lead your people away from You. Use their skills and knowledge to help other people grow spiritually.


Lord, please give them enough strength to fight temptations. Help them and provide their needs. When they are sad, confuse or worried, please take it away especially when they are in service. Fill their hearts and minds with Your presence especially when they minister.


Lord, I may not know what they are going through but I know that they are only human. I also think that they have more worries than what normal people have because they had committed their selves in helping people be closer to You. Please bless them with understanding and patience.

Lastly, Father please bless us with gifts that will help us discern as for whom should we listen. We are hungry for your words Lord but let us know whom should we listen. Let people not listen to false prophets. Let people not be directed against You. Bless the people in your ministry Lord as for people like me needs them.

Amen.

Goodnight readers!
God bless us all!

This Made Me Upset

I just want to share this news to you...It is about a Mother who assaulted her 2 year-old son. The news was dated September 25, 2008 but I just read it a while ago.

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Mom Sexually Assaulted 2-Year-Old Son, DA Says
Denver Woman Facing Multiple Charges
POSTED: 1:40 pm MDT September 25, 2008

...According to the charges, Lee performed oral sex on her son

and took photographs, sending them through

e-mail to a friend who forwarded them

to the 2-year-old boy's father. The father then called police...
read more

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I can't stop my tears when I read it. I am really upset. I pray that the boy can find a loving family that could raise Him well. I hope there will be somebody who can properly guide him. This is really sad. This is heartbreaking.

Know, Love and Serve the Lord

The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You.
The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You.
I want to know You Lord, I want to know You Lord.
The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You.

"There you will look for God,

and if you search Him with all your heart,

you will find Him."

-Deuteronomy 4:29

"I will give them the desire to know that I am the Lord.

Then they will be my people,

and I will be their God,

because they will return to me with all my heart."

-Jeremiah 24:7

"Let us try to know the Lord.

He will comet to us as surely as the day dawns,

as surely as the spring rains

fall upon the Earth."

-Hosea 6:3

The greatest thing in all my life is loving You.
The greatest thing in all my life is loving You.
I want to love You Lord, I want to love You Lord.
The greatest thing in all my life is loving You.

"Jesus answered, 'Love the Lord your God

with all your heart, with all your soul,

and with all your mind."

-Matthew 22:37

"We love because God first loved us."

- 1 John 4:19

"Do not love the world or anything

that belongs to the world.

If you love the world,

you do not love the Father."

- 1 John 2:15

"I love you just as the Father loves me;

remain in my love."

-John 15:9

The greatest thing in all my life is serving You.
The greatest thing in all my life is serving You.
I want to serve You Lord, I want to serve You Lord.
The greatest thing in all my life is serving You.

"Serve wholeheartedly,

as if you were serving the Lord,

not people."

-Ephesians 6:7

"If you are not willing to serve Him,

decide today whom you will serve,

the gods your ancestors worshipped in Mesopotamia

or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are now living.

As for my family and me, we will serve the Lord."

-Joshua 24:15

"Whoever wants to serve me must follow me,

so that my servant will be with me where I am.

And my Father will honor anyone who serves me."

-John 12:26

*more is being change to Lord from the original lyrics of The Greatest Thing

Jesus: My Loyal and My Dearest Friend

Having Jesus in my life made everything so light and easy to handle.

It's like having a best friend who can be there for you 24/7.

Listen to the things that He does for me..

He listens and keeps my secrets.

He laughs and cries with me.

He scolds me when I am wrong.

He reminds me to be good.

He tells me what I should do.

He gives me gifts on special occasions.

He wants the best for me.

He wants to be with me.

He loves to talk to me.

We talk about issues, problems and about life in general.

He gives gifts to my loved ones.

He makes the people I love happy.

He talks to my parents and my brothers.

He talks to my boyfriend and his family.

He talks to my friends.

He tells me whom I should be with.

He warns me about things.

He gets hurt when enemies hurt me.

He comforts me when I am sad.

He accompanies me when I'm alone.

I know...I know...He's not just a friend.

He can do more than a friend can do for me.

He is like a superhero, a teacher, a doctor, a counsellor and the list goes on.

My savior is the greatest and the best!

He loves me and I love Him.

I can never thank Him enough for the things that He had done for me.

Did you let Him in?

Listen! I stand at the door and knock;

If any hear my voice and open the door;

I will come into their house and eat with them,

and they will eat with me.

-Revelation 3:20

This verse will clearly tell us that God will never give up on us. He is there standing and is waiting for us to answer Him. We can compare His knock to the trials that we are experiencing. He gives us problems so that we can notice Him and hear His words. The Lord is just there waiting for us to open our hearts for Him.

Let Him in and be blessed. Having Jesus in our lives will make everything easier for us to handle, because Jesus came to help us and give us strength.

A Time of Thanksgiving and Praises to the Lord

"Give thanks to the Lord,

proclaim His greatness; tell the nations what He has done.

Sing praise to the Lord;

tell the wonderful things He has done.

Be glad that we belong to Him;

let all who worship Him rejoice.

Go to the Lord for help;

and worship Him continually."

-Psamls 105:1-4

Praise God and thank Him before you start your day and also before going to sleep. Praise God and thank Him first when you pray or devote a moment just for giving praises and thanksgiving solely. Stop praying for your petitions even just for a day. Open your heart and start thanking Him even just for simple things that you haven't had the chance to say in your prayers before.

Praise and thank the Lord for the things He had given you. Thank Him for your life, for your family, friends, neighbors, teachers, doctors, nurses, soldiers, factory workers, engineers, for everybody who had served and helped you, thank God for these people. Praise Him for the air, water, food, animals, minerals, for everything that He had created in Earth.

Also instead for praying for healing and solution to your problems, have a time to thank Him for those things. Praise God for you are still alive and that you still have the strength to face the challenges He had for you. Worship Him for everything that you have especially for the things that makes you weak like sickness, problems, worries, failures, anger..etc.

Think positive and imagine how Jesus had suffered for us. What we are experiencing right now is nothing compared to the sufferings of His Son. Be glad that we are saved and thank God for His great love.