The Man Behind the Woman

I always love to affirm how  God is so brilliant in designing relationships – I’d love to make “kilig” as well to other couple’s own sweet story.  And now I am talking about my own unique love story. I’ve elaborated on my recent posts that God’s women are princesses, daughters of a Heavenly King who were pursued and fashioned with love. Hence, a pursued woman deserves a pursued prince. 

God doesn’t want her daughters to settle for less. He wants the best for us, a man He also pursued - bounded with love and significance. I will not try to do a “story telling” thing to tell everyone when, where  and how I met him. What I am focused and grateful for is about the testimony that he is an answered prayer, molded and progressed by God.

Without further ado, I would love to describe him in 3 qualities that influenced me.

1.) A servant leader – I can proudly say that He is an example of a servant leader who leads according to what God has impressed him. I like to see in him the perfect example that Jesus did while he was with his followers. He was ready to do the service and became the foot washer instead of being served as the son of God.  I am praying that he will be continuously guided to a higher purpose – committed and courageous to lead. I can see a picture of Godly-led head of the family in the near future.

2.) Encourager – Over the past 6 years, I’ve been encouraged entirely by this brave man. Career, personal issues, emotional and spiritual instability – name it! As if I got a guidance counselor instantly. LOL! What amazed me most were the times that God made him strong while I’m weak. Apart from the companion I got from my Heavenly King,  his untiring and passionate encouragement made me a woman with a firm and a clear outlook in life.

3.) A man of action – Yes, he is a man who can accomplish things quickly and efficiently. A man of initiative and optimism. The Lord bless him with godly wisdom as he takes the step toward his life’s purpose.

Without so much sugarcoated words, I just want to appreciate him for walking behind and beside of me. As the saying goes, “Behind every successful man, there stands a strong woman” I can switch it like this – “Behind every blessed woman, there stands a godly and pursued man”.

Philippians 1:3  Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

Delved into the Richness of Baler

Bear with me if I had inserted a travel post here ;) I just can't keep the remarkable weekend getaway I had with my brethren and the superManly himself. Since I am addicted to travel documentaries and blogs, I myself would like to experience the actual fulfillment when you get to see a fresh view with great adventures. A few weeks ago, my friend Remsy has invited our Life Group to try Baler, Aurora. When I heard the place I was not hesitant to say yes to the invitation, of course I invited my superman to go with us (I am confident that the getaway will be more fun if we will be with him, naks! apart from the fact that we need an additional driver, lol). The preparation lasted for just a couple of weeks because we believe in the saying that an outing will push through if it will be planned on a shorter period of time. I guess that's proven so true!

I woud like to express the amusement with a number of pictures we had taken from the trip. Thanks to Manly and Teacher Tinay for the photos :) #photocredit. Sharing some views on our way to Baler and the destination itself.

Concluding this is a lake extending Pantabangan Dam

On our way to Baler proper, a very peaceful lake has welcomed us. We believed this is the extension of Pantabangan Dam - it's situated in Pantabangan area. We didn't see the actual Dam as we took the new and long road unknowingly. Road trippin' indeed! We do not know what lies ahead of us. Getting more excited for the next nature that will cheerfully greet us.

Relying on GPS and "pwede po magtanong" stop overs, we reached Baler after more than 2 hours of straight and 3 hours of zigzag road plus 20 minutes of pauses to ask for the correct direction. We didn't consider it as an arduous journey at all. Laugh times and bullying moments made the journey a fun!

After settling a room for the overnight stay, we have decided to try the waterfalls first. Baler locals said that there are 3 water falls to choose from but 2 of these require strenuous effort so we have decided to just go in Caunayan Falls that doesn't require trekking.

Oh rough road was worth it! See the breathtaking Caunayan Falls below. I've collated our photos - the water is super cold and clear! I tell you, you'll get tossed out from the powerful streams.

Baler beaches were described as one of the "top surf spots" in the Philippines. We will not allow to miss the happy waves that Sabang Beach could offer. Two of our brethren had the courage to try it. The waves were not that scary - fair enough!

Inah, Mai and Randell having fun with the happy surfboards...

Swimming was fun regardless of the painful impact of waves on our bare bodies haha! Joke! We actually enjoyed watching the professional surfers...

Sabang Beach

I tell you, you can't see any night life in Sabang Hotels. So what?! We will not get bored, Teacher brought UNO cards to celebrate an entertaining night in Baler. Some of us were not familiar with this card game - through Teacher's great effort in introducing the game mechanics, we made it! Losers will be punished. You can't believe what's the consquence. How about drinking a bottle lid of tuba vinegar. Ayiiii! (I am one of the losers, so I have experienced the awkward taste)


Playing UNO Game before calling Saturday a day - ManSelle and Inah were the losers of 3-round game.

Food trippin': having a taste of first hand Buko fruit which has a first hand price haha! Lunch on the second day at Gerry Shan's Place located in Baler town proper was awesome as well! Food really taste good with an affordable price. It was indeed a satisying meal for all.

Before heading home, we got the chance to see Baler Museum. Very historical... Award winning movie "Baler", will tell it all.

Museo de Baler

"Kulitan" was the highlight of the weekend, we may say.. Travelling with these guys was crazy! I can still remember why teacher has been K.O as you can see below. It was Remsy's fault haha! She got drunk from the tubas that Remsy brought for pasalubong. lol! Laughing a lot made our journey a remarkable one.



PACPS DGroup



Thank you PACPS for the experience. So blessed to have you! We do not know each other for a long time but our bond through Christ has made us thicker. 



Thank you Guys for the great company! :)

Otso- the Magic Number!


Till next time Baler! We will miss your beautiful morning sunshine!

Sunrise lying in Sabang Beach, Baler

 GLORY TO GOD!

A Love Beyond Description

I was inspired to write about God's love through the "What is Love Series" being conducted in our local church (at His Life City Church) for the whole month of August. It covers the extravagant, healing, assuring, empowering and overflowing love of God.

I can feel it! Those warm embrace, pronounced acceptance and the overwhelming spirit. It all boils down to the lavish love of God - a love that does not need to be earned.  

Sometimes we don't feel lovable. There are a lot of battles in our mind that would tear us down. We even tend to delve into our mistakes and swim in guilt that the enemy may impress us. Oh that's really horrible!  But God doesn't want us to dwell in our failures and shortcomings. His sufficient grace has covered all that could hinder us to walk straight toward Him - all we need is a heart that is willing to surrender. Let us remember that God has demonstrated his love for us: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

How can we define God's love? How we comprehend His ways?
There are no words to describe how much He loves us. The moment God created us and gave His only Son Jesus to save us, we already experienced a love beyond description. God's love can forgive even our hearts refuse to forgive our own weaknesses. We are always appreciated even we feel unimportant. Amazing grace! How can we refuse such love that is unconditional?

Feel free to grasp the stretched arms of God. He adores us and nothing can be compared to His love.

Psalm 136:26
    Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.

The Longing of her heart!

I would like to create circles through Hannah’s life – my favorite woman character in the Bible who is well known as the “The Mother who prayed”. Hannah’s sorrow, longing, desperation and faith placed a mark in my soul.

Getting familiar with Hannah, here’s the anecdote…

Hannah, a beautiful name that means “grace”, was a very ordinary woman who lived in an extraordinary time – a wife, mother and homemaker. She was married to a man named Elkanah who dearly loved her but he also had another wife. The other wife, Peninnah, had children but  not Hannah – “the Lord had closed her womb” a barren woman. The story begins in 1 Samuel 1:1.

Heart’s desire – Grace – Desperation – Purpose

Amplifying the circles with these points I learned from her journey as a woman – Hannah, a woman of prayer.

Heart’s Desire

What was her heart’s desire?

Since she was a barren woman, she begged and wept bitterly and prayed for a son.

1 Samuel 1:10 “In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly.”

She was driven to prayer by the lack of a child – it was a great sorrow to her. She entered into the Lord's tabernacle to pray  for her deepest need. She even made a vow before God, a promise to God that if she bore a son, she would give him back for God's service. Hannah followed through on that promise and God was honored.

Like Hannah, we have our own unique desires. We strongly wish for something. Are you aware that God knows our deepest desires? He’s just waiting for a drive to pray – an approach before His throne.

Psalms 37:4 says.. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Hannah delighted herself in the Lord and God has blessed her with a son named Samuel – her deepest longing.

Are we getting what we want through our own strength and out of God’s will? Let’s examine our hearts.

Grace

Hannah’s life is a living example of grace and how we receive it.

Grace means to find favor even though it hasn’t been or deserved. Hannah didn’t do anything to receive God’s blessings. She simply cried out to Him to help her and had faith that He would – the grace of God did the rest.

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

God’s grace is enough! His love is free of conditions – we just need to rely solely upon His grace!

Desperation

Hannah’s prayer was true pleading to the Lord, with many tears – out of a desperate heart.

1 Samuel 1:5-16 “Not so, my Lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”

Hannah poured out her heart to God and asked with great desperation. God found her heart – God was pleased in her desperation which was surrendered in prayer.

Hannah’s perseverance is astounding! She never stopped praying and never doubted God’s abilities. She kept praying through her pain.

"Desperation meets Faith"

When desperation meets faith

The curse is broken

A closed mind is open

Words of healing are spoken

When desperation meets faith

Jesus moves with compassion

Something good starts to happen

When desperation meets faith

Purpose

For many such “barren women”, life could have no purpose for them. God will use us and our lives for His greater purposes. God used Hannah’s barrenness to meet her in the midst of her trouble.

As I have discussed in my previous post, we are closer to God when we are brokenhearted. Hannah grabbed this opportunity to become closer to God and experience His unfailing love. God closed her womb to see what would produce – it was indeed God’s power! We can stand up like Hannah - just seek, surrender to God and allow desperation to show.

God delights in our prayers when they are spoken from the heart.

God can find such a heart!

Listens Through my Heart..

"Lord, I can't say it in words....
Can you please just listen through my heart"..

That's my attitide toward God at times.. when I feel I can't express what's inside me.

I always blow a whisper of prayer to God. Amazingly, He listens and understands.
I can't express how surprised I am whenever He does ordinary miracles to satisfy my heart.

A God who sees and understands.. A God who knows our deepest sadness and desires.
The fact that God is our creator so He owns everything - even our heart.
He must know what, why, and how do we perceive things and situations we encounter each moment of ourlives.

How do I explain? How do I describe?
I just thought about the intense of "God's pursuing love".
Thank you Lord for the indescribable love I know that is mine.. :)

Here's a song for you my God... I also don't know how to express my gratitude, love and praises to you - just listen to my heart ;)

~ ~ ~
How do you explain
How do you describe
A love that goes from East to West
And runs as deep as it is wide
You know all our hopes
Lord, You know all our fears
And words cannot express the love we feel
But we long for You to hear

So listen to our hearts
Hear our spirits sing
A song of praise that flows
For those You have redeemed
And we use the words we know
To tell you what an awesome God You are
But when words are not enough
To tell You of our love
Just listen to our hearts

If words could fall like rain
From these lips of mine
And if I had a thousand years
I would still run out of time
So if You listen to my heart
Every beat will say
Thank you for the Life
Thank you for the Truth
Thank you for the Way
 
And listen to hearts (oh, Lord, please listen)
Hear our spirits sing (and hear us sing)
A song of praise that flows (a song of praise)
From those of You have redeemed (from those You have redeemed)
And we will use the words we know
To tell you what an awesome God You are
But when words are not enough
To tell You of our love
Just listen to our hearts

So if You listen to my heart
Every beat will say
Thank You for the Life
Thank You for the Truth
Thank You for the Way

Casting Crowns — Listen To Our Hearts

PRINCESS - Daughter of a Heavenly King

During my naive years I have loved watching Princess Sarah, Snow White and Cinderella.. I'm amazed on how a princess can be.. Oh, I'm still hooked on Tangled as well. All were just a fancy and a vision.

Recently, while I was browsing some spiritual books for women, God allowed me to discover a book entitled "His Princess.. Love Letters from your King". This is a compilation of letters from our Heavenly King. I am looking forward to having a hard copy of this very heart-whelming material by Sheri Rose. You can get a daily letter online here Today's Love Letter. Let me share the particular letter which initially helped me identify my royalty ;)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
My Princess... my chosen one,

I chose you before the foundation of the earth to be My princess. You are royalty even when you don't feel like a princess. I will wait for you until you are ready to start living the amazing plans I have for you. I know you don't know where to begin or how to become what I've called you to be, so let Me teach you day by day. Start by recognizing who I am: King of kings and Lord of lord. The Lover of your soul. When the two of us meet alone together, everyday I will show you how to let go of the things in your life that are holding back from the blessing I want to give you. Remember, My child, just as I have chosen you, I have given you a choice to represent Me to the world. If you are willing, I am here to give you all you need to complete your calling.

 

Love,
Your King and Lord who chose you

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

As I reflect and seek my worth as a woman and a daughter, God impressed me that He has chosen me - His precious princess who fashioned me with love. The discovery that I am a royalty is a "wow!" Who can profess that an ordinary woman can be a princess? I thought everything would just be an imagination. I thought this is just a fantasy - present in my dreams.

It's impressive how my Heavenly King sees my needs and desires, how he pursues and satisfies my heart. What a great joy when you discover and accept that you are a unique princess - daughter of a Heavenly King - God's chosen and special possession...

1 Peter 2:9

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the
praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light".

A Strong Woman vs. A Woman Of Strength

Proverbs 31:10 Who shall find a strong woman? the price of her is far, and from the last ends.
  

She believed she could so she did! - This attitude and proclamation was my all-time favorite drive. A strong woman believes that she's strong enough to face her journey... but a woman of strength has faith that it is in this journey that she will become strong!

God is so generous in giving strength to those who seek for it - humbling before God, admitting that our own capabilities are not enough to conquer everything. It's not really enough that you're just strong. Every woman could declare that they're but are they really a woman of strength? 

I've been enlightened by the poem written by Luke Easter. He emphasized that a strong woman is different from a woman of strength.

Sharing the first 3 stanzas...

A Strong Woman vs. A Woman Of Strength

A strong woman works out every day,
Pride in her appearance she portrays,
But a woman of strength kneels to pray,
Her soul in shape, God leading the way.

A strong woman claims she isn't afraid of anything,
Looking forward to challenges each day will bring,
Women of strength show courage in the midst of fear,
Declaring triumph through faith because God is near.

Strong women won't let anyone get the best of them,
So skilled in defenses even if they have to pretend,
Yet a woman of strength gives her best to everyone,
And even on a cloud filled day still bright as the sun.

Poetic Tribute Highlight:

A woman of strength understands that it's not about material stuff,
Knowing that before becoming a diamond first she'll be in the rough.

A woman of strength concerns herself not with judgment from others,
And will not let business interfere with commitments as a wife and mother.

A woman of strength is assured trust in God will always carry her through,
And at the Creator's appointed time she'll receive all that is justly due.

The woman of strength realizes life's mistakes no matter how slim,
While thanking God for the blessings as she capitalizes on them.

A woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls,
So when a situation arises again, she's not afraid to answer the call.

The woman of strength competes with an emotional sense of grace,
Understanding it's more important to run a Holy Spirit filled race.

A woman of strength knows it's in the journey she will become strong,
And the love of God is forever with her, no matter how difficult or long.

A woman of strength will compromise as a little give and take is needed,
Why? Because a lesson not learned the first time is soon to be repeated.

Wow! There's so much difference!Strength of a woman can be seen by her personality, perspective and spirituality. Circumstances reveal her character.

Are you sure that God is pleased on how you show your strength? Is it with complete reliance on Him?

A virtuous woman is a woman of strength - more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

There is more to BEAUTY than meets the eye..

While I was praying for the next post, God impressed me to get my old devotional book for women "Walking On: The Best of Women on the Journey" Compilation of 70 Filipino Christian Women - my favorite one. By His leading, I've grasped the book and browsed it all over again, as I have completed reading it. The first chapter is all about "Woman of Worth" which emphasizes the gift of Womanhood.

"What is the essence of being a woman?" - a very familiar beauty pageant question.

We may have different answers to this question - but God will be happier about His creations if we'll recognize our essence.

In my previous posts, we have defined a Woman. Getting closer, let's now talk about the qualities specifics and what determines her character in an identified way - beyond anyone else sees.

The first woman in the compilation is Zoraya Ruth Andam, a Filipino lawyer, beauty queen and television host. Quoting her lines in her journey as a woman...

" There is more to beauty than meets the eye. Women do not want to be remembered as a "pretty face". They desire to be affirmed for their significant and meaningful contribution to the society. Women are not inferior to men, they simply have a different role.

I came out with 3 simple points on how we can recognize woman's essence - more to beauty than meets the eye.

Not just a pretty face...

She's not just a pretty face
She's got everything it takes
She has a fashion line
a journalist for "Time"
Coaches a football team
She's a geologist -- romance novelist
She is a mother of three
She is a soldier -- she is a wife
She is a surgeon--she'll save your life

--Chorus in Shania Twain's song - "She's Not Just A Pretty Face"

From the lines above, it encompasses everything - not just a pretty face!
Women try to do great things surpassing the real definition or being a mother as the usual role in the society. Yes, God enabled women aside from creating them with an attractive and beautiful face.

Significant and meaningful contribution to the society...

 
As a sequel of the first point, let's identify some remarkable women in the society - women who changed the world.

Based on my research, Sappho (one of the first female writers) and Cleopatra (the last Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt) were the first in the list and J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter author) as the 50th as per hierarchy of years. See 50 Famous Women who Changed the World

Biblically I can note Miriam (from the old testament), the older sister of Moses who went on to become a leader of the Hebrews when they escaped from Egypt and went in search of the Promised Land. And from the new testament, giving attention to Mary who became the mother of Jesus of Nazareth and one of the few women in the ancient world whose life story we know. We see her as a young girl, a mother, and a mature woman.

From the examples given, we can attest - Indeed, women had a significant and meaningful contribution during the old times and at present.

With a different and unique role...

 
In Genesis 1:27, women are said to be created in the image of God just as men are, yet there is a distinction between the two from the beginning. Motherhood would be the main difference.

Men and women are different in every ways. Women have their own unique roles just like men do. And yet despite the differences, God puts man and woman together to work together for His glory. The woman's role in the plan of God is that one man and one woman, of equal standing before Him but of different roles, should be bonded together as one.

God has a beautiful plan for womanhood that will bring order and fulfillment if it is followed in obedience and acted according to His will. 

Fashioned for Significance

with my "Stage Mother" :D

Caring, loving, diligent, incomparable, vigorous, noble, patient, hero, all encompassing, wonder woman and a lot more! No doubt, I am describing a woman of worth - Mommy, Mother, Mom, Ma, Ima, Nanay or whatever you call them.

Yes, this is the season of remembering our great moms.
I am convinced that they really deserve to be honored not just for who they are but how they accept and act their worth as a mother. As I write about feminism, motherhood stands out in my thoughts. Not yet a mother but I would understand how significant are they in the lives of every mankind.

Seeing and feeling her love for the past 26 years, words aren't enough to exalt her.
God is so generous that He thought of creating a unique woman who can be an extension of His unfathomable grace and love. How blessed are we for having great moms who have been so sacrificial even while we were still inside their womb. Sometimes, I can't imagine how she has managed to carry and nurture me for 9 months - incomparable sacrifice!

How I appreciate my mother whenever she prepares my "food/baon", how she monitors me, how she makes "sermons", how she would keep herself wide awake to wait for me to come home at late night, how she converse with me about heart/relational matters and especially how she pursued to build and nurture our family.

God has fashioned "Mothers" for significance. He knows that we need an affection of a mother.
I believe you'll agree with me if I say they're indeed significant.

Proverbs 31 illustrates the wife of noble character - highlighting these passages...

Proverbs 31:25-30
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

I would greatly attest that we have a visible treasure that is so priceless!
I also completely understand that mother knows best! All she wants is to bring us good all the days of our lives - let's appreciate and love them more..

Happy Mother's Day to all moms out there! God bless =)
 

Remarkable and Exceptional Weekend

I can confidently say that I had a remarkable and exeptional long Easter weekend (March 28-30, 2013). Wow! I can still feel the  unforgettable feeling and I'm praying to sense it every single moment. I am so grateful and blessed to be part of the Encounter God Weekend of the Catalyst held at Mt. Peniel Prayer Mountain and Camp Site in the mountainy part of Capaz Tarlac.

 

I really don't know how to explain in writing what I felt that weekend - goosebumps!

 

All I can do is thank and praise God for letting me experience His mighty presence - heart to heart and face to face.

 

So let me just share some photos I've taken during the retreat - these photos will make the journey pellucid.

 

 

Welcoming us with this sign board - and the excitement was palpable.

 

 

Mood of the sky when we arrived.. Sunset is approaching.
 

Taken in front of the door of the dormitory where we stayed for 3 days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a lovely morning! (our second day in the mountain) I love how the sun rays have reflected. I can see the glory of God :)

Yes! Nature is the art of God!

I can still smell the morning breeze - it was a lovely sunrise experience.

 

 

 

 









It seems that the moon and the cross smile at each other. I was reminded here on how mighty is the power of the cross! Jesus has given light to the entire universe and creation amidst of darkness.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

The highlight - the lives that were touched by God.

This is the Life Group where I belong - these photos were taken after the last session (3rd day).

 

 
2 Cor 3:18

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord--who is the Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.





 

Every day is a new opportunity...

Do you believe that God is a god of first, second, third, fourth and fifth chances?
We all stumble and fall. If we will let failures and hurts be our drive to long for a new upshot then we can consider every morning a new opportunity to stand, dream, plan and act to reach the star!

These chances will give us a lifetime opportunities.
God teaches me lately on how to live my life to the fullest, know my life's purpose and pursue it! I would love to share with you the wondrous opportunities that we can experience every day.

An opportunity to bless others...

There are many simple ways on how to bless others. A single and easy effort can change the mood or even change the life of people that you will encounter in a very simple new day.

Here are some of the simple ways:
- Give them your warm smile
- Send a doze of inspiration through an SMS
- Say, how are you today?
- Lead pep talks
- Say "thank you"
- Be generous in giving affirmations
- Be an encourager
- Be appreciative

An opportunity to improve and learn more...

By God's leading, we can appoint what went wrong with our previous decisions and actions. Life's failures can be considered as our best teacher. Being teachable and open minded can be an opportunity to live the good life God has planned for us. Remember that the door of the room for improvement will never be locked.

An opportunity to meet to new people...

Our Life Group

I met these girls a couple of months ago but it seems that I've known them for a long time. We jive because we have one heart - a heart that desires to love and experience God in our lives. They've been my encourager, friends and laugh-mates!

Go out! Find new friends who can be your companions. It feels so good to be circled by people of God!

An opportunity to make a new happy ending...

I love how God made His promise stated in Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God did not design a complicated life for us. All he wanted is a happy ending in every scene in our lives. As might be expected, having happy endings surely depend on how we work and respond to life. Listening to God's voice is the main secret - an opportunity to listen to God's leading and opportunity to act according His will. 

Without doubt we can hear these words from our Creator's mouth,

Well done, my good and faithful servant! I will let you enjoy a new happy ending!
Let's celebrate together!" :)

It’s not who she is but who she can be…

December 2011 - Christmas Party

I am not a teacher by profession but I have experienced 4 happy and momentous years of being with children, parents and Co teachers  – that was a very rare opportunity, all by God’s grace.

I started teaching at the age of 19, nervous at first but I know I was really excited.
I know it was indeed God’s plan – I had a word from Him and was guided from the very beginning. But that was not an easy decision, I kept on resisting.


Is this really your will Lord? Yes or No? I’ve battled with that thought.

These are the things I’ve pondered:
• Teaching is a noble profession, teachers’ skills are exceptional!
• No one touches the future like teachers routinely do – this will be a great fulfillment.
• Try! It’s God’s way to mold and teach me to love people even more.
• By God’s grace, it will be enjoyable!

Another reminder was the Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30
To sum it up: Three men were given talents by their master. The first two received five and two talents of money which they are put to good use and doubled their money. The third man chose to bury his because he was afraid to lose it. The master called his stewards to account on his return. He applauded the first two but upbraided the third.

So, I realized - this is my starting position and I said YES to God and to the calling! At the back of my mind, I’m afraid to be scolded by God if I will not maximize and explore the skills that He has entrusted me. In the long run, it was all for God’s glory!

My journey through teaching has thought me numerous lessons and experiences that justify saying YES to God was of great purpose. I enjoyed being with young minds: talked and thought like a kid – had long discussions with their parents and most of all loving these kids like mine.

Yes, not a teacher by profession but I became a mother (young mom), companion and supporter of many mankind.

Left teaching with fulfillment in me, I know I left something.. Not a perfect one but did things with great love. The good thing is, I still communicate with my bebes. They are indeed a manifestation of God’s generosity in giving wonderful opportunities -  ie. to love and be loved!

This is the challenge...
Are you willing to stretch yourself to seek, obey, learn, experience variety of things and  do more than what you know and are already capable of doing now? Do you believe that God has a wonderful plan for your life?

Let's learn to listen to His instructions and act according to His perfect will. Pray fervently to recognize His purpose. The more we seek the more we find.
All of our days are held in God's hands - crafted into His perfect plans.
We can be a clay that is surrendered to the Potter's hand!

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:6-8

 

 

In hard times SHE had learned 3 things....

Image courtesy of Sis Abby Pamintuan

Let's check ourselves first before proceeding to the whole post.

Do we embrace trials and hardships?
Survivor or loser?
Optimistic or pessimistic?
Thankful or grumbler?

When I got this image from a dear sister in Christ, Abby there are lots of things that came into my head - flashbacks, vivid memories and "woeful" experiences.

I've been persuaded to write and provide a content to make the image more powerful!

Her name is Woman will now share what she had learned in hard times...

1. She was stronger than she ever imagined...
Oh to be strong - I always say that I am Darna - superwoman - the queen of multi-tasking. I believe that I am a strong lady who can withstand everything. I trust about the truth that God enables us to do great things if we'll just trust Him in spirit and in truth.

Keeping in my heart Philippians 4:13 (NIV) "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength".

The more we seek God in times of hardships the more we find him - the more we are being renewed. 
Fear not, do not be dismayed! God will strengthen and uphold us in His righteous hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

He makes us stronger every day! 
Like gold, we are just being refined by heating "hardships" until all impurities have burned off.

2. Jesus was closer than she ever realized...
 During sad and hard moments we often pray right?
 We ask for comfort and strength to go on.
When we are tested we were broken but Jesus is close to the broken-hearted.
Psalm 34:18 says that Jesus is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

I really felt the embrace and closeness of Jesus during those "not so good times"! 
He is a personal God - getting closer and closer to those who find Him!

No matter how big the universe is, God is bigger. His being fills up all infinity. He is omnipresent - everywhere present! ~ John MacArthur

3. She was loved more than she ever knew...
It feels, it feels so good to be loved so bad!

Hebrews 12:7
"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"

We are sons/daughters of God.. we are being disciplined because He wants the best for us!
God is a loving father, here's an intimate message from God to you - Father's Love Letter

So I was loved - you are loved by God than we ever knew or imagined!

Let's embrace HARDSHIPS as we embrace BLESSINGS =)