COMPASSION @ WORK

THERE IS ALWAYS NEW HOPE AND MERCIES IN JESUS

2017-03-26T19:28:00.002-07:00

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)

~~.~~

It's been so long after my last post.

There were some forces that made my mind shut-down, or would it rather be my heart had lost the motivating push to pour out words which would only be empty.

Anyway, anyhow...... there will be a re-opening soon.

I will be blogging again from Palawan, Philippines. My son's family have been there ahead with a lot of hope and much strength from a Big Big God who had put the vision in his mind and the mission in his heart.

We have a name. It is called Ethnos Tribal Missions Training Center.

God's been healing me and He is leading me there for full recovery.

See you there soon, guys.

I am excited and may God be glorified in His own plans as I and my son's family and those who believe make it happen alongside His all knowing, His all-in-all, that He is in our life.

Sure I missed all of you. I hope some of you missed me too.

With all my heart,

Some photos of the new acre God has chosen for us.

Aborlan, Palawan, Philippines

My son Philip (with students)

Pastor Philip Lovel Lim (with wife Levy, children Heart, Jake and Andy)

There's hope in this land (Palawan Philippines-Aborlan)

More hope in the spring waters

.... and more in the people who believes

COLORS OF HOPE

2014-04-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

God writes hope and love in the colors of Spring

I am thinking of you!

lolita

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!

SPACE: MY RIGHT TO BE AT A GIVEN TIME

2013-07-23T19:27:00.001-07:00

space (speɪs)

— n
1.	the unlimited three-dimensional expanse in which all materialobjects are locatedRelated: spatial
2.	an interval of distance or time between two points, objects, orevents
3.	a blank portion or area
4.	a. unoccupied area or room: there is no space for a table
	b. ( in combination ): space-saving Related: spacious
5.	freedom to do what a person wishes to for his or her ownpersonal development
6.	a. the region beyond the earth's atmosphere containing the otherplanets of the solar system, stars, galaxies, etc; universe
	b. ( as modifier ): a space probe ; space navigation
7.	a. the region beyond the earth's atmosphere occurring betweenthe celestial bodies of the universe. The density is normallynegligible although cosmic rays, meteorites, gas clouds, etc, canoccur. It can be divided into cislunarspace (between the earthand moon), interplanetary space, interstellar space , andintergalactic space
	b. ( as modifier ): a space station ; a space simulator
8.	a seat or place, as on a train, aircraft, etc
9.	printing
	a. a piece of metal, less than type-high, used to separate lettersor words in hot-metal printing
	b. any of the gaps used to separate letters, words, or lines inphotocomposition, desktop publishing, etc
10.	music any of the gaps between the lines that make up the staff
11.	maths a collection of unspecified points having properties thatobey a specified set of axioms: Euclidean space
12.	telegraphy Also called: spacing the period of time thatseparates complete letters, digits, and other characters in Morsecode

— vb
13.	to place or arrange at intervals or with spaces between
14.	to divide into or by spaces: to space one's time evenly
15.	printing to separate (letters, words, or lines) by the insertion ofspaces

Related: spatial , spacious

[C13: from Old French espace, from Latin spatium ]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source

Etymonline

Word Origin & History

space

c.1300, "an area, extent, expanse, lapse of time," aphetic of O.Fr.espace, from L. spatium "room, area, distance, stretch of time," ofunknown origin. Astronomical sense of "stellar depths" is firstrecorded 1667 in "Paradise Lost."

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/space

Image source

For a while, the word space and its general meaning, has become a verbal and mental visitor in my prayers. It was a long time that I became aware that it dwells in my heart and in my reverie.

I wrote about magnitude with an awareness of vast space, which made my existense a speck, even invisible when viewed among the billions of stars measured in distance by lightyears. It was such an awesome wonder to be just a dust while the Creator of Heaven and Earth lives in my own heart. He knows me just equally as He knows all the splendid details of the Universe.

Now back to my prayers. Danger is always lurking around sharp corners when we ride our motorcycle for work and back. Our roads are congested and hazardous. We don't know the state of every commuter vying for space to reach destinations. Daily I lift up my eyes to my Protector to keep us safe while on the road.

Usual Road Scene in Cebu

At one instance on an early morning congestion, I prayed to God to give each one on the busy lanes, whether riding in public or private commute, a right to a safe space. "Yes, Lord, it is a privilege that you bestow us, life and space."

Space is a right to be at a given time. A safe one is a miracle. God provided it. It is a dwelling place where the sheeps are fed and kept, refreshed and at peace.

Eversince I became aware of space as my prayer, I began to see every meaning and every right I have as a child of God.

When I pondered upon the small space I gave Jesus in my heart, the vastness of His love becomes magnified. It humbles me further.

I am convinced that the word SPACE did not just pop-out of the blue, and become my byword, like magical revelation. He puts it in my heart and in my mind. And I shall dwell in His House(my right - a place in Heaven and on Earth) forever. My cup runneth over.

Space is my word for this year. I promise to dig it in all angles to understand what He wants me to.

As of this first post about space, I choose (with God's guidance) the verses:

Psalm 91:1, 9

¹He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. ⁹Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place . . .

IMAGE SOURCE

...... and I realize that no matter how much I desire to be safe and unharmed, it is according still to His will and purpose, but I take joy in His presence because I have peace knowing that He cares for the space He has given wherever and whenever I am and the owner of SPACE dwells in my own heart and dines with me...... and I shall dwell in the HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER .

Psalm 27:4-5
⁴One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. ⁵For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

.........This speck of a dust can only be, as conspicous among the dust of the vast universe, as the magnitude I proclaim about His goodness in my life through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, Father continue to draw me near to You, my loving God. Amen.

HELLO!

2013-07-23T01:35:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Pam of Writing Apples of Gold

Anybody home?

Sorry, my dear friends, my dear thoughtful and caring friends, like my precious of the "Jottings", you know who you are. Thank you, that you have been visiting. If someone cares to notice, how many visits one makes and scribbles a "hello" down there in the comment box, one will know for sure by the dates.

I know, she cares. I know you all care. I know Jesus cares too, even if I have been into a silent pit. A pit of my own making.

Perhaps later on..... I can word them and string them into a post here.

I know I have lots to say, especially for and about what God is doing.... even when I sometimes forget and doubt.

I know that I am to give thanks in everything, nothing skipped even the low moment ones.

I know you are there, you peep in once in a while and wonder where I've gone.

Thank you friend! That alone deserves words that make our Maker delight in you, because you care. Because you thought of your friend.

I praise God for you all who kept me in their thoughts.

SEE YOU SOON!

NOBODY WAS HERE FOR SOMETIME.......

I know.......

....but how can I keep away for too long? ......... how could I be so so silent for a while?

I know..... because........

PROMISE TO SEE YOU BACK SOON!

I guess, I need to spring clean all the dust and cobwebs of self-worth, or isn't it un-worth?

FMF: AFTER

2013-04-05T19:27:00.001-07:00

Image Source

MY AFTER

Start

Graduation!

All smiles, jubilant and the future looks so bright and full of hope. We paraded in line to receive the most coveted piece of paper which is our ticket to the world.

What transpired before we reached the stage no longer look like mountains. In fact they seem to be molehills. Looking back, it was as though I have climbed the 100th step to view the Chocolate Hills. And I was convinced, at the distance, is my own Hill and I had the ladder to climb to its top.

Candles were lit and burnt. Papers passed and defended. Tests were scored. Financial worries taken cared of...... and the day dawned for me when I had to march among a throng of black robed young adults, my course colors around my neck and the tassels swinging in my face as we walked. Then it was my turn to accept my degree and my honors.

I was ready to go on my way to the happily-ever-after land and meet my frog prince along the way.

I thought then that I had reached the peak. But then soon, after new trials, new hurdles, new valleys, I realized that it was only the beginning. There was this road that led me to Damascus. Then I met Jesus there and I learned that the best Education is in His Wisdom.

STOP

Isaiah 55:8-11

The Message (MSG

“I don’t think the way you think.
The way you work isn’t the way I work.”
God’s Decree.
“For as the sky soars high above earth,
so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
and the way I think is beyond the way you think.
Just as rain and snow descend from the skies
and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,
  producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,
So will the words that come out of my mouth
  not come back empty-handed.

They’ll do the work I sent them to do,

they’ll complete the assignment I gave them."

P.S.

.... and my after is hopefully spent learning more and trying to obey, through the Holy Spirit, to love others as myself and to love God above all, so we could live in His peace and His guidance.

The best thing to value at every turn and mileage is not the degree, nor the diploma or accolade but it is the in-between journey. For was it not said that, "The best teacher is experience?"

I need to add this. In retrospect, my joy for graduation was doubled due to the triumph over poverty. I needed to work for my keep and studied in the evenings. The requirements and hassles to the day we stood before our Dean were difficulties surmounted. There was nothing that could dampen the day. Not even walking on borrowed pair of shoes.

Luke 10:27
The Message (MSG)

²⁷He said, “That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself.”

Philippians 4:7

The Voice (VOICE)

⁷And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.

Stop

We have the choice.

I Choose Jesus- Lyrics

Who is Jesus?

JOINING LISA-JO AT FMF-04.05.2013

WITH THE WORD PROMPT-AFTER

Lisa Jo Baker of Five Minute Fridays, offers a word prompt each Friday.

Write for five minutes without overchecking the spelling, grammar etc.

Then enter your own post to link-up and hop in to the person immediately

before you to read his/her blogand you may visit other linkies to be inspired in

what they are saying about the word. That's all and be in community.

Theshticks.com: Whatever it Takes to Find Your Freedom

2013-04-04T17:59:00.001-07:00

I like to link to this Shticks story for you to find out for yourself. Truths about life, profound yet told in a way that makes us see the lighter side of it.

Theshticks.com: Whatever it Takes to Find Your Freedom: CC License photo credit: Brenda Starr <== PREV NEXT ==> Get TheShticks.com delivered to your inb...

EASTER GREETINGS

2013-03-22T01:58:00.001-07:00

I want to greet all of you a Happy Easter!

I am very happy that I am redeemed.

The Father turned His back to His son. Because of my sins, he suffered pain.

My own shame humiliated Him.

He cleansed me and healed me

I have an inheritance in heaven.

I have Jesus in my heart.

His precious blood covers me.

And I know that one day, because of the first resurrection,

I shall be with Him in Paradise.

Believe, Confess, and Live!

Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven,

To His feet thy tribute bring;

Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,

Evermore His praises sing.

(Lyte)

Without His death and resurrection,

God's promises are futile.

But it was done and delivered.

We must live for Him and His glory forever!

Commuting With Crising

2013-02-19T17:40:00.002-08:00

PHOTO SOURCE

"The rain began again. It fell heavily, easily, with no meaning or intention but the fulfillment of its own nature, which was to fall and fall."

Helen Garner

~ ~ ~o~ ~ ~

TODAY, as was yesterday, drizzles continuously invade, making the workday snooze-friendly. I wrestle with the urge to stay under my warm blanket and stay underneath it the whole day. The cold invades my bones and it pokes at my Carpal Tunnel. Movement is a must.

"Oh how lovely it would be to read the word and journal to my heart's delight," I silently croon. But that is not possible for the Boss would demand explanation for the no show.

Humnnn, to tarry and slow-down is so inviting. But on the other hand, that is a nasty way to welcome Miss Lazy to your room. I decide instead not to give-in. So I lift up drowsy head from the pillow, shed crumpled cotton off and pad to the bathroom.

The cold shower successfully wakes my sleeping nerves. Then after the morning rituals, out I go under the drenching sky. Umbrellas go up as the slow march to the stop begins.

The public commute is harder in normal sunshiny days but a pain more during rainy. Some difficulty but patience to abide is my choice. The commuter fills and we huddle together in the seats. No irritating space haggling is necessary today because the cold is switching on the sisterly and brotherly warm side-by-side hug.

While on the road to the office, I take time to close my eyes to savor the nice early morning air washed by the heavenly shower. The earth and I are in sacred harmony. "We, that has breath, Praise the living God!" I love being drenched and soaked with my Father's love as the soft droplets keep pouring outside our commuter.

Praises to the Father escapes my breath. Gratefulness to Him who gifts me with a brand-new and newly cleansed day! "Thank you Father, for this day, with its new hopes and new mercies." And I begin my litany of pleas for my family, friends (especially my COF), my works and co-workers, my church, my community and my country, and oh for the whole world too. I thank God, the Father of heavenly lights and gifts, for everything..... and to be quietly riding with Crising.

The sun is still in its place as well as the planets and the stars even when I barely spot them. I have that great faith in the one who holds them in their regular course. He is also holding me steady and secure. And you too!

BLOG LINK

The effect of the cold front from the north is good for us where we are in the Pacific. But when it is met by a Low-Pressure-Area, a tropical depression brews. Thus, rainy days is expected on its path. The name of the TP hovering over us is "Crising." And she has been my traveling companion since yesterday. Forecast has it for three days or more. She has made sweaters, raincoats and umbrellas to get out of hiding. Today I am donning them with my own soul sweater, Him and His glory.

They warm my soul and tugs at my heart, to breathe out petitions for places greatly affected where the eye of the depression is. I pray for those who haven't gotten over last years,' which caused a lot of damage and took lives and homes in its wake. May God spare them and may this time it will be weaker that the other.

How is your day? What are your musings? May you be fine and may He continue to shine in your days, no matter what the weather is. For didn't God promise the rainbow to remind Him not to flood again the earth like in Noah's time?

Leviticus 26:4

"Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit."

PHOTO SOURCE

Don't let the rain dampen your spirit.

And I like to just link to this status by a very good friend of mine in her FB. We feel the same during light drizzles. The pitter-patter of the soft droplets makes our soul find rest in His steadfast Love.

Hosea 6:3

FROM AN FB FRIEND

FB LINK

FMF-TO BARE IS TO CARE

2013-02-10T20:31:00.001-08:00

START

IMAGE SOURCE

It is with great pleasure that I put fingers to keys to write here this morning. For one, I have been hungering of baring my soul to blog, mostly for my own benefit for healing and for growing. Another is to thank God for giving me the means to get hold of the net after being cut-off for a while.

The first place I go to, after checking on my mails and my friends' blogs, is the FMF. I love the prompts given by Ms. Lisa-Jo every Friday because it stimulates my creativity and penning my thoughts and inner talks is a healing tool.

So here I come to bare for the prompt is "bare."

How else could one write thoughts and intentions without baring the soul? Of course for self-healing, one has to be true to the pen. And writing the truth in yourself requires courage.

I give thanks to God and to those who share their lives in the open for others to learn.

For me, to bare is to share, and to share is to care. So I urge my dear fellow-bloggers and journal-ers, please blog away or journal to your hearts' content.

Isn't writing like worship? We go to the altar of God bare and transparent, humbly seeking Him in prayer and praise. We come to bare our souls before our Maker and we write our souls in our blogs in the same manner, true and bare.

STOP

I am writing for the prompt of the week FMF-Friday 02.08.2013-BARE. The idea is write as candidly as you can for 5 minutes without over checking on spelling and grammar. Then visit fellow-posts to encourage.

Click on the button and join FMF and find out too what others are saying about "bare." Go, what are you waiting for?

CHRISTMAS GREETING

2012-12-24T01:47:00.002-08:00

I WISH EVERYONE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS!

MAY YOUR HOMES SHINE BRIGHTER AS WE CONTEMPLATE ON THE HUMBLE BEGINNING OF THAT ONE BLESSED NIGHT WHEN THE SAVIOR WAS BORN IN A MANGER TO DWELL AMONG US!

PEACE, PROSPERITY AND LOVE ABOUNDING FOR THE COMING YEAR 2013!

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!

FMF: WONDER

2012-12-01T21:24:00.003-08:00

Five Minute Friday is a feature on Lisa Jo's blog encouraging people to write for 5 minutes completely WITHOUT OVER-THINKING and without over-checking on grammar etc. Just check on her blog every Friday for the word prompt.

November 30, 2012 word prompt is WONDER.

I wonder if I could write again here in my blog. It seems that my hands are full to wander off along the little rectangle of my keyboards. Most often I am hampered by the internet ban at the office or burdened by acquiring our own connection. The latter is a no no as of yet because my third world purse wouldn't let me get that liberty.

Lately, I wonder if it is something good for me that way. Too much liberty makes one take things for granted. Limitations in a way is good. We try to work on what we have and celebrate them.

PHOTO SOURCE

The season of remembering the first ever heavenly wonder that fell on Earth is nigh. This is the season when most people are peace-loving, generous and kind.

I wonder if it would be fine to celebrate the birth of Jesus daily. I do. Does it make me peace-loving, generous and kind? Well, most of the time, when I dwell right there at the center of WONDER. I need to be where the waters are always fresh and the grass is always green. He is there.

Thinking about the first Christmas at that Holy Ground of a stable, I couldn't help but wonder how much heavenly display of magnificence the shepherds have witnessed, for them to fall to their knees trembling? What kind of vision and sound did they see and hear, of the winged heavenly being, who proclaimed the coming of the Son of God to Earth and mankind?

I want to ponder upon this magnitude of God's eternal love for His people, making Jesus be born in the flesh and next making Him the perfect sacrifice for sin. It is the greatest love of all!

Isn't it enough for people to turn their eyes upon the one who, in all compassion and meekness, submitted Himself to mortals and humiliation, so that we me be reconnected to the Father?

Wonder of all wonders, is the son of God.

STOP

Scripture Theme:

A Savior Is Born

Luke 2:1-20

When the angel announced to the shepherds the birth of Jesus he said:

"Be not afraid; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Jesus is our Savior!

What good news!

LINKING UP WITH LISA JO-BAKER OF FMF

and with Kel of: Nourishment for the Soul

FMF: ROOTS

2012-11-03T00:21:00.001-07:00

"For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit."

(Jeremiah 17:8 NASB)

-GO
Just in these recent years, our third world country has caught up with the developed ones in terms of commercialism.

Strategic places are now planted with malls instead of trees. Sky-rise buildings and hotels are growing here and there.

In one of the tourist spots up north, which we call the summer capital of our country because of it's altitude and cooler temperatures, there was this issue between mall developers and one nature advocacy group, over earth-balling of centuries-old trees. The trees are practically like citizens. How on earth did this method come about? Trees are being moved to other locations, earth and all, to give way to change and progress.

This has lead me to think about the roots which has long been established and secure to the ground, and perhaps has extended to reach to where it can be watered. If it were a person, I would think I am supplied with everything I need, thriving and yielding fruits in season. But what is going to happen when you are earth-balled and transferred? Will I last the trauma of the transition and then adopt to my new settings? Will I ever bear fruits again?

But one thing is sure, wherever one is planted, one has to grow, thrive and bear fruit. One must live up to the purpose God has created him or her for. If so, to whom should we abide? Where comes our provisions?

The true nourishment comes from the Lord. Complete obedience and being rooted to the Word of God makes us grow like the tree of Jeremiah 17:8. Come storms, floods, droughts and other forces of nature, it will remain standing and will yield fruits in season.

The opposite goes to those who do not trust in God and depend on their own strength. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert and go to waste. (Jer 17:5-6)

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." (Jer. 17:7)

I had been planted and earth-balled many times. Pain comes with it and some re-adjustments. I know deeply why and I pray I will be rooted upon His promises and remain in Him so that I may grow, thrive, and bear fruits. My roots need to extend to where the soul-nourishment is, to where life is, to where eternity begins.

Happy to join the Lisa-Jo and the FMF community writing about ROOTS (November 2, 2012).

I may be late due to some constraints in connection but nevertheless heard.
-STOP

LINKS TO SOME EARTH-BALLING POSTS:

http://myquaintlife.com/2012/04/12/easter-earthquakes-earthballing/

http://www.baguio-city.net/2012/04/luneta-hill-scene-of-crime.html

FMF Community: V O I C E

2012-10-25T22:05:00.001-07:00

VOICE-STRUMMING MY LIFE INTO HIS WORD

-START

Image Source

During my teens, there was this rave over learning how to play the guitar. I live in an island which is known for the production of world-class guitars and it is just right for us to know how to strum those chords to tune.

Do I have a singing voice? Nah! Quite the contrary, I can only croak. Yes, I am definitely an out-of-tuner yet I desired to voice my song through the strings of the guitar.

At one time, I was learning to put the chords I learned into a song. I was making a sound and I thought I was alone. I croaked and worst, I played against the rhythm of the song. I know it was not a pleasant sound because my Momma had to peep into the little room where I was to voice her thoughts and perhaps to stop the noise I was making.

It was then that I poured my attention into reading and I again, this time, thought I could sing silently or play silently in the lines of the stories I am reading. I dreamed of writing poems and short stories to voice my feelings and tell the stories of my life.

Then there came into the internet world a new word, a new community, sisterhood, brotherhood, even a community of inter-connected Christians, into writing which they called BLOG.

And here my dreams, aspirations, stories or even discordant poetry, found a voice, which, perhaps to my own kind, encouragers, journal writers, etc...... I may not be a NOISE, but my own VOICE. In this way, in this media, I hope to speak encouragement, hope and joy, and maybe to the right ears or eyes, they may lift some heaviness of heart or mind. And from the same, from others' voices, I may also journey in perfect thythm with those along my path.

Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.

Romans 15:5

Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it].

Galatians 6: 2

From the above verse, I am certain and I do believe, there is a joyful noise in this community.

-STOP

Today, I am happy to be in community with FIVE MINUTE FRIDAY, writing to the word prompt: VOICE. Come in with us and join,

"a group of people who love to throw caution to the wind and just write without worrying if it’s just right gather to share what five minutes buys them. Just five minutes.......not a perfect post, not a profound post, just five minutes of focused writing."

LINK-UPS:

Also with:

Jen McAllister of SCATTERED GRACES

and with Pam @ Writing Apples of Gold

FIVE MINUTE FRIDAY: LOOK

2012-10-19T19:00:00.003-07:00

LOOKING THROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE

It is so weird to think of how we liked to look good and be our best when we were young. We have our own idea what is attractive and trendy. We peer into mod magazines to see what is new and popular so that we can imitate them.

Then as we grow older, suddenly we look into the character of the person, what is inside rather than what is outward. We laugh at our attitude of youth when we went overboard just to look like everyone else. We met our prince charming and we settle down. We grow close and accept one another's shortcomings and conclude that love is greater than any of them.

Certainly character lasts, which can be proven, much as we may deny it, by the wrinkles that we are clothed now. Gone are the smoothness and softness of youthful skin. Our hands ache with arthritic pains and stiffness. And we look for the character which our loving Lord wants us to manifest. Do people see Jesus in our face or actions?

To me, the knowledge of our Savior's grace and living the love He gave us so that others may see whom we believe in, is the greatest look of all time. Mirroring the image of our Lord is the most beautiful countenance of all- the look of LOVE.

Matthew 5:16

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁶Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

I am thanking the FMF community for the word prompt for today (October 19, 2012)-LOOK.

In community with FMF

and linking up with Hyacynth @

and with Sandra @ SANDRA HESKAKING

GRACEFUL (FIVE MINUTE FRIDAY)

2012-09-07T17:39:00.003-07:00

IMAGE SOURCE

GO

A GRACEFUL FLIGHT, BALLET IN THE SKY.

Who doesn't delight at the sight of migratory birds in flight like the Trumpeter Swans. Up there in the sky, which they have conquered, like no human machinery has, they fly on heavenly wings. They seem to have mastered the power to grace the sky.

Like a ballet dancer who has spent so many years in training and discipline, perfected movements on her toes, like flying in the sky, captures the stage. I believe that they are so like the graceful movements of the swan, in flight or in repose on placid lakes.

My word for today was taken from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. It is the runners verse for the prize. He has to submit to discipline to hone his muscles and stamina. He spends hours upon hours in the gym. He diets to meet the nutrition to become healthy and able. He uses time wisely for rest and for practice. And in the race his sight is on the prize.

To me, that sounds like the preparation the migratory birds have to go through in their own particular way to endure the temperatures, days of unwavering flight, sustained by their instincts and powerful muscles. To complete the package, they stay graceful in flight with a formation akin to ballet dance. Ballet in the sky.

In my previous post, I wrote about this season in my life, where I was carried by our Lord to His altar of grace. He has honed my patience, humility and strength through this season. And it is comparable to bird migration.

It is one thing to discipline ones self for this race called life and another to do it by being graceful. But we can never do it without God, without His word, without prayers.

STOP

DESKTOP NEXUS

I COR. 9:24-27 (kjv)

²⁴Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
²⁵And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
²⁶I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
²⁷But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Joining FMF community with the prompt-GRACEFUL

Thankful to find community of writers writing a word prompt Fridays, where there are no grammar and writing skills needed. Just pen/type thoughts without over thinking nor editing..... for 5 minutes or less.

If you haven't joined yet, please do. And don't forget to read what the others are saying with the One-Word-Prompt GRACEFUL.

With Lisa @ A WOK ON THE PRAIRIE

With Pam @ WRITING APPLES OF GOLD

With Shelly @ REDEMPTION'S BEAUTY

With Michelle-Lyn @ A LIFE SURRENDERED

And here's the beautiful song to score this post:
(With thanks to Sister Lidia, my worshiper friend)

YOUR GRACE STILL AMAZES ME

NOTE: THE OTHER ENTRIES HERE ARE ADDED AFTER THE STOP SIGNAL. FINDING IMAGES TO PASTE AND OTHER LINKS TO SUPPLEMENT THE POST TAKES TIME.

Feasting at His Table

2012-09-04T00:11:00.003-07:00


IMAGE SOURCE CREDITS

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God,

Revelations 19:17

put more weight over the cotton slacks to erase the crease. Wets the wash cloth and rubs it over the stubborn areas. Then press some more until it stood. This is one thing of all household chores I am not so inclined to. Yet press on I did. I want to make it as neat as I can, thinking of the morrow which was the first day of work for Mike. He must look his best to face the new boss and the new workaday world. He's long been missed in this group of citizens, the regular earning middle class.

Over a long period of time, I prayed for this spring. A time where God lays down His sacrifices for the invited to partake. It was between me and my God. Hubby's energy and appetite for a regular job was lost for quite some time. He considered himself retired. But I know deep inside me that he longs to provide. It is his delight. God designed it.

I toiled on for the many seasons like watching the flip of each calendar page, ushering in new moons by new moons. Scrimped to meet the tight string of necessary sustenance. Moonlighted and volunteered to welcome well needed resources to the dead of some nights. And I continued my plea.

Over this while, obedience to God was foremost. One needs to be intentional not to brandish this deficiency at the face of the deficient one. So God had to provide strength and patience all the days of the toil years. In fact He overfilled me with humility akin to the design of Eve. I must be a willing, capable and able helper as well as a suitable one.

Oh no, never perfect. I grumble inside. But I have to pray for the sun to slow down while it boils down the drain. Don't let me see the orange sky, the silhouettes, and soft shadows.... while the furnace is still ablaze. For good measures, God gives. Take note, with zipped lips at that and a smile. Allelluia!! "NOT ABOUT ME, LORD BUT ALL ABOUT YOU!" (Max Lucado)

Where is the feast, my Lord? I want to be invited. I hope this migrant to the prepared table would find it, knowing that thirst and fatigue would soon sit in, cut the flight and may miss what was there to take.

Then I began to share my desires to a trusted friend, who prayed with me. We prayed for each other. We put our needs before Him together.

Until one lunch break, I got a vision. It was my quiet time. The office is off-lights. Others were napping while I was in our pantry, sitting still to hear His voice. He told me to submit Mike's resume to this firm. I broke down in tears. I felt insuficient. I know I have a prayer warrior on my side and I crumbled further into pieces. She speaks of tearing down walls like Jericho's walls. And indeed, some walls fell down.

I did submit that resume before Mike even knew of it. So no matter what will come, one thing is for sure it is God's. It was meant to be for a taxi driver position but God had another plan. The owner wanted him as a supervisor. His plans are the best always. There it was beneath my nose while I was knocking at another door farther away.

We are on tiptoe here, this is new ground. A new feeder has materialized-new mercy upon the hands wide open to feed from. And I am a happy guest at this table.

It was not I who was at the right time at the right place, God put the time and the place in my path and to complete the grace, He made daylight my sight.

The gathering at the great supper is meant to be the feast of Jesus Christ's victory against His enemies, our enemies. Or it could be interpreted as our partaking of His Flesh & Blood for redemption.

I just want to post about partaking at His regular table, His daily mercies, His sustenance, provisions and protection..... and count my blessings.

I wish we could be hovering directly over some feasts of God's, and be invited to come over and be ready. Yet not every feast can be attended. They are intended as God intends them.

Would this be the meaning of how the early birds catches the healthy worms? Being at the right time and the right place?

As for the great supper of God, every believer will be gathered there..... as "He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies, He will anoint our heads with oil, our cup will overflow." Psalm 23:5 (paraphrased).

Happy to count blessings with Jen.

~ The sun slowing down while the furnace was hot inside

~ Invitation to the Feast (where grace flows rivers)

~That still voice (being heard when the din dies down)

~For doors that are open even when we are facing the wrong one (more often close)

~For renewed strength and fresh hope (what a difference they make)

~For transformation into a little bit of the Ruby woman (even just a grit size of it)

~For the smiles when words aren't necessary

~For people who suddenly come into my life and impact me forever

~For humility, patience, stability of character

~For the definite acceptance of youngest in a sought at job

~For a new grandson coming this September month.

~For a full piggy bank ready to give away for church fund raising

~For people safe and nothing destroyed in an earthquake of 09.01.12

~People rising back from the floods

~For a dear friend's recovery

~For the prayer companions and warriors

~just adding this song on the list (which is a song dedication by my dear Sister Lidia), so fitting to the post, MY THANKS TO YOU, MY SISTER IN CHRIST. (09.06.12)

CARRIED TO THE TABLE

~and counting

Let God {Five Minute Friday: Change}

2012-08-31T17:32:00.001-07:00

I have heard, and I know you had too, so many times this cliche spoken: "The only constant in this world is change."

The way that Octavia E. Butler puts it is amazing.

“All that you touch
You Change.

All that you Change
Changes you.

The only lasting truth
is Change.

God
is Change.”
― Octavia E. Butler

Even though most people resist changes, it is inevitable.

Being mostly a limb-sitter, or a comfort zone dweller, I do resist for a time, but when I know that it is only way God's plan works for me, I'd setter for His ways. But not without resistance though.

The the benefits sinks in slowly and it lasts.

The change that affects everything is when one lets God freely and willingly.

And when we do, how we look at things, at people, at situations, will be seen and acted out of love.

It it like seeing through the eyes of our savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

The world needs this for peace and prosperity.

Change coming from the inside affects beautifully the outside. So I let God. You too, let God!

IMAGE FROM DESKTOP NEXUS

"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Posting in community with:
Lisa-Jo Baker's

and with

BEAUTY OUT OF DUST

I love this community, writing candidly for 5 minutes without editing, without over thinking. Check out what everyone is writing about CHANGE today. And you may join the community too. See what you can write in just 300 seconds. I am sure it would be a glimpse from your true self.

LOLITA

Now here's the simple list of rules for a fun 5 Minute Friday Posting:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Note: Ms. Lisa-Jo & friends, I would like to ask for permission to correct a misspelled word. But I promise that I only found it out after I hit publish. The world "setter" should be read "settle." Thank you.

WHEN MY SOUL WAS LONGING

2012-08-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

IMAGE SOURCE

t has been twenty six years now since I first stepped into this Church. Its set-up was so new and so strange to me. I think it was the bare simplicity of the layout which has struck me as unusual, being used to the church I was born into.

I was a single mom who came in for the first time with my 9 year old boy. My son was in third grade while I went back to college to finish my curtailed BS Accountancy. We were renting a room for ourselves while other occupants rented bed spaces. We preferred to have our own small room rather than share a big room with others. One of the tenants was a teacher in a private Chinese school nearby.

There was something about her serene countenance that attracted me. By this time, I was in a Bible correspondence course, which sends through mail, my lessons and I would return the questionnaire I have filled out back to them. The realization of the difference between religion and relationship with Jesus was slowly creeping in my heart.

It was timely that I was in the same residence with this teacher. I will never forget that Saturday night we were doing laundry together. While hanging out our washings, I began a conversation with her and then I told her that I would like to visit the church where she goes. She was so happy to take me the next day.

My second impression of the church was the happy faces of the people, wanting to enfold me and the different kind of worship. Joy leaped in my heart as I realized the beauty of worshipping in a bare sanctuary with only a bare cross at the center of an elevated platform occupied mostly by a set of drums and a keyboard. I was brought into the knowledge that it is not the grandness of the sanctuary that made worship ring out to heaven, but it was the richness of hearts joined together in utmost praise.

It was the first day of my twenty six years in this church and counting. To join a multitude of worshipers in the Body of Christ was the best choice I ever made. Or was it Jesus' choice? Here I began to learn and live out what I was studying in correspondence.

I am happily joined together in the body. I learned the true meaning of being in relationship with my Maker and how it is to be saved.

To the teacher whose life shone out for the glory of God, I give my thanks. Nenita, I will never forget the day that I wanted to join you in your church because I saw something different in you. It answered all my questions then and fulfilled my search to belong.

A CHURCH IN JOY'S HOME

And lastly, one thing is for sure. To be in the Body, or in any group, you have to JOIN first. It is a conscious choice and should be put to action. Come and join us believers of Christ. Happy to welcome you!

1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

I am joining Lisa-Jo Baker, for the first time, with her 5 Minute Friday Community, writing about the word prompt JOIN.
This is a community who writes candidly, baring soul for 5 minutes and welcomes everyone to share a bit of her or his life journey with the Savior.

And with Ms. Kelly Martin @ Kelly's Stories.

with Shelly Miller @ Redemption's Beauty.

also with
Nikki at SimplyStriving.

S~T~R~E~T~C~H

2012-08-17T20:39:00.002-07:00

“Patience is more than endurance. A saint's life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says--'I cannot stand anymore.' God does not heed, He goes on stretching till His purpose is in sight, then He lets fly. Trust yourself in God's hands. Maintain your relationship to Jesus Christ by the patience of faith. 'Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.”

― Oswald Chambers


PHOTO SOURCE

Why do felines stretch?

I found a very good answer to this question here:

"Cats are hunters of opportunity and so anytime they wake up from sleeping, they stretch so they are immediately ready to hunt. If you watch slow motion film of large cats running, you will see that they don't just kick their legs forward to run, they also flex their backs a lot and so they run with their legs but they also run with their backs. You gotta stretch it all if you want it all to work on a moment's notice."

For a time during my short indisposition due to mild stroke, I was coached to regain flexibility through therapy. It was easier to do with the help of a PT practitioner within the confines of a hospital rehabilitation center. You get energetic push and you oblige.

I regained back my steps in just a week and was fully walking on my own in less than two weeks.

There is also a good advice for us to stretch just enough everyday to make our bodies attuned and retain flexibility. Most animals do there stretching preludes to bolt into action as soon as a hunt is at hand or for flight when there is a predator. Why don't humans copy this instinct so that one is always ready for anything? I am a sore member in this club too.

Anyway, back to my stretching.

After a while, I was slackening, not doing my necessary flexibility regimen. And then I noticed that I could no longer button up or zip up without the pain of reaching too far back. This jolted me to go back to stretching little by little until the pain went away and I could dress without assistance.

What about character stretch?

Yes, this is an area that God supervises so diligently. Until He gets the response and see the purpose he designs for us, He goes on to stretch us. Just like what Mr. Oswald Chambers quoted and pinned right on target above.

S~T~R~E~T~C~H!

Just enough so. And after the character muscle toning, it becomes easier for us to flex along the area.

Then God goes again to S~T~R~E~T~C~H us on another rung up. Time to level up, Lord!

But mostly, just like how I became complacent with my exercises, it is always easy to fall back and Jesus needs to rescue us over and over again.

This reminds me of Peter walking on water with Jesus. It was alright for a while but the things of earth sharpened again blurring His sight upon Jesus. He sank and Jesus had to rescue him.

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.) Matthew 14:31
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

While contemplating in this thought, there is clarity in the image I am seeing. My little faith (mustard seed sized) is stretched just enough (according to my capability). It is God stretching (99.9%) out to me and for me, to fill in for my own feeble investment. I know that I can't produce the fruits with my own work but by His spirit.

Thank you God that we are being stretched by a God who is after our welfare and who loves us so much that we get just enough every time and benefit by it. And I am so grateful, Father, that you are always in the lookout especially in times that we need to be rescued. We trust in you, God. Amen.

I wonder how much stretching does God have to make to launch me to flight?

I am linking this post to Pam's of Writing Applies of Gold. She wrote about Stretch in response to the word prompt in community with Lisa-Jo Baker's 5Minute Friday.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND, EVERYONE!
AND A BLESSED SUNDAY!

KNEEL BEFORE THE ALTAR

2012-08-12T21:20:00.001-07:00

In reverence?

This image was shared by a friend at FB. It caught my fancy and every time I pass by this image, I am reminded to kneel before the altar.

Isn’t it a good reminder to say grace before partaking from the table?

Although this goat has been pushed to the limit of its leash, that it has to kneel down to nibble at the priced green diet, one doesn’t have to be kneeling or bowing down while eating.

I once heard of a question, thrown as a joke or whatever, asking why people bow down and close their eyes before they eat. I hope he knows that we were not worshiping our food but the giver. How much would it show if people have to go down on their knees while eating? Except of course, if it is a Korean or Japanese meal time.

For times that we enter the Altar or the Holy Place, we should be on our knees or bowed low in humility. One blogger says that when she enters her prayer sanctuary, she takes off her sandals.

For me, we can go all about how we would like to express our awe in our Holy God. We are free. But one thing surely needs to be in order, the issue of our heart.

Places can be designated as a Holy Place, a Prayer Sanctuary, a, Prayer Room, a Holy Ground and you may preserve its sanctity. "Hallowed be the ground where God is found."

IMAGE SOURCE

It is a good thing and being able to point at its sacredness to the other members of the family, will make them respect it too, and they may tread quietly even reverently, while passing along the place, when you are in there. I once stumbled upon a blog, but I forget where it is now, where she wrote about the little prefab backyard shed her husband gifted her for her alone time- where she could pray, have her quiet time, write her journals and read. It looks like the picture in the right. How awesome it would be if one has such a place consecrated for prayer.

When one lives in a one-room house, where there is no nook to designate as a private prayer room, one learns to withdraw deep inside to hear the still small voice. A walk to the nearest hill is a sure difficult task to traverse. Perhaps not to the agile but so for the older ones like me. Thus, it is necessary to develop that quiet inside your heart, to be able to commune with your Holy Father.

Lastly, seeking God in quiet walks, for petitions and intercessions, or even in the ordinary order of the day like eating and going to bed, or going out of the house, one needs to say grace, acknowledge the God of Provision and Protection.

Preceding all transactions with our Heavenly Father must be a heart prepared, humble and worshipful.

Last week I was reading from a friend’s blog , CROWN OF BEAUTY, where she shared that:

“We are learning as we go deeper into intercession that it is not wise to engage in spiritual warfare without adequate worship.

Our warfare must proceed from worship.”

So entering the Altar before our Holy God, we need to be clothed in humility, bowed low to our knees, reverent and worthy. This is more of a heart issue than a place issue.

Science says that we have to wash our hands before we eat. But when you hear the Psalmist say it this way:

Psalm 26:6 "I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O LORD,"

...... the washing of hands in innocence should mean the right heart or the right attitude. We are on Holy Ground, what should our attitude be and what should be the state of our heart?

CONSECRATE OUR HEART.

I would like to link this post with Patsy at HeARTworks with her Ezekiel with Dreadlocks!

It is so timely with this post, finding Ezekiel lying flat on his face, in reverence before the presence of the Lord.

He must be in such a Holy Place before God.

"As the appearance of a

rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day,

so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance.

Such was the appearance

of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.

And when I saw it,

I fell on my face...."

Ezekiel 1:28

CLICK HERE

A HAPPY NEW WEEK TO EVERYONE!

LORD, HERE IS YADAH!

2012-08-07T18:13:00.001-07:00

ight of the world,

You stepped down into darkness.

Shrouded in gloom, buried in mire, lies whispered lies, into a young heart.
"You are nothing, you have no place under the sun. Go and hide your face!"

But I know He came for the sinners and that they may have life, an abundant life!

The word of Scriptures say:

I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent." (Luke 5:32)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)

Opened my eyes, let me see

Beauty that made this heart adore You

Hope of a life spent with You.

I know, Lord, I have sinned, and I need You. Please save me, Lord!

Thank you that You have sought me out and made me aware that you were waiting for me. You did not give up on me.

Darkness is broken, I no longer walk in fear. I now believe guilt feelings were lies.

Here I am to worship,

Here I am to bow down,

Here I am to say that You're my God.

What would be my response to the beauty bestowed upon me? All for His eternal love, death on the cross, God to mortal, Kingship given up for sacrifice, righteousness for sin, how would I not be forever grateful? You have made me to worship, My Lord.

You're altogether lovely

All together worthy,

All together wonderful to me.

I praise You, I exalt your Name. There is no other name above Your Name, my Father. You have lifted me higher and now I can see the wonders of you hand. I see loveliness in the ordinary things. I am joyful and am so blessed.

I am Yadah, here I am, Lord, I yadah You, L' Adoni!

..... and the rest of the hymn:

King of all days
oh, so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came
To the earth You created
All for love's sake became poor
Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost

God has been whispering into my days of toil, moments of unbalanced accounting books, nights of dirty dishes and dirty clothes. Into the prayer morning welcome and the hushed calls off the night.

Sing, sing, sing..... sing joy, sing glad, sing grateful. And then all the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace (refrain from Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus).

Never take off your Garment of Praise and Thanksgiving. For it is your shield against the lies of the enemy and the wiles of the flesh.

So I turn my eyes upon Him when I need to reaffirm. A sweet voice I am not, but deep in my heart I worship and mean every word as in singing....... I dance around lifting my arms up to Him whose sandals I am not worthy to tie..... yet He loves me and says I am beautiful.

Here, Lord, my arms outstretched in worship, feet dancing to tune in my mind, heart full of love....

Yes Lord, here is Yadah!

Hodu l’ Adonai.

^NKJPsalm 136:1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Reference: Psalm 28:7 " ....with my song, will I praise Him"

2 Chron. 20:30 "..... in the ritual worship."

YADAH

Yadah is a root word that means “to throw out the hand”. In other words, it signifies an outstretched arm. Though it’s a root word, it’s obviously similar to the Hebrew word yad ( ׳ד – Strong’s 3027) which means hand.

^NKJ2 Samuel 22:50 Therefore I will give thanks (yadah) to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles, And sing praises (zamar) to Your name.

In this song of praise, David declared the many times YHVH stepped in and defeated or delivered him from his enemies. He concluded the song by saying he will give thanks to YHVH among the Gentiles. In other words, in the presence of the Gentiles, David wanted to thank God openly and declare His works to everyone!

This sequence of giving thanks to God and singing praises to Him is quite common, especially in the writings of King David. It’s a form of Hebrew poetry called Parallelism where a thought or idea is expressed two different ways. Thus, to the Hebrew mind, giving thanks is much the same as offering praise.

In addition to yadah meaning thanks or thanksgiving, the word can itself mean praise.

^NKJPsalm 9:1 I will praise (yadah) You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.

^NKJPsalm 44:8 In God we boast all day long, And praise (yadah) Your name forever. Selah

Source: GIVE THANKS

My thanks to Sister Betty, for leading me to this hymn. I am happy that I found a video from YouTube of this hymn. It is a First Baptist Church recording.

PRAISE LOOKS GOOD ON YOU!

2012-07-28T00:33:00.000-07:00

PHOTO SOURCE

ejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones;
praise from the upright is beautiful .

PS 33:1

I was off to A Sheltering Tree of Ms. Pamela Kuhn and found myself happily reading about healthy kind of praise.

As children they were brought up by appreciative parents and in turn, lavished them upon hers and to her grands.

This verse hits me right again at another angle:

"I bless God every chance I get. My lungs expand with His praise" (Psalm 34:1).

I think it was more because of this truth: (excerpted from Pamela's post here).

" As we praise each other, those thoughts of honor and blessing will naturally spill over into praises to God."

Thank you so much for this profound words, Pamela. It points to the good feeling I get when I find myself praising someone when praise is due. Somehow I know that God is pleased with the gifts he gave us and that they are being used in service for others and for edifying the body of believers.

Ever since I wrote my last post, When The Heart Is Grateful, there was this line of a song which popped up in my thoughts.

Then I become so busy with end-of-the month woes of accounting work, I disregarded it. Every now and then I sang the single line, in my mind or aloud.....over and over that it got my attention.

Today is Saturday, my supposed blog posting day. Earlier in the week, when I was still pushing myself to work around my piled-up-high to do list, it appeared that I will never have a chance to write anything at all.

After lunch break, it was announced that our monthly financial meeting will be moved for Monday since one of the senior officers left for an emergency trip.

How did I ever find myself with free time to peep into my favorite blogs? It was a God moment, I am positive of that.

After visiting some of my missed blogs and ending up with Pamela Kuhn's Sheltering With Praise, the line wriggled itself back again to mind, once more I was singing,

"........ I could go on all day."

Is it a signal to write a post?

I searched my limited archive for the song which has that line, the rusty vaults returned with a blank. Where would I search next? Of course, where else but at the ever present, ever useful Google.

At first I was led to a different song so I retyped my search keywords, mind you ...it has an S in it, almost a sentence.

I am lucky today because Wiki was present and being my all-time friend, I hit it first. The funny realization struck me hard because my search ended up with the illusive.......

ALPHABET SONG

A, you're adorable

B, you're so beautiful

C, you're a cutie full of charms

D, you're a darling

And E, you're exciting

And F, you're a feather in my arms

G, you look good to me

H, you're so heavenly

I, you're the one I idolize

J, we're like Jack and Jill

K, you're so kissable

L, is the love light in your eyes

M, N, O, P

I could go on all day

Q, R, S, T

Alphabetically speaking: "You're OK"

U, made my life complete

V, means you're very sweet

W, X, Y, Z

(Courtesy of Wikipedia)

I could name some friends and family that I could sing to with it...... and I could pick lots of adjectives to go around too. I was really in a happy place .... the kind of feeling that brings joy to everything you find, "Praising with a heart."

Rightly so, I thought this should render a story, for being so persistent. And when Praise looked me in the eye at A Sheltering Tree.... how could I refuse?

God is reminding me, as He crawls with me under sheets of Financial Statement that needed reviewing over. I have to give explanation to the Boss why this expense is sky-rocketing compared to last month.

....I could go on all day (Praising and thanksgiving).

Then He sneaked in between the keys of my keyboard as I hastily typed my first month of School Year 2012-2013 report of Compassion International Funds, matching the costs with the agreed upon Budget. It got balanced just this morning.

Yes, Lord... I could go on all day!

How Lolita, by being grumpy? I could see that you are not breathing in a relaxed way. You did not sleep well last night. (I told myself)

Yes, Lord. I could praise you all day long. I got new strength today and my cup is overflowing. Thank you, Lord.

I remembered sitting the daybreak again with Zechariah 4 this morning. Wondered what were the Lamp stand and Olive Trees doing in Zech's vision? I was a little dense then. I prayed for God to show me the way to Zion. And of course, what with this Techie World, I found a detailed exposition of that Vision. I went to the future with Jesus revising our economy. I thought Jesus could use me as an accountant in that future time, a laugh, of course.... How would my university diploma work with Jesus' calculations?

"So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty."

-Zechariah 4:6.

My answer is right there, plain and simple .... by His Spirit!

How does one respond to His truth and Might? When there are questions better left unanswered, when all that we need is to trust even when in a doubtful place. How?

I was smiling. Suddenly I remembered Don Moen's Praise Looks Good On You song. Why, yes Lord. The psalmist is right. When I praise, I am happy, I am smiling and it comes from deep inside. I look good Praising you, my Lord. It should radiate into my face too, and in all my views of life.

..... so it is in praising others heartily. It looks good on us too. Amen.

PRAISE LOOKS GOOD ON YOU

By: Don Moen

Verse 1:
When you lift Your hands up high
And you sing a song of praise to Me
It brings Me great delight
Such a lovely sight
And yes it is true
Praise looks good on You
Morning night and noon
Your praise ascends to heaven
Like the smell sweet perfume
Filling every room
And yes it is true
Praise looks good on You

Chorus:
You bring your sacrifices
And you offer up your praise
You lift your voice with singing
But your heart seems far away
More than a sacrifice
I am looking for your life
Holy and acceptable
And pleasing in my sight

Verse 2:
So offer up your lives
Holy and acceptable
A willing sacrifice
Precious in my sight
But in all that you do
Remember all I want is You

(Repeat Chorus)

Verse 3:
So lift your hands up high
And worship Him before the altar
Consecrate your life
A willing sacrifice
But in all that you do
Remember all He wants is You
And yes it is true
Praise looks good on you

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/d/don_moen/praise_looks_good_on_you.html ]

Praise you my Lord, for you have supplied me with strength and minutes that stretched by itself to finish my jobs. And I am intact.

Thank you for today, Saturday, that I could put to keys, my Praises for you and for my blogging friends who are a source of light and encouragement. They never fail to bring rays of truth and what a lovely thing Praise is to me and to my friends. I love my friends, Lord and You Love us. What more can we ask for? In Jesus' Name. Amen

I am happy to link with Ms. Pamela Kuhn at A Sheltering Tree with her post, Sheltering With Praise.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO MS. PAMELA KUHN'S BLOG

Here's wishing everyone A Happy Weekend and A Blessed Sunday.
Peace and grace to you!

WHEN THE HEART IS GRATEFUL

2012-07-20T22:28:00.004-07:00

hen the dog bites,

When the bee stings,

When I'm feeling sad,

I simply remember my favorite things.

And then I don't feel so bad.

~Chorus of My Favorite Things

From The Sound of Music

I really love the lyrics of this song.

It so reminds me of the things that bothers us in our everyday life.

What with the stings of sour or hurtful words, like criticism.

Then there are times that sadness sits in. Loneliness comes to live with us, dwell in our hearts and in our minds, we waltz with it for a while.

But never for long.

A song of praise drives sadness away, bags and all. And the thought of the blessings, even on simple and ordinary things that brings on that smile, is enough to send that feeling as far away as the tip of the world.

So join me as I count some blessings or favorite things wrapped in paper packages tied up with strings.

DONE WITH DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK

1. When my COF led by Veronica Anderson, created a COF exclusive FB account for us to share within our circle. Plus the prayers and wishes for all of us and from each one to all.

2. Another one from V: A video of her walking on rocks, she calls beautiful, to let us see her view of the gorgeous sunset. Her voice misting my eyes as I listen , the shadow of her hand waving as she calls each one of us by name, in our circle. Then she says, "I offer to you, this gorgeous sunset." At this point she cups her hand as if cradling the orange circle of the sun. And there, as if standing at the shore with her, we witness the glorious sunset, with the gurgling of the tide lapping the shore as background. Beautiful.

3. Reading about the beautiful comments to post, which to me, is an encouragement, making me all the more hopeful. As well as reading lovely words in other blogs.

4. Going to the beach with the clan on my husband's side, seeing all those who live as far as California, New Zealand, and in different places here in our country A time to remember and cherish.

5. Celebrating the 80th birthday of a dear Aunt (My Mother-in-laws older sister), Auntie Selena. It was grand and full of fun and tears.

6. The southeast monsoon breeze over the excruciating heat of the Orient.

7. A simple birthday over noodles with co-workers and my grands at home. A cake from my pastor son and his family. A little glittery hair clip and birthday cards, some written by my grands with verses on them. It was my 57th. Sigh.

8. 21st birthday of Nico. He seems so grown-up already, trying to look for work while studying.

9. A day spent with grand-Denise, on her project about recyclables. We are making a wall organizer out of old denims. We are putting buttons, glitters and flowers on it.

10. Hugs from the smaller guys, Basty and David Nigel, who never forgets to bow their foreheads in front of me, for my kiss and sniff.

11. A long-been-wished-for project started. A hanging window vegetable garden in soda bottles and ice cream boxes. What a therapy it is and how fulfilling. The dripping system is so crude yet working.

12. A new taro corm has sprouted a single leaf on a dish, 2 inches tall now.

I can go on all day.........., and then I don't feel so bad.

Thank you God for giving us a heart and eyes to see beauty in the ordinary and in the simple things. We can call that contentment, and trust in You. And the precious knowledge that you are with us all the time, and nothing and no one can detach us from You, Lord. Thank you, for all the things we can be happy about.

Psalm 103:1-2

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-

Exodus 33:14

The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

.... and here's the lyrics:

My Favorite Things Lyrics

[ from The Sound of Music Soundtrack ]

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad

[Repeat all verses]

As for the window bottle garden, I hope to grow vegetables like these pictures. As soon as mine grow leaves, I will share them with you. Blessings!

I have linked this post with Kris
AT ALWAYS ALLELUIA
WITH HER "HE DELIGHTS IN YOU."

CLICK HERE

THE SIGHT, SOUNDS and TOUCH OF MUSIC

2012-07-20T01:05:00.003-07:00

Music washes away from the soul

the dust of everyday life.

~Berthold Auerbach

There's music in the sighing of a reed;
There's music in the gushing of a rill;
There's music in all things, if men had ears:
Their earth is but an echo of the spheres.
~Lord Byron

Music is what feelings sound like.

~Author Unknown

A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence.

~Leopold Stokowski

Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body.

~Oliver Wendell Holmes

He who sings scares away his woes. ~Cervantes

Is there spirit in music?

Does music touch your soul?

Can it paint the sky the color of sunset?

Do the wind blow easterly and monsoon without a sound?

Do the flutter and sway of Autumn leaves, falling to ground, gather without a hush, whispering the nearness of frost?

Did music score any of the moments you were sad, happy, carefree?

Didn't it signify milestones in your life or your child's?

Does the wonder and splendor of the Creator strike a deafening chorus, which fill your heart to bursting, and feet to dancing, just like the Psalmist?

Just think, or imagine a world without music. Although some are born without hearing, some due to acquired illness, still music goes on, written or unwritten.

I do believe God wrote music and sings for us, in every moment of our walk.

He can dream dreams for and in us.

He can paint and create marvelous objects for and through us.

And therefore, He co-writes music with us.

It heals every woe of our soul, eases up tired muscles and bones,

fills our heart with love .......

and the patter of the rain rushing down to ease the dryness of the land, sends beautiful notes to the sleeping seeds beneath.

I love the sight, sound and touch of music.

Can you remember special moments or events in your life when you hear certain songs?

When We All Get to Heaven

HEWITT, ELIZA EDMUNDS (1851-1920)

1. Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed
He'll prepare for us a place.

2. While we walk the pilgrim pathway
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav'ling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.

3. Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.

4. Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we'll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open,
We shall tread the streets of gold.

Chorus:
When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We'll sing and shout the victory.

And here is Pachelbel's Canon in D.

Music at its best.

 We owe it to Him.

And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing

waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard

was like that of harpists playing their harps.

~Revelation 14:2

I'd like to join

Ruby Starheart

@ Loving Transformation

as she shares

Journey through grief and grieving: Treat no 1 – the beauty in music

and

Pam @ Writing Apples of Gold with

her Summer Waterfall

And who doesn't love Fraulein Maria (played by Julie Andrews) of the Sound of Music

I think kids of today should watch the movie. Up 'til now, it never fails to inspire me.

For when you are downcast or in a situation of doubt, you can sing The Hills Are Alive With the Sound of Music.

And when you are in a difficult time, waiting for God's answer, you need patience and to trust in Him, go sing Climb Every Mountain.

I also love the message of Sixteen Going on Seventeen. It is a love and courtship message for the young people.

Even when you are afraid of the storm, you can sing with the Family Von Trapp, like counting your blessings, with My Favorite Things.

There, isn't it true that when you are afraid, in doubt, in a valley of waiting, insecure or with an illness, we only need to sing, to Praise, to Worship our God, our Provider, our Healer........ Then, even as we sing, we are relieved, we become content, joyful and hopeful. For we are given a light yoke. He invites us to cast all our burdens upon Him.

PEARLS, BEADS, LACE and SWIRLIES

2012-07-17T21:29:00.002-07:00

I promise to Love you forever... every single day of forever.

Ecru Satin, flowing lengths of lace, strings of beads, crystals, tulle and little flowers in pastel colors, lay in a gown box on Momma's cutting table.

My mind swiftly goes to the wedding four months away. The hopeless romantic heart in me, sings with merry notes because I have been a constant companion to the bride-to-be, just like a little attendant.

IMAGE CREDITS

It was such a great delight for me, even though I was 5 years her junior. Some of her courtship secrets were shared together in fun and carefree spirits. She is my eldest step-sister.

I was always around her in so many things she loved doing like baking. Trying very hard to show interest in her instructions, I hippety-hop and skitter around our large kitchen. Almost always, I end up happily washing the pots and pans, which of course, I can do perfectly.

This was going to be her moment of glory, as every girl dreams of, to glide down the aile in finery, love light in her eyes, in the arms of her parents, and right there at the altar, stands,
waiting proudly, her knight in shining armor.

Then to my mind, the beautiful strains of Pachelbel's Canon in D, with How Where When softly sang by a soprano, completes the march, echoing along the high ceilings of the Cathedral. Birds flit-flapping around the stained glass windows, beats along to rhythm..

IMAGE CREDITS

The aile is covered in red carpet and in both sides, with white ribbons and flowing tulle, are vases of white Callas, lining up in beautiful array over to the altar, where they end up with two tall candle stands whereupon perches flickering customized candles. In between them, are the Royal Chairs and Kneelers. Oh to the magic of it all!

She has been through a real Chinese betrothal ritual, and mind you, it is long and costly on the part of the groom's family. It is so exciting. One day, there were lots of moon cakes delivered at home, and as I gathered, also to other members of the clan, as a way of announcement.

IMAGE CREDITS

Next, there were cloths of all kinds then the next, jewelries.... all delivered and arranged in the bridal bedroom. Amidst this, I think about how precious a bride is to the groom's family.

FREE CLIPART

My mind flashes into the wonderful thought of the days and nights we will spend together, meandering at her bridal gown. I am officially asked to assist, and my delight soars to the clouds.

I did. I lovingly and wholeheartedly lavished my zeal on the craft. That is where my heart sings along with, at every pearl, bead, crystal, I sewed on lace, beautiful notes fluted in the air. It was a work of art.

IMAGE CREDITS

To the day I am redeemed, I think at how a bride will be in all glitters,of gold and pearls and all colorful gems, when we stand in the presence of the BRIDEGROOM at the appointed day.

Well, I sure will have my own time, at a gala wedding. Come, everyone is invited.

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All Things

Love Bears All Things
Believes All Things
Hopes All Things
Endures All Things
Love Never Ends

Joanne & Kevin

18th June 2011

Balance

For Every Storm
A Rainbow
For Every Tear
A Smile
For Every Care
A Promise
And A Blessing In Each Trial.
For Every Problem Life Sends
A Faithful Friend To Share.
For Every Sigh
A Sweet Song
And An Answer For Each Prayer

Perhaps Love

Perhaps Love Is Like A Resting Place,
A Shelter From The Storm,
It Exists To Give You Comfort,
It Is There To Keep You Warm.

And In Those Times Of Trouble
When You Are Most Alone
The Memory Of Love
Will Bring You Home.

If I Should Live Forever,
And All My Dreams Come True
My Memories Of Love Will Be Of You

Anne & Joe

26th March 2011

(Site Host: http://www.jennyhamilton.com/verses_wedding)

Revelation 19:7-9 ESV

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”