Modern Psalmist: My Thoughts Scribbled Into A Piece Of Writing

Ways To Sustain Marriage

2011-11-02T17:18:00.001+08:00

I wonder how many people are in the wagon of this same concern. Couples who have been married for over 10 years are starting to wonder where did the romance go. As the honeymoon stage fades away, the reality of married life starts to sink in and throw you a lot of punches, either left hook or right uppercut comes unexpectedly… sometimes you have to be ready with the knife hand neck strike, the sidekicks, or whatever full-body contact blows that life may throw at you…

Each day, things are getting heavier not just with the bills that are delivered in your doorstep every month… but concerns blow up to tuition fees, house rents, and even hospital bills when kids get sick… these things, though we know is part and parcel of building a family, get us preoccupied that we spouses tend to forget to nurture the relationship… in the end we don’t land up as partners anymore but opponents…

I’ve been married for 13 years and somehow I get derelict with my duties as a wife because I am consumed with family matters which I think are more important that date night, movie night, dine out, and other sweet-nothing moments… I compartmentalized things according to priorities but that is a one-sided angle of a mom, not as a wife.

One time… a wife came to me and poured out her sentiments towards her husband… after that long hours of listening, I prayed for her… then shared with her some thoughts that came to my head as I prayed… In as much as it encouraged her…I believed that those things I had told her ministered to me as well…

This is what I told her…

God made you as the betterhalf first before He made you a mom. The priority must be in that order. God is pleased that you are a caring and loving mom…but He called you to be a wife first… you also need to fulfill that.

Then I share some practices that my husband and I have…

We do have a night out… we plan things on what we do for that night… mostly we watch movies… we also walk around the subdivision late afternoon or after dinner. We mostly talk about plans… and dreams.

During Sundays, we have an afternoon siesta…which we seldom end up sleeping…we just talk and whisper nonsense but sweet words, wrapping our arms. That’s quite cheezy but it does help us become more intimate with each other.

WARNING! (Rate PG)

And of course never forget to “have a go at it”… It is important. Don’t just do it for the sake of doing… be passionate about it… be creative… surprise your spouse… In fact…during special occasions like birthdays or anniversary…it would be nice to check in a hotel. Making love is what set us apart from others who are not married. It is a gift from God… It should be shared by married couples as often as they can because there is union in there. I think you know what I mean. I think that is the best way to keep romance burning and keep the relationship healthy.

PAIN

2011-10-25T07:55:00.001+08:00

The physical pain that you inflict to a woman will be gone and no longer felt, but the ACT is a mental torture that replays on and on... and you can not heal a wounded soul. You don't call it an offense... coz there is no word for it.

Frustration

2011-10-13T15:56:00.001+08:00

I am human and I do feel frustrated at times. When things don’t come my way or the way I hope it would be – I am bombarded with disappointment, sometimes vexation.

How do I cope when I am attacked with this dangerous emotion? Before I share my thoughts about this one, let me exposit the context of this emotion…

Here it goes… I have been waiting for something to materialize… I know God has promised me these things… and I know He will deliver His promises – every single thing of it. However, there is this one thing I truly desire…let me call this stability… the thing is, we don’t know where our promise land is. And I am dying to settle in for good…but as of the moment, it seems like my desire is far from the horizon…and what we have right now are so uncertain, precarious, and shaky. There is no single thread for me to hold on to concerning this promise. So, I am freaking out! Then, frustration tries to sneak into my system… hoping to beat me down and wallow with depression. But I am certainly fighting for my sanity—now that is a hyperbole!

Last Tuesday… I was reading the book of Joshua… God faithfully accomplished what He promised to Moses…and like He said, He would not wipe out all those tribes for a good reason:

Here is what God exactly said:

<< Deuteronomy 7 >>

22“The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, for the wild beasts would grow too numerous for you. 23“But the LORD your God will deliver them before you, and will throw them into great confusion until they are destroyed. 24“He will deliver their kings into your hand so that you will make their name perish from under heaven; no man will be able to stand before you until you have destroyed them. 25“The graven images of their gods you are to burn with fire; you shall not covet the silver or the gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, or you will be snared by it, for it is an abomination to the LORD your God. 26“You shall not bring an abomination into your house, and like it come under the ban; you shall utterly detest it and you shall utterly abhor it, for it is something banned.

I always believe God knows what is best for us…and whatever is the delay in the completion of His promise…That is because He knows the perfect time for it. His timing is always flawless.

I know God’s promise is a done deal… It is sealed…and it is happening…I may not see it… I just need to be patient and to keep on believing and hoping. God is sovereign.

So my way of coping whenever frustration tries to outfox me (frustration is really like Swiper the Fox ) is to go back to the Word of God. This is my source of strength… a reminder of God’s faithfulness…and Frustration has no room in my nous and my heart because it is simply otiose to entertain it.

I am boldly confessing that to myself! So, I am holding on.

13th on 12th

2011-09-12T21:49:00.001+08:00

I just wanna have a catchy title though it really has something to do with what I’m gonna say… It’s our 13th wedding anniversary today, Sept. 12. According to wedding traditions, 13th wedding anniversary is called Lace at the same time Chrysanthemum…but I don’t care much about traditional wedding names or gifts or whatsoever purpose those terms may be. I am not after of how many years have gone by in our marriage… My quest is not with the time but with the daily journey I have with my husband… the growth that we have as a couple and as individual.

It is my goal to be the kind of wife that God has designed and called me to be, for my John…As I declare that, at the back of my head I am also saying so HELP me God! That is a God-given role that needs the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to walk a godly life as a wife and mom to our three children.

I am sharing the greetings that my “sweetie” posted in my FB account…

I had no idea last night why he let me go to bed ahead of him, that was part of his pleasant surprise. I was certainly titillated when I read it this morning. Who wouldn’t be? (Oh by the way, he called and asked If I did read his message)

Ooops! Here is a closer look.

There! That message says it all, right?

Here is my response to his message…

Of course, that isn’t readable so here is a clear one…

and for the Finale of this entry…here is the video I made for my hubby last November 16, 2010!

You Got Me by Colbie

UnFair

2011-09-09T20:56:00.001+08:00

Thoughts About My Scripture Reading: (MARK 10:45)

The real test in the garden of Eden is not about the "eating of the fruit"...but about "OBEDIENCE" and "DISOBEDIENCE"... and because of SIN, Life is no longer fair... If it does...then there shall never be "Salvation".

However, the beauty of life that is "unfair" is we can avail the Grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ...who is the "RANSOM" for many...

Timing

2011-09-05T13:21:00.001+08:00

A few weeks back, I heard a good news about my friend who used to be in my DGroup. I was ecstatic to hear that she’s already engaged to a church mate in our home church… her FB account was full of well-wishes… and she posted the 2 Fast 2 Furious album displaying the precious moment of the engagement party… I could not help but commented in that particular album…I said “When it is from God... nothing is too soon, and nothing is too late...God has a perfect time.” I do believe that!

I am always thrilled for my friends who are single and are patiently waiting for God to fulfill His plans in their lives… I can only reckon how hard it might be for them to resist the temptation of plowing ahead with God’s plan…especially if age is advancing every year… but given the opportunity to be single again… I think I will wait upon God…and by faith I know His ways are faultless… and I know His plans for me are perfect! God knows what is best for me.

I always trust the Word of God… This verse from the bible is God’s promise --“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. “ ~ Jeremiah 29: 11. Anyone can hold on to that promise… It is the promise that I keep dearly in my heart especially when circumstances seem not right…and when things do not make sense to me… You too can trust that God’s promise is a “done deal” so to speak.

Past Progressive Tense

2011-08-03T01:05:00.001+08:00

This week, my lesson in my English 1 class revolves in progressive tenses.

So we’re talking about Past Progressive Tense in my two English 1 classes this morning. After showing [and processing] them the picture (see insert), my additional motivation question was… “Was there something in your past that you’d like to go back to and perhaps you’d like to change? Why?”

That question generated several answers and interactions from my students… SUCCESS! I nailed my first objective in this lesson (Note: It is my goal to make my students talk and propel them to share their ideas, this is with the aim to improve their spoken and written (English) language skills. Thus, communicative approach is being utilized) … After the sharing I was trying to wrap up the motivation question when one of my students blurted this question “How about you Ma’am? Is there something you would like to change in the past?” I was about to dismiss that silly interrogation… when most of the class reverberated the question… So I was obliged to answer, and I said “there was none!”… Most of my male students were dubious about my answer, and one of the boys boldly said “Whattabout past boyfriends?” I sensed where this type of question was heading… but I felt that I need to create an impression of my stand and set things right before them! (as a role model)

SO I told them with firmness in my voice [Now this is the meat of my blog] that I made the right choice and I chose the right man…

Alright! It may be hard to believe for many… But I can look straight in anyone’s eye and say that my husband is the right man for me… He is not perfect… but I could really say that he is the best! He is the living proof that God’s word is true… that all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28) …

There are so many things that I thank God for my husband… aside from being a changed man, my husband has admirable qualities that I appreciate so much… he is like a mother hen to our three kids… (like he takes care of them whenever the kids are sick, or he attends PTA meetings, and or he is even a stage-dad, and etc.) … Aside from those qualities, he is a loving husband who tucks me to our bed and puts me to sleep… He makes sure that I am ok , and he spoils me with food…. and more.

Sure there are rough moments because as individuals, we too have our differences… we argue…sometimes we fight…and there are times that we have our own “lampshade” positions at night because we could not come to agree on things… but hey! That’s married life… you fight and you make up! But the best thing in my marriage is that God brings us together… our love for God makes us see each other the way God sees us. We learn to forgive our shortcomings and we put up with our weaknesses because God’s grace abounds in us. Whenever we are being swept over by our stubbornness, God’s unconditional love gently reminds us to extend the same to each other. Having a betterhalf who loves God and wants to honor Him in everything that he does is indeed worth more than gold. I don’t want to trade him for anything.

Laws

2011-07-18T22:16:00.001+08:00

Laws! Laws! Laws! Rules! Rules! Rules! (singing this to the tune of “Marry you” by Bruno Mars)

Seriously, Laws? Who wants them?

When I was having my quiet time last night… this thought just popped out in my head. Gone were the days of the Pharisees, You could no longer see them.

However, pharisaic attitude is still prevalently seen in people’s behavior today. Christians are not exempted about this… In fact, there is a thin line that draws from “self-righteousness” and “godliness”. One person could be zealous about the the 10 commandments, and other laws written in the Bible… But if what the person sees in Christianity is the long list of Dos and Don'ts, then this person is missing the whole point of why Jesus was born, was crucified, and was raised from the dead.

While the Laws are essential so that we can see our sinfulness, and admit that we can not save ourselves… still we have to remember that it is only by grace (Ephesians 2:9) that we can enter the throne of God through His son Jesus Christ (John 14:6), our Lord and Savior.

Living a godly life is not a requirement so that we can be saved, but it is an act of worship… God deserves our all… Our obedience must be propelled by love. When we understand how much God loves us, that Jesus had to die once for all so that we can be reconciled to God… I believe we would simply love God back not just in words but even our deeds.

HOPE

2011-06-28T23:35:00.001+08:00

What is hope? This four letter word is akin to expectancy, optimism, desire, wish… The opposite of hope is hopelessness… and when hopelessness sets in the heart and mind of man… it breeds depression, despair, darkness, and self-destruction.

The cure of hopelessness is God… and there is no other.

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. ~ Jeremiah 29:11

The Ultimate Definition of Respect

2011-04-15T19:42:00.001+08:00

Hello there. Here's a very good read to remind us of what we ought to do concerning the issue of Authority. I know this is not your current situation, but it's nice to be reminded once in awhile.

There are instances that our faith is tested in this area... Sometimes people who direct/ manage/ supervise/ watch us are may be unreasonable, unworthy of respect because of their behavior...but still WE ARE CALLED TO SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY regardless of their attitude... we must not criticize, disparage, or malign them (as long as your employer/ superior does not ask you to drop the ball, then by all means let us yield to the authority of that person) Coz if you don't...how can you make a difference, fulfill your calling, and be the salt and the light?

~ maLyth

*******

The Ultimate Definition of Respect: Submitting to and Respecting Authority

Karen Wolff

As a parent I can surely tell you that when your kids don't show you respect, it is really hard not to want to ground them until they're 30—at least. We all try to instill the importance of honoring authority into our kids. Yet, we all have more than a little trouble honoring the authority that's over our own lives.

Remember the old saying, "Do what I say, not what I do?"

We all want it. We all expect it. Yet, we want others to earn it from us. How is that supposed to work?

God's View of Authority

The truth is, God has placed an entire network of people in this world into positions of authority. I'm not just referring to our government leaders, but also to the leaders in our workplaces and in our families. Perhaps it's time to take a look at just how God views authority and our lack of respect thereof.

Coming under authority and showing respect isn't easy. Nobody wants to be told what to do or how to do it. We criticize anybody that makes a decision we don't like. It's not right. It's not fair. It's not good for me.

In our country we've taken our right to free speech to an unbelievable level. We openly criticize our leaders, our country, our values, and pretty much anything else that doesn't line up with what we want. We don't see anything wrong with complaining, whining, and showing disgust to anybody who will listen.

An open dialogue about how to solve issues is always a good thing. But some have even categorized their poor behavior as an attempt at "open dialogue." There is much to learn about how God views these kinds of situations.

Protection and Favor

When you are in relationship with God, he provides you with protection and favor. But as you belittle and criticize those people he has placed in authority over you, that protection and favor is lifted from you. The bottom line is that God expects you to respect him and his choices. He expects that you will respect the people he's placed in authority over you. That doesn't mean you have to agree with every one of their decisions, but it does mean you still need to show respect for the position, and by extension, the person who is in the position.

Romans 13:1-3 says, "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you." (NLT)

Now, do you want to respect authority? Probably not. In reality, would you rather just tell them what you think about it? Yup. So how do you go about this seemingly impossible task? How do you submit to and show respect for the authority God has placed over you when you don't agree? And, how do you keep a good attitude while you're doing it?

Practical Steps for Respecting Authority

Start by reading and learning what God says about respecting authority. Find out just what he thinks and how much importance he places on your willingness and your attitude about it. When you discover that God will only give you authority over others when you show that you can come under authority yourself, perhaps things will look a little different to you.
Pray for those in authority over you. Ask God to guide them as they fulfill their tasks. Pray that their hearts would seek God as they make decisions. As God to show you how you can be a blessing to those in authority over you.
Set the example for the people around you. Show them what submitting to authority for the right reasons is supposed to look like. Don't participate in back-biting, gossiping, or criticizing your bosses or others in authority. There is nothing wrong with having constructive conversations, but there is a fine line between offering your opinion and becoming disrespectful.
Understand and know ahead of time that you are not going to like every decision. If you look at the responsibility and accountability that exists within the role of your leaders, it should become clear that the scope of their authority affects more than just you and your circumstances. There are times when decisions will negatively impact you. But just remember that how you react to these times will determine how quickly God puts you in a position of authority over others.

There is no magic pill that can make you feel good about having to submit to authority—any authority. But know when you make the conscious effort to do what God says, regardless of how it feels, you are planting a wonderful seed that will produce a harvest in your life.

You can't expect a harvest of blessings from people who will respect and honor you, if you haven't first planted the seeds. So as hard as it is, start planting!

http://christianity.about.com/od/topicaldevotions/qt/respectauthorit.htm

respect, respecting, respectful, honoring, honor, honorable, submit to authority, submittoauthority, authority, boss, bigboss, obedience, obey, obeying

Prayer

2011-04-10T19:40:00.001+08:00

Prayer is somehow thought as a discipline than a lifestyle, because some people [if not most] find praying difficult. I am not expert on this subject matter… In fact I am still fine-tuning my habit in this aspect… It is my desire that my prayer life will meet God in a higher plane… that I mean—my prayer will transude more than just talking, imploring, confiding, reaching, unwrapping, and interceding [every now and then]… I do wish that my praying is like breathing ---hardwired, involuntary, genuine, reflexive, spontaneous, unsophisticated and exceedingly wonted. That is my yearning.

I read this quote which is very solacing… it says:

Prayer is not a discourse. It is a form of life, the life with God. That is why it is not confined to the moment of verbal statement. --Jacques Ellul

Technorati Tags: pray,prayer,worship,talking to God,desire,praying,God,faith

Salt Spa

2011-04-03T23:15:00.003+08:00

I was blogging earlier about Siam Yoko product. This entry was posted in my other blog. But as I was composing (at the same time encoding) my thoughts, another idea was also brewing in. So I thought of blogging it here.
Why the title? This has nothing to do with vanity. I don't take pride of my looks or appearance. But I care about my skin, in fact my whole being. After hard days work, I make it a point to treat myself, like going to beauty salon and have my nails done. I also have beauty regimen--- day and night. I have the basics like cleansing, toning, and moisturizing creams.
Taking care of one’s skin or beautifying one’s self is not bad. As long as you do not worship your body and your looks, and be bloodguilty of autolatry, or somehow become a narcissist… If you are doing that, then you can be guilt stricken by it.
I attended a bible study series before entitled “Woman of Excellence” … and I could still remember what the facilitator said, that an excellent woman knows the balance of taking care of her physical and inner beauty.
The bible did not condemn the idea of taking care of one’s self, what it did not encourage is the excessive or rather obsessive way of prettifying yourself, because it surely is detrimental to your spirit. If you could recall the exhortation of Peter to the wives. He said that they should not “follow the customs of some of the Egyptian women who, during that time, spent hours and hours working on their hair, makeup, and finding the perfect outfit. God would rather see women work on becoming beautiful on the inside — the kind of beauty that lasts forever.” (Vicki Courtney)
The world overemphasizes on the physical appearance but God looks at the heart. You can see that in 1 Samuel 16:7.
Although the Bible tells us to take care of our body in general (becoming healthy, exercising, etc), ref 1 Cor 6: 19-20, It also did not brush aside the spiritual truth that:

“beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.” ~ 1 Peter 3:3-5

Post Grad

2011-03-28T09:59:00.007+08:00

It’s the end of the second semester, and summer is here. I just had my clearance signed last week too (It is a requirement in our school whenever a semester ends). During that period, I was able to speak to our VP Acad… and she encouraged me to pursue my post grad studies outside the university that I’m teaching. She told me the benefits of it… and the rest of the conversation echoed only in the four corners of her office, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, that is not the meat of my blog… the title is just a trope – if the word applies to what Im gonna say… Well, I am traversing in another stage of my marriage wherein sometimes your chest is just gonna sally out from being deluged with lotsa things.

It is hard to master marital relationship…or any relationships for that matter. If there’s only a school for that- post grad courses perhaps--- so that you become completely proficient or skilled or get a firm understanding in handling it. But sad to say that the university for it is the married life that you have now… all the practicing… and sometimes the trial-and-error phase… and the deciphering, and the laboratory are rolled in that reality of life. Sometimes, you missed things… and the error triggers the strident noise or hoists the SOS flag. Faults, quarrels, goofs are inevitable because we are not perfect… each one is full of herself/himself. And then… the relationship is threatened. Truth of the matter is you simply can’t afford to mess up big time, {i think}… because at some points, it makes your heart grows weary…. and the result… each one walks in separate ways.

The only way to make things work and let the marital journey at its cruisin’ speed is to know your God-given role/s as couples. This is a hard sell for everyone… but God is the only third party that you need to involve in your marriage because without Him, all marriages are bound to fail. Had not it been for Him, my marriage had conked out a long long time ago.

Here’s a good read I found for husbands and for wives.

Perfidiousness

2011-02-19T16:00:00.002+08:00

We seldom use this word, but if you look at it in the dictionary or Thesaurus you will see that it is synonymous with the word “disloyalty” “treachery” “insidiousness”, and a few other words like betrayal.

This thought just hit me today. I’ve been reading this book of Tom Holladay, “The Relationship Principles of Jesus” … I am now on Day 14… and the book has reminded me of a lot of hard truths that Christians must not ignore but rather practice. Like today’s chapter speaks about what love entails. Here is this statement that stucks in my head

"Day 14: (Jesus example) Love makes the choice to accept (thus forgive), and love makes the choice to sacrifice. (For us all), the greatest sacrifices may not be the once-in-a-lifetime sacrifices; they may well be the daily sacrifices. No one else may even know you did it, but you'll know you acted in response to Jesus' love for you.”

I have been betrayed several times by people especially those that are close to me, people I dearly love. It is easy to cut off the relationship but then that is not what Jesus taught us. Jesus did not only teach us but he modeled it to us… on how to accept those who sinned against Him and God… in fact He sacrificed His life so that all of us can be reconciled to our God.

Amid The Mid-Thirty Life Crisis

2011-02-13T21:49:00.001+08:00

I wonder if there is really such a term as “mid-thirty life crisis”. I turned 36 years old today… and I could not help notice that I’ve this “odd” feeling.

I think that I am becoming sensitive over little things… [too petty and very trivial to get supersensitised] Should I blame it to the hormones or to the chemical imbalance that is happening inside me? I dunno. All I know is that I am feeling it. It hits me like a strong storm. In fact, it is like I am experiencing some tornado inside me. It is shaking me, and turning me upside-down.

Despite this quaint or rather strange feeling, I have my husband who is standing by me always. He is patient with me. He solaces me, encourages me, and prays for me. The things he does do not only comfort me but also fling away my emotional state.

Amid this crazy turmoil, I have a lot of things to thank God for. I am blessed with additional year to live for God. I’ve family and friends who are with me and who pray for me. And lastly, I praise God for giving me a better half who sees to it that he meets my needs [physical, social, emotional, and spiritual].

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her ²⁶ to make her holy, cleansing^[a] her by the washing with water through the word, ²⁷ and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. ²⁸ In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ~Ephesians 5: 25-28

Father's Love Letter - Video

2011-02-11T19:59:00.003+08:00

May you be blessed watching this video. I watched this back in 2002, when I attended the Women's Conference of our church [Christ Commission Fellowship] in Cagayan de Oro.

It’s 1.1.11

2011-01-01T18:56:00.001+08:00

Good number huh? Many are very superstitious about numbers… Many people put their lives on luck. I understand why some people perceive some things in their lives as though events happen by “chances”.

Nothing happens in a man’s life out of a random unexplainable phenomenon. If you know what I mean. Things happen not out of mere chance, or because someone rolls the dice for you, then kaboom! Things happen.

God who is sovereign allows things to happen, whether actively or passively. This means that God knows what’s going to happen to us…He may cause it or allow it, but the outcome is always for the good and for His Name to be praised by all people, acknowledging Him as God. His children, even if bad things happen [which are not to be labeled as “unlucky” for those who suffer it], would not be out from His umbrella of grace. God’s grace is sufficient no matter what.

Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” All things means EVERYTHING ~ the good and the bad. There is always hope in every bad situation, and good things will come out even from the ugliest event or happening in our lives.

There are so many scriptures from the Word of God that would support how God looks at luck, chances, fortune-telling, zodiac signs, and other forms of divination. You do not have to depend your life in all those practices. You do not have to freak out when you see numbers or signs or whatever.

Whatever will happen to us in this 2011, all we need to do is to “Trust in the LORD with all [our] heart and lean not on [our] own understanding; in all [our] ways submit to Him, and He will make [our] paths straight.” This is the Word of God in Proverbs 3:5-6.

I pray that you will have a blessed 2011.

Year-Ender Thought ~ More Than Conquerors!

2010-12-27T12:01:00.001+08:00

I was contemplating of writing some sort of year-ender article… just to assess how my 2010 has been spent, be grateful to those people who sojourn with me this year… and also to recollect the hills and valleys that I along with my husband and 3 children have gone through.

Unfortunately, my memory won’t serve me right… there are many details I could no longer recall. My mind could only think of the Word of God that comforts me and encourages all year round…

In Romans 8, It sums up to this truth that It is in the midst of suffering or adversity that we would learn by heart what it means to be more than conquerors. That no matter what happens, God is with Us… that the grace of God is sufficient.

I have been manducating [figuratively speaking] the book of Romans this last quarter as if I have been savoring every bite. And every morsel of the Word gives me strength spiritually… brings me new hope and courage and excitement to face 2011.

As a year-ender thought… I bring with me this scripture

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. ~ Romans 8:32-33

This 2010 brings us to a new height. I could not be bitter for the things that did not happen the way that I would want it to. I could not call it a failure for I know God is sovereign, and He is not finished yet… In fact, the best is yet to come.

I am now eager to march for 2011… C’mon!!! To God be the Glory!

Please take time to watch this video and be blessed! I pray these scriptures in the video for you and your family.

Appreciation Night

2010-12-18T12:56:00.005+08:00

Our Church has an honoring ball {or something like that} every year. For the last two years, we called it E4 Awards Night. This year, leaders have changed it to Appreciation Night. This is done to honor everyone who labors and toils in the field or orbit where God has positioned us [in church, campus, workplace, in our home, and in our locality as a whole].

We are not only serious in doing the work of God…we are also serious with our fellowship with one another…and so we have had a theme for this event… (we always have a theme for every party, like last year we had Luau)… For this year which happened last Thursday night, we had “Dress Like A Rock Star!” … I’ve been digging out who suggested that.
“Come out! Come out! Whoever you are!”

Anyway, we were not just rockin’ all night long… the highlight of the evening was not the stickin’ of appreciation stickers…but the prayin’ for one another. We appreciated and prayed for everyone who was [and is still] working alongside us in every ministry that we volunteered to serve.

I couldn’t help but shed tears of joy for having a spiritual family who are not just wonderful but are greatly commendable.

Here are the Scriptures that inspire us to honor each one:

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.
John 13:14

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:34

Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10

…rather, serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:13

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—… (Hebrews 10:25).

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. -Rom 12:5

Immanuel

2010-12-12T14:46:00.004+08:00

The Sunday series that is running this month at church is all about the “Ancient Prophecies” …

Ptr Jay reminded us of God’s Word in Isaiah 7:14… and how this promise was being fulfilled in Matthew 1: 20-21.

The reason why Jesus came to earth is not only to die for us but for us to have life in His Name…

You may have heard this statement for a bazillion times… but it is always good to be reminded from time to time…that indeed “the reason for this season is CHRIST"… and that kindness, generosity, fellowship, forgiveness, [and whatever good that you need to do in the name of this season] and love must not only be shown during this time of the year but everyday of our lives… We need to radiate to people that truly God is with us. The faith that we profess is true and living. That we live life according to the will of God and His purpose… all for His Glory!

A Blessed Christmas Everyone!!!

Dark Chocolate

2010-11-28T23:27:00.003+08:00

I have cravings for Dark Chocolate these past few days. So, my hubby bought me two bars on separate days. When it comes to chocolate s, he tries to rein in my cravings because I have chronic tonsillitis, that type of tonsillitis that never subsides anymore…and this concerns him ever since.
Cravings happen when my period is nearing. This seems to be normal to me. Anyway, I read an article in the net that dark chocolates do lessen the hormonal stress or anxiety. That article inspired me to blog my conviction. I dunno how scientists got their explanation over this matter… but there is only one thing I know that is really true about how we can be freed from all the anxieties that we are getting in this world.
God said:

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28).

Yet for us to get into that rest we have to take away that reservoir of that stress: our unbelief (Heb. 3:19).

We also have to know that “He cares so deeply for us, we can cast our anxiety upon Him (1 Peter 5:7)

"Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6-7).

Having shared those verses that were directly quoted from the Bible [as I encouraged you also to open your Bible to cross check if what I said here is true], I can only resolve that only God can ultimately remove the stress that we experience each day. We only have to believe and completely surrender it to God.

Life Is Fleeting

2010-11-20T15:24:00.002+08:00

"Life is one of those precious fleeting gifts, and everything can change in a heartbeat.”

Life is fleeting—this is an overused statement. Everybody knows that. Death is a sensitive issue for me… after i lost my brother… the event of dying – of anyone I know- simply brings quivers down my spine and really trembles my soul.
I am not scared of death. I know where I am going… It is just that it relives the pain of losing my brother sometime ago.
I have been suppressing my emotion since last Wednesday. A good friend of mine lost her dad that day. I have been wanting to let loose but I wonder why I simply cant. So I have been carrying this emotional load for 4 days already.
What I wanna do right now is do my crying in the rain. Where no one can see me in pain and heart broken. Unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating.
Anyway… I just wanna share my faith about death… That, it is a harmless quick experience… It is like a doorway towards the greatest place called Heaven… the place that God has promised for those who believe in His Son Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

Romans 6:4, 5 state: “Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we may live in a newness of life. For if we have become united with the likeness of his death, certainly we will also be united with the likeness of his resurrection. . .”

Sealed

2010-11-13T13:57:00.002+08:00

I am blogging this thought without a specific title in mind… I have been feeling blue for quite awhile… I must be stressed. Last year, I learned [because I was medically diagnosed to have a panic attack…it was a long story …perhaps I blogged about it in my wordpress account, you can find the link in the sidebar for my other accounts] that all of us are not designed to carry all those multilayered inquietude. Everyone also has a specific stress level… You need to determine yours with the help of a professional so that the result is objective. Learning that, I experienced that once you go beyond your stress level… then expect to feel most of the symptoms if not all… worst case scenario then is nervous breakdown, which happened to me on one occasion. So this must be it… I have gone overboard to do all those tasks.
Anyway, I know pretty well that the bible taught us not to be anxious~ Philippians 4:6… But what went wrong with me? Have I lost my faith… Have I backslid? God knows… By His grace, I know I will not lose my salvation. I am sealed [bingo, I’ve now my title for this blog]… God bought me with the price…through the blood of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Whatever I am going through right now, I am confident that God will never leave me nor forsake me~ Hebrews 13:5… and He has promised and said in His Word…

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
~Isaiah 41:10

Thus, I need to remind myself that God loves me, that no one, not even my circumstance, can separate me from the love of God~ Romans 8:35-39. I must confess these truths everyday, I must constantly seek God’s face, commune with Him and listen to His Holy Spirit, in order to know His will for me and live it, and most importantly glorify His name.

Lastly, Let us continue to pray for one another because circumstance can be overwhelming at times… and the enemy will use it so that you will believe in his lie and eventually abandon your faith in God and nullify what Christ has done for us.

Sharing this quote:

“For God to explain a trial would be to destroy its purpose, calling forth simple faith and implicit obedience.” — Alfred Edersheim

Make It Known

2010-10-15T11:45:00.000+08:00

Make It Known

Random Thoughts #1

2010-10-15T10:42:00.001+08:00

The what we called "global system of interconnected computer networks" that brings immense info in every corner of the world... is both a "blessing" and a "curse" ... it can either help you become productive or otiose.

It can aid in achieving excellence... or simply make you settle for mediocrity. How you use it <or any object in general> boils down not only about motive and stewardship, but also it helps magnify the condition of your heart.

Modern Psalmist: My Thoughts Scribbled Into A Piece Of Writing

Ways To Sustain Marriage

PAIN

Frustration

13th on 12th

UnFair

Timing

Past Progressive Tense

Laws

HOPE

The Ultimate Definition of Respect

Prayer

Salt Spa

Post Grad

Perfidiousness

Amid The Mid-Thirty Life Crisis

Father's Love Letter - Video

It’s 1.1.11

Year-Ender Thought ~ More Than Conquerors!

Appreciation Night

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. John 13:14

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

…rather, serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—… (Hebrews 10:25).

Immanuel

Dark Chocolate

Life Is Fleeting

"Life is one of those precious fleeting gifts, and everything can change in a heartbeat.”

Sealed

Make It Known

Random Thoughts #1

The what we called "global system of interconnected computer networks" that brings immense info in every corner of the world... is both a "blessing" and a "curse" ... it can either help you become productive or otiose.

It can aid in achieving excellence... or simply make you settle for mediocrity. How you use it <or any object in general> boils down not only about motive and stewardship, but also it helps magnify the condition of your heart.

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.
John 13:14

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:34

Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10

…rather, serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:13