Some Vacation Photos

Vacation in the Province

What's so different about it? It's the fresh air and the cleaner environment compared to the city.

We visited our relatives in the Northern Luzon, Philippines. Went to my dad's old family house and get to know relatives that i haven't seen since birth.

Awesome place.

I love the field. I guess they're just done harvesting.

I've seen few people still on the field, looking for watermelon that is ready for harvest. People are happy except for one man standing in his place. He is alone and old. He needs harvester. But seems like people have their own thing. He got two sacks ready. Only two that his carabao could carry on a small wooden thing attached to its body. For that day, he could not harvest all. Im thinking what if the fruit will be over ripe the next day, then he lost an opportunity to sell them. Hmm...if only he hired harvesters. Or if only he didn't come alone. Or if only someone from the nearby place helped him then he could harvest more.

Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly [is] great, but the labourers [are] few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

We don't labor in vain. The Scripture says we will reap something in God's perfect time. He knew our labor and works of love and He is faithful....evermore.

I would like to go back to the province and learn more. Maybe next time i will be helping in the harvest season.

For Christians, harvesting is everyday.

Why Do We Go To Church?

First, i wonder why people don't go to Church?

I don't know where i've heard this but one time someone says that some people, instead of going to church, they prefer to listen to Bob Dylan in the radio.

I don't know him well, but my husband loves to sing "Blowin' in the Wind".

Some people don't go to church because they don't know the VALUE of it. When we say something or someone is valuable, it is of course desirable and it is something to appreciate. Some thinks that it is just a tiring and boring routine. Some still says that it's just a ceremony meant to be attended when someone is celebrating their birthdays or anniversaries.

Hebrews 10:25 (New King James Version)

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

We go to Church because:

    It is a Divine Commandment - Deut. 12:5
    It is a Privilege - Psa. 84
    To Receive Blessings from God - Psa. 84:4
    It is a Holy Day - Exo. 20:8-11
    The Lord Expects us

 God bless us abundantly.

Never Change

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever

Praise the Lord for His Word. 

I must confess that there are times that i am questioning life without thinking WHO is the Giver of it. I compared myself to others without thinking again that i am crafted by God's own hands. I complained without looking back to all the blessings that i received. I rebelled without knowing that i don't have any rights for it. 

And GOD IS GOOD. He really is. Despite all of my impatience, He remained patient. 

He is the SAME. He will never change. My life has been filled with so many things and He remained the same. He is the God that delivers, heals, taking us away from us, from the "me-monster". He is the God that bless and gives increase. He is the God of the beginning and the end but He is never ending. His mercy endureth forever. 

I sing a song at our church today entitled "never change" by the Infinite Devotion Music Team. Jesus moves. The message is awesome and i can feel the love of the Lord on every sides and lyrics of the song. 

Just to give you an idea, here's the lyrics: 

You came into my life
Oh Lord You saw me in the dark
Embraced me with Your arms
Unfailing love was what I found

I just don’t know why You gave
Your life away
To see me through

Thank You for the love
Lord You’ve been my help
Every single day
Never ever change
Jesus I love You
Let me worship You all day

For You I decided to stay
And let Your will be done in my life
I know I ain’t no good for this call
But then You still love me

God is an amazing God. His faithfulness endures too. It happened to me. I am a living testimony of the goodness of God..you too. That's why we ought to always make Him famous in our lives. 

Praise the Lord evermore.

March is LOVE Month

My parents celebrated their birthdays this month. Papa 14th and Mama 16th.

Papa decided to have it celebrated in the house with us, our relatives, neighbors and friends. But before the celebration, we had Bible Study first. So awesome that evangelism took place on the day of my Papa's birthday. And again the glory belongs to the Lord. We were all happy. And seeing that tears from Papa's eyes when Pastor prayed for him, made me cry too. It's not always that papa cried. It's not always that we can see "surrender". It's not always that we can see how thankful Papa is. And oh it's his birthday and we thank the Lord so much for our Papa's life. 60 years and enjoying it. We pray for more years and ofcourse for him to really accept the Lord as his Lord and Saviour. I believe, Lord, it is happening. Amen.

And just yesterday, we celebrated Mama's birthday outside. We had dinner at Vista Marina Resort. Mama wanted it to be different. To celebrate it more privately. But then in the morning, we had "sopas" (soup) and "lumpiang sariwa" that we brought at the school where she work. Oh by the way, mom is 59 now.

March is LOVE month for Papa and Mama. It's thanksgiving! It's rejoicing for another year. It is life. It is a gift. It is the Lord's.

I love you, Papa and Mama.

Here's some photos we have that days:

Voice of the Martyr

Anyone here who is familiar with the VOM which is the Voice of the Martyr?

I remember, when i was in college, my friend Gwen handed me a small paper and she said that if i want to receive subscription from it i just need to fill it out.

I did. I used to received VOM magazine before i graduated college. But i never read those. (sad) because i dont know what is all about. I didnt ask Gwen about it, i just dont like her to be discourage when i say NO. Since i decided to go back to my hometown which is Olongapo City to be with my family. i dont know if they continue sending it on our rented apartment in Baguio City.

I forgot about it. Then through twitter and some friends i've known when i accepted the Lord and became a believer, reminded me about it. At first i tried to ignore because i thought it won't effect me. (this is because of the truth that i dont know really what it is all about).

Then i've experienced being persecuted. Persecution that hurts. But this generation's persecution cannot be compared to the way the believers of our Lord Jesus mentioned in His Word, the early Christians like Paul, had experienced.

We have the voice. We have the strength. But still we fail.

What is Christian Martyr?

A Christian martyr is one who is killed for following Christianity, through stoning, crucifixion, burning at the stake or other forms of torture and capital punishment. The word "martyr" comes from the Greek word μάρτυς, mártys, which means "witness."


At first, the term applied to Apostles.[1] Once Christians started to undergo persecution, the term came to be applied to those who suffered hardships for their faith.[1] Finally, it was restricted to those who had been killed for their faith.[1] The early Christian period before Constantine I was the "classic" age of martyrdom.[1] A martyr's death was considered a "baptism in blood," cleansing one of sin as baptism in water did.[1] Early Christians venerated martyrs as powerful intercessors, and their utterances were treasured as inspired specially by the Holy Spirit.[1]

Are we martyrs? Are we witnesses? Are we willing to be persecuted for our faith's sake?

If you say YES then let me ask, why are you mad when someone says something behind your back? Why are you mad when someone question your faith and that you even wanted a debate with them? And again, why aren't you willing to give up your work on sundays or saturdays because of fear of having no work at all? Why do you keep on closing your mouth when the Holy Spirit wanted you to talk about God? Why are you afraid of someone else's judgments?

Are we martyrs? Are we witnesses? Are we willing to be persecuted for the cross' sake?

Then why can't we carry our own crosses or why can't we carry the crosses of others when they are being persecuted? why are we hiding and denying what we know? Because of Fear.

FEAR does not come from God. FEAR, like sin, separates us from God and the promise of eternal life.

FEAR hindered us from doing what we should be doing. STAND UP and FIGHT. With or without persecution let us be God's witnesses even to the end of the earth.

God wanted to hear the voice of His witnesses. A voice that is not afraid. A voice that is willing. A voice that will reach heaven and the Lord.

A voice endured.


BTW, i am filing out another VOM subscription online tonight.

God bless you all my fellow witnesses.

He is Our Maker

Busy weeks.

We were trying to portray our localities' best last February on our Church anniversary in Manila. Because we are from the province of Zambales, we are asked to show what we've got in here aside from the Mangoes and Turnips, we won't forget the Aeta Settlers here too. We're going to show it in a Christian Way.

So, im gonna start from here: Aeta are some of the ethnic groups found in the Philippines.In World War II the Aetas fought bravely Japanese rule and even received commendations from Gen. Douglas Mc Arthur for helping some U.S military to teach the based perimeter for scavenging.

Me as Aeta

The Traditional Aeta economy is composed of Hunting and food gathering. Skilled with the use of bows and arrows, it is still the the primary weapon today of the Aeta. They are very good hunter’s day or night and are very effective with the bow and arrow.

We are Aetas

They make harps and guitars from bamboo joints, flutes from mountain cane, and the coconut resonator. The most common type of the bamboo flute is the nose flute. Dances of the Aeta come in two forms: festive and ceremonial, festive dancing is usually held when meeting friends, after a good hunt, and other festivities.

With the bow and arrow and water flute

We wear our Music Team shirts that says, "EVERPRAISER...God's music brings harmony to my SOUL."

We are trying to tell that Aetas, who use to worship idols, are worshiping the Lord of lords and King of kings in our time. we have seen so many Aetas declaring their faith in the Lord Jesus and some of them became Pastors too. God, in His grace, opened their eyes to His truth.

While walking, people smiled at us. Our hair are kinky and our skin are dark. And we are small. But one thing is for sure...God is the Maker of us all. 

Pray Without Ceasing

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (King James Version) 

Pray without ceasing.

Lord, as i kneel in prayer today, grant me Your comfort and strength.

You have shown us how powerful You are. Your waves and water are beyond human grasps. As the land quake and the water flow, You reminded us how great You are in our midst. Lord, we are afraid. The sight of the devastation brought us to tears. And still You are God and You know what You are doing.

In moments like this, we are only reminded that our salvation is nearer than when we first believe. This is YOur promise. This is Your signs. This is Your wonders.

Lord, You've seen how so many of us are not prepared. You know our complains and questions. You saw how weak we are.

Lord, have mercy on us sinners.

TSUNAMI in JAPAN

Earlier yesterday, a breaking news came and it's about the tsunami that's hitting Japan. While watching it, everyone in the family are teary-eyed. Three of us says, "signs!"

It was in the afternoon and Philippine Vulcanologist set an Alert # 2 n the Philippines that tsunami might arrive in the country at 5pm and 7pm.

We live near the ocean, though we are also surrounded with mountains, there still this "sudden fear" that it might not be enough to cover the waves.

We prayed...and we prayed.

Later in the afternoon, as i was checking on BBC News, it mentioned an alert also in Guam where my husband works.

It's double the worry because we are apart and we are not ready for any tsunami. God knows.

If you can see how small my country is. And that we are surrounded with waters. But my faith says, God is covering my country with His precious blood.

The tsunami are signs of times. Wars are also sign of time. Sometimes we don;'t know when will it happen but it just happens. What is God's purpose? We don't know. We are just certain that God will protect His children. Look at Israel...the Lord remained their God and they are His people.

While there are news alerts, i left the house and went to Church for music rehearsal. I thought about my ministry and i don't like the tsunami to wash it away.

God is good. Tsunami alert has been lifted in the Philippines. Our prayers has been answered. God spare us. God protected us and keep us safe. What shall we do in exchange for what He has done for us?

I cannot sleep. I called my husband's parents in Rochester, NY to tell them we're doing ok here and so is their son in Guam. I chatted with my husband's younger sister also and she is worrying about her brother.

My husband called me and it's a relief knowing that he is safe. He told me, "don't worry honey,, before the tsunami reaches the Philippines, it will pass through Guam first." (this one is not a relief though)

Let us continue praying for those who are in Japan, Many died and so many are missing. There's hope.

Praying for those who are "friend with God" in Japan to be protected.

And also for my relatives there and your relatives too.

Let us be united in prayer and let's keep trusting the Lord for everything 'cause He holds our world.

The World is still under His control.

Thanks be to God.

I am Singing

Singing songs after songs after songs.

Listening to Gospel Songs on my cellphones. I don't usually use headphones. I am more comfortable hearing songs with the phone speaker which sounds neat to me.

Tonight i have a couple songs i love that's making my Jesus FAMOUS.

These are on my list:

Audience Of One
By Greg Ferguson


Verse 1
It's such a strong temptation to live for man's applause
But I don't want to buy into the lie
'Cause I know that's not a worthy cause
So to keep things in perspective I hung a sign upon the wall
The sign is nothing special but it really says it all
And the sign says…


Chorus 1
I'll be content to serve an Audience of One
Only His approval counts when all is said and done
And this is my prayer when the race is finally run
I want to hear well done from the Audience of One


Verse 2
But drive for recognition starts to get the best of me
All I've got to do is look around at the people serving selflessly
And they don't serve for glory
And they're not keeping score
There's a sign that's written on their hearts
A sign I've seen before


(BRIDGE)
In the not too distant future
When the crowds all fade away
I'll stand alone before my Lord
And this is what I long to say…


Chorus 2
I'm overjoyed to serve an Audience of One
It's what I've been created for ever since day one
And this is my song as I bow before Your throne
I love to hear well done from the Audience of One
So this will be my prayer 'til the race is finally run
I want to hear well done
I long to hear well done
I want to hear well done
From the Audience of One

Jesus Lover of my Soul
By: Hillsong Australia


Jesus, Lover of my soul,
Jesus, I will never let you go
You've taken me from the miry clay
You've set my feet upon the Rock, and now i know

I love you, I need you,
Though my world may fall, Ill never let you go
My Saviour, my closest friend,
I will worship you until the very end

Nobody Fills my Heart Like Jesus
By Dennis Jernigan

I'd like to say, Lord, from the start
"Thank You for breaking through my heart!
Thank You for tearing ev'ry chain apart"
When I was lost You made a way
You turned the darkest night into day
You are my joy and Lord I'd like to say that...


(Chorus:)
Nobody fills my heart like Jesus
Nobody thrills me like You do
O, nobody fills my heart like Jesus
Nobody, Lord, but You
Nobody but Yoy


When I am weak, my Lord, You're strong
Loving me even when I'm wrong
Lord, You are my salvation and my song
Everyday I'll make the choice
Just listening, following Your voice
Being with You I can't help but rejoice

Enjoying the songs.

Brighten up your day by listening to spirit-filled and Jesus-filled song.

God's blessing be upon us today and always.

Dealing With Difficult People

Who are difficult people?

They are the ones that when we get too close, we became the target of their attack. Sometimes it is because of their bad moods or what is going on with their lives. Sometimes they are our parents, boss, co-worker, friends, brother/sister, wife/husband, stranger, brethren.

But people in the Scripture had them too like Moses who had Pharaoh and Job who had his wife and three friends. Even Jesus had the Pharisees.

People hurt us with the things they say, what they think and even the attitudes their are showing.

And then, seeing myself in the mirror, i thought of HOW DIFFICULT I MAYBE TO OTHERS too.

I begin with myself and realized i had my moods also and i also hurt people with my actions and my attitude that i am showing them. Sometimes it's easier not to react to talk than to say something that will just hurt people.

Reflecting on this, i have ACKNOWLEDGE my own ability to be difficult. I have bad thoughts and i have ignored and rejected people too. And my issues are HEALING. I want healing from the pain that i have brought them.

People say "excellent healers are those who experienced pain."

We are called to be help, to encourage, to bless and not to be a finger pointer that what we just see are the wrongs that people did to us. As we pointed one fingers on them, the three fingers are pointing to us.

Thank You Lord for the mirror of reflection.

All for the glory of God,

Thankful Ever

So many things to be thankful at.

MORNING:
for God's presence
for God's Word
being awake
being sure of a new day
for my breakfast
for the sun
for the air i breathe
for every trees that gives shade
for the singing birds flying around the house
for the beautiful flowers
for a friendly smile in our neighborhood when i stroll my niece around
for good health
for for strength to carry kilos of rice
for the new shampoo and soap
for the Worship Songs on my phone and computer
for the good sight
for the music and the instruments (guitar and keyboard) which are all God's gift to me
for the hands that i use to play the instruments
for the voice that sings praises to God
for the ears to hear
for a good heart and pulse
for my dog Pa-Pau
for being with my family
for a bratty 2 years old niece
for a stranger

AFTERNOON:

 for the Lord's presence

 for God's Word

for being with my family

 for a great lunch prepared by my sister

 for the cellphone loads courtesy by my sister also

 for mom's healing

 for a clean house

 for friends inspired and encouraged me with their text messages

 for a call from my husband

for the strength and patience

 for the bread and milk

 for the beautiful worship songs

 for a sweet cousin

 for a faithful ministry partner

for being a babysitter

 for the new client in my father's small bookkeeping agency

 for the air we breathe

 for the birds, skies, trees, flowers

 for enjoying a noontime show

 for visiting my grandma in my aunt's house a block away from us

 for the medicines the doctor prescribed for my brother Jasper

EVENING:
 for the Lord's presence
 for God's Word
for a newly opened Scripture Study in our house
 for financial provisions so we could have soup, juice and sticky rice on our Bible Study
 for the convictions for invites
for the 22 souls who accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour
 for a man of God who preach
for church mates that supports the Bible Study
for a nice bonding
 for healthy dinner
 for mom's students who attended the Bible Study
 for fresh air
 for the water
 claiming for a restful evening
 for answered prayer
 for the worship songs
 for writing this blog

THANKS BE TO God for everything.

It's All About You, Lord

Lord, Thank You for so many wonderful things You've given me. Thank You also for Your patience with me. Lord You alone are powerful and great. The glory, honor, praise and power belongs to You alone.

Lord, it's all about You not me.

I failed so many times but You keep on embracing me.

Thank You so so so much Father.

I know You are coming. Prepare me and the household of faith.

Our hope and trust is in You alone.

Read with me

I was reading the book of Ezekiel 30 and thought of the things that's happening in Egypt and Libya.

Read with me, brethren.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ rule our hearts.

God's Will

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

Lesson i have learned from life is to let the Lord choose for me for i know that even though how many plans i may have if it isn't His will then it will not happen.

It is total RELIANCE to the One who knows everything...even the number of my hairs, the stars and the sands. The One who knows what we are thinking and what we will do on what we think. 

The God of wonders...the Alpha and the Omega.

Indescribable Lord of all believers and a miracle to those who are searching and ready to believe.

My mom described me as "hardheaded" daughter (because i was silent during family confrontation but i am not doing what they want us - their children - to do)...this is when i haven't known the Lord. He changed me. He mold be. Crafted by His own precious hands. My potter wonderfully crafted me. The works of His hands shows how great His wisdom is.

I am glad knowing that His will prevails over my own ambitions and plans. I am safe and secure knowing that the Lord will never fail in all His plans. It's not about what i like but what He likes BEST  and PERFECT for me.

Proverbs 19:21

There are many devices in a man's heart; 
nevertheless the counsel of the LORD,
that shall stand.

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Psalm 33:11 

The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever,

the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Praise You Lord for all Your wills. You have purpose for everything Lord and we trust that Your promises are Yes and Amen.

Francesca Battistelli - This Is The Stuff Lyric Video

A song posted by Megan of Life's A Dance that inspired me today.

I was listening to this song for like 5 times today and it encourages me. Oh yes, in spite of all the the discouragements cause by daily things that's happening to us - the messes - that made us frustrated at times but then again those are the "stuffs" God use to strengthen us and to lead us to trust in Him knowing that by having Him in our life..we are surely blessed beyond description.

Lyrics from the song that i love and keep on singing now:

In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I've got to trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I might choose
But this is the stuff You use

Thank you Megs :)

To God be the glory forever.