Prayer, Planning and Participation

This really helps. Praise the Lord.

It’s the job of the worship leader to help with the flow of the service.  This happens through prayer, planning and participation.

Prayer allows us to be in tune with the Spirit so that we are able to – in a relaxed and confident way – lead people into an experience with God.

Planning allows us to know the worship order so we are able to follow in each  component to the worship service.

Participation allows us to be in the moment - participation in prayer, planning and in the worship service itself give us the needed tools to adequately help conclude the worship service.

Most of this happens naturally when a person is involved in the same church each weekend.  But I was thinking today about the traveling worship leader, the camp worship leader or when we are called upon for a special event.  Here are some of thoughts from my experience:

1)  Know what is next – In most of these special event settings, there may not be a clear cut order.  It’s the job of the worship leader to know what is coming next.  It will determine what songs you choose.  One example of this is the conclusion of the service – is there a time that it needs finish?  Do you know who is coming up to pray? Do you know their name?  Do you know what is next on the schedule so that you can send the crowd to the right place?  Is the closing song a song of response or celebration?

2)  Concrete components the guest worship leader must uncover - If the event is larger, there has probably been some planning go into the worship gatherings.  If the event is a camp – especially if there are going to be multiple services in the morning and evening over the course of the week – there probably isn’t as much detail available.  It’s up to the worship leader to help add flow to those times.  Do your work as the camp or event is happening:  Who will be sharing announcements?  Who can you invite to lead in prayer?  What time will we need to have music playing as people gather for worship?  Who will introduce the speaker?  Who will read Scripture?  Is there a way we can incorporate gifts of others into the worship service?  When (if there is one) will the offering be received?  What is it going towards?  How long is the worship service scheduled?  How long is the preacher’s message?  How will music and worship be arranged to help aid in the overall aspect of this particular part of the camp or event?

3)  Humbly take the lead – After asking these questions and having a handle on the best way for the worship service to flow, humbly and confidently take the lead.  You’re not the entertainer, the emcee or the special guest – you are God’s instrument, on behalf of the people, to help lead in worship.  Welcome the congregation, lead in worship music and if fitting or needed, invite people forward as they have a role in worship (scripture, testimony, offering, etc).  Pray for the speaker before they come up and then close the worship or response time – without lots of commentary – so that people can respond to God’s call on their lives.

Message from Tim Price of the Harvest Ministry. Link here

Joy in the Philippines

We always say that it's more fantastic in the Philippines. I believe every filipinos abroad will agree to that.

The Philippines is a Christian country. Happy faces is the usual comments of foreigners who visited my country.

According to my husband, the thing that he loved most about the Philippines is the signage posted everywhere that is sharing the Word and love of God. From the front door of the house, to the cars moving around, to the stores, the streets, the shirts, mugs and personal things and the big billboards. Its is not only at church that the Lord is magnified and glorified. It is out in the public's (believers and unbelievers) eyes. And so transformation/changes happens to life.

Words like "God is Good", "Jesus Cares", "Go Straight to God", "U-Turn to God", "Worship God", "Pray Until Something Happens (P.U.S.H)" "Got Faith?" (which reminds us always that whenever we have problems, faith in God helps a lot), "God is Good" and so many Bible verses printed and posted all around touches and encourages people. Awesome.

Just this month (May 22), Nick Vujicic visited us. I haven't got the chance to meet him, i just found out that he is here today (May 26) when i watched a television program they entitled "Unstoppable Nick Vujicic" on ABC TV5. Awesome experience to know about him.

There is nothing really impossible with God. Faith happens. Change happens. God is NOT UNSTOPPABLE when it comes to showering us blessings and joys. He is NOT UNSTOPPABLE in using people, even with disabilities, to be able to reveal His power and strength.

In a fantastic place like the Philippines, we are UNSTOPPABLE in our faith because God us UNSHAKEN in His promises and goodness.

I praise the Lord for everything.

And maybe someday, God willing, i will be able to see Nick Vujicic in person to hug him and worship the Lord for his God-given life.

To God be the glory!!!!

Here are links of photos from Nick's visit in the Philippines:

On Material Things

Hypocrisy aside, i am also desiring to own a gadget like ipad, iphone, samsung s3, laptop, netbook, tab, etc.

I don't envy people who already have it because they can afford to buy and change from gadgets to gadgets as fast as they could and as new releases come into the cyber world of gadgets.

My desire started just last week. We were listening to songs attached to a brethren's samsung tab...there's actually 3 headsets attached to her tab and so 6 of us were able to listen and hummm to the song.

I don't have an ipad or ipod ( i don't know which is the correct one to mention wherein i could save songs) but i have this Samsung Corby i got from a postpaid plan in 2010. Whoa time fast ad here comes other phones that is song capable and which has bigger memory on it.

As i am writing this, i am listening to Christian songs on youtube one of which is Darlene Zscech's In Jesus Name song. And at the same time, thought of the samsung tab mom and i saw at the mall. I actually googled it and checked on the specs when we arrived home. It the samsung galaxy tab 7.0 wifi. I thought its cool. And its cheaper than all the gadgets they've release this year. I i also thought it may be user-friendly too.

I would like to have this tab for improvements in the ministry too but still praying for the Lord to improve my voice and use it all for His glory. I would like to save songs, sermons, and other stuff that will be profitable for my soul.

Some might say, "why not ask for iphone or samsung s4?'' hmmm...i don't want to have things that is attractive to the eyes. I need one for my ministry. And preferably white colored one...just being specific.

Nothing is impossible :)

Lord, help me. Without Your provision this will not be possible.

I will wait and not lose heart. your supply is sufficient i will just have to wait with a SMILE.

Mother's Day Celebration

It's fun celebrating the day of our Mama, Mommy, Mothers and Nanay.

Every year we never fail to give appreciation to our moms who have been very supportive and patient all throughout the year. I am personally thankful for their courage and for living the Proverbs 31.

The Everpraisers Music Team came into an idea of dancing to the tune of "Just the Way You Are" wearing the photos of our mothers as mascara while holding some of the verses from Proverbs 31.

All -in fun and happiness. To God be the glory :)

Here's our photos:

Prayer for the Mothers led by Pastor Rey Toledo

SUMMER TIME

Summer time.

Nieces are in our ancestral house to spend summer with the oldies.

For us, summer means going to the beach, playing with the jelly fish, discovering some things in the water, getting a cheap but nice place where we could just hang around and swim as a family.

Here's some photos i would like to share :)

Family Reunion at Potipot Island Zambales Philippines

Potipot Island, Candelaria Zambales

Driftwood Beach

Driftwood Beach Olongapo City

villa carmen resort in olongapo city

my niece jewel

Mama walking around Potipot Island

live jelly fish

love love

me and the kids jumping and happy

one dead jelly fish, we're looking for its wound