28: Conviction

Have your convictions remained the same over the years, despite of the many things that had happened in your life - good and bad? I believe mine changed. Perhaps, some of them. One perfect example is drinking (alcoholic drinks).

When I entered college, it was when I started drinking socially. I got drunk a few times too - not a pretty site to see. I really didn't see anything wrong about it. Until God changed my heart about it when I started walking seriously with Him. He convicted me about it and without any hesitation, I decided to stop. He made me realize that I didn't get anything good from it. 

Either you believe in the Bible, being the final authority in your life or if you don't believe, need not to worry.  You can't find any verse in the Bible that says drinking is a sin. But getting drunk, of course, just Google verses about it, and you will see there are a lot. 

But it doesn't mean that because drinking is not a sin, we just freely do it. We always have to consider the people around us. If you have a friend whom you know is struggling with alcoholism and still you continue to drink, or if you have a friend who gave up drinking and you still force that person to drink, then that's a different story.

Romans 14: 13- 18

13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

We all believe in different things. We stand up for something because of different reasons.  It's truly difficult not to judge others if we measure it against our beliefs. I, myself, is sometimes guilty of it. But I'm just grateful that God didn't give us the task to be the judge of this world (well, we can never be qualified with our imperfection). As Romans 14:12 says, " So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God."  Not ourselves to others. 

I pray that with what I believe in, I will not cause anyone to stumble. Not to judge, but to accept and love just like what Jesus did for me who is imperfect and a sinner.

To God be the glory! :)

28: Discipline

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,

    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, 

    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Hebrews 12: 5-6

At a young age, my siblings and I understood very well what discipline is. My father was a disciplinarian especially when it comes to our studies. We were not allowed to watch television on weekdays. We were not allowed to get grades below 80%. It's non-negotiable. No excuses. And so, it taught us to really take our studies seriously. And I was grateful for that. Because I won't be where I am now if my father didn't really push us to give our best.


And as I started working and living independently, discipline has to come from within me already. I need to practice it. And most of us would agree, it's not very easy. As for me, it takes God's grace to really be able to live it EVERYDAY. 


How about God's discipline? Have you been in one? I'm very much encouraged with the whole chapter of Hebrews 12. Days have been tough for me recently. Mentally & emotionally. But I know this is God's way of disciplining me, molding me. It's up to me to submit to His discipline. Well, I'd rather submit. At some point in my life, I've totally ignored God that it brought me to a much painful journey. So now, I'd rather obey because as always, God knows what's best for me.


They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. - Hebrews 12: 10 - 11

In Quietness, In His Presence

I read Psalm 131 tonight. And I felt my heart speaking the verses. For quite a while, being calm and quiet has been my weapon in facing certain things in my life. It's not because I'm afraid but because I chose to submit to the Lord. Right now, all I want is just to enjoy my walk with Jesus. And at this time, it is a walk of quietness and stillness with Him.

My heart is not proud, Lord,

    my eyes are not haughty; 

I do not concern myself with great matters 

    or things too wonderful for me. 

But I have calmed and quieted myself, 

    I am like a weaned child with its mother;

    like a weaned child I am content.

Israel, put your hope in the Lord

    both now and forevermore.

I don't know why. But I'm starting to get poetic lately. I just usually express myself through my journal, pouring out everything. But lately, God inspired me to be poetic. :) He certainly does! So, I'll just grab it while the bubble is there. :) I got inspired reading those verses that I made a few lines of mine.

In the midst of clamor,

I chose calmness.

For my mind to ease

and my heart to rest.

In Your Presence, O God

my soul finds peace.

What else would I ask,

when you are enough?

[Journey on Waiting 5] Going poetic

As I was going through blogs about waiting, I've somehow made reflections that I would want to express it in a poem. :) It's been so long since I wrote a poem. That last one I believe was in college. Here goes my freestyle poem writing... Haha!

Why wait?

-------------------------------

Why should I wait?

When they say,

that all that matters

is today?

Why should I wait?

When they say,

things can happen

without delay?

Why should I wait?

What's the deal?

Well, my Maker told me,

"For I am God, you be still."

What's the point of faith?

What's the point of hope?

What's the point of tomorrow?

If we don't wait?

What's the point of grace?

What's the point of the cross?

What's the point of salvation?

If we can't wait?

Don't focus on waiting.

But fix your eyes on the Blessing.

For the Blessing in waiting,

is a relationship with a King!

Happy Waiting! :)

28: Career Choices

My first job is still my current job. After I graduated from college, I immediately looked for a job that suited my degree. And gratefully, God gave me the best job. I can't believe that I'll be turning 7 years in the company this August. I remembered I was about to give up when I thought that nothing great was going to happen in my career. Then, all of a sudden, opportunities came, just at the right time. Talking about God's timing. :)


There are times that I would think about trying other companies and seeking better opportunities but I really never do anything about it. I never submitted any resumes or even deliberately look for jobs. Those were just spur of the moments. But not until I got back from Canada. I was opened to a lot of options. And my desire to work abroad grew. Actually, I got a change of heart because I never wanted to work abroad before. 


But right now, I'm not yet sure if this is what God wants for me. It would take a lot to actually leave my current job because I still enjoy what I do and now having the chance to really mentor a team, it would also be a lost privilege for me. When there was a door for me to go back to Canada, I wanted to take control and push it. But I didn't. I trusted God. Because I believe that no one could ever hinder His plans. It was a great opportunity but God knows what's really best for me. 


Just this week, I posted my updated resume to job sites and I received some responses through email and even got a phone call. I wasn't expecting any of it. And I actually felt scared. I'm not sure if I would even be qualified or if I'll even pass the interviews. It was the same feeling when I was looking for a job for the first time. I'm not even sure if it's even the right thing to do for now.


I was very much encouraged with the message today. Practicing God's presence. This is what I really need to do more than anything else. To be able to hear God clearly and know His will for me, I need to be in His presence constantly. I got so focused thinking what are the next steps I need to do instead of focusing on God. More than anything else, I need to understand the heart of God for my career. Why, what and where? And make it the desire of my heart as well.

^{Hebrews 13:5}

 Keep your lives free from the love of money and 

be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;

  never will I forsake you.”

Knowing that God will never leave me no matter what, I just have to wait and be still.

A Time of Rest

Two weeks ago, my friend Rhodes and I decided to get away from the busyness of the city and go to a prayer mountain. Thanks to Rhodes who came up with the plan because I've never been to any prayer mountain. 


We went to Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain in Antipolo City, just through public transportation. When we were close to the place, there was a strong downpour of rain. Instead of getting disappointed because of the weather, Rhodes and I were just laughing inside the jeepney until we got off walking to Touch of Glory. It was like, "What are these two looking-lost women, on a heavy downpour doing in Antipolo?" :D Well, nothing can rain in our parade, not even rain! 


When Rhodes was asked by the guard what was the name who made the reservation, the guard could not find her name. Haha! You know why? See below. That's why. Haha!  Ciudad became Solidad. Haha! :D

The place has dormitory rooms, separate for girls and boys. They also have air-conditioned rooms which are good for maybe 2 to 3 people. But we preferred the dormitory since it's cheaper and we will just stay for one night. What I like in the place is the prayer cells. It's the perfect place to have a quiet time, prayer and devotion. Sleeping is not allowed. :D Rhodes and I did our night time devotion in our own prayer cells.

They have a canteen with home-cooked meals that you can buy. So, food is not a problem. The next day was sunny and so we were able to have our morning devotion at the prayer garden. And did some pictorials too! Hehe!

The best part of our stay there was the quality time that we spent with God in a very special way. Away from thoughts of work, from internet, from texts and calls. No distraction. My spirit was very much refreshed. The next best thing was to be able to have a heart to heart talk also with Rhodes. After our night time devotion, we both stayed up talking about everything in our lives. Family, ministry, work, matters of the heart, etc. Such a blessed time, indeed.


I'm looking forward for more get away time from the city. It's important that we take some time to just drop everything and have real REST, to be renewed and refreshed with God and His Word. 

"There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens." 

 Ecclesiastes 3:1

Thanks Rhodes for bringing me to the place.

28: My Bucket List

Last week, I watched this Korean drama entitled, "Scent of a Woman". The female main character was diagnosed with a cancer and she only had a few months to live. Before she knew about it, she lived her life allowing people to mistreat and belittle her. Only then after she found out that she got some courage to stand up for herself and do the things that she wanted to do. Realizing that she only had a few months to live, she chose to live her life differently and to the fullest. That's when she came up with her own bucket list.


If you've watched the movie, "The Bucket List" (starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman), you would know what a bucket list is. :)


After I finished the whole drama, I was thinking, a bucket list shouldn't just be for people who are on the verge of death. I mean, reality is, we all are going there. It's just really choosing to start living your life to the fullest each day, in the right way. :)


And so, I got inspired to start my own bucket list. Some of the things I wrote, it's been in my mind for a long time. I just need to write them down. Others, things that I just thought of recently that I would like to do.  And some, just today! :)


Here are some items from my bucket list...

someday, i want to write a book telling great stories of real people

it's time i take the risk for my hair! :p

I've made 29 cards for 29 people....71 more to go... :)

I just wrote this tonight after I read the blog of jansenism

http://jansenism.wordpress.com/2012/05/08/eating-bipolar/

The last scene of the last episode of the drama, she said that she wouldn't have lived her life to the fullest if she didn't know about her condition. Then, we should start now, right? When we still have all the time in the world. And as for me, living to the fullest should always be partnered with wisdom.

 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus)have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. - John 10:10

28: Being Intentional

I realize that as I grow older, I need to be more intentional in reaching out to people. Especially now that people seem to move a lot, you really can't tell when you can spend time with them again. If not, they are busy with their own life - family, career, etc. 

And, one way of being intentional is to plan ahead. Whether you want to meet the person or want to do something for the person, the only way to make it happen is to plan it early.  It's time to take out your dusty planner. I have a friend who would always plan our get together (even if it is just a dinner) a month earlier. And it is really effective because with time being a luxury now, we can block off all other events. If you friend has responsibilities at home and couldn't go out, then why don't you go to your friend's place instead? And maybe you can offer help in whatever needs to be done. Even when I do video calls with my friends who are away, we would always set a date on when we will do it and not just on when we can.  Even sending a message through email or even through Facebook just to catch up, that is something. 

We can all get caught up with the day to day things that we need to do. Yes, we meet people everyday and interact with them. But to be intentional, that's the only way to have real, deep relationships.

------------------------------------------------------o-------------------------------------------------------------

To end this, I have some give-away from my friends on what friendship has taught them.

• Friendship is accepting the good, the bad and the ugly. Having said this, friends also help make the good even better, the bad into good and the ugly into beautiful. 
• Real friends know when you need their opinion and when you just need them to listen.
• Friends give you the truth when you need to hear it.
• Friends inspire you to be the best that you can be.
• Friends support you in your hopes and dreams
• Friendship is not relative to time and proximity.
• Trust can be awarded to the wrong people.
• Be careful with the help you give and receive.
• Those who walk in faith won't guide you blindly.
• Sincerity and consistency in kindness and action.
• Quarrelling is futile. Both are trying to prove they're right-- both are trying to conform to their own standards.  It's a sure fire causative agent of a heartbreak. But through quarrels/ misunderstanding, if nurtured the proper way, and if the rebuking is accepted, you become stronger and better, both as persons and as friends.
• unconditional love
• going the extra mile
• to trust is a choice with risks
• good intentions may be misunderstood
• lasting friendships are marked with common faith

Feel free to add to the list above on what you have learned from your own set of friends. :)

Broken Nail

I never thought I would learn a valuable lesson from my broken toe nail. 

One of my big toe nails was cut into half. Yes, nicely cut into half. :) Because of it, I couldn't wear sandals when I go out because it looks weird. The only way is to cover it with a nail polish. And while  I was putting a nail polish, realizations were made... hehe...

I compared our heart to my broken nail. Just like it, even if I cover it with a polish, underneath it, it hasn't changed. It is still broken. It will look nice again when it will start growing back  to a new one. I realize our heart is also like that. Sometimes, we tend to hide or cover up all negative emotions in our hearts, thinking that it will be fixed eventually. 


Truth is, until we allow God to give us a new heart, we can only keep pretending.

Anyway, my nails are still covered with polish, for the meantime. :) Hopefully, it will grow to a new one soon. :)

Ezekiel 36:26, "I will give you a new heart..."

spot my broken toe nail :D

Sentiments

 Just pouring out.

I feel like I'm going through another phase of emotional dilemma again. I was hoping I will be okay. But looks like I'm still not.

I want to do something but it would hurt other people. If I won't do it, I will continue hurting myself instead. If I would, would it be selfish of me? Not that it won't cause me pain too.

I am confused. I have a lot of questions. I have a lot of things to say. But, I'm tired. I just want to keep quiet and silently deal on things. Do you think what would be okay? Is it too much to ask?

I want to ignore things and just go on with life. Do you think that's possible? Handle pain as much as I can until it becomes normal?

I am scared. Truth is, I need courage. I need to be more faithful. I need to be more trusting. Knowing that doing the right thing is always the best thing, it may not seem to be at the moment, but soon it will be.

I want to go away. Start anew somewhere. Live freely.

--someone--

28: love & wait

I'm 28. On Monday, I'm turning 28. Some may think, at that age, I should be getting married, or if not, at least be in a relationship and settle down before I get 30.


I'm 28. Even before I turned 25 or 26 or 27, I've been complete as a person. Since I learned to practice the word, "surrender", I became complete. In Christ, I am complete.


I'm 28. I am single. Yes, I've never been in a romantic relationship. As they say, "No Boyfriend since Birth". But, it doesn't mean I don't want to be in a relationship.


I'm 28. I'm a believer of waiting for God's best. Yes, I failed at one point. I've had my own share of being heartbroken. Not all may know. But, it didn't make me stop believing in love. It made me better.


I'm 28. As I continue looking up to the Author of love, I will never be tired of waiting. I will always enjoy romantic movies. No bitterness. Just waiting.


I'm 28. And if I'll meet him when I'm still 28 or when I'm 29 or 30 or whenever, my first LOVE will always be my first. And I hope it will be the same for him too.


I'm 28. A woman captivated by the heart of God. Beautifully waiting. 

HE answers.

As my days here in Canada are getting shorter, I've been reminiscing a lot, starting from the day I got here. Funny, I have in my cute journal my first 19 days here in Canada. 


Day 1 - Had my first dinner at Pho Century. Oh, I will miss their spring rolls!!!!
Day 2 - It was rainy. Hmm...I think I won't miss rain much. But, the cold weather for sure. Hehe...
Day 3 - First day of work and I believe I immediately had a severity 2 issue.
Day 5 - Purchased my yellow strappy Aldo sandals which I haven't worn much here. But, I will for sure in Phil. 
Day 12 - I cooked carbonara. Haha! Which I believe was the second to the last real food I cooked here. Haha!
Day 14 - Picked fresh flowers in our backyard. I will miss spring/summer!
Day 19 - My first Regeneration at Coastal Church. Definitely will  miss Coastal...awww...


Coming here to Canada was not just an opportunity for me that was dropped at my doorstep. Coming here was an answered prayer. I prayed for it because of two reasons: 1) to help my family in terms of finances 2) to find my self again. It wasn't just an idea that came to my mind. God impressed to me to pray for Canada and so I did. December of 2009, I asked God to give me a confirmation before the year ends if  He really wanted it for me. And before I went for my Christmas vacation, my supervisor gave me the good news. By faith, I claimed it knowing nothing could hinder His plan for me.


And now that I'm going home soon, I kept thinking back those reasons why I wanted to be here. Amazingly, God made both happened and more. My family as I mentioned before is in a debt-free zone already. Even though I earn more here, I realized that God never wanted me to depend on His resources but on Him. That will be a different story, though. :) And as for me, God made me a better person. I can really say, I am definitely changed because of His great love and compassion. I found myself in God and deeply understood who I am to Him. I believe that's the most important.


Canada will always be in my heart. That's for sure. I will always be grateful to God for allowing me to come back here. I never thought I would. But because it's never about me, it has always been about Him and His plans and purposes that's why I'm here. And even that I'm going back, it will still be about Him. 


All glory to my Heavenly Father.

You gotta have faith!

For the past two weeks, the name "Jeremy Lin"  has been seen and heard in all forms of social media. He has become a sensation to both basketball and non-basketball afficionados. People cheer and applaud for him for different reasons. As for me, I applaud for him not just because he really plays well but for his boldness and being vocal in sharing his faith. Every end of his game, he knows who he is playing for.  His faith brought him to this great breakthrough in his life. If he had given up basketball and didn't trust that God would give the best for him, he could have missed this blessing. Indeed, faith can move a mountain.  (Matt 17:20)

While reading all the stuff about Mr. Lin, I've been reading in parallel the story of Brother Andrew. Unlike Jeremy Lin, not a lot would be familiar with him. But his life is one great testimony of faith too. I wish I could just put all his faith stories here (check the book God's smuggler). He is God's smuggler of Bibles to countries that restrict it. He had crossed many borders just trusting that God would make the guards  not see the Bibles. And, indeed they didn't! On times that Brother Andrew would need provision, blessings would just come from everywhere without even asking.  One of his stories that really struck me was when his friend told him that he should learn to drive because he would need it someday. He didn't have a car that time that's why he never learned driving. But so he did. Until one day, another friend of him gave him a car for his mission trips.  Indeed, faith is sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  (Heb 11:1)

This next story is my personal story. When I started working, I got excited with credit cards. Not all gets approved when you apply for one and I was happy that I was. And then, one was not enough that I got another one.  Until I came to a point that I realized my salary all went to payments for my rent , cards and my day to day expenses. I could not even save, all the more, tithe.  In short, I was in debt dilemma. And from there, I made a faith goal that before the year ends, I will have all my cards cut. Not only that, I have to start tithing along with paying more than the minimum due of my credit card bills.  With my salary that time, I just didn't know how to do it. But I just trusted that God will take care of any unplanned expenses. By faith, I gave my every first to Him. And amazingly, even before the half of the year, I had my two credit cards cut! Indeed, faith can deliver you! (Luke 12:22-31)

God is at work in all of us in different ways. We may not be famous like Jeremy Lin, but in God's eyes, we all are famous to Him, our Heavenly Father. Just so you know, your faith in Him counts big time as it counted for Jeremy Lin or Brother Andrew.  I just remembered in the session that I attended last night by Dr. Caroline Leaf. From the words of a scientist, she said, "Have faith."  

 "Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too." - Mark 11:22-25

Overcoming Fear

Last Saturday, I went to Cypress Mountain with friends to do snowboarding. This is my second winter in Canada but I never tried snowboarding or skiing because of one reason - I was scared. But my friend, Anni who loves snowboarding so much succeeded in convincing me to at least give it a try. And so I did.


Surprisingly, I actually enjoyed it. But it wasn't easy at all for me. The rest of the guys I was with learned so fast and it was their first time too. It took me more than 1 hour to just complete my first run, going down the bunny hill. Everyone was already going up and down for so many times while I was stuck with my first run. Two reasons - I was having a hard time getting up and I got scared when I slide down so fast that I had to let my self fall to stop.


When I did my second run, I somehow improved and learned on how to balance and to slow down. But still, I fell so many times - in different positions. Haha! My whole body was hurting already that it took me a long time contemplating if I would do a third run. And oh, everyone has moved already to the next level that I was the only one left at the bunny hill. Hehehe... I wanted to do the third run to prove to myself that I can overcome my fear but I didn't want to at the same time because |I was scared that I might get injured since I was already hurting. That moment was Stifany vs. myself.  Well, I'm glad that I did the third run. I was just praying that God would keep me safe. I felt that I had to do the third run or else I would keep thinking of what ifs. I know three runs was not much as I should have done more. But as for me, I know that was enough. The reason I tried snowboarding in the first place was to prove to my self that I can conquer my fear. And, I believe I did a pretty good job on it. :)


If you would ask me if I'll do it again, maybe... :)


Just glad I went home in one piece..hehehe....

We all have our own favourite verses or books in the Bible for different reasons. The verses below are some of my favourites in the New Testament because every time I read these verses, I always feel like I'm cheering for Jesus. My reaction had never changed every time I read them. I would always go like, "Oh yeah, com'n...you can't beat that (referring to Jesus' words)..." 

These verses are when Jesus was challenged by the religious leaders - Pharisees and Sadducees because they want to have something that they could use against Jesus.

Enjoy the verses and be amazed. :)

Mark 11:27-33

The Authority of Jesus Questioned

 ²⁷ They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. ²⁸ “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?” ²⁹ Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. ³⁰ John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”
 ³¹ They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ ³² But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)
 ³³ So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
   Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

Mark 12:13-37

Paying the Imperial Tax to Caesar

 ¹³ Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. ¹⁴ They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? ¹⁵ Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”   But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” ¹⁶ They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
   “Caesar’s,” they replied.
 ¹⁷ Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”
   And they were amazed at him.

Marriage at the Resurrection

 ¹⁸ Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. ¹⁹ “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. ²⁰ Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died without leaving any children. ²¹ The second one married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It was the same with the third. ²² In fact, none of the seven left any children. Last of all, the woman died too. ²³ At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” ²⁴ Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? ²⁵When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. ²⁶ Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? ²⁷ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!”

The Greatest Commandment

 ²⁸ One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”   ²⁹ “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.³⁰ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
 ³² “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. ³³ To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
 ³⁴ When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Whose Son Is the Messiah?

 ³⁵ While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? ³⁶ David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared:   “‘The Lord said to my Lord:
   “Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
   under your feet.”’
   ³⁷ David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”
   The large crowd listened to him with delight.

New Year

Psalm 139: 23-24

The Message

 ^23-24 Investigate my life, O God, 

      find out everything about me; 

   Cross-examine and test me, 

      get a clear picture of what I'm about; 

   See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong— 

      then guide me on the road to eternal life.

These are my verses for the year. It is my prayer to God that He will continue to search me and test me, to know my heart, to guide me and see if there's anything wrong in my life, to lead me to the life that He wants me to live. 

I'm excited of what God will be doing for me this year. I will be going home after 3 months, and I don't know how things will be when I get back. But, I'm really excited. I know there will be a lot of changes this year. I'm looking forward to that too.  :) 

Happy New Year!!!!!!

Why here?

Recently, I've been constantly amazed with stories of people I meet here on what led them to move here in Canada or to be more specific, in Vancouver.  Amazed because I think I will never have the same courage that they had when they made such decision. When they move here, not everything was certain. It's not like when I got here that I have a house to stay and a job. I basically knew how I will do things here. But for them, everything was an act of obedience partnered with faith.  Every time God asks me to move to a different place, everything is always laid out for me. When I moved to Manila, everything was clear for me. I have a job waiting for me and I found a place even before I got there. God knew that I never wanted to work in Manila ( I was very specific in my prayer), for a lot of reasons. But He was very clear and there was really peace when I made that decision. 

I'm just wondering how I would respond if God would bring me to a situation that certainty is not a part of it. God works differently in each of our lives. I have a friend that every time he would make big decisions, God would always bring him to a crossroad. That's just how God works in his life. I'm just really inspired by the faith and courage of people who come here not knowing how things will be for them. All they know is that, it's where God wants them to be. And they just obey. 

What's your story? What led you to where you are now? 

God told Abram: "Leave your country, your family, and your father's home for a land that I will show you." - Genesis 12:1