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.

the sweetness of doing nothing

     November 11 was a holiday here in Canada.  It was Remembrance Day, sort of National Heroes' Day in my country. It was a Thursday, and Friday was a sandwich day so I used my extra hours and took the day off.  So, I have a super long weekend. I wanted to spend the four days in Calgary but the fare was just unreasonable and so I decided to just stay home. 

     I must say it has been a very unproductive long weekend, but I love it! I have all the 4 days for myself just doing some quiet time, reading the book entitled Captivating, watched some chick-flick Tagalog movies (yes, I do watch them!) and completed the first 2 seasons of How I Met Your Mother.  Today is my most productive day of the long weekend. I went out, (yes, for 3 days I was mostly in my room) and went to church to attend a discovery class and worship service. 

     One thing I've learned, going out for the weekend and doing some activities are great when you want to unwind from the busyness of your weekdays. But resting - doing nothing at all is better! Well, of course, you don't do it in all your weekends.  That's a different story.   There's always that point in your life that you just got so burned out that even doing activities on a weekend to divert your thoughts does not help at all.  What you need is to be renewed...to be re-charged. And that can only be done through REAL rest.

     Here's my own definition of a REAL rest.  You can make your own too... :)

• stay at home or if it's the people at home that give you stress, then go to a place where you can just relax
• do quiet time - reading God's Word and in prayer
• watch movies that could make you laugh or cry or just anything light (over a popcorn would be nice)
• read a good book (e.g. inspirational books)
• eat good food or any food that you crave
• do some afternoon naps
• think of happy thoughts

     I know you can make a longer list than that.  Rest is precious, so grab it when you can!

     If you can't have one, ask God and He will definitely give you one. 


  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11: 28 - 30