Prayer Mountain 2018

Interestingly, few people have been asking me about the captured photos I posted in Instagram and Facebook during my overnight stay in Touch Of Glory Prayer Mountain, Antipolo. You have to read the whole blog, so I could give you the right track. 😅

Warning: some of the lines are “hugot” just for the sake of entertainment. 😅 It has nothing to do with my personal situation. Well, Sort of. Pero parang ganon narin. HAHA

So let’s start this by saying, it was a surreal experience! Hindi nagpahuli si Lord. This was my second time around going there by commute lang- alone. So, kung nag momove on ka or you want a quiet place, this is one of the many places you can consider to go to, kahit magisa ka lang. 

Baka maisip mo lang tanungin, how on earth did I capture that? Besh, T-I-M-E-R.

First, you have to check your heart. What is the purpose? So before you jump to any conclusions. Let me share some of my reasons.

1. Yes, I’m trying to clear my mind from stuff that I CANNOT BEAR WITH ANYMORE.

2. Yes, I’m trying to move on kahit walang dapat ika-move on. I mean, I need to move forward, para hindi ako mag stuck (SAKLAP, dba?)

3. I wanted to go there kasi accessible and convenient for me. I thought it won’t be difficult

4. I wanted to go back on track. To go back to the HEART OF WORSHIP. Soak in His presence. 

5. I have time to think. Re-think. Consider some things. Reasses my heart. 

Those are “some” personal reasons. Malalim yung hugot ko. I still have questions in my mind but I’d rather not dwell on them. Month of April has been heavy for me. I still wish it’s April Fools. Sa dami ng nangyari, I can attest that God is good. I didn’t end my stay there without hearing from the Lord. He boldly impressed to me that no matter how many times we fail, He won’t make you feel that “you are a failure” or “you failed Me again”. When I was about to leave, humabol pa si Lord ng yakap. Because of all the things that I’ve done, I face Him with unworthiness and wrecked heart, yet He would still choose to say “I have loved you with an Everlasting love…” Sarap. 

It was a heart melting experience. You know what? I was and still ready to accept the consequence. Then I was reminded by the prophecy which happened last March 7. As He reminded me of the love and the things He is about to do. I was speechless! And I sobbingly said, “I’m so sorry, Lord.” It took me a while to calm myself because at that moment it was overwhelmingly unbelievable. He assured me that NO MATTER how many times I fall, stumble, break, or even try to return to my past, HE WOULD STILL CHOOSE TO ACCEPT me and will not give up on me. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam di ba? And I prayed that I will be released from these things with the guidance of the Holy Spirit as I set my heart and mind at rest.

So the question remains. Was I able to find satisfaction with my overnight stay?

Of course I have. It’s between me and God. Actually, place has nothing to do because what I did, can do it alone at home naman din talaga. Parang you’ll find yourself wanting to detach from the world’s complexity. Far from your territory. Finally, I found myself wrapped and embraced in God’s arms. To be honest, I still have “what if’s”, I still have fears and hesitations but Deuteronomy 3:22. 

You shall not fear them, for it is the LORD your God who fights for you.’ – Deuteronomy 3:22

Change will always be a process, not instant. I trust God that by His grace, I can overcome these. So, umalis ako with a thankful heart. 

So eto na nga. Going from South, umpisahan natin sa Pacita. Kailangan may umpisa, each story has its beginning, saklap nga lang kung ending agad 😅

Pacita ➡️ Bus Terminal ➡️ ride Cubao, they must drop you off to Farmers Plaza (pero ‘wag ka papayag ng idrop ka ng basta basta. Sabihan mo silang, “sabihin” nila😅) it will cost you 75 php ➡️ malapit sa Gateway/Lrt/Jollibee, may dumadaan na Cogeo jeepneys, let them drop you to Cogeo Market (medyo malayo ‘toh. Pero may mararating ka dito. Sure ako! Sakanya ba? May pinatunguhan ba? 😂) 21 php ata. ➡️ Pagbaba mo, ‘wag ka tatawid sa intersection, BABALA: Nakamamatay so sa tamang tawiran tayo mga Besh. May footbridge, dun ka tumawid. As you step your last step from the bridge, you’ll see men shouting “PAENAAN”, ayan sila kuya pinagsisigawan yung gusto nila, eh si Kuya mo ba? 😂😅 going back. 24 php yung pagpunta dun. Pwesto ka sa magandang pwesto sa jeep,Para makapagmuni muni ka. Pagisipan mo mga ginagawa mo. 😅 ➡️ tell the driver to drop you gently and nicely to Touch Of Glory Prayer Mountain, you don’t need to ride tricycle! Teh, kinaya mo na nga yung masaklap ninyong relasyon ng ilang taon eh. yung less than 5minutes walk pa ba?! 

Note: avoid wearing shorts. Bring pants/leggings. Shorts are prohibited.

P. S. Leaving is easy from TOGM to Cogeo Market. But you have to endure the heat and waiting game for Cubao jeepneys. I’m not sure if dahil weekday ako nagpunta? Kasi anghirap ng sakayan. Sapalaran. Parang pagibi. Haha. But kidding aside, traffic was no joke at all! Yun lang. pero rest assured, makakauwi ka ng maayos. Hehe. 
Here are the updated room rates inclusive the food:

Must try:

Prayer Garden (First time ko dito. And I found my spot)

It looks dry because summer nga naman kasi hehe

You can also trek a little.

Hanapin mo ‘toh. Makikita mo kapag hinanap mo!

And as I end this, I hope it helped you somehow and encouraged you to be involve with God in every area of your life. It is my prayer that whatever you are going through right now, you’ll find security, peace and joy in Christ alone, whereever you are. Don’t give up. Kung kinaya ko at dinideal ko parin, kayang kaya mo din yan! Cheer up! ❤

In all the noise in the world, wherever you may be, in God’s loving arms, we’ll find rest. 

Sa pagantay, tayong dalawa

Sabi nila “kapag may tyaga may nilaga”, sabi nila, iba iba ang oras ng isa’t isa, ngunit tila, paputi na ang uwak, palubog na ang buwan,
Naririto, nalilito, pilit na puso, tila naiinip, Natagpuan ang sarili, bahagyang ngumiti,
sa aking sagot na tila walang pawang katotohanan.
Siya, Siya ang aking inspirasyon. Siya na hindi ko maisambit kung nariyan na ba o maaring parating palang,

Siya na alam kong nagiipon ng lakas, Siya na hangga’t sa makakaya, lubusan akong kinikilala, Siya na nagtitiyagang magipon para sa kinabukasan,

Siya na maaring pagod sa takbo ng buhay , patuloy din ang laban, Siya na kung nasaan man ngayon nais ko iparating, ako’y maghihintay kahit ang puso ay nalulumbay,

Sa panahon ngayon, Ikaw ang tanging kasiguraduhan, Sa magulong kasalukuyan, Ako’y patuloy na lalaban kasama ng pananampalataya,
Sa paglikom ng lakas, kay Bathala walang kupas, Tiwala sa Maykapal, ang silbing sandata sa unos ng buhay,

Aking tanging dasal, ika’y ‘wag magsasawa,sa pagbahagi ng iyong kakayanan para sa kalhuwalhatian ng Maykapal,

Sabik ako ibahagi ang kabutihan ng Diyos, sa Kanyang pag gabay mula noon hanggang ngayon,

Buhay na palarong palaisipan, Hugot ng lakas, higop ng pagasa, sa Maykapal ay sapat,

Kasama ka sa araw’t gabi kong panalangin, nawa’y ang pagsuko ay hindi solusyon sa magulong damdamin,

Sa aking pagdarasal, balang araw, sabay natin pasasalamatan ang Maykapal sa mga nalagpasang pinagdaanan… Ako’y patuloy maghihinntay sa oras na inilaan, hindi mapapagod, hindi hahayaang mabigo, sabay natin tatahakin ang agos ng buhay… tayong dalawa, kasama ang Diyos, balang araw…

 

 

#vscocam #nofilter #iphone #followforfollow #sunset #sunday #love #inspiration #life #photography #photoshoot #photograph #poet #poetry #spokenword #filipino

My hiding place

 

 I remember when I was only in elementary, one of my favorite game was hide and seek. I used every effort and energy to hide myself from the seeker because we were only given 10 to 20 seconds (depending on set of counts) to hide and if you were caught first, you’ll be the next one to find them. Well, that’s how the hide and seek mechanics goes. I enjoyed hiding but sometimes when the seeker takes time looking out for you, sometimes it gets boring or frustrating (depende kung saan ka nagtatago, baka sa Cabinet, eh di pinagpawisan ka na sa kakaantay sakanya mahanap ka lang niya.) But we have to choose our hiding place.

Psalm 119:114 “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.”

I just want to share this verse where in the midst of catastrophe of my life, I found my hiding place. It is so amazing that through that storm, it helped me see how I should go back from the start. Where I get my real strength. I didn’t know that I was already on the edge of falling from the cliff. All this time I thought I was still on that same road walking with the same feet. Little did I know I was already letting go. Little did I know I was hurting the One who loved me first. Little did I know, I was creating walls between us. Little did I know, I was trying to listen but I was blinded by earthly things that temporarily satisfied me and ignores the voice. Then came the storm, I thought I was on the same ground but again little did I know I was already tossed by strong wind and heavy waves of the ocean. Until I saw someone calmly walking in the water, while I was hit and tossed by the strong waves of the ocean, I saw Him walking towards me, reaching out His hand. Without second thoughts, I reached out my hand and He carried me all the way and calmed the storm.

As He was carrying me, I hid into His chest and embraced Him so tight that I don’t want to let go. I just want to be in His arms. I found my Shield. I found my hiding place. Jesus is my Shield and my Hiding place. He didn’t leave me behind, He didn’t let go of me, He was there all throughout my stormy journey. I was deafened and blinded by temporary things here on earth. I was hiding from Him, it took time when I was already enjoying hiding from His plans but thankful that He finally found me. He didn’t stop looking after me, even I came to the point of giving up. Giving up in faith. Giving up in hope. Giving up in trusting people. I got tired. Exhausted. But you know what storm taught me? There’s always rainbow after the rain. That’s a covenant from God. That’s a promise coming from a Sovereign God.

It was really dark. Darkness with anger, hatred, bitterness and even unforgiveness. Blinded by what the world can give and deafened by human promises. Until I cannot hear God’s whisper. As I type these words, I am in tears of joy that God picked me up from pieces. He made me whole again. He gave me peace. Peace that I cannot get from any person or a thing. Peace that secures my future. Peace that gives me hope. Peace that brings joy to my heart. Peace that gives assurance that I can do better this time. Peace that I will never walk this journey alone. Indeed, Jesus is the prince of peace.

John 14: 27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

I am really thankful for what really happened because it helped me go back to my source of Strength and Joy. God uses situations that we thought we cannot handle, but God believes that through that circumstance He will prove Himself that He is Lord. And yes, He is. I can always hide from Him, take things for granted or get used to what I have, but one thing I’m sure of that what was already built will never be shaken because I believe that I have a strong foundation and that is my faith in Christ. He will always be my hiding place and my shield. I put my hope in Him.

Painful but rewarding

It’s been three days since I decided to go out from social media specifically Facebook. Ang daming tumatakbo sa isipan ko for the past weeks. Sometimes I can’t sleep because of too many things running through my mind. Pumapasok ako sa trabaho minsan tulala at minsan nagiisip while doing my task. But within that three days, I grabbed it as an opportunity to talk and ask God’s revelation sa pinagdadaanan ko. I didn’t force my will to happen, I carefully waited and enjoyed the moments with the Lord. I thank God for being faithful and not leaving me in my craziest and wildest moments of my life. True that He never leaves nor forsake His children (Hebrews 13:5)

Within that span of three days or two and half days, no one knows my situation. Nobody dared to ask me how I was. I didn’t open up to people because I thought I might just give them additional burden. I waited patiently. Until first night, I cried it out loud to God, I was weeping and mourning. But He continuously assured me that I am loved by the most high. He designed me just as He desired it. Couldn’t let go of the pain I was going through. People close to my heart were all (at that time when I needed the most) busy but thankful because it helped me go to God. Sometimes we usually go to people to express our feelings knowingly someone better is waiting for us to share our deepest hurts and cries of our hearts.

Every night before I go to sleep wishing something miracle could happen, It just ended up a disappointment. Instead of doing the usual things, For the second time, I let it all out to God. I let Him move and listen to what He wants me to hear. After that evening, medyo nabawasan na yung bigat na nararamdaman ko. Nung nabawasan na, naisipan ko ng to share it with a friend and thankful she was available. And while spending time with her, something unexpected happen that made me smile for that day. Praising God with all my might to put back smile on my face. I thought its the end but God made me realize a lot of things. But of course the doubts and bitterness (honestly speaking) nandun parin yun, hindi naman agad agad mawawala kasi ang daming tanong na tumatakbo sa isipan ko kahit pa nangyari yung isang bagay na nakapagpangiti sakin. I’ve resolved to entrust everything to God because He knows best.

I learned the hard way. Painful but rewarding. I learned to appreciate the smallest and simplest things here on earth. I learned to wait patiently. I learned to avoid expectations and demands. I learned that communication and goals in life are still very important. Since I am a princess of God therefore I deserve the best. I learned that I should not be treated undeservingly. Ang dami kong narealize. And one more thing that made my three days out from social media is I learned to cling more to God even in the most difficult and painful part of my life. His grace indeed abounds to His children.

And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Abba Father

“how great is your love for me
that you gave up your son for me
now i am alive and free
father i love you
father i love you

your love made a way for me
into me you see
you love every part of me
father you love me
father you love me

oh, the love of my father
is deeper than any love i know
oh, the grace that he shows me
his love overwhelming
this i know
the love of my father
the love of my father
the love of my father
the love of my father

abba father
your love is never-ending
there’s no other love like yours
in your presence
my heart is overflowing
father i am yours”

This song drives me to worship God. Not only because I love the rhythm and music itself but rather, the lyrics describes the perfect personality of the Almighty God. While listening to this song, I stood up and put my feet to dance. Such an awesome time with the One.

I have resolved to surrender everything to God. That before anything else, He should always be my FIRST. I should always seek His wisdom. Hear His still small voice. Obey what He says. Response like Jesus and most espescially to love even certain circumstances are unloving just like what Jesus did.

Each day has its different story, either fun-filled or blue day. But whatever the situation is, I must always decrease. It is not about me. The glory does not belong to me. Its not about the person who will receive or hear your response. But rather it is for Jesus’ glory. Less of me and more of Him. It is really funny that we get tired of our repititive unresolved problems but what’s funnier is that at the end of it, sorrow turns to joy because we learned that each problems has its own solutions.

What we usually do when we are in trouble we sometimes kneel down,put our hands together, wipe the tears from our eyes, go to some quiet place, scream out loud what’s holding you inside and reflect. These are just some ways how we contemplate our complicated life. Life is pretty boring without challenges. We may get tired but I believe that God won’t give us situations that we cannot handle. He believes in us and He hopes that we also believe in His mighty power.

I am just in awe how He surprisingly meet all of my needs in an inexplicable ways. I just can’t contain the joy He gave me. This joy is just really an overflow of His everlasting love for me. And I am forever grateful for His grace and trusting me with His treasures here on earth. ❤️

True that it is all about Jesus. My desire for this year not only to have a deeper relationship with Jesus but also respond with love and peace just like Jesus. 💕

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. “John 14:27

“to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; “Isaiah 61:2

“and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. “Ephesians 2:16

His love letter

February 18, 2014
Usually, baking, laundry, cooking, cleaning are my agendas for rest days. But this day is different. I spent time surfing the net, see newsfeeds at Facebook, watch a movie, and think. When I had finished them all, I stopped for a moment. I rested in our living room sofa in an inconvenient position, I began thinking, played a gospel music, closed my eyes, embraced the precious living Book, and started crying…. SomeOne Whose close in my heart become a ‘choice’. Someone who assured me many times that He loves me has become a stranger. From that moment I was reminded of the box office movie, STARTING OVER AGAIN, with a new beginning…. Tears started flowing through my cheeks, here I am commits myself to start over again with the One who loved me first, and here’s His letter to me….

My dearest daughter,
I know It seems I was silent for the past weeks, but I never stopped pursuing you . You may not have recognize the love and faith I have for you but there are just too many things going on your mind, I can’t squeeze in myself. You have tried to put me first but you intended to do what you LIKE. But don’t worry my daughter, my princess, no matter how stubborn you are, I still LOVE you, I really do, not in a different way, but with the SAME love I have showed you 2000 years ago. My darling, do not be condemn by what the world says to you, do not be discourage by their judgements thrown at you, always remember that I have overcome the world. Regarding with your plans, sweetheart, be patient, WAIT patiently my love. Everything is already planned, orchestrated and designed the way I wanted. Your ways are not my ways, your thoughts are not my thoughts . I am proud that you have plans for yourself, for your future, career, which you have presented everything to me… I am honored that you have acknowledged every detail of your desires before me. I really AM my princess, but just do not fret, I have arrange accordingly each into my timeframe. Just be in faith, in every area of your life, have faith in Me. TRUST Me. Here we go my Darling, just always remember, I will always walk with you each day of your life, I love you unconditionally! And I am always 24/7 available, just hoping you have time for Me.

Lovingly yours,
Your Heavenly Father