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

Heart at Rest

Here I am, walking along these streets. Giving myself a “spa massage” (metaphoricaly). From lies, joys and blue moments I tried to keep myself fair and just for the sake of holding into something which I dearly love. But it’s not giving me joy anymore, it has become “obligation” instead. Its almost 6:30 pm and I want to flashback all the memories I had with the people who helped me become someone better.

Last night, with new friends, I had a divine appointment. You see, I’m a Christian, not only by title but also in relational concept. I have a relationship with Jesus. My season is always WAITING. In any aspect, WAITING has been my season. But I believe that part of my waiting is also “preparation”. God is helping me to be prepared in whatever may come my way. Nature, his beautiful creation, tells me that I am worth it, I am deserving, I am valued, I am loved, I am beautiful through the winds, trees, clear skies and cheerful strangers.

God is someOne who loves surprises. One thing that really made my last nights bonding was “Seek God first. He is preparing something best for you. You don’t have it now, maybe because God is still preparing and molding you to handle some things.” Which I agreed to. I just listened to them. Nodded. And felt their testimonies in their lives. But little did I know, for a minute, God is the One speaking to me through them. I am deeply blessed that I didn’t say no (which at first I felt scared because I don’t even know them). Although I knew it already, it becomes a redundant reminder to me which I neglect to embrace it. But its all about wisdom, sensitivity and trust in God.

Gusto ko umiyak kagabi, empathize with them and tell them how blessed I am hearing their changed lives. Their humble heart encouraged me to push through. Just keep doing what glorifies God. Let go of the things that hinders me from growing. And from then on, it gave me strength, confidence and assurance that I should really get out from my box.

And 1 Peter 3:3-4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment,such as braided hair and thewearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a GENTLE and QUIET SPIRIT.”

The gentle, quiet spirit. TRUST. FAITH. HOPE. Yes, we need these in order to be strong. We need these to be prepared. We need these to have the consistent assurance that God knows best. Hearts at rest.

Thoughts 102

Before I go to sleep tonight, I just want to share my thoughts for the whole day. Something is bothering me actually, but it doesn’t matter anymore because I have resolved it a while ago.

As I was scanning the Facebook newsfeeds, I saw a music video link of “I won’t say I’m in love, Hercules”. This Disney animated movie caught my attention when I was a child because of this half “macho” man and half greek god. Well the song paid off when the lady controlled from not telling her feelings to Hercules (Sorry, I forgot the lady’s name).

For me to control and keep emotions (Especially for the women) is such a brave and courageous act. I admit I am a very expressive and bold woman, but from experiences I learn to keep it to myself because I know in some circumstances “to not tell isn’t a loss ” . Anyway, let’s change course. . . . . . .

After doing some heavy household chores, I find time to talk to Abba Father. It was such a great feeling to finally have a great time with the One whom I longed for so many days! And so, I told Him I’m sorry that I haven’t given Him time and that I’m not putting Him first in all my agendas. I also shared how I’m doing these days, with the people around me, and also my heart.

Relationships are very important factor in life. They help you become a better person or some one you never wanted to become. Healthy or unhealthy, relationships are vital. As of now, this is my concern, how can I become someone good for my loved ones? By not pleasing them but through expressing their love language naturally. How? When? Where and why? Questions are starting to pop out, and yet answers are instantly presented.

TIME and courage . Fears. Yes, fears are holding me back to reach out to their needs. Fear of rejection. Fear of unbelief and many more. These were presented beforehand when answers were showed. Nauna yung takot bago pa dumating yung sagot But I realized that I shouldn’t be, because its a big world out there waiting for me to bare it all. Share, talk, laugh out loud, get involve and have friends for a lifetime and more! I always say no to something outside of my comfort zone but learning to get out from the box is such a huge relief. A joy! Risky? Yes, but today I am challenging myself to get out from my comfort zone and get more excited to what lies ahead. That is why one of my attitude these days is to be EXPECTANT. As I continue to put my faith and trust in the Lord, TIME AND COURAGE definitely will follow.

So what’s with the music video got to do with this? I’ll share it to my next Thoughts 103 🙂

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

Thoughts 101

Every day I meet different faces, I bump into strangers and I get to talk to people with peculiar concerns in life. Yet there’s one person I haven’t met and talked as far I as know. Who can that be? My future spouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

This is again a sudden urge of wanting to write for someone I haven’t met yet. Someone who is invisible and an imagination (but not a fantasy) of who could that be. As far as I know, this untouchable person is someone I am expecting to meet someday, may it be friends or beyond friendship. How sure am I? Its because of FAITH AND SECURITY that God has filled in to me. I may not know that person right now or he may not lay down his intentions to me this year, one thing I’m confident of, is that God will surely bring the best godly man who is after His own heart at His perfect time.

If you would ask me how am I doing today? I’m doing great! I’m expanding my territory as a single, savoring the singlehood and loving each spare time I have for myself. Of course, who wouldn’t think of the future? As a lady, (well, exceptional to some) we all have “planner” attitude espescially when it comes to TIME. We have planned the things to do for the day, but eventually, not ALL of it will come to success. Now, most of the women have plans of getting married at ages like for example “25-29”. But at this moment, at the age of 23 and I’m turning 24, I can say I’m not in a hurry but I have the desires of getting married someday. I refuse to set AGE on that one because I might just get disappointed. But everything is surrendered and lifted to God. Everything is taken care through prayers and faith.

The reason why I’m taking time to write these down is because not only I want too but also I believe that God wants me to take care of my future in prayer. PRAY. PRAY. PRAY.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“16 Always rejoice,
17 constantly pray,
18 in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I’m trying my best to constantly breathe a prayer for the people I love. Even during working hours. I do pray for them. Not just this one, I don’t want to get that wrong interpretation or misconception from God that I just pray and talk to Him because of that person I want to meet but never have. I don’t want to get that wrong motive from seeking God through this. But What I learned, it is between you and God. Your motive, your heart, your delight matters. Whatever seed you’ve sow, the fruit will speak itself.

I just want to take time to praise God and thank Him for His nonstop reminders even from a very very long time of not having a QUIET TIME with Him. I am missing Him more than anyone else. I am longing and hunger for more of Him. I am so much more in need of The One who makes my day full of surprises, laughter and unexpected circumstances which leads to show His magnificence. His awesome and unconditional love teaches me to pray for my future husband, to love him through prayer, to protect him through prayers and to constantly lift my future husband to the Writer of my love story.

I am assured that this year is something worth the wait indeed, may be not in my love life area, or may be it is. I don’t know but I am really expectant, may it be just friends for a while or beyond friendship. This is my prayer that God may guard both of us from temptations and plans of the enemy. The wholeness comes from our identity in Christ Jesus and I believe through our relationship with Jesus, I’ll be meeting my future dearest husband COMPLETE AND WHOLE in Christ Jesus.

Joyfully waiting, take your time 🙂

Friendship that would last….

(John 1: 35-51) Like what Jesus did, He didn’t just sit down and stare to make friends. But instead He moved and made friendships that would last for years. Just like us, we were once strangers to people we now consider as friends. I encourage you to start moving beyond FORMALITIES and begin GETTING Acquainted.

Everyday is “Valentine”

Before January ends, people are already preparing for something special occasion for the coming month – Valentine! Or if not Chinese New Year! I can’t say I’m not a fan of Valentines because I was once in love with it (when I was in a relationship). Love is always in the air. May it be February or not, people still love to love. Before the February arrived, I didn’t prepare for anything because like any other special days I give myself my own reward. 

Last week, my sister was admitted at the hospital because of Dengue Fever Syndrome and praise God for He heard our cry and prayers. She is now discharged and completely okay from decreasing platelet. February 14, 2013 we have decided to just do our things. We went to Salon and dyed our hairs. A gift from a stress relief from a four days 24 hours “bantay” of my lovely patient. She’s my Valentines date that day. I really enjoyed it.

But the day is more than that, I believe the reason why I don’t celebrate Valentines only on February 14 because everyday has been Valentines with the One who loved me first. I’m pretty sure all the confidence and love comes from above who unconditionally loved me so dearly.

Like any other ladies, I also love chocolates and flowers and know for the mean time it can give me joy and “kilig” but I looked after the person who was hanged on the cross 2000 years ago and lives today. I thought with or without roses and Ferrero chocolates I am more than happy since the day I accepted Jesus as my Savior for the rest of my life.

Allowing Him be the driver of my life built my confidence that in lack or full God will provide both my wants and needs according to His needs. I may not have a date in a luxurious restaurant at least I have the King and Creator of ALL things. People fail us but He will never. 

I thank Abba for not giving me flowers and chocolates for my eternal life because those fade but instead He gave His only Son, Jesus, who lives today, tomorrow and forever.

 

 

Everyday is a love day because I look upon the perfect Lover of my life.

We loved because He first loved us.( 1 John 4:19 )

For God so love the world that He gave His Begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will never perish but have everlasting life.( John 3:16 )

Closed doors

Every day it hast been a challenge for me. Each day I have to make sure I don’t hurt anybody . All those things matters. My friend, family and special someone matters to me. Their reaction, emotions and response on my every little actions to them. I have finally realized that people reaction towards my action is now my last concern. My first concern now is God’s opinion. He really matters so big when I get to hurt Him, it is really a BIG deal for me. I can’t have a good sleep, I always contemplate on my last action if it really pleased Him or not. That’s why there is this saying “think before you do it”, I’m still on the process of resisting what my heart tells me to do so even it means of “not today” or “now or never”. God is surely has been slapping my face back and forth. He’s been waiting for me to respond in such a way that it will only please, glorify and honor Him.

Now that I’ve come to the point of closing doors, its time for me to boost my relationship with my One and Only God. I am more expectant with God for the year 2013. I am excited because I believe God will bring me to different places and opportunities that will make me happy and make our relationship grow deeper.

2012 has been really a roller coaster ride, its been a year since I admitted that its not bringing me anywhere. Its only disobedience. Its only pride. So before the year ends, I definitely wanted to become someone God wanted me to be. More of molding and shaping of my character- building of character. Fear has been holding me back. What are those fears? I fear that I will not get to see them often if I only focus on what He wants me to do. I fear that God will take my loved ones so far away from me. I fear that no one will like me if I followed Him. But I realized God gave them to me. The people I cherish so much. I believe God is teaching me to go out from my comfort zone and I believe God is also preparing my loved ones. So for now, I have decided for the coming years, it will only be about us- God and me. Closing doors for courtship. Closing doors for any emotions that will pull me away from God. 

I’m sure when God finds me ready, He will automatically open my heart for that someone He’s been saving for me. I’m not in a hurry I believe God is also preparing that man and besides, I still have to enjoy my single hood. But I admit, I still need prayers. Prayers that will help me not give in to temptations. I need your faith that even in tough times I’ll be able to withstand it through Christ. Right now, what I know is I’m not going to entertain any man. He’ll know when to lay down if its the right time from God and if he is the one since I am devoting myself for God this coming year. So, I guess ‘do not disturb’ sign will do. God and I will have this moment. I believe God’s timing is perfect and it will come like I’ve never waited. I am really excited for this! 🙂

 

photo: courtesy of google.com

I will never fo…

I will never forget to acknowledge the real source of all my countless blessings in life. – Me

The moment I receive happiness, I always go back to the real source of all it. The real owner. My Lord. My God. My Provider. And when I am reminded, I always say “thank You Abba” These wouldn’t be possible without You in it. All the speechless and overwhelming moments in life came to life and able.

Secured

What do I long for? Where do I really put my trust, hope and security? Where is my faith? Can faith move mountain? Am I really loved? Is there someone praying for me? When will I get what I want? What is it that I want?

These were my confusing questions battling repeatedly in my mind. These were the questions that ALMOST shook my faith. Questions that were answered already yet I ignored and bypass them.I honestly admit that I find trust, hope and security from other people. You might ask me: Where else you must put them? Let me just share a brief testimony that there is someone else you can trust other than the people you thought could stay forever.

A friend of mine kept on reminding me, “KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES”, another friend told me“SURRENDER AND FOCUS” and finally God repeatedly told me “Do not be afraid…” “Leave your country and I will bless you..” “Stop doubting and believe..” “I give you peace..” “Be still and know that I am God..” and capital letters O-B-E-Y. Of course my friends were really instruments of God, even my Dad encouraged me through God’s word and same revelations. But really God is insisting me“Let go and let Me do my job in your life my princess”.

After all the reminders and all God’s ways, the question is still there. “Where do I really put my trust, hope and security?” So I meditate on it day and night: Where? How much time do I spend in God’s word? Do I spend more time with my family? Am I really in focus? Did I really surrender it all to God? God answered it, and I felt so ashamed and sorry for myself before God (as in if you really know what it feels) that I keep on insisting what I want to happen in my life. Nakakahiya lang talaga kay God that every devotion, He keeps on reminding me what to do, until I’ve been misled with my emotions and selfish ambitions that are not from God. I’ve been carried away with all the funs and blessings He has given me that I haven’t notice my time and energy is wasted so much to the least priorities.

But you know what? God did not give up on me! He nonstop convicted me through His word and used people close to my heart to open my eyes and heart. God’s faithfulness to our forefathers remained the same, “The Lord was with me…” Always! Not only during the good times but also in bad times. Joseph the dreamer was successful because of the Lord’s presence In His life. Jacob believed that God is with him wherever he goes. Abraham obeyed and God graciously fulfilled His covenant and promise to him. From generation to generation even before Christ, God’s love and faithfulness is upon His people. And I believe in our generation, it may seem impossible but those who believe in the Lord, nothing is impossible.

Going back, God did not give up on me, He fulfilled His promises. Even I had a heart of stone or dry heart, He continued His mission to me. He used my family and friends to slap my face back and forth like “Shekyna! Wake up! FOCUS! Look at Jesus only.” God’s sweetness may be shown in different ways, He gave me friends that I can talk to, friends who envisioned and prayed for me. I believe this is it! (God really answered these prayers).

God will not allow my impurities to conquer my whole being instead God made a way that I could talk to the people I encountered misunderstandings. He gave me confidence, willingness and boldness how I felt during those times (Soul tie, like my friend shared to me once) and try to fix things by His grace. It is really God’s perfect time for us to exchange apologies and acceptance of being new creation of God. I can really see the changes, though I am not saying that I am ALL out OKAY because I am still in process of continuous change for God’s glory. I entrusted all aspect of my life one by one to God. I invest more time with my family (siblings specifically) and update my dad with all the happenings and time for my victory group. All in all what I have concluded, it’s really a matter of obedience.

As I mentioned earlier, God did not give up on me, He gave me a second chance. Now that I have done some of His request and I am still willing to give my ALL to Him, like what He promised “I leave you peace. I give you peace – Jesus”. I can now answer the question directly, “Where do you put your trust, hope and security?” – in God alone. I am saying this because again I found what I’ve been longing for, well I had it with me, I had it in me, but I haven’t notice that I am being selfish until it made my heart dry. I realized that even you have the love of Christ in you, even you live in Christ, each of us, needs to nurture it through meditating and application on God’s word. Although I admit that this wasn’t an easy one, yung ibigay mo lahat lahat, it takes a courage to give up the people you love but since kilala ko kung kanino ko pinagkakatiwala ang buhay ng mga taong mahal ko, I believe that they are in good hands of my Abba Father and these are just some of my resolved issues that were entrusted to God and I am still willing to surrender all the things I haven’t surrendered. I am willing and open to obey God more than ever. He deserves my best and I want to give it all to Him. I put my trust, hope and security to my God alone. Right now, I am claiming my total purification and refinement. How about you? Where do you put your trust, hope and security? Check your heart again.