Have it His way

Does not mean we can, we should

Does not it is not wrong, it is right

Does not mean we feel it, it is true

Does not mean it can be used for His purposes, it will be

Ask, why?

Often times I just want to have my own way. In thought, I know (or believe I know) I do not desire anything outside His will, that what I desire is right and will fulfill His purposes. It may and can - but - does not mean it does. For often times, I fail to submit - not to expect my will to be done, but to be open for His (not my own) ways to work out and allow me to grow and see His greater purpose. Always His desire is for me to believe, trust and surrender - leaving me seemingly powerless, but enabling His power to be at work in my life. He loves me that much.

with every bit as happy

It is not always that people cry. How many times have I asked about the cause of sorrow or sadness?...

...For one, it reflects what I really value and it's not really what I think it is. I may have valued people and things more than that which we have been called to value the most - our relationship with God. The truth is, if I really value my relationship with God, I would let go of what has happened and be with every bit as happy with what He has allowed to happen. He loves me and knows what is best for me - such a cliche, but a truth rarely accepted sincerely. He does know what is best and there is no reason to cry. This world is not about what it portrays to be important. This life is all about knowing and believing Jesus.

When I first fell in love

At some point I drifted and yet I wonder. Sometimes it's just the world telling you what you want when you don't really do. We realize that excitement and high felt was both superficial and man-made. And you begin to find inner peace and joy like never. At the tip of the sincerest possible feeling of love, you begin to find yourself in such deep conviction that it's truest and fullest sense will come. And you know deep down where you have first felt it, from one whom no one can compare!

I will bless you and I will add no trouble to it

(written inside a van on my way to Taytay, Palawan)

I will bless you and I will add no trouble to it

Arrived at the check-in counter at 7:40am...for an 8:10am flight to Puerto Prinsesa at Terminal 3, i.e. declared late and unable to join the flight :( oh no (no excuses). So there I was at counter E-1, "Customer Service", with the attendee processing a rebooking for the next flight which is at 3:45pm. "Oh no" :(( Now i'm telling the story of how it turned out, unexpectedly well.

I'd say it's entirely my fault...but...my colleagues have been well very gracious. Malou and Liza arranged for a direct flight to Lio and van transfer to Taytay. At which cost I will not know, but leaves me "speechless".

Stares and awe after a "papansin" act propels me to do something (thus, the writing). I am left amazed at His incomprehensible blessing and favor. I did not do anything to deserve this - nor will anything I do compensate for the gravity and overflow of that which he has so richly blessed my life with.

I am not always in full and overflowing, but I am left to believe I am because my Father is my Provider. I feel like a princess on this van which was specially arranged for me. I asked my companion "...", and he said, "Yes"; this was a special arrangement. I guess it was obvious seeing the passengers were him me and my backpack.

11-22-10

I didn't know I had fear

There are happy days. Remember those days? And yet there are some tough days. Blessed in a lot of ways we are convinced we are, and yet we cannot help but feel deep sadness... because of the dysfunctions we see, or probably we just sort of feel alone even when we've got lots of close friends to run to.

I never realized it was fear. It was the same fear that Adam and Eve had.

...afraid my God would not pull through with His promises.

...afraid He simply did not really have a well thought of plan for my life.

...afraid He does not really love me or care about me.

...afraid I may have been fooled.*

"Take courage, I have forgiven your sins (Matt 9:2)," He assures me nothing can separate me from His love. He assures me no sin is great enough to keep me from His love.

Again, "Take courage sons and daughters of God, for He has overcome the world (John 16:33)". Take courage for He is sovereign and well able to fulfill His plans and purposes. He is mighty to make happen the promises He has given.

*rephrased from Fearless by Max Lucado

Tendays Hong Kong

One of the things I've learned, is to be steadfast. Unwavering unfaltering persistent committed unswerving firm loyal faithful constant devoted... Always, to no one but God alone.

So much I am learning. So much pruning, testing, enduring. Sometimes I feel it's beyond what I can bear, but I put my trust and hope in God. It is faith that pleases Him. In always, put your hope and trust in Him. He is God. :)

Family

They have seen us at our best and at our worst. Though they may be able to accept us for all that we are, this is still no reason for us to show (or allow ourselves to freely show) ourselves at our worst with our family.

With all my heart I believe they love us. That a part inside of them always longs for our good. And they accept us for all that we are. They deeply care. They deeply love. Often times, we leave them deeply hurt when we think otherwise.

Obey

Obeying His Word is as important as reading God's Word everyday.

We can listen to His voice in the stillness as we spend time with Him everyday, as we spend time reading His Word and praying. And OBEY as He speaks.

In whatever you do, work at it as working for the Lord and not for men. (Colossians 3:23)

Hope in God

A brief thought, followed by a song which helps...

I keep in mind, there is always the opportunity for thwarted hopes, but I could always find joy in God alone.

Forever (Hillsong)

I worship at your throne, whisper my own love song. With all my heart I sing, for You my Dad and King. I live for all your ways, to put a smile on Your face, and when we finally meet, it’ll be for eternity.

Oh, how wide you opened up Your arms when I need Your love, how far You would come. If ever I was lost, You said that all You feel for me was undying love, that You showed me to the C-R-OS-S…Forever, I will be with with You, be with You.

Note from a box

Lord, help me to grow in love for You and in trust of Your care and concern. Teach me to pray "in Your name," according to Your character, and to rejoice in the answer You give me - yes, no, wait, grow - as a sign of Your fatherly love for us. -John Guest