Our hope is in Him

Hope. It isn't something people always have. Sad but true.

• An intern who went through the motions of an 8-hour job, without sight that it could turn into an opportunity for a career after grad; 
• A fresh grad who refuses to take a first job outside her "passion" and stays idle, not knowing a job could be venue to pursue her passion in the near future and provide her with valuable training; 
• A teenager compromising her convictions and placing her security in relationships, not knowing God has well laid out his plans for romance with purpose at the right time. 

We have had several opportunities given to hope in God, but it’s not always that we put our hope in him. I could have gone through any of these experiences without hope, but I thank God he has shown me where hope comes from. Our hope is in Him.

We hope in God for doing so alters our perception on our current position, current location and current influence. We hope in Him for He is faithful and well able to carry out the plans He has for our lives. We hope in Him for He desires that we do; he desires to perform miracles in our lives so that His name will be glorified. We hope in Him for there is great purpose in why he has allowed and willed for us to be in the place where we are today.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him. (Ps 62:5)

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
It is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD. (La 3:25-26)

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.