Everyday is Always a New Day!

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Last night, I slept late because I have to finish what  I had started the previous day. I was not rushing though but my deadline is off today. I was busy the previous days before yesterday because it’s enrolment time and I was helping the frontline to manage the enrollees. There were three of us there and still we hardly cope up with the students and parents enrolling for the second semester.

 No matter how busy we are entertaining enrollees and those who are coming to inquire, yet, we have lots of fun.  Our smiles never cease and there was laughter around. A lot of time, I do meet parents and / or guardians pouring out their sentiments. And as I listened to them, God’s wisdom keeps on bubbling inside of me. It’s so comforting that no matter what the situation is for the moment, we can always avail of the Lord’s grace and favor.

 God favored me to meet parents whom I longed to meet in person. The first meeting seems a never ending conversation.  Physically, it was our first meeting but spiritually, it wasn’t. The Campus Ministry which I was coordinating since it started in 2007 had already been the spiritual backbone of the school. It’s always part of our prayers that God will manifest his presence and intervention in every way He can and in every situation possible.

 I pray God will make it possible always for the STI family to work out for everything as smooth as clockwork, and to get down pat the plans for this semester including every detail there is for the moment and ahead of time. As we look forward to the  increase in the number of enrollees, the plan on the detail of expansion would be gotten into and onward we may see the heartfelt cooperation of everyone pretty well.

We don’t settle the least but always settle on the best.  I am looking forward to meet again the STI Agape Campus Ministry  warriors this second semester of SY 2010-2011.  Our classes start November 8, 2010.

 Everyday is always a God-favored day . . . yes, it’s always a new day indeed!

Part 2. Is this for real . . . ?

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Have you been into a situation of being humiliated in front of people by someone close to you? Or have you been hurled with painful and hurting words direct from the mouth of the one you expected to be there for you through thick and thin.  I guess it’s pretty tough to hear and at the same time being exhibited with sour reactions. It’s one thing to get cared of but a real different thing to get hurt with.

Revenge is not the answer to get calmed down. It’s a tricky kind of a thing. How many put-downs will equal to one insult? How many wrongs will make a right?  When is enough revenge enough?  The Lord tells us that we are to give up such things to Him. In an honest act of forgiveness we can cut the endless act of a wrong, followed by an act of revenge, followed by . . . “Do not make revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath for it is written: ”It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord (Rom. 12:19; NIV)

 In our world of ever-increasing pressures, it is comforting to know that we are serving a God of order.  He can help us bring these inner wars to a cease fire. When we hand over the control of our living to Him. His terms of peace are always on our side. But somehow, to this end, choices are ours to make.  It matters on who controls our being and whose Lordship  we follow.  

  Is it really possible that actions and words of mouth can change feelings? Let’s try this definition for What love is and does: Love is an action directed to another person that is motivated by our relationship to Jesus Christ and is given freely without a personal reward in mind.

 Love, when applied to life situations, is the factor which makes our home operate smoothly. Love is always the oil in any kind of human relationship. Love is the key to mend the feelings and emotions of love . . . making your home a much more pleasant place in which to live. You may not always “feel” like loving or being loved. . . but remember that your actions of love can change the feelings and emotions of love! Let your loving actions lead the way in your living!

 Love is a very special kind of gift . . . in order to be loved it is given without thought of a reward coming back. Let’s always remember to love in action as well as in words. Apostle Paul was so particular in I Corinthians 13:4 

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs, love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres . . . love never fails.”

So what if life has collapsed around you, relationships have fallen apart, friendships are gone? There is always the possibility of starting all over again! Take heart, my friend. Today can be a new day! You can make a new start. The problems that have come into your life are an opportunity to give it another go. Build the friendship once more! There is always hope and help for you when you build on God’s Word!

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.

 In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!

 I have overcome the world (John 16:33)

Part 1. Is this for real . . . ?

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          There are times that books are my way out . . . my passing time! I love reading books of any sort.  Through these books, I can relate myself, my outlooks in life, my dreams, and ventures ahead of time. 

 Chances and opportunities are always there, you only need to have somebody to inspire you morally and socially and even  to support you and not putting you down. It’s struggling to work out for something when you know that the most expected person to support you is the one who indirectly criticizes you and deterring you down . . . by his negative comments and by his being passive. The situation becomes a banging cymbals that are out of tone.

The circumstance should certainly be stretching you out and not shrinking you down. It’s not being critical about you but considers you as the heart of things!  How can one stands any longer before it’s going to disintegrate? There’s no telling . . . there is always  a terminal point. As you can see it, feel it, and immensely desires freedom from something that bounds . . . anything can be possible!

 Would there be a good chance of patching up or ending up? . . . I mean stop loving? Stop missing? Stop being together? or Stop communicating? It would be futile if you continue because every time you do, the more hurts,  pains, fear,  and even exchanging of foul words transpire. There’s no excitement anymore and you don’t even feel good at hearing him talk because prior time, there was already that ill feeling. You just seem  to be yourself and enjoy what’s on for the day! Of truth, we always desire freedom. . . and that's reality. It’s useless to continue a pursuit founded with doubt, hatred, hurts, fear and even apprehension… It’s all amiss!

 I have a friend who had experienced the same dying situation. It whirls her head and lets her decide to have her own way and let go of the person she thought she would grow old with. Was it a mistake? My friend was trying hard to make it worth something and to work it out for good. Nevertheless, nothing happened . . . futile! 

What’s next? Still continue to live with the person who is unbearable? Relationship is best manifested through communication . . . apart from fear, doubt,  and dishonesty. One negative begets another negative effect. If these are not pacified, it will multiply to even greater degree of doubts, fears, and end up to anger, hatred and revenge.

 It’s foolhardy . . . the looniest retreat one could ever settle  in life! Everything would be on the blink! What then? Would it be better to drop off? It’s better to be safe than sorry, right? The remotest idea would be calling it off . . . no reason on earth to continue. It’s all fouled up!

 Somebody has to be there for you . . . for me . . . for us! Somebody who can give a hand, comfort,  and who’s fun to be around, to share with the day’s ups and downs, and to console you whenever possible.

  My friend wasn’t able to take it any longer . . . she lets go of the person she thought she would share her life until death separates them!

Please follow on for Part 2 . . . soon!

By God’s Amazing Grace . . .

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At the time I was in my second year college at Mindanao State University, Marawi city, I was invited to attend a “Berean Youth Camp” in Iligan City. It was an hour drive from MSU campus if one has to take the university school bus and 45 minutes by car. At that time, I have no idea what a youth camp was all about. My mind was on adventure and plain pleasure trip.

One of our big sis who was then attending a campus “Christian Community Fellowship” was the one who invited me and sponsored me on that “Berean Youth Camp”. In short, I was there for five days along with other students from different colleges and universities. It was a lot of fun and so much learning of truths were imparted by the speakers to all attendees. 

Within the five days I was in the camp, many things happened, that I considered a miracle. On the third day was the turning point of  my life. It was during that time that I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. After that scene, my life was never the same again. I went through a lot in life since the time I decided to serve God in any way I can.

 There was a rebirth in me. At first, I had a hard time changing my lifestyle. I started reading the bible on and on and on. I went through crash course in Theology and several other workshops and training. I attended conventions and conferences which led me to becoming a member of a seminar team to tribal communities and at the same time a member of the teaching staff during national conventions.

 And I realized that the more I desired to be used by God, the more I was apt to temptations. And the more I pursued on getting to know the Lord and be closer to Him, the more the devil just wanted to get me out of God’s fold. It was like being squashed down empted on both sides. Apostle Paul was on the same situation . . . but instead of being carried away, he pressed on. In Philippians 3:14, Apostle Paul said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Apostle Paul’s faith was surmounting.

             I failed to do it the way Apostle Paul did. I was too weak to resist. It was like I was struck with a spring fever, being pounded into a humdrum. There should be a way out! But how? At that time, I was seeking a shelter to cover myself from the mundane exposure. I wish to call it off. I was all fouled up. At the back of my mind, I was more than willing enough to make an attempt, but things got piled up again and again. I almost quit and was at the brink of ending up everything. 

 And again, I considered it a miracle because any attempt of ending up was never completed. Later did I realize that it was God’s amazing GRACE that lets me survived the wile. Until this very hour of my life, God’s GRACE carries me up to the pedestal where God’s favor is amazingly abounding!

It was by Grace that God saved me and also by Grace that until now, I am able to stand still. As Karl Barth stressed out “Grace must find expression in life, otherwise it is not grace.” And it is true that “The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you”.

 By God’s Amazing Grace . . . everything in my life was made possible, is possible,  and will be possible. I wish to share the following verses:

Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

2 Timothy 1:9, “Who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”

"...by grace are ye saved through faith; and that
not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. "
-Ephesians 2:8

About us . . . About life!

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          If we are to take a look at our life, there’s no reason on earth to count on stark , raving mad at any negative encounters and experiences we faced. In every way and in every situation, somebody  up there is watching over you, over me . . . over us. We just need to come up with a terrific drill and off to a good start. 

       At times, we may see ourselves on the dead end; entrapped, struggling, stressed, and motionless with too much of flubs. And we thought at the moment that we need a change because we feel that we’re in a rut. But somehow, we have a really hard time getting out of it. It’s foolhardy, that we could get hurt seriously if we don’t find a way to make a good exit of the situation.

          We don’t wait until we see trouble on the horizon before we take initiative. Everything on the face of the earth is temporal and there is no permanency. In reality, nothing happens by chance. It is one good thing to hear that each one of us is God’s idea . . . and I am God’s idea as you are!  

          We keep on comparing with each other’s life and the standards of the world. Nonetheless, we become senseless that we are blocking out to get into seeing the beautiful side of God’s plan.  And as we get down pat into the situation, we later realize that we are all fouled up again and again and again. 

          Life is too fraught with complications and has gotten too many difficulties. After a storm’s devastation, emotional upheaval, scourging dilemma, a seemingly never ending temptation,  and painstaking trials, what more could life give us before we realize that we need to call it off and to count on everything about life to the author and finisher of our faith. 

          The heart of the things has to be taken a look at . . . and what about? This is all about realization and dependency to the God of grace . . . to the God of order . . . to the God of truth . . .  and to the God who loves us unconditionally!

          Getting back to God and reconditioning our life to Him is not all about struggles from us just to gain recognition from Him. God has long been summoning us to come to Him. In Matthew 11:28, it says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (NIV).  There can never be rest on anything we are busied at. Neither you nor I, no matter how educated and intelligent we are,  nothing can ever surmount God’s ways. No way . . .  and never could there be any way except the way of the Lord. 

             In John 14:6, Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  YES, there is no other way, and there can never be shortcuts . . . everything is a process! And neither could we build an alternative to this Way, who is Jesus Christ! He is the only Door, the only Way, and the Ultimate answer to all our queries and struggles. All the whys, all the whats, all the hows, and all the what then can be answered through Him and in Him.

He is the Omnipotent God! He is the Omniscient God! He is the Omnipresent God! He is the Alpha and the Omega! He is our everything . . . our total source! 

Everything about us has been made possible because of God’s Amazing GRACE!

We are God’s Wonderful Ideas . . . !!!

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,”

declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.”

           

Life is But a Weaving . . . Part 2

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At times in life we are almost on the edge of putting an end to a situation that is ostensibly trapping us to continue living . . . too much pressure, too much stress, too much struggles, and too much of everything, I mean dilemma and trials. Definitely, these are chosen. Every situation and/or struggle one faces is a choice. We have choices in life, somehow, we can make better choices . . . 

With all these, there is always a room for improvement, a room for a change from the previous experience or experiences. There are circumstances coming up our way as the result of the previous decisions we’ve made, that we can’t just question why? But there are also situation and / or circumstance that are God-allowed to try our faith, to try our decisiveness to pursue along with God’s principles. But often we fail on the way. Maybe because we are limited, we have weaknesses and we’re just human beings . . . but there is always a point of realization!

I had read about a wonderful story on the life of Corrie ten Boom. Her life was sensationalized in the movie “The Hiding Place”. I was so much blessed by her life that I was able to put into words what I had absorbed through her last words after she was freed from the Nazi concentration camp in Germany when she said, “There is no pit that is so deep that He (God)  is not deeper still” . . . to wit: “Affirmation is like whistling in the dark. It gets me there and keeps me going even at the darkest point of my journey”.

I was reading the encounter of a Pastor and his wife when they attended a speaking engagement of Corrie ten Boom, one of the survivor from the hands of the Nazi soldiers during the war. She was relating her famous story about being unable to forgive one of the guards in her prison camp. And while narrating her story, her hands were busy working on a piece of embroidery.

As Corrie ten Boom talked and worked her needle back and forth, she was describing the plan that God had for our lives. She talked about how her life had been lived in triumph and tragedy. She told about her prisoner-of-the-war camp experiences and the painful loss of her wonderful sister. The story was so touching about this lady who had been through so much. Her life was a challenge to all of us as we carefully tread our daily survival in life.

Accordingly, As she’s about to end up her talk, she held up the piece of cloth which she was working to display the back side. It was nothing but a jumble of colored threads, but she said that to us life often appears in a jumble. We can’t seem to figure out what is happening or why God allows certain circumstances into our lives. And she flipped the cloth over to display the beautiful picture of a crown. According to her, the picture of a crown is what God sees and what He is working to complete in our lives. She concluded her talk with the rendition of this poem:

My life is but a weaving, between God and me

I do not choose the colors, He worketh steadily.

Oftentimes He weaveth sorrow, and I, in foolish pride.

Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside.

Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly

Will God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why,

The dark threads are as needful in the skillful Weaver’s hand,

As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

Corrie ten Boom forgives! Her life was better than it was many years past. The tragedy of guilt to some shatters but to some is a start . . . a commencement of a better and fruitful life ahead if faced and surrendered wholeheartedly to the Lord. How much better if forgiveness had been offered sooner. Don’t wait! 

Life is But a Weaving . . . Part 1

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Have you been into a situation where  people are seeing you happy and seemingly satisfied with life, yet at the back of it all are misery, disgust, upheaval,  and dilemma?  Where it seems you are losing hope and just want to have everything end up soonest? Where you regret life at present  and  wish that should time would only give you an option  to get back to the past, somehow,  you would not have chosen the kind of life you are having now? 

Many people are on that situation . . . and others ended up their lives because they can no longer grasp a catalyst. Guilt is scourging deeper and deeper that it is very hard to breathe anymore. The person whom you thought would just be around to help you stand up again seem to be the ones who are putting you to a deeper instinct of pain.

Would you agree with me that words are more painful that being beaten upon by the person you professed you love? Until when should a person have to love another person? Until when should both be together? Should one decides to end up everything? Should one sacrificed just because there are still loved ones who are expectant on the presence of another? Isn’t it too much to bear the unbearable, especially if the concern is the one closest to you? I am not an authority to answer all these . . . you are!

Our experiences in life vary, and at the utmost,  everything that comes our life is individually perceived. When the water reaches the brim of a container, and still you keep pouring water on it, some would be spilling out. The container can no longer contain the pouring in of more water because there’s no more space into it.  It is a principle in science that no two things can occupy the same space at the same time . Life is the same . . . it’s struggling to put together both the love and the hurts. One should be purged out so that what is left can be flourished and nurtured and cherished. 

  

  

It has to be love . . . not hurts! It has to be forgiveness . . . not hatred! But how? It would be very hard anymore to get out when every time, your life is revived with the same situation, the same person, and the same undying words of torture haunting you and continuously reminding you of the past experiences in life. It’s better to end up, right? To end up what? Life? Relationships? Whatever fits the situation can be applied.  Seeing it useless and meaningless to continue . . .  and no more chances ahead to pacify and settle the differences and the messes caused by every decision and choices in the past . . . what more should be expected? 

Please follow on with this blog . . . part 2 is on its way!