Jf Kinetics: lifeblog

Showing posts with label lifeblog. Show all posts

Rainy Tuesday

Nonetheless, a blessed day :)

It may look a li'l gloomy outside but it is during this time that we get to really, i mean really, enjoy small things like a piece of bread dipped in a hot cup of coffee (or hot milo as others would prefer to have it), or an extended time tucked in a blanket on a nippy tuesday morning.

I actually don't like rainy days, but thinking how it turned the muggy warm weather we had the past few days into a chilly atmosphere has allowed me to just be simply thankful for the day.

Each day is diff'rent from the other. We could be most of the time happy, yet we may sometime brush through gloomy days. I believe as we approach each day with optimism, it'll certainly stir a thankful heart as we conclude our day. And what happens if we have a thankful heart? We sing praises to God. Ü

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Col.3:15-16)

I'm inspired to share today's devotional, pls see below.

Thanks for reading and God bless y'all!

- Jep c",)

Today's Devotion

March 23

Encourage Each Other

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong-that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith (Romans 1:11,12).

Scripture: Romans 1:8-15

Song: "Blest Be the Tie That Binds"

When a friend shared her heart-breaking trial with me, I was amazed at her strong faith. "Don't you ever get discouraged?" I asked.

"Of course," she replied. "That's why I need to keep in close contact with my Savior through prayer and reading the Bible. I also stay connected to my church, which lifts my spirit. And I thank God for the gift of my Christian friends. Their faith gives me strength, as well."

She then pointed to the apostle Paul, who was a spiritual father to numerous individuals and church groups throughout Asia. He had such a positive faith and was a constant encourager to others, even though he, like all of us, was subject to discouragement at times. That's why he longed to visit the believers everywhere. It's what nourished his faith and brought him joy.

"We all deal with problems too heavy to bear alone," my friend added. "If Paul needed to constantly talk to God and seek the company and encouragement of other Christians to bolster his faith . . . how much
more do I?"

O Lord my God, thank You for the gift of Your presence, Your Word, and Your people-all of which nourish my faith. May I always praise You, even in trying circumstances. In Christ's name, I pray. Amen.

(This devotion is from the book, 365 Devotions)

[+/-]

More Love To Thee..

[+/-]

The Purifier and the Lid

I have here in the office this nice white mug that I use solely for drinking water. And to prevent any unwanted particles from hopping in, making my mug their private pool, I bought a ceramic cup lid that fits just right. But even with this cover on, albeit the water's been purified, there's no guarantee that my drink will remain clean and pure. Still, it's comforting to know that I'm taking in safe drinking water. Water-purifiers and refilling stations sprouted because there's a need for us to ensure that the H2O we are consuming everyday stays clean.

Purification and protection are both God's desire for us. I'm not perfect, neither anybody else. So I believe there's a need for us to constantly allow God to purify us. If we try to look at the "purifier" as the Word of God and the "lid" as God's protection thru our prayers, as we meditate daily on His word and converse with Him in prayer, we can be confident that we're being cleansed and always protected. :)

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit (Ps.51:10.12.NASB)

Have a fine Tuesday! God bless Ü

Ciao! c",)

Hiding Place
Artist: Jars of Clay
Album: Redemption Songs

Amidst the sorrows of the way
Lord Jesus, teach my soul to pray
Let me taste Thy special grace
And run to Christ, my hiding place

You know the vileness of my heart
So prone to act the rebel's part
And when You veil Your lovely face
How can I find a hiding place

Hiding place, hiding place

Lord, guide my wandering feet
Draw me to Thy mercy seat
I've nought to trust but sovereign grace
Thou only art my hiding place

How unstable is my heart
Sometimes I take the tempter's part
And slight the tokens of Thy grace
And seem to want no hiding place

Hiding place, hiding place

But when Thy spirit shines within
Makes me feel the plague of sin
And how I long to see Thy face
'Tis then I want a hiding place

Lord Jesus, shine and then I can
Feel sweetness in salvation's plan
And as a sinner plead for grace
Christ, the sinner's hiding place
And as a sinner plead for grace
Christ, the sinner's hiding place

[+/-]

RED: Luck or Love?

I just read today in yahoo news why the color "RED" symbolizes luck. (I saw the news article earlier, but I dunno why it was removed. Actually they just put up a link to this article from Yahoo!Answers)

Some people may find it interesting and enlightening particularly those who are more than curious about how certain things came to be. It's a cultural belief that anybody may find easy to embrace especially if their ancestors were following the same traditions.. if it's in their bloodline, so to speak. While others wouldn't even care about such -- they'll just accept and follow because it's the norm.

Red is a very strong & passionate color. It may represent love or perhaps connote conflict. Red is the color of successful Singapore. We see a lot of red-colored items in February, as well as during Decemeber. Red is also the color of our blood -- and we know same is true even if you have royal blood :)
In scripture we'll find a very significant story (yes, not from any tales nor legends) about a blood that has been shed for us. A blood of the covenant. A blood of love.

Matthew 26:28 says, "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remmision of sins"

So, would you bank on luck in finding life and success? Or would you rather be guided by His love and naturally receive abundance?

Which would you rather declare, "I must've been very lucky I survived that ordeal," or "I'm protected, loved, and blessed I survived that agonizing test"

I believe things happen for a reason. In John 9:1-3 we'll find this story,
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.

God created us in His own image and likeness, by His grace and faithfulness. We're here NOT out of chance, but of love.. unconditional love :)

Try to think of any phrase, title of a song, or a name that has the word "red" and replace it with either "luck" or "love." Which of the two sounds better? =)

God bless y'all! Ciao! c",)

Here's an interesting read: What about Luck(?)

Faithful and True
Artist: Marc Taylor & Jennine Henderson

I know the thoughts that You think towards me.
Thoughts of peace and not of evil.
You sent Your Son to die for me.
To be my future and my hope.

Lord You are faithful, and I will call to You.
You're always there when I need You.
And in this life, when the world falls down,
Lord You alone are faithful and true.

Jesus said "I go to prepare a place,
That you could always be with Me.
And when I come back,
I'll take you home, for all eternity."

Lord You are faithful, and I will call to You.
You're always there when I need You.
And in this life, when the world falls down,
Lord You alone are faithful and true.

You will wipe away all my tears.
Dry my eyes and calm my fears.
This is the promise that you have made,
When the former things have passed away.

Lord You are faithful, and I will call to You.
You're always there when I need You.
And in this life, when the world falls down,
Lord You alone are faithful and true.

[+/-]

Happy Red Day! c",)

It's amazing how GPS in mobile phones has greatly improved and continues to advance. With this modern technology we have no reason to get lost. We can even plan our route, and some far advanced devices can give us information such as the flow of traffic and/or petrol, banks, & store locations.

Such tool, and other technological inventions, exist because tech achitechs painstakingly believed it can be done. Yes, anything you can think of nowadays seems possible, mostly in terms of tech doodads.

Thinking all things are possible is agreeable, but believing it.. is notewothy. It's the kind of faith God is expecting from us. In Mark 11:23, Jesus talks about this (you can find the verse quoted in the devotional I attached below). May our sweet and mighty Savior strengthen you everyday. With God all things are possible :)

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." (Mark 10:27)

TGIF!
Happy weekend, V-day, and CNY everyone! :)

- Jep c",)

Today's Devotion

February 12

Moving Mountains

I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, "Go, throw yourself into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him (Mark 11:23).

Scripture: Mark 11:20-25

Song: "Faith Grasps the Blessing"

I once saw a bumper sticker that said, "I'm not lost; I'm exploring." I had to laugh, because I related so well. Call it what you will, the truth is that I get lost very easily. Thankfully, I live within view of the Rocky Mountains. Just knowing they loom to the west is often enough for me to get my sense of direction squared away.

Some days, however, when a storm moves in, I can't see the mountains. The view in any direction looks the same. I'm without my compass.

When Jesus taught His disciples about prayer, He told them they could move mountains. Frankly, those words frighten me. I need my mountains. How else will I know where I am?

The answer, of course, is that I will be right where God wants me to be. I will be more dependent on Him, more trusting of His guidance, more reliant on Him for the next step. I wonder sometimes why we fail to pray for the mountains in our lives to move. Is it because they give us a sense of security, and we're afraid to let go?

Lord, You know the mountains looming in my life right now. Help me look only to You for guidance as I climb. In Jesus' name, amen.

(This devotion is from the book, 365 Devotions)

[+/-]

Pssst! c",)

It's funny how almost everyone tends to look around when somebody goes "pssst." It is really an attention grabber. And when someone calls out our name and we recognize the voice, we look around immediately for that person.

How do we recognize someone's voice?
I believe it's when we've established some sort of bond with the person. The moment you hear a familiar tone, it links up and searches through the address book embedded in your brain. And that familiar voice also connects to your heart, which in turn will send the type of emoticon your face will display :)

In other words, it's our relationship with someone that enable us to quickly identify their voices. Same is true in terms of hearing from God, it's our relationship with Him that will allow us to easily recognize His voice.

Quoting from Ps.Kenneth's preaching yesterday..

"When we walk with God with intimacy His will becomes our will."

Isn't that amazing? Some of us desperately search for God's will for our lives, but God is simply saying, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps46:10)

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me." (Rev3:20)

Have a blissful week everyone!

- Jep c",)

Today's Devotion

February 8

Listen Up!

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27).

Scripture: John 10:22-30

Song: "The Shepherd of Love"

Our little flock of black-faced sheep always came running when we called. Whether we were standing at the fence with a treat or calling them in for the night, when they heard us, they came. They knew us, and we knew them. We knew Rosie, with her beautiful eyes; Dinger, with his warning bell; Old Mamie, with her bony back. They were a flock, but they were individuals too.

It is no accident that Jesus calls us His sheep. Sheep may throw their heads around and act tough and independent, but without someone caring for them-providing for their basic needs, keeping them safe from danger-they will not survive long. Their dependency, however, is part of what makes them so lovable. One word from the shepherd, and they know that all is well.

Do you know the sound of Jesus' voice? Does it seem distant and hard to hear? Or is it near and familiar? A sheep's job is simple: listen to the shepherd. What is the Shepherd saying to you today?

Lord, sometimes I don't listen very well. My mind wanders as a sheep wanders, nibbling here and there. Teach me to listen, to recognize Your voice above all others. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.

(This devotion is from the book, 365 Devotions)

[+/-]

He wants what's Best :)

We sometimes hear these remarks,

"I don't deserve this"
"I'm not worthy of this"
"he/she is just too perfect for me"
"I'm not qualified for that job"

I remember when I was first applying for a job, a young man seated next to me waiting for his turn to be interviewed asked me, "what position are you applying for?" To which I replied, "just the entry level post, this is my first attempt so I hope they'll consider me."
After inquiring about the degree I took he then challenged me by asking, "why don't you apply for the second level post? If they feel you're unqualified for that then you'll always have the entry level position to apply for." I gazed at this young man and inquired, "may I ask which post are you applying for?" He smiled and replied, "PM"

I pondered about what he said when I reached home. I knew there's a reason why I'm seated next to that guy, why he chose to chat with me, and why he challenged me. I was thankful to God that day and have asked Him for guidance & courage as I prepare for my next interview.

We can easily gauge our own capabilities because we know our physical and mental capacity. But what do you think causes us think less of ourselves sometimes? Perhaps the fear of failure? Being less prepared? Or maybe we just need a li'l push, words of encouragement, to take the next step that we know in ourselves we can in the first place. At times when I lack the courage to take the next step, I try to lift myself up to Him instead. Because I believe, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." (Psalm28:7).

As we seek Him for guidance and strength in whatever circumstances, He will surely direct our paths for He wants what's best for us! (pls see Jeremiah29:11 and Psalm37:4)

Today's Devotion

January 28

God's Way Is Best

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:6, New American Standard Bible).

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-12

Song: "I Know Whom I Have Believed"

In the records of Judah's kings, Hezekiah stands out as one of the few good kings. He tore down the places of idol worship and reformed their spiritual festivals. He followed the commandments of God and did not make alliances with pagan nations.

If you tour historical sites in Israel, your guide will most likely include Hezekiah's tunnel. It was built as a provision and a defense. To prevent the armies of Assyria from getting a needed water supply, Hezekiah built the tunnel to divert the Gihon Springs, making it flow into Jerusalem at the Pool of Siloam.

The remarkable part of this undertaking was that crews worked from both ends and met in the middle. They made only a few false turns, for the work was guided by the men shouting to each other through the rock.

You can't call the tunnel "straight," because of the twisted layout. But the work was done right. Could it be because of how Hezekiah "acknowledged" his God in righteous living? So . . . how is God guiding your own paths these days?

Holy Spirit, continue to be my true guide. Although my life takes its twists and turns, I depend on You to keep me straight. I trust not in my own understanding, but in Your truth. Through Christ, amen.

(This devotion is from the book, 365 Devotions)

- Jep c",)

[+/-]

They will know...

It all boils down to one.. i.e. Love :)

Jesus, when asked which is the greatest commandment, gave this answer.. "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' (Matt 22:36-39)

Yes, it's easy to pour out our love to someone we already love, yet it's difficult to love those who have offended or hurt us. But God placed strong emphasis on the importance of loving, that He even instructed us to love our enemies, as recorded in Matthew 5:44.

And here's a good reminder.. I like these verses...

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." (Prov 3.1-3)

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1Cor13.13)

God's message for me today is coupled with an old worship song revived by my favorite band, Jars of Clay. Allow me to share them with you...

They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love
Artist: Jars of Clay

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that our unity will one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yeah they'll know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yeah, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

Today's Devotion

January 22

On Loving and Praying

I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44, New American Standard Bible).

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

Song: "They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love"

The meeting was called to order. The question: Should we continue having Sunday evening worship services? Attendance was low, so we were considering home Bible study groups instead. A vote was taken: Sunday night church would continue.

The man sitting behind me bristled. The decision didn't please him, and he didn't hold back his feelings. (I thought about telling him he needed a serious attitude adjustment, but I kept quiet.)

I couldn't forget about his comments. The next time he taught Sunday school, I thought: How can you preach to me about holiness?

I held onto my contempt, though, until God showed me that I was the one sinning. Jesus said, "Love your enemies," but I was holding a grudge against my brother in Christ. Jesus said, "Pray for those who persecute you," but I wasn't even praying for a man who had been kind to me. I realized I'd never be able to love my enemies, if I couldn't even love those who were more than willing to be a friend.

Dear Lord, please bring to my mind those whom You would like me to love, and for whom I ought to pray. In this way, may I become more like You, through the inner workings of Your Spirit. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

This devotion is from the book, 365 Devotions.

[+/-]

Don't stray.. don't ever go away...

I've been hangin' around this time in the corner... hehe, LSS.

I'm still waiting for my boss to check the task I submitted yesterday. Meanwhile, allow me to share what God has reminded me today...

----------------------------------------------------

It's amazing and quite exciting to see how technology advances, agree? And sometimes we find ourselves being lured by these latest techs (usually housed in a soap-like shiny plastic with tiny buttons) that we even wish to own one, though what we currently hold still meets our basic needs (ouch! I must say, haha).

Or, there may be times when we get overturned by something and we wanted to just avoid exposing ourselves to what had caused our distressed.

Two strong emotions, excited and upset; the former might lead us to focus on one thing while the latter might cause us to change our course. I remember asking someone when I was a child, "why do they put blinders on race horses? And the plain answer is, to keep 'em from looking sideways & keep their heads pointed in straight direction. So even the 4-legged creature needs to be guided by this so-called "blinders" so they don't lose focus towards the direction their master wants 'em to go.

Which direction are we looking now? Was there anything that stirred our emotions to be disappointed or perhaps be very excited about? How has these affected our focus? And the most important question is, are we fixing our eyes onto something rather than on Jesus? These are just general questions and I'm blessed to read today's devotion because it reminded me of these things. There are a lot of things in this world that can either draw our attention or can cause distractions, and it could be a struggle to some. But if we know to whom we should be fixing our eyes on to, then I believe we'll never sway, reyt? =)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1,2)

God bles y'all!

- Jep c",)

Today's Devotion

January 20

Keep Your Eyes on Him

But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30, New American Standard Bible).

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Song: "Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus"

Imagine how much more fun Peter could have had in his water-walking experience. If he would have kept his eyes on Jesus, he could have walked directly into his master's happy embrace. But Peter didn't keep his eyes on Jesus. He turned to his left and saw the crashing waves. He jerked to the right at the sound of the howling wind-and he began to sink.

I sometimes do something similar. It seems the longer I pray for a certain thing, the harder it is for me to trust God with it. Doubts come in waves, crashing into my confidence. And I begin to sink, questioning the very thing I believe most: Does God really answer prayer? Will He ever answer mine?

After studying today's Scripture, I realized that doubts only come when I focus on my dire circumstances rather than the power of my Savior. Doubts fill my mind every time I take my eyes off the Lord of all. O, how much more fun when I keep my eyes on Jesus!

Almighty and ever-living God, forgive me for sometimes looking away from You, sinking into worry and doubt. Please, quickly grab my attention every time I look in the wrong direction. In the name of Jesus, Lord and Savior of all, I pray. Amen.

(This devotion is from the book, 365 Devotions.)

[+/-]

Be Thou Near To Me

[+/-]

Talking to God

Yay, this is my first post this 2010 :) Happy New Year!

Hmmm, I couldn't think of anything to write.. perhaps I'll just share with you what God has revealed to me in Today's Devotion.

I have learned that communication is one of the keys in building a stronger, fireproof relationship. It also bridges the gap when your families, your partner, or your friends are in distant places. Sending them a warm hello today will surely stretch their face muscles and draw a smile. Likewise, a daily talk to God brings us more closer to Him. Seeking the Lord Almighty for guidance in everything we say or do, certainly God will do His part. Communication and prayer, they're synonymous. So let's communicate more with our loved ones and spend more time as well talking to our sweet Savior :)

God bless you all!

c",)

Today's Devotion:

January 13

The Power of Prayer

Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord,
"Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with
wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes." And
Hezekiah wept bitterly (2 Kings 20:2, 3).

Scripture: 2 Kings 20:1-7

Song: "The Weapon of Prayer"

"One thing I know: God is still on the throne, and prayer changes
things." A youth minister at a Denver church spoke those words more
than once. I always liked that phrase, and furthermore, I believe he
was speaking a great truth.

Hezekiah surely knew this truth. After all, the 20th chapter of 2
Kings beautifully illustrates the power of prayer, the value of
heartfelt petition. The king lingered at death's door-until he prayed.
Then God had mercy and granted 15 more years of life.

Over and over in God's Word we see examples of the power of prayer.
When Nehemiah encountered opposition, he added prayer to his own
defense (see Nehemiah 4:9). And in the New Testament, Peter
miraculously escaped from prison because the church was "earnestly
praying to God for him" (Acts 12:5).

When has God answered your prayers? Why not make a list? And may God
encourage your heart as you remember all the times He has proved
surpassingly faithful.

Lord, You know my needs even before I ask, and You know what is best
for me. Thank You for Your faithful answers to prayer. In Jesus' name,
amen.

This devotion is from the book, 365 Devotions

[+/-]

20.. 10..

[+/-]

I Believe..

[+/-]

Christmas in everyone's heart...

I just realized I haven't posted anything yet this month. Quite busy, that is.

Okay, one of the highlights in the past days, as we welcome December, was our Christmas Outreach last Saturday. I have so much to share about our experiences but to sum it all up, the event was just well worth everybody's time ..a time for blessing, a time for reflection, and a time to really go out and share the love God has taught us.

"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God." 1Jn4.7

And last Sunday, I was so blessed to hear God's word at the church service. And I'm looking forward to hear more of Him, the One born in a manger. I was also happy to hear the meaning of "Bethlehem" in Hebrew. It means "house of bread!" Perhaps that's another reason why God has blest and continues to bless our family bakery business, because Bethlehem in Tagalog (or in spanish) is "Belen"
I really have so much to thank God for. :)

I can feel Christmas in everyone's heart, so allow me to share this wonderful song to all of you. Enjoy and have a good night!

God bless. ciao! c",)

Christmas in Our Hearts
Artist: Jose Mari Chan

Whenever I see girls and boys
Selling lanterns on the street
I remember the child in the manger as he sleeps
Wherever there are people
Giving gifts exchanging cards
I believe that Christmas is truly in our hearts
Let's light our Christmas trees for a bright tomorrow
Where nations are at peace,
And all are one in God

[Chorus:]
Let's sing Merry Christmas and a happy holiday
This season may we never forget the love we have for Jesus
Let him be the one to guide us as another new year starts
And may the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts

In every prayer and every song
The community unite celebrating the birth of our savior Jesus Christ
Let love like that starlight on that first Christmas morn
Lead us back to the manger where Christ the child was born
So come let us rejoice
Come and sing the Christmas carol with one big joyful voice
Proclaim the name of the Lord

[Chorus:]
Let's sing Merry Christmas and a happy holiday
This season may we never forget the love we have for Jesus
Let him be the one to guide us as another new year starts
And may the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts

[Chorus:]
Let's sing Merry Christmas and a happy holiday
The season may we never forget the love we have for Jesus
Let him be the one to guide us as another new year starts
And may the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts

[+/-]

Psalm 23

[+/-]

Reason for this Season

'tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la la, la la la la

I love this holiday season. It's the busiest time of the year. And to Pinoys, Christmas has started as early as September, because to most "BER" marks the beginning of December Season, Lol.

As the year enters 4th quarter, we'll find lots of people preparing for this holiday. High-priced airline tickets, yearend batch prep, adorned streets with glittering lights, sale, shopping spree, heavy traffic, parties, raffle prizes, and gift-giving. Yes, it's the time of the year where almost everyone are excited to share their blessings -- a cool atmosphere rife with generosity =)

My friends initially didn't plan for a Christmas party as most of us will be flying back home and we have committed to do an outreach instead. But we just simply couldn't resist the joy of gift-giving. So when our lovely sister Jejen (the "energizer"..rather, the "organizer) sent out Kris Kringle invites, she received an overwhelming response :)

Here are my makukulit friends (Thanks Jejen for this pic!)

Well, I believe the highlight of this festive season is not food, long vacations, cold weather, christmas decors, nor parties, but the spirit of giving. God started this when He sent his one and only son into this world to offer us all the gift of salvation (Jn3.16). The good news about God's gift was revealed to people by God's angel when Jesus was born.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. (Lk2.9-11)

And Jesus also confirmed why he came, ...God wants us to experience abundance through Him.

"...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (Jn10.10.NKJV)

What a great joy knowing this wonderful gift from above. And I'm thankful I have received this gift. I hope we're sharing the same experience. I'm also grateful for my family and friends :)

For this holiday season (or in any other seasons), no matter what gift(s) we receive, let's continue to be thankful (1Th5.18), and acknowledge the gift-giver. And most importantly, in the same way, let's remember to acknowledge God for all these, after all He is the reason for this season.

Thank you all! Thank you Lord! and Happy Holidays!!! c",)

PS. You might want to read this article and be inspired: The Gift or the Giver - What's your focus?

God bless! =)

[+/-]

When nothing else matters..

"At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." Lk21.27.NLT

After coming home from a clinic visit, as my clogged nose kept me awake all night, I just grabbed a book, turned on my ipod and hit the bed hoping to wheedle myself into sleep. I heard this track once again from Max Lucado narrating about a scene, describing Jesus' second visit. To some it could be just the sign of the end of days, period. But to Christians it's the day when nothing else matters but the exhilaration in seeing God's glory.

I like how M.Lucado portrayed the scene, it brings such a wonderful feeling of assurance and expectancy. It's not as terrifying as what I've recently seen in the sci-fi disaster film 2012 (nice CGI & effects btw), but it's more of a sight where everyone are, yes still surprised yet excited because it is a day to be anticipated for it is also a day of His promise.

and the narrative goes...

You are in your car driving home. Thoughts wander to the game you want to see or meal you want to eat, when suddenly a sound unlike any you've ever heard fills the air. The sound is high above you. A trumpet? A choir? A choir of trumpets? You don't know, but you want to know. So you pull over, get out of your car, and look up. As you do, you see you aren't the only curious one. The roadside has become a parking lot. Car doors are open, and people are staring at the sky. Shoppers are racing out of the grocery store. The Little League baseball game across the street has come to a halt. Players and parents are searching the clouds.

And what they see, and what you see, has never before been seen.

As if the sky were a curtain, the drapes of the atmosphere part. A brilliant light spills onto the earth. There are no shadows. None. From whence came the light begins to tumble a river of color - spiking crystals of every hue ever seen and a million more never seen. Riding on the flow is an endless fleet of angels. They pass through the curtains one myriad at a time, until they occupy every square inch of the sky. North. South. East. West. Thousands of silvery wings rise and fall in unison, and over the sound of the trumpets, you can hear the cherubim and seraphim chanting, "Holy, holy, holy."

The final flank of angels is followed by twenty-four silver-bearded elders and a multitude of souls who join the angels in worship. Presently the movement stops and the trumpets are silent, leaving only the triumphant triplet: "Holy, holy, holy." Between each word is a pause. With each word, a profound reverence. You hear your voice join in the chorus. You don't know why you say the words, but you know you must.

Suddenly, the heavens are quiet. All is quiet. The angels turn, you turn, the entire world turns - and there he is. Jesus. Through waves of light you see the silhouetted figure of Christ the King. He is atop a great stallion, and the stallion is atop a billowing cloud. He opens his mouth, and you are surrounded by his declaration: "I am the Alpha and the Omega."

The angels bow their heads. The elders remove their crowns. And before you is a figure so consuming that you know, instantly you know: Nothing else matters. Forget stock markets and school reports. Sales meetings and football games. Nothing is newsworthy. All that mattered, matters no more, for Christ has come...

Thanks for reading. God bless you.

c",)

[+/-]

Out of the picture?

Do you enjoy looking at your stack of photos? Well, I do. I mean even those old prints where you see a skinny or healthier version of yourself with a big smile and wearing outmoded duds ('could be the "in" thing during that time, hehe).

Every time I see 'em when I'm sorting out some stuff at home, I always find myself sitting in one corner leisurely going through each of the photos, contemplating with a silly smile. As I finish browsing them, you'll see in my thought bubble these words.. "It's such a joy seeing myself with my family and/or friends in those Kodak Moments, lol!"

What if I'm not in any of those pictures? Or maybe I'm not even present in any of those events? Do you think I'd be keen to go through 'em over & over whenever I catch sight of 'em? Well, I could still be interested, if those in the photographs are important people in my life. But still, it's really different when you've actually witnessed those captured moments. Otherwise, there's just nothing to reminisce! =)

One time I asked myself these questions, "Do I also picture God included in my life?" "Were there any instances that I took Him out of the picture?"

Okay, I don't wanna dwell in the past. I'm glad that I can picture myself enjoying in His presence, His blessings, and His smile. And that's through my families, friends, church, and workplace. It's my prayer that everyone shares the same experience. Because if we take Him out of the picture, it's gonna be just like an overcast photograph.

They say a picture should tell a story.. it speaks a thousand words. Likewise, including God in our lives would paint both our life stories and His story. Just like a fascinating, full of life photo.

Smile as if like you're being photographed! :)

Thanks for reading. G'nyt and God bless y'all!

c",)

When I See You Smile

Sometimes I wonder
How I'd ever make it through,
Through this world without having you
I just wouldn't have a clue

'Cause sometimes it seems
Like this world's closing in on me,
And there's no way of breaking free
And then I see you reach for me

Sometimes I wanna give up
I wanna give in,
I wanna quit the fight
And then I see you, Jesus
And everything's alright,
everything's alright

When I see you smile
I can face the world, oh oh,
you know I can do anything
When I see you smile
I see a ray of light, oh oh,
I see it shining right through the rain
When I see you smile
Oh yeah, Jesus when I see you smile at me

Oh God there's nothing in this world
that could ever do
What a touch of your hand can do
It's like nothing that I ever knew

And when the rain is falling
I don't feel it,
'cause you're here with me now
And one look at you Jesus
Is all I'll ever need,
you're all I'll ever need

Chorus

Sometimes I wanna give up
I wanna give in,
I wanna quit the fight
And then I see you Jesus
And everything's alright,
everything's alright