VOICE OF TRUTH

Journey in the Middle of the Desert

2011-07-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

Six months had past I could say that only God can make any creature stand sane in the middle of the desert. Only offers sand storm with very humid weather and limited shade from a tree.

Added with sickness being away from home, friends, usual food and culture. It’s not easy! But as I continue to wonder in this desert and stop in the middle of a wonderful Palm tree I’ve noticed some beautiful things around. This desert has a beautiful yellow orange sunset. The sands were like crystals when the sun hits them. The horizon is magnificent that can revive a hopeless person to have new hopes. Rocks were superb in forms that will give you an idea on their ages. A long the way, you met people speaking different languages but by heart you understand what they are trying to tell you. It is manifested in their faces that they're happy to have you in their land or along with them in their journey too.

To be in a desert mode is also part of getting into our real selves. It gave me an opportunity to appreciate the stillness of the One who created the universe. In this place, God teaches me to embrace more the cultural differences of each individual and not to stereotype them base on what is being put in the propaganda and on the news. I’ve learned to pave great respect on them and even dine with them on their favorite food. It was fantastic!

This journey has just been started. But allow me to give a special note to the following people who one way or another added my appreciation how Great is our Maker and how Blessed I am to have a desert experience.

Jaya Balani (Indian) – thank you for teaching me how to eat Paani Puri (one of Bombay street food) But aside from food, you thought me that even if life is so complex it is always your choice to make it more complex and messed up your life or to simply live with the complexity of life and thank God for it. A very young woman but already full of wisdom.

Raja Muzamal (Pakistani) – coming from family of warriors. His life is really colorful and any script writer who will come to know his life story will be interested to have his life put into writings. One thing I’ve learned from him is that respect is not a matter of religion or culture it’s a matter of how one carry himself/herself so that other people will respect him/her also. This man has a great heart for his countrymen and I salute him for that! He is a very good father also to his family especially to his very cute son Taha.

Rizwan (Pakistani) – an expert of coding and decoding not just in computer programs but at the same time life codes J a fatherless man but with a strong will and determined in life. This man teaches me to laugh freely because life is too short not to be happy. He also makes me realized that things in life should not be acquired by force but it will just fall into place when it’s the right time. I salute the loyalty of this man to his friends…Superb!!! His friends were so fortunate to have meet him.

May Reyes (Filipina)– very nice person and advisor. She taught me that people without vision will never arrive to where they want to be in their life.

His highness Grace Relucio Princesa (Philippine Ambassador to the UAE) - She reminded me not to forget the good values that was being taught to me by my parents. Especially the values of having dignity as a Filipina in this foreign land.

There are more people on my journey list and I will just mention them later. The journey in the desert has just started. There are more stop over’s to cherish later. I hope I will also be able to make even a small mark on each stop over’s.

Life in the desert might not be the ideal one but this is the place where God’s great adventure took place.

I don’t know how long this journey will take me but one thing for sure I am here because of a good purpose.

BOUNDLESS Experience

2008-05-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

The Elim Singles from the Visayas region gathered last May 3 & 4 at San Remegio Beach Resort. The conference was great and I believe all singles who were there found a new purpose in life, experienced a limitless love from the Lord and real friendship from the rest of the singles attending the conference.

I personally found a new me during the conference and I'm bringing it until this time. I can truly attest that the conference was a life changing one. If your are curious what I'm talking about, visit this site: http://www.chiechrist.multiply.com/

If you are single and you felt lonely, down, your life is a mess, people around you told you that you are useless, a losser... Are you broken and disappointed in all the things that had happened in your life? Then, I am glad to inform you that no matter what state you are in your life now, God cares for you. Do not run away from your situation, deal with it ,with the LORD. If you do it with all your heart, I assure you, He will see you through and He will not abandon you even if you felt you are already at the edge of a cliff... ;-)

Don't forget to visit http://www.chiechrist.multiply.com/ those singles in the pictures were once broken, lonely, has a lot of disappointments, they felt like a lossers but they now become a new individual with awesome sense of freedom. They discover that the real Author of Life's Success... ;-)

Ladies in the house

2008-03-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

This ladies may have different characters, talents and beauties but one thing common is that, they all belong to the same clan. They are not afraid to show who they really are and confident in the love of God.

These are God's princesses...

Che-the ever loving, confidant and a generous Ate

to the rest of the family members

Shy-the confident one and has a close up like smile

Jade-the sophisticated and witty one

Gwen-the life of the party

Debbie- the gorgeous one and a lady that can lauch a thousand smiles

An Expedition

2008-03-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

I choose to travel in the road less travelled

Going after Your trails

Believing in Your promises

Thrilled to see Your face

Conditions of the sky can not hold me back

Roaring of the lions is not an impediment

My senses told me that I am so near

I can now hear the beats of your heart

Power of Prayer

2008-03-09T04:18:00.000-07:00

For the last few months our finances was really in RED. A lot of things came up in our family business, vhire jeepney that needs to be over hauled, medicines that needs to be purchased right away for my grandparents illness, monthly bills that needed to be paid etc. We really run out of money and resources to pay all those things. At first, I was very worried and can't sleep, trying to think of some ways and means to be able to survive. My salary is not enough. I felt so tired, thinking some solutions, but I could not find any. I felt useless too. But God showed me that I was wrong. I am not useless and hope is not yet fading. He place an intense longing in my heart to seek out more of HIM. To prays and goes down on my knees before HIM to get the strength, wisdom and solutions I needed. The Lord reminded me, that He is the source of everything that my family and I needs. He is the ultimate solutions to what we were going through. While I was still on that situation, it was kinda hard for me to truly believe in His promises. But still I press in and choose to believe it. Monday last week, the techinician who did the over haul of our jeepney told my mom that they can't finish the over haul of our jeepney because they can't still figure out why the clutch of the jeepney still didn't work. They've already looked at all possible reasons and problems but they could not find anything wrong on it anymore. According to the technician for his 15 years in that job, that was the first time he encounters that kind of problem. After hearing that news from my mom, I felt the Lord was telling me to cast out spirits trying to oppress us. I had a strong feeling that some spiritual forces was trying to block the blessings from the Lord, that supposedly we are already enjoying. I felt that he wanted us to get angry to the Lord and backslide from our commitments. I ask the rest of my family to join me in praying for our situations. Right after we've prayed I felt the peace from the Lord that everything's gonna be okay. Three days after, the technician trys to check again the problem and to his surprise he easily found the problem. He told my mom that he could not believe what he've found out. The problem was just under his nose. Meaning, the crack from the clutch connection was very visible that even a non experience technician can identify it right away. We told him that God created a miracle ;-) For me, it was a one of kind proof of God's love for me and to my family. He never forsake His faithful servants and he will never will. I had a week of just thanking the Lord for what he had done. Now, He slowly restores our finances, the health of my grandparents and paid some of our bills. In my heart, I continue to trust in His provisions and believe that He is the Solution of all solutions.

A Real Friend

2008-02-14T22:53:00.000-08:00

I got a chance to exchange some conversations with my very good friend using the messenger. We've been friends for about eight years already. She is always with me through thick and thin. I can really attest that she is someone whom you can relay on anytime. If I may recall during college I can easily identify this friend because she is one of the few students in our school wearing a long skirt. The standard skirt lenght of our school uniform is at least three inches below the knees but her skirt is I think around 6-8 inches below the knees. Her built is thin but she stands 5'4 inches. She used to have a partner named Ceasar. They were very closed, that almost everywhere when there is April there will always be Ceasar. To all the guys don't worry, because Ceasar is not her boyfriend and he never became her boyfriend at all ;-). I started to get to know her even more when I became one of the officers of the Junior Personnel Management Association of the Philippines (JPMAP) USJR-chapter. First glance, I could not see any commitment on her when it comes to doing extra curricular activities. She was very comfortable with her routines already. Going to classes, hanging out with Ceasar and the rest of the Stars Unlimited group and then went home to Carmen (northern part of Cebu province) a two hour drive from the school. As I came to know her even more, I found out that she is very intelligent and she has a lot of potentials that are still being locked within her. The good thing was that, she was willing to unlocked it. The time she started to get out from her shell, I saw how she bloom and became a better person. Her faith was also tested by God. Before we gradauted from college, her loving mom passed away. I saw the pain and the grieving she had, but God was so faithful with her. She remains strong and continue to live with great hope. Not only that, her bestfriend also dies from a tryicicle (its a local transportation commonly found in the philippines) accident. It made her afraid a lot of things. Since that friend was so dear to her, she was grieving for the second time. Knowing all these things, I felt so sorry, but I could not do anything about it. I don't have the capacity to take all those pains and grieving away from her. It's the work of God. I just left her to God, praying that she will have the strength to move on and realize that these things happens for some wonderful reasons. As years gone by. I saw her dedication to her chosen career. I will not be surprise if someday, she will became one of the pillars of human resources and gain professional recognation. I'm so blessed and grateful having this person in my life.

She don't know that I was inspired by her life story. It made me see a new perspective in life. She also made me feel special and capable of doing the things I felt I can't do it. She doesn't know this, but mid last year, as we were dinning in Harbour City in SM Cebu I was at the valley and have some self esteem issues going on at that time. I felt, I am nothing and of no use at all. I asked the Lord to send a person whom He can speak His word of encouragement. True enough, He send me April. I was so shocked when she told me this "Chie, your the best, don't allow yourself to be stepped by anybody because you made us who we are right now. Because of your leadership in JPMAP we became even more a better persons, We are so proud of you. " I was really about to cry at that time but I just hold my tears. She don't know what I was going through at that time but those words give me hope and I gain back my confidence. I owe a lot from this friend. This article is to honor her in a special way. She is Ms. April Rose Suico . My everdearest friend forever.

Encouragement

2008-02-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

I was really tired and my eyes is still very sleepy until this time. I do have 3 days of sleepless nights editing the surprise videos for our awardees. While taking a break, I open my friendster account I saw this comment submitted by my very own bestfriend. I was really encourage... so here it goes..."hi Best! You know what guys n gals this bestfriend of mine wala nako masabi inside and out grabeh jud kabuotan. One thing i like my bestfriend is that she's always in my side if i need her. Everytime meron akong problema in my lovelife and family cge ni cya pangasaba nako. But everygthing she said and all the advises she gave is always right. Before na bestfriend neh nako cya. there was a time when i was very sad at home with family problems and when she calls me thru the phone if im sounds so awful iya dayon ko kantahan para marelax ako mind remember that best. My bestfriend is one of a kind, very very sweet,caring,loving and understanding person. Wala koy masulti ani nya shes a perfect bestfriend of mine i love you best hope you will never leave me even thou cge lang ko pabadlong sa ako parents and also in my lovelife but i know you always be there to cheer me up po. Thank you so much best.hahahayzz best kanus-a kaha ko maninaw nimo noh.Basta best stay who you are dont change and stay cool as wanna be." After reading that comment, I was not able to hold my tears. I didn't expect that my bestfriend will gave a comment such as that. It was just so encouraging to hear people freely epxressing their thought about us. It was also very timely to receive it in one of my low moments ;-). There are really times in our life that we felt nobody was able to top at our shoulder and ask us if we are still ok. But God is so good because He will just send people or circumstances in which we can be encourage and gain another strength to pursue life again. Now, I'm fully awake... ready again to face the world... Best, thank you so much.

10 Lessons of the Heart

2008-02-14T17:25:00.000-08:00

Friends, I would like to share to you this lessons of the heart created by one of my good friend's friend. Original message is from LhiZz:

(1) God is the author of every love life (remember the first love story: Adam & Eve). It is always best to WAIT on God and do it His way (not our own stubborn & unsure ways). He is the perfect Matchmaker! Being in a hurry gives us more pain than gain.

(2) God is concerned and should be involved in our love life. I paraphrased shorter catechism’s question & answer: What is the chief end (purpose) of a relationship? “To glorify God in my love life and enjoy Him through it forever.” (1 Cor. 10:31) Our love life is worship to God. When it glorifies God, then it is the only time when we truly enjoy it. God is not killjoy; rather, His passion is to give us “true joy” not “cheap joy.”

(3) Never love a person more than God. (It is idolatry, devastating, and miserable!) Only God can satisfy us so we should not treat our partner as God; and primary source of happiness and satisfaction.

(4) Know God’s Word and what He says about relationships. Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world (Heb 12:2). The way of the world robs us of God’s best. It is better to be “mocked” by the world because we are obeying God, rather than to hurt ourselves.

(5) Pray with a submissive heart. God doesn’t always answer YES. He says NO when we want something that is not best for us. He says WAIT when He is still preparing the best gift for us. Don’t worry! It would be delivered right on your door at exactly the right time.

(6) Do not enter the “world of dreams” (I mean, stick to reality and not fantasy.) Why? Because it would blind you and drive you crazy! Be guided by wisdom and not by emotions alone. (Jer. 17:9)

(7) Apply Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.” The keyword: TRUST!

(8) Seek to honor God in everything. Set healthy boundaries before it is out of control. The “no big deals” usually and subtly become “big deals” after a while.

(9) Seek for counsel. Asking doesn’t make you look like “ignorant” but “wise.”

(10) Always remind yourself that you are not God, and you are not your partner’s savior!

SERVICE LOYALTY AWARDS

2008-02-09T23:53:00.000-08:00

Our company anniversary will be this coming February 14. What a date! hehehe... It's been the practice of the company to recognize those employees who has been in the company for about 10, 15, 20 years of undying service to the organization. If I will take a look into my stay in this company, I still got 7 years to go before I can receive my first award (10 years awardee). Yet, I don't know if I will be able to make it on my 10th year because things can happen a long the way. Anyways, this is not about my stay. This is about the activities I started to proposed since last year with my boss. I know that reaching 20 years in service is not an easy thing to do. Those employees go through a lot already, not just in being an employee but also, in their individual life outside the company. They all started in the company when they were still single until they got married and have children and others are now having grandchildren. Seeing them, I was really encourage. That's why I decide to make something special for them during the awarding rites. It is something they will always remember forever. For the past few days, I am quite busy going to every households of the six employees who will be our 20th awardee for this year. I do a little video documentations about their life being a father/mother to their children, being a husband/wife to their respective spouses and being a brother/sister to their siblings. It was very tiresome going from north of Cebu to south of cebu just to reach their respective home. But as I heard and see their love ones cried and tell the stories of how good they were to their families, tears also flow in my eyes. The sacrifices they've shown to their children and the gratefulness they have to their father/mother was one of the common thing I heard from the families of our six awardees. Though I was really tired, their stories just pay it all off. For me it was an opportunity to know the other side of the personalities of our employees. I'm still going to edit the video, I got only 3 days to go. I am expecting 3 days of sleepless nights just to finish these videos but it's fine with me. This is a great priviledge to see our awardees happy. The video taken will be shown during the awarding rites on February 14 at Royal Concourse. The employees didn't have a single idea of what we prepares for them, this is a surprise. I pray that their hearts will be moved and they will be inspired even more. I will let you know what will transpire during the awarding ceremony. Maybe I could also post some of the videos here for you to see by yourself...

Wedding Bells Is Ringing

2008-02-04T07:40:00.000-08:00

I'm on my 25th year in this world ;-) and a lot of things change. Well, as the saying goes: "The only constant thing in this world is CHANGE". Since last year I attended a handful wedding ceremonies and christinings already. My friends were getting married and they have their babies. It's alarming!!! Oh my gush, I need to find that man already or else... hmmm... Does it really that alarming? Is getting married is alarming? What do you think? ;-) I think, it should not be the case because around 80 % of singles are being called for married life. So, in short its normal to hear news that people especially the singles of my age and onwards are getting married. Actually, it became alarming not because of the ceremony but because most of the singles now a days are still single ;-) like myself. The fear of being left behind from what is happening around is, I think the mean reason why it became alarming to me and to the rest. I came across with an article authored by Ms. Jochen Katz, she says: "Marriage is a creation ordinance of the highest calling. God has created us as men and women in order that we in godly marriages reflect some of his own nature, that we be a a visualization of his glory" The responsibilities that we get out from it , is not that easy. Married life should be a reflection of God's love. He won't allow us to be in a situation in which He knows that we can't handle it yet this time. We need to be mature not just in our emotions, but in our finances, physical, spiritual aspects. Knowing also that the calling is great and we need to expereience the process because this is the most exciting part. Unless, we will allow ourselves to undergo the process, that is the only time in which we can be assured that the result will be far beyond what we think. Katz added: The New Testament clearly teaches that marriage is a lifelong union between one man and one woman, one flesh. This is more than a man and a woman agreeing to live together sexually, even with the consent of their society. It is the exclusive commitment of a man and a woman to each other in a lifelong companionship of mutual love and care, until death parts them. Married life is an undying commitment and acceptance of the totality of the person we love. To all my single friends hope you got a new perspective in your being single this time. Don't allow yourself to be carried away from pressures of the world. God is assuring us that one day we can have our own story. He is not finish with us yet. For my friends and readers who are into a relationship right at this moment. Never jump right away in deciding to get married until a special go signal from the Lord will be sweetly whispered in your ears. Enjoy life's adventure and mind you, there's a lot more to discover in life while we are still single.

Dependent to an Independent Woman

2008-02-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

I've known this woman ;-) for around eight years ago. She is very simple, huggable, and a real friend. If I am a risk taker, then this person is so opposite from me. She's very Ok in her comfort zone. When I see a handkerchief I can always remember her. It's funny, but I believe she just make a trademark out from those handkerchief. Most of the time when we go out with our friend she will always forgot where she places her handkerchief, so everyone will be looking around only to find out that its in her pockets already or inside her bag. She felt she can not live without her bringing a handkerchief. Another characteristic of this woman is that she is comfortable to be a follower. Like, in deciding which place to go, what food to order, she always ask us first where we want to go then without other questions she will agrees to our suggestions. I saw her also being in love and blush when her crushes passes by. She has this little feeling of being inferior but she is trying also to live not being inferiorated. I really saw that effort and I salute her for that. Then one day, for the first time she made the first ever big decision in her life. She decided to work abroad particularly in New Zealand. I was very happy for her because at last she stood up and become an independent person. Now, she is very much happy with what she is doing. She learns and came to appreciate the beautiful things around her more. That decision makes her get out from her shell. I can also attest that she is an incredible friend. Through thick and thin she will always be there to support you. I'm proud of this person. Her name is Ms. Venus Conag, RN.

Living Away from Home

2008-02-01T03:33:00.000-08:00

Our government praises all our OFW's because they are our new heroes. The income they've sent to their families here in our country helps in flourishing our economy. Other countries offer great opportunities for a better income and a good life in which our government fails to offer. That is why most of the Filipinos really desires to go there, even if the consequence is to be away from their love ones. In some point I agrees with them seeing the situation we have in our country seems very difficult. They need to take the risk or else nothing will happen in their life's status. Yes, one can still provide three meals a day for his family but the rest, he needs to apply for a loan just to have an extra. But on the other side of the coin coming from a personal view of a daughter of an OFW I always felt something lacking in my life. My dad is away from us for about twenty years already. Though he went home every year for a one month vacation but for me it's not enough. There were times in which I felt that I got only a mom and a brother. It was difficult to develop a good relationship to a person whom I seldom see. I did try my best, not to felt that way. I knew that he did all these things because he want to give us a good life. So that, I can go to a good school, eat good food, buy nice clothes and provide us a good shelther. Yes, I need all those things but as a child I needed more than that. I need a dad whom I can share my first crush, the stars i've got from my kindergarten class, a dad who will go with my mom in pinning my ribbons and in giving my medals during closing exercises, celebrates with me on my birthdays and on other special days of my life. But inspite of that, I realize that my dad also desires to be with us everyday and being away from home is also very difficult for him to do. But he needs to do it because of the great need. He is so selfless to think about us first before himself. I know that no one is to be blamed for this kind of family set-up I had. I also want you readers, to know that God is so good to me. Even if my dad is far away from us, He fills in the lack I had in my life. He became my Dad and confidant. He knew all my secrets, my pains, my crushes, my disappointments. I believe He laughs with me too on my victories. I felt I am a whole person in Him. Now, I realize that God allows all these things to happen because I will not be as close to Him as I am right now. It's a great privilege for me to have this, one of a kind chance. The wealth and those things the world treasures most are nothing. Knowing and allowing God to be part of my life is the most fulfilling thing. To my dad you are my hero. Thank you for giving me the things I needed and for allowing the Lord to unfold into my life.

From a SHY to a CONFIDENT Lady

2008-02-01T02:18:00.000-08:00

Friendship is a great blessings from God. They are there to encourage, correct our mistakes, and most of all love and accept us for who we are. It is still very fresh in my mind that around eight years ago when I started going to a university to attend my secondary education I meet this very shy lady who became my first ever good friend in that school. Mind you, even if she is shy, she is very intelligent and pretty. We frequently called her Ms Sushmita Sen (the 1994 Miss Universe) because of her complexion and beauty. We join the same organization called Roverrettes Council. Through that organization I came to know her even more. She was proclaim as the Most Witty Roverrette of the Year during one of our school jamboree camp. I don't know if she knows that I really admire her so much. I was not an achiever way back in my secondary years but this friend of mine thought me how to be an achiever in my own little way. I am so grateful to have a kind of friend like her. She is unique and there can be no other kind of friend like her. Until this time, she continues to soar high in her career and she is being blessed by God with so many good things in life especially in her lovelife. From a shy girl she now turns into a confident lady. A lady who is ready to face the real world of life. This is to honor her in my own little way. This lady is MISS RESTER ATILLO a native from Carcar Cebu. My prayers for her is that maythe Lord continue to manifest in her life and that she will remain faithful to the Lord. May she give back the glory of all her achievements to God.

The other side of poverty

2008-02-01T00:36:00.000-08:00

Does the government is the only one to be blamed for this situation or am I also guilty of not doing my responsibilities as a citizen? Does the irresponsiveness of the parents of this child is the reason why he is suffering from the so called poverty or did I not do my part also as a citizen in this country? The closest possible answer for me is that each individual is responsible for their lives. And each one of us has the responsibilities to look into our brethen's needs. If we fails to do it then no question that some of us will really belong to that level in our society. It is not only our country, Philippines who has this kind of social issue but almost all of the countries in the world has this issue too. But I want you to bring your eyes into the picture ones again. Can you see the SMILE of that little boy? It's authentic. He enjoys what he was doing and I believe he is grateful to have a sack of items on that time in which he can sold to the scrap store. What I'm trying to drive at here is that, poverty is not a reason of stopping and just be in a corner doing nothing at all. It is not a reason to put all the blames to our government or to the parents of this little boy. Yes, life in a poverty line is really difficult but if we know that someone out there cares for our life more than He cares the birds in sky then like the little boy we can say to ourselves "I'm OK". God knows every situations we are into right now. But His ways are far different from ours. Whoever reading this one, if you're in a very difficult situation right now, may not be in financial thing only. I wan't you to be encourage to stay your confidence to the Source of all our needs. In due time He will give you the answers and the solutions of your situations. Lastly, I will give credit to the owner of this picture, my friend jesslee. Thank you for allowing me to use one of your collections.

Single Life

2007-04-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

How's your love life? What?! until now you did not have any relationship? Why? Maybe you are very choosy when it comes to men. Sounds familiar? well, almost everday I heard this questions from my new acquintances, old friends, collegues and even from my family. Sometimes I felt irritated when I heard those questions. But what can I do, everyone is free to express what they are thinking. I can not deny the fact that I am not alone in this world in which no one can ever notice me. But I know, I should not be offended with those kind of questions because these people cared for me. They are as excited as I am to see myself being found by my prince charming. Being single is a blessing and an opportunity to be generous in an extravagant way. Not only in financial aspects but in my time and tresures. I realized that I have a lot of available items in my life that needs to be shared. I should not magnified the things which I consider lacking in my life but instead be happy and live a life to the full. This time is an opportunity for me to become the best wife material for my future husband through learning Godly virtues and character. I know that this is not a simple task. It needs a real decision to make and the grace of God not to be worried anymore of my status. I keep myself be reminded of the word of God that one day He will grant me my hearts desire. I am convince to say that "Beautiful things unfolds in times we less expect."