Power of Prayer

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

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.

10 Lessons of the Heart

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!

Wedding Bells Is Ringing

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

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

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

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.