sometimes, you would know if a friend truly means the message they send you if it was personally addressed to you and not just a mass email. well, this is what i felt when my dear friend, jenny, sent me this movie and i was so touched that it brought tears to my eyes. i'm grateful that through her and through this "simple truths" i was reminded of God's faithfulness in our lives.
friends, because you all are so dear to me... i would like to share the simple truths of this message: www.blessyoumovie.com
God is awesome!!!
have a blessed weekend everyone! know that God never fails to keep His promises =)
Friday, February 27
Monday, February 23
ei there!
just checkin' in... been awhile since i updated you with what's been happenin' in my world.
well besides remaining a SAHM, i've been busy sorting out stuff at home. after many prayers and waiting for God's confirmation, we've finally accepted that it is time to move. so i've been sorting what'll stay with us and what i can finally let go. selling stuff on craigslist and ebay have been really successful and thank God i get a lot of people who are interested in buying our home furnishings.
we plan not to keep too much stuff and want to keep our next place as roomy as possible. we're hoping for a good turn out with the move and all other stuff that goes along with it. God's been really good and still i have no reason to be salty about this whole thing.
there are different emotions lingering around my mind, but thank God He keeps me sane. i know a few people who are so dear to me that have gone through tough times with their housing situations and i myself have been a witness to it all. all have different causes, but the pain was the same. what is a person like me can only do, but to offer encouragement and lots of prayers. i mean, i myself can only find strength from the Lord to keep me going. i really think He's the best there is out there. no matter what seasons of life you're in... He is the answer!
nway, regardless of all the challenges that has faced me lately, i continue to find reasons to be grateful. i continue to enjoy my loved ones, i continue to look forward to what God has in store for me.
for valentine weekend, my whole family celebrated the love day @ my bro-in-law's choice of restaurant (he was treating everyone hehehe), red lobster in schaumburg. funny how we always end up getting the server's attention to join our conversations... that's always fun though!
last sat, my girlfriends and i put together a surprise baby shower for our dearest friend, girlie. we're so happy for her... gosh! i feel like i'm the one having another baby coz i was just so excited preparing this for her esp when i was shopping for baby stuff hahaha. can't wait to see the baby! nway, i'm so grateful to everyone for making it and for making it extra special for her... kudos to everyone and for a successful shower! you could tell she was so happy with everything =) of course not seeing everyone for quite sometime brought so much memories and hurting of the jaw for laughing too much. my girl, ellen and i got a headache from laughing. ahh! laughing, it does your life, body and soul good ;)
yesterday, my sis surprised us with their new place. mind you, we helped them move last month, but since she's been planning a sunday get together for the whole fam, she came up with the idea that there was a barricade blocking their street coz of a construction and for us to take a different route that's pretty much just blocks away from their old place. confused as why we were parking at a newly constructed condo buildings' parking lot, she finally gave in and said, we live at a different place now and asked us to look up... oh gosh! there she was waving at us in her new patio. wow! i must say... they did an awesome job moving without letting us know. the place was spectacular... it has the perks you would want in a condo (heated private garage, water and heat included, quiet neighborhood, everything's new, no major rules besides keep the building clean, it has a library in the bottom floor, and more) except they're just renting the place, but hey... it's all good! they don't have kids anyway so, why not! we were so happy for them and esp grateful to the Lord for giving them such wonderful landlords... the place they were previously in had a lease for one year, but the landlord's were understanding and so kind to null the agreement. i really feel that this is the place for them to start over and enjoy one another. thank you Lord!
well, that's it for now... i think that's enough update to fill you guys in.... gotta get back to my world! blessings to all!
well besides remaining a SAHM, i've been busy sorting out stuff at home. after many prayers and waiting for God's confirmation, we've finally accepted that it is time to move. so i've been sorting what'll stay with us and what i can finally let go. selling stuff on craigslist and ebay have been really successful and thank God i get a lot of people who are interested in buying our home furnishings.
we plan not to keep too much stuff and want to keep our next place as roomy as possible. we're hoping for a good turn out with the move and all other stuff that goes along with it. God's been really good and still i have no reason to be salty about this whole thing.
there are different emotions lingering around my mind, but thank God He keeps me sane. i know a few people who are so dear to me that have gone through tough times with their housing situations and i myself have been a witness to it all. all have different causes, but the pain was the same. what is a person like me can only do, but to offer encouragement and lots of prayers. i mean, i myself can only find strength from the Lord to keep me going. i really think He's the best there is out there. no matter what seasons of life you're in... He is the answer!
nway, regardless of all the challenges that has faced me lately, i continue to find reasons to be grateful. i continue to enjoy my loved ones, i continue to look forward to what God has in store for me.
for valentine weekend, my whole family celebrated the love day @ my bro-in-law's choice of restaurant (he was treating everyone hehehe), red lobster in schaumburg. funny how we always end up getting the server's attention to join our conversations... that's always fun though!
last sat, my girlfriends and i put together a surprise baby shower for our dearest friend, girlie. we're so happy for her... gosh! i feel like i'm the one having another baby coz i was just so excited preparing this for her esp when i was shopping for baby stuff hahaha. can't wait to see the baby! nway, i'm so grateful to everyone for making it and for making it extra special for her... kudos to everyone and for a successful shower! you could tell she was so happy with everything =) of course not seeing everyone for quite sometime brought so much memories and hurting of the jaw for laughing too much. my girl, ellen and i got a headache from laughing. ahh! laughing, it does your life, body and soul good ;)
yesterday, my sis surprised us with their new place. mind you, we helped them move last month, but since she's been planning a sunday get together for the whole fam, she came up with the idea that there was a barricade blocking their street coz of a construction and for us to take a different route that's pretty much just blocks away from their old place. confused as why we were parking at a newly constructed condo buildings' parking lot, she finally gave in and said, we live at a different place now and asked us to look up... oh gosh! there she was waving at us in her new patio. wow! i must say... they did an awesome job moving without letting us know. the place was spectacular... it has the perks you would want in a condo (heated private garage, water and heat included, quiet neighborhood, everything's new, no major rules besides keep the building clean, it has a library in the bottom floor, and more) except they're just renting the place, but hey... it's all good! they don't have kids anyway so, why not! we were so happy for them and esp grateful to the Lord for giving them such wonderful landlords... the place they were previously in had a lease for one year, but the landlord's were understanding and so kind to null the agreement. i really feel that this is the place for them to start over and enjoy one another. thank you Lord!
well, that's it for now... i think that's enough update to fill you guys in.... gotta get back to my world! blessings to all!
Friday, February 13
When there's still no answer...
TGIF Everyone!!!
Hope today's ODB will bring you all a brand new HOPE to look forward to. Have you prayed for something a few times but never heard anything from God? I can definitely relate to that. And I know from experience, it's hard to accept God's silence. It's like we just want Him to jump into action whenever we call, especially when we are hurting or afraid of something. However, we need to remember that He promises to meet our needs, that's why we can be sure that a silence from heaven has purpose.
Are you with me yet? See, if you think about it, silence grabs our attention and it teaches us to trust the unknown future. I remember the time when I prepared to pray over a situation that would impact my life. As I got on my knees, for some reason I felt like God was suddenly gone. For days, weeks, and even months, His presence seemed so far away. I've seeked and asked family and friends to pray with me and for me regarding my situation, but still there was nothing.
I've searched for God in every way I can only to find myself at the same spot with the same problems. Then, at an unexpected time, He dramatically intervened in my life to clearly dictate my next steps. Then it dawned on me that the answer I'm looking for is this: "WHEN GOD IS SILENT, KEEP ON PRAYING!"
There have been times when I've heard people say they quit praying about a need coz there was just no answer coming. But here's what I realized... in Matthew 17:20 it says that faith the size of a mustard seed is able to move mountains... so imagine how tiny our trust must be when we give up on the Lord! I remember what Jesus said (paraphrasing here since I do not have it exactly memorized), peace is what God leaves with us. He doesn't give as the world does and so we don't have to be worried, afraid or be upset coz God will NEVER abandon us. However, you know what the problem is? It's us treating prayers like a vending machine, that when we put coins it gives us an instant response. But see talking to God is a long-term investment so that we can have that close and faithful friendship with Him.
Friends, I know at times it can be frustrating and frightening when the only thing we can hear when we pray is our own breathing. But take heart, for in the Bible, it says that God is always with us, and His silence will not last forever (read Job 23:8-10 or Heb. 13:15). I encourage you to cling to those promises as you seek the purpose behind His silence.
Remember that although we may be riding an emotional roller coaster and God may be silent for a time, He NEVER STOPS working on our behalf. When the time is right, He provides an outcome that's aligned with His perfect plan for you and me. It's a promise that in His time, not in ours, that rest will come on solid ground. You wanna know how awesome God is? Well friends, He's aGod who NEVER breaks or changes a promise and is forever faithful to us. I know at times we question God coz life seems to give us too much trouble, but believe me, we can trust God's word, which gives us hope when we need it most. Giving up before the Lord answers your call is the biggest mistake youwill ever make. So friends I encourage you to PRAY ON! He hears you =)
Have a JOYFUL FRIday! God Speed!
Hope today's ODB will bring you all a brand new HOPE to look forward to. Have you prayed for something a few times but never heard anything from God? I can definitely relate to that. And I know from experience, it's hard to accept God's silence. It's like we just want Him to jump into action whenever we call, especially when we are hurting or afraid of something. However, we need to remember that He promises to meet our needs, that's why we can be sure that a silence from heaven has purpose.
Are you with me yet? See, if you think about it, silence grabs our attention and it teaches us to trust the unknown future. I remember the time when I prepared to pray over a situation that would impact my life. As I got on my knees, for some reason I felt like God was suddenly gone. For days, weeks, and even months, His presence seemed so far away. I've seeked and asked family and friends to pray with me and for me regarding my situation, but still there was nothing.
I've searched for God in every way I can only to find myself at the same spot with the same problems. Then, at an unexpected time, He dramatically intervened in my life to clearly dictate my next steps. Then it dawned on me that the answer I'm looking for is this: "WHEN GOD IS SILENT, KEEP ON PRAYING!"
There have been times when I've heard people say they quit praying about a need coz there was just no answer coming. But here's what I realized... in Matthew 17:20 it says that faith the size of a mustard seed is able to move mountains... so imagine how tiny our trust must be when we give up on the Lord! I remember what Jesus said (paraphrasing here since I do not have it exactly memorized), peace is what God leaves with us. He doesn't give as the world does and so we don't have to be worried, afraid or be upset coz God will NEVER abandon us. However, you know what the problem is? It's us treating prayers like a vending machine, that when we put coins it gives us an instant response. But see talking to God is a long-term investment so that we can have that close and faithful friendship with Him.
Friends, I know at times it can be frustrating and frightening when the only thing we can hear when we pray is our own breathing. But take heart, for in the Bible, it says that God is always with us, and His silence will not last forever (read Job 23:8-10 or Heb. 13:15). I encourage you to cling to those promises as you seek the purpose behind His silence.
Remember that although we may be riding an emotional roller coaster and God may be silent for a time, He NEVER STOPS working on our behalf. When the time is right, He provides an outcome that's aligned with His perfect plan for you and me. It's a promise that in His time, not in ours, that rest will come on solid ground. You wanna know how awesome God is? Well friends, He's aGod who NEVER breaks or changes a promise and is forever faithful to us. I know at times we question God coz life seems to give us too much trouble, but believe me, we can trust God's word, which gives us hope when we need it most. Giving up before the Lord answers your call is the biggest mistake youwill ever make. So friends I encourage you to PRAY ON! He hears you =)
Have a JOYFUL FRIday! God Speed!
When there's still no answer...
TGIF Everyone!!!
Hope today's ODB will bring you all a brand new HOPE to look forward to. Have you prayed for something a few times but never heard anything from God? I can definitely relate to that. And I know from experience, it's hard to accept God's silence. It's like we just want Him to jump into action whenever we call, especially when we are hurting or afraid of something. However, we need to remember that He promises to meet our needs, that's why we can be sure that a silence from heaven has purpose.
Are you with me yet? See, if you think about it, silence grabs our attention and it teaches us to trust the unknown future. I remember the time when I prepared to pray over a situation that would impact my life. As I got on my knees, for some reason I felt like God was suddenly gone. For days, weeks, and even months, His presence seemed so far away. I've seeked and asked family and friends to pray with me and for me regarding my situation, but still there was nothing.
I've searched for God in every way I can only to find myself at the same spot with the same problems. Then, at an unexpected time, He dramatically intervened in my life to clearly dictate my next steps. Then it dawned on me that the answer I'm looking for is this: "WHEN GOD IS SILENT, KEEP ON PRAYING!"
There have been times when I've heard people say they quit praying about a need coz there was just no answer coming. But here's what I realized... in Matthew 17:20 it says that faith the size of a mustard seed is able to move mountains... so imagine how tiny our trust must be when we give up on the Lord! I remember what Jesus said (paraphrasing here since I do not have it exactly memorized), peace is what God leaves with us. He doesn't give as the world does and so we don't have to be worried, afraid or be upset coz God will NEVER abandon us. However, you know what the problem is? It's us treating prayers like a vending machine, that when we put coins it gives us an instant response. But see talking to God is a long-term investment so that we can have that close and faithful friendship with Him.
Friends, I know at times it can be frustrating and frightening when the only thing we can hear when we pray is our own breathing. But take heart, for in the Bible, it says that God is always with us, and His silence will not last forever (read Job 23:8-10 or Heb. 13:15). I encourage you to cling to those promises as you seek the purpose behind His silence.
Remember that although we may be riding an emotional roller coaster and God may be silent for a time, He NEVER STOPS working on our behalf. When the time is right, He provides an outcome that's aligned with His perfect plan for you and me. It's a promise that in His time, not in ours, that rest will come on solid ground. You wanna know how awesome God is? Well friends, He's aGod who NEVER breaks or changes a promise and is forever faithful to us. I know at times we question God coz life seems to give us too much trouble, but believe me, we can trust God's word, which gives us hope when we need it most. Giving up before the Lord answers your call is the biggest mistake youwill ever make. So friends I encourage you to PRAY ON! He hears you =)
Have a JOYFUL FRIday! God Speed!
Hope today's ODB will bring you all a brand new HOPE to look forward to. Have you prayed for something a few times but never heard anything from God? I can definitely relate to that. And I know from experience, it's hard to accept God's silence. It's like we just want Him to jump into action whenever we call, especially when we are hurting or afraid of something. However, we need to remember that He promises to meet our needs, that's why we can be sure that a silence from heaven has purpose.
Are you with me yet? See, if you think about it, silence grabs our attention and it teaches us to trust the unknown future. I remember the time when I prepared to pray over a situation that would impact my life. As I got on my knees, for some reason I felt like God was suddenly gone. For days, weeks, and even months, His presence seemed so far away. I've seeked and asked family and friends to pray with me and for me regarding my situation, but still there was nothing.
I've searched for God in every way I can only to find myself at the same spot with the same problems. Then, at an unexpected time, He dramatically intervened in my life to clearly dictate my next steps. Then it dawned on me that the answer I'm looking for is this: "WHEN GOD IS SILENT, KEEP ON PRAYING!"
There have been times when I've heard people say they quit praying about a need coz there was just no answer coming. But here's what I realized... in Matthew 17:20 it says that faith the size of a mustard seed is able to move mountains... so imagine how tiny our trust must be when we give up on the Lord! I remember what Jesus said (paraphrasing here since I do not have it exactly memorized), peace is what God leaves with us. He doesn't give as the world does and so we don't have to be worried, afraid or be upset coz God will NEVER abandon us. However, you know what the problem is? It's us treating prayers like a vending machine, that when we put coins it gives us an instant response. But see talking to God is a long-term investment so that we can have that close and faithful friendship with Him.
Friends, I know at times it can be frustrating and frightening when the only thing we can hear when we pray is our own breathing. But take heart, for in the Bible, it says that God is always with us, and His silence will not last forever (read Job 23:8-10 or Heb. 13:15). I encourage you to cling to those promises as you seek the purpose behind His silence.
Remember that although we may be riding an emotional roller coaster and God may be silent for a time, He NEVER STOPS working on our behalf. When the time is right, He provides an outcome that's aligned with His perfect plan for you and me. It's a promise that in His time, not in ours, that rest will come on solid ground. You wanna know how awesome God is? Well friends, He's aGod who NEVER breaks or changes a promise and is forever faithful to us. I know at times we question God coz life seems to give us too much trouble, but believe me, we can trust God's word, which gives us hope when we need it most. Giving up before the Lord answers your call is the biggest mistake youwill ever make. So friends I encourage you to PRAY ON! He hears you =)
Have a JOYFUL FRIday! God Speed!
Thursday, January 29
Obama's approval of abortion & embryonic stem cell
i've been wanting to blog about this since the day our new president signed the approval for abortion rights and the funding of embryonic stem cell study, but i was caught up with a much needed attention. i must say i was so disappointed when i heard the news.
i know there are lots of unwanted pregnancies out there, but i speak specifically to those who are facing this reality right now. whether this may be read by somebody years from now, i will continue to stand for the sanctity of life and so i encourage you to continue reading.
like i said from my previous blog regarding the inauguration, i celebrate with america for the historic event we all have shared that time and hopefully still in the days to come. however, this heart breaking news re: abortion has brought me to tears as i reflect on the painful memories, hard choices and heart breaking experiences me and my loved ones have gone through.
i was 17 when i found out i was pregnant. i was scared and confused. there was no time wasted for my boyfriend, at the time, to think this through coz he was certain that he wanted me to have an abortion. although i had mixed emotions and was still uncertain of what lies ahead, i knew right there and then that my boyfriend had no intention of having me and our baby in his life and so i walked out angry, but determined that i was going to solve the problem on my own (whether it means abortion or keeping the baby).
my whole family were not happy to receive the news (which was expected). my dad, at the time was still a non-believer and like most parents, had high hopes for his children and so he was certain not to support me during this difficult time in my life. now that i'm an adult and a parent myself, i do understand how hard it is for parents to accept the situation right away. so, i was forced to move out. i lived with a friend who was staying at her sister's 1 bedroom apartment. so for the next 6 mons of my pregnancy i was sleeping in the living room floor. i was working at a minimum wage in order to support enough grocery, at least 1 meal a day for me, and travel expenses to and from work & the clinic. during this time i was also seeking for an answer, for hope, for some sort of positive support. don't get me wrong, i had the support of my mom, but she was also afraid of my dad at the time. i knew she tried her best, but i was full of anger and was just determined to go through this on my own and there was this feeling inside me that didn't want to cause her more burden.
so one day, i decided to let fate bring me to where i needed to be. i decided to just walk. yes, just walk and think things through. and after long hours of walking, i came across a sign that says "crisis pregnancy center"... i didn't know what they were all about and i was even more afraid to go in coz this place was residing at a small abandoned-like building administering services in the basement. but after longs battles of second thoughts, i finally decided to give it a shot.
nervousness overwhelmed me when i saw that i was the only client at the time. i was asked to fill out a form and take a pregnancy test. after it was confirmed that i was pregnant, a volunteer counselor brought me inside her office. i will never forget her angelic smile and as she approached me with words of acceptance and followed by encouragement. i was able to finally open my heart to share my struggles and pain. i felt like i was dreaming, that this is just too good to be true. that this woman whom i just met, understood and accepted me for who i am instead of judging me. she explained to me the help they can provide during and after my pregnancy. and before i know it, she was handing a small book to me that would slowly water the seed she planted in my heart. in the front cover of the book was the title "HOPE for the Future". the first few pages were the shared thoughts of many young ladies who were going through unwanted pregnancy and with it were words of promises and hope in Christ.
i know there are lots of unwanted pregnancies out there, but i speak specifically to those who are facing this reality right now. whether this may be read by somebody years from now, i will continue to stand for the sanctity of life and so i encourage you to continue reading.
like i said from my previous blog regarding the inauguration, i celebrate with america for the historic event we all have shared that time and hopefully still in the days to come. however, this heart breaking news re: abortion has brought me to tears as i reflect on the painful memories, hard choices and heart breaking experiences me and my loved ones have gone through.
i was 17 when i found out i was pregnant. i was scared and confused. there was no time wasted for my boyfriend, at the time, to think this through coz he was certain that he wanted me to have an abortion. although i had mixed emotions and was still uncertain of what lies ahead, i knew right there and then that my boyfriend had no intention of having me and our baby in his life and so i walked out angry, but determined that i was going to solve the problem on my own (whether it means abortion or keeping the baby).
my whole family were not happy to receive the news (which was expected). my dad, at the time was still a non-believer and like most parents, had high hopes for his children and so he was certain not to support me during this difficult time in my life. now that i'm an adult and a parent myself, i do understand how hard it is for parents to accept the situation right away. so, i was forced to move out. i lived with a friend who was staying at her sister's 1 bedroom apartment. so for the next 6 mons of my pregnancy i was sleeping in the living room floor. i was working at a minimum wage in order to support enough grocery, at least 1 meal a day for me, and travel expenses to and from work & the clinic. during this time i was also seeking for an answer, for hope, for some sort of positive support. don't get me wrong, i had the support of my mom, but she was also afraid of my dad at the time. i knew she tried her best, but i was full of anger and was just determined to go through this on my own and there was this feeling inside me that didn't want to cause her more burden.
so one day, i decided to let fate bring me to where i needed to be. i decided to just walk. yes, just walk and think things through. and after long hours of walking, i came across a sign that says "crisis pregnancy center"... i didn't know what they were all about and i was even more afraid to go in coz this place was residing at a small abandoned-like building administering services in the basement. but after longs battles of second thoughts, i finally decided to give it a shot.
nervousness overwhelmed me when i saw that i was the only client at the time. i was asked to fill out a form and take a pregnancy test. after it was confirmed that i was pregnant, a volunteer counselor brought me inside her office. i will never forget her angelic smile and as she approached me with words of acceptance and followed by encouragement. i was able to finally open my heart to share my struggles and pain. i felt like i was dreaming, that this is just too good to be true. that this woman whom i just met, understood and accepted me for who i am instead of judging me. she explained to me the help they can provide during and after my pregnancy. and before i know it, she was handing a small book to me that would slowly water the seed she planted in my heart. in the front cover of the book was the title "HOPE for the Future". the first few pages were the shared thoughts of many young ladies who were going through unwanted pregnancy and with it were words of promises and hope in Christ.
this Bible has allowed me to understand and accept that the child (fetus, baby, spec of blood, infant or however you want to call it) in my womb is a gift from God. A HELPLESS BABY WHO DESERVES TO LIVE JUST LIKE YOU AND I. although i never went back to that crisis center, i carried that God-given encouragement from that lady all through my life. it has definitely opened up hope for my future. and as God promised, He supplied for all my needs and more. my daughter is now 14 yrs. old and has been a blessing to me and my whole family. and i know without a doubt, God has an amazing plan for her life.
so to you my friend, i feel for you. however, you do not have to go through this alone. i encourage you to not be deceived by the pro-choice advocates who said that it is good that a woman has the right to decide what happens to her own body. understand my friend, that it's not your own body you're killing, but it's a tiny, helpless unborn infant. this helpless baby is not a "product of conception", as the abortionists say, or a "glob of tissue". this helpless baby is and will not be the reason why life will be difficult, nor killing this baby is the solution to a better life.
friend, i know it may be difficult for you to believe right now, but i want you to know that there is hope for your life and hope for you in every way. no matter how serious your problem, or how upset you feel, you can find the peace and strength to make it through this difficult situation. you may think God doesn't want anything to do with you, or that you've made too many mistakes for him to love you, but God DOES love you, just the way you are. i know this is hard to believe, coz we all have done things we are deeply ashamed of, and we just can't imagine how God can still love us in spite of everything we have done wrong. but guess what i found out in the Bible... i found out who God is and how He operates, and i began to understand that God is bigger than what we perceive Him to be. He will never stop loving you. Nothing you will ever do can make him turn away from you. that's why you don't have to be overwhelmed with confusion or hopelessness just like i was. God is with you now, ready to give you the hope you need.
i've realized that apart from God, hope is based only on feelings and dreams for the future. and when those dreams are shattered, hope is crushed. but if your hope is based on God Himself, you will have a hope that problems cannot crush.
so friend, if you want peace of mind, there is no substitute for doing what's right. obeying God will bring a peace that can withstand almost any problem. you can't expect peace if you continually choose what's wrong. however, i have to warn you now, that doing what's right is not necessarily easy. sometimes you don't know what's right; your situation may be complex; or maybe it involves options you've never had to think about before. at other times you know what is right but just don't want to do it. either way, reading the Bible and seeking God's guidance will help you. talk to Him... He will listen. it will help you know what to do and find the strength to do it.
you can leave me a msg. on the comment section (anonymously or not) if you have a prayer request, if you need help in finding resources to help you get through this or simply would like to share your thoughts. until then, i will be praying for you. remember, there is HELP available.
to all: although the obama administration passed this new law this is not the time to quit. it only just proves us that we have a bigger job to fulfill. please continue to pray for our president and his administration and let your voice be heard.
thanks for your time.
God speed!
so to you my friend, i feel for you. however, you do not have to go through this alone. i encourage you to not be deceived by the pro-choice advocates who said that it is good that a woman has the right to decide what happens to her own body. understand my friend, that it's not your own body you're killing, but it's a tiny, helpless unborn infant. this helpless baby is not a "product of conception", as the abortionists say, or a "glob of tissue". this helpless baby is and will not be the reason why life will be difficult, nor killing this baby is the solution to a better life.
friend, i know it may be difficult for you to believe right now, but i want you to know that there is hope for your life and hope for you in every way. no matter how serious your problem, or how upset you feel, you can find the peace and strength to make it through this difficult situation. you may think God doesn't want anything to do with you, or that you've made too many mistakes for him to love you, but God DOES love you, just the way you are. i know this is hard to believe, coz we all have done things we are deeply ashamed of, and we just can't imagine how God can still love us in spite of everything we have done wrong. but guess what i found out in the Bible... i found out who God is and how He operates, and i began to understand that God is bigger than what we perceive Him to be. He will never stop loving you. Nothing you will ever do can make him turn away from you. that's why you don't have to be overwhelmed with confusion or hopelessness just like i was. God is with you now, ready to give you the hope you need.
i've realized that apart from God, hope is based only on feelings and dreams for the future. and when those dreams are shattered, hope is crushed. but if your hope is based on God Himself, you will have a hope that problems cannot crush.
so friend, if you want peace of mind, there is no substitute for doing what's right. obeying God will bring a peace that can withstand almost any problem. you can't expect peace if you continually choose what's wrong. however, i have to warn you now, that doing what's right is not necessarily easy. sometimes you don't know what's right; your situation may be complex; or maybe it involves options you've never had to think about before. at other times you know what is right but just don't want to do it. either way, reading the Bible and seeking God's guidance will help you. talk to Him... He will listen. it will help you know what to do and find the strength to do it.
you can leave me a msg. on the comment section (anonymously or not) if you have a prayer request, if you need help in finding resources to help you get through this or simply would like to share your thoughts. until then, i will be praying for you. remember, there is HELP available.
to all: although the obama administration passed this new law this is not the time to quit. it only just proves us that we have a bigger job to fulfill. please continue to pray for our president and his administration and let your voice be heard.
thanks for your time.
God speed!
Tuesday, January 27
Do you have a need?
Hello All! Hope this email finds you well. I'm glad I have this opportunity to share my testimony to you once again. But before I do, I'd like to ask you ... Do you have a need that you don't know how to meet? You may have tried to solve the problem on your own, but just couldn't. Maybe you turned to some self-help books or consulted the advice of friends and family, though it sorta helped ease the pain at the moment, at the end of the day you found yourself back to square one. Or maybe you've prayed, but never really felt assured that God heard. You tried enough to trust Him, believing that if only you had enough faith, your need(s) would be met. Yet up to this moment this anxiety you're in still won't go away.
Well, did you know that the Bible is full of stories about people just like you and I? Just like us, their deepest needs could be understood and met ONLY by God. Let's admit it, we're needy people. Some are successful in their careers, but yearn for someone to love them. Some are financially stable, while their household is a mess! Some are physically fit, but mentally and emotionally drained. All this and more and of course vise-versa. But see, my point is we don't have to face our need(s) alone. There's ONE who comes to us to make us whole.
Two Fridays ago, I had a job interview. I had my hopes that this time there would be better results instead of just another resume to fill another space on their database. Well, it turned out just like the rest of my interviews who said, "Well your experience are definitely outstanding. However, we have other candidates lined up for an interview, but you will hear from us once we've made a decision." So, just like others... it's either I'll receive a letter of regret from some companies who do respond or you won't hear from them at all.
And so as I left the building that afternoon, I can honestly say, I felt so down. While driving, I took the opportunity to talk to God. I knew He understood what I was feeling and He was ready to listen and comfort me. I know He understands that it's okay to feel that way from time to time. And so I made it known to Him. I said, "Lord, I know You have never failed to provide for our needs and I'm grateful that You allow me to be transparent with You when times of difficulties just brings me down. Lord, can I just cry this out for 5 mins?" And so I did. I know many people think that crying about a problem is a sign of weakness or surrender... for me... it's true and it's okay! Especially if you want to be transparent with God. WEAKNESS, because you acknowledge that you cannot do things on your own and SURRENDER coz you know that ONLY God can help you. Someone once said, God helps those who help themselves... see you got it all wrong... coz God helps those who CANNOT help themselves. It's surrendering what's impossible in our eyes, but possible with our Savior.
You're probably wondering if I stopped crying after 5 mins. =) Yes, I did. That's my deal with the Lord when I need to release my feelings to Him. He lets me and He understands. And once again, I felt relief, especially when I told my husband what I was feeling that day, the Lord was so quick to use my husband to confirm that He was there in the car listening to me. My husband said, "Everything will be okay. This is not the time to give up, after all God has done for us. God is bigger than this. He knows. Just be patient."
And as an added bonus that He really does provide for our needs and as a proof that God is full of humor; just last Friday, exactly a week after that moment with God, I received a letter from the IDES regarding a raise to my unemployment benefits. A $40 raise I never expected to receive. Who would think that I, who only collects unemployment still gets a raise? C'mon now, that's the work of God! Friends, believe what is unseen coz He works behind it all.
And to this I close. Friends, whatever your need, God has an answer. Know that He is not slow about keeping His promise to us. We're just really impatient. And no matter how you and others understand your situation, giving excuses to justify that yours is different, as human that's expected, but I want you to know that God's timing is perfect in meeting our needs. And in fact, waiting for His answer actually ensures greater blessing.
God's love for you and me is eternal. Great is His faithfulness and His mercies are new every morning. Therefore, you can lay your needs before Him and He will see you through this difficult time in your life. He will never turn His back on you nor will He ever shut the doors of blessings. What He has for you is love acceptance and hope. Allow Him to be this for you today and always.
Friends, you will not find satisfaction elsewhere... God is available and your personal relationship with Him will only be the one that is needed to help you get through this. Look to Him for HOPE, salvation is FREE through Christ, our ONLY Savior.
If you are in need of a prayer, please feel free to send your request (anonymously or not) in the comment sections. It will be my pleasure to pray for you.
Have a JOYFUL day! God Speed!
love
Well, did you know that the Bible is full of stories about people just like you and I? Just like us, their deepest needs could be understood and met ONLY by God. Let's admit it, we're needy people. Some are successful in their careers, but yearn for someone to love them. Some are financially stable, while their household is a mess! Some are physically fit, but mentally and emotionally drained. All this and more and of course vise-versa. But see, my point is we don't have to face our need(s) alone. There's ONE who comes to us to make us whole.
Two Fridays ago, I had a job interview. I had my hopes that this time there would be better results instead of just another resume to fill another space on their database. Well, it turned out just like the rest of my interviews who said, "Well your experience are definitely outstanding. However, we have other candidates lined up for an interview, but you will hear from us once we've made a decision." So, just like others... it's either I'll receive a letter of regret from some companies who do respond or you won't hear from them at all.
And so as I left the building that afternoon, I can honestly say, I felt so down. While driving, I took the opportunity to talk to God. I knew He understood what I was feeling and He was ready to listen and comfort me. I know He understands that it's okay to feel that way from time to time. And so I made it known to Him. I said, "Lord, I know You have never failed to provide for our needs and I'm grateful that You allow me to be transparent with You when times of difficulties just brings me down. Lord, can I just cry this out for 5 mins?" And so I did. I know many people think that crying about a problem is a sign of weakness or surrender... for me... it's true and it's okay! Especially if you want to be transparent with God. WEAKNESS, because you acknowledge that you cannot do things on your own and SURRENDER coz you know that ONLY God can help you. Someone once said, God helps those who help themselves... see you got it all wrong... coz God helps those who CANNOT help themselves. It's surrendering what's impossible in our eyes, but possible with our Savior.
You're probably wondering if I stopped crying after 5 mins. =) Yes, I did. That's my deal with the Lord when I need to release my feelings to Him. He lets me and He understands. And once again, I felt relief, especially when I told my husband what I was feeling that day, the Lord was so quick to use my husband to confirm that He was there in the car listening to me. My husband said, "Everything will be okay. This is not the time to give up, after all God has done for us. God is bigger than this. He knows. Just be patient."
And as an added bonus that He really does provide for our needs and as a proof that God is full of humor; just last Friday, exactly a week after that moment with God, I received a letter from the IDES regarding a raise to my unemployment benefits. A $40 raise I never expected to receive. Who would think that I, who only collects unemployment still gets a raise? C'mon now, that's the work of God! Friends, believe what is unseen coz He works behind it all.
And to this I close. Friends, whatever your need, God has an answer. Know that He is not slow about keeping His promise to us. We're just really impatient. And no matter how you and others understand your situation, giving excuses to justify that yours is different, as human that's expected, but I want you to know that God's timing is perfect in meeting our needs. And in fact, waiting for His answer actually ensures greater blessing.
God's love for you and me is eternal. Great is His faithfulness and His mercies are new every morning. Therefore, you can lay your needs before Him and He will see you through this difficult time in your life. He will never turn His back on you nor will He ever shut the doors of blessings. What He has for you is love acceptance and hope. Allow Him to be this for you today and always.
Friends, you will not find satisfaction elsewhere... God is available and your personal relationship with Him will only be the one that is needed to help you get through this. Look to Him for HOPE, salvation is FREE through Christ, our ONLY Savior.
If you are in need of a prayer, please feel free to send your request (anonymously or not) in the comment sections. It will be my pleasure to pray for you.
Have a JOYFUL day! God Speed!
love
Wednesday, January 21
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
may the Lord give our new leader the WISDOM to take the right steps, the KNOWLEDGE to make the right choices, the STRENGTH to take America to a new direction, the COURAGE to stand for Christ and for what is right, and the HUMILITY to see people through the eyes of God.
we do not know what lies ahead, but with the new set of fresh air God has bestowed upon us yesterday only shows that God is truly merciful. there may be views i still do not agree with our new president, (ie. abortion & gay marriage) but through prayers i know we can overcome this. the Lord is bigger than Him nor of any situation and so i trust what God is doing. our job is to pray for our leaders to lead us to a better world... a world who acknowledges God in every direction... and who promotes peace, love and hope for everyone!
AMERICA, I REJOICE WITH YOU!
Sunday, December 28
still in a Christmas mood...
tho i feel like i got food poisoned from the chinese food i ate for lunch, i still feel very Christmasy! so how was every one's Christmas? hope you all spent it joyously with your fam.
wasn't really planning on blogging, but when my daughter and i just finished purchasing songs from itunes, i saw that the Christmas countdown started all over again hehehe so oh well, might as well blog right?
well, we spent almost 3days at my brother's new condo in chicago. had lots of games, food and great memories. the only thing i forgot to do is take group pics - ugh! 1st Christmas without it. can't do it on new years coz we're incomplete. =(
although the budget was pretty tight this year, the kids got everything they wished for. i was as always, the videographer and captured some really great, over the top, surprised faces once they opened their gifts. ahh! it was def a kodak moment!
tomorrow's my daughter's 14th bday and boy i can't wait myself. i pray for a God-centered year for her and many blessings for my teen. we're so blessed to have her and we just continue to surrender her life in God's hands. she has grown to be a beautiful, compassionate and with a big heart for the needy and we're so proud to be her parents. advanced happy birthday, camille! we love you!!!
well, i promise to load some pics next time. till then, may the Lord's blessings shower you this holiday season! i still have some great stories to tell, just kinda lazy right now... so nitey nite!
wasn't really planning on blogging, but when my daughter and i just finished purchasing songs from itunes, i saw that the Christmas countdown started all over again hehehe so oh well, might as well blog right?
well, we spent almost 3days at my brother's new condo in chicago. had lots of games, food and great memories. the only thing i forgot to do is take group pics - ugh! 1st Christmas without it. can't do it on new years coz we're incomplete. =(
although the budget was pretty tight this year, the kids got everything they wished for. i was as always, the videographer and captured some really great, over the top, surprised faces once they opened their gifts. ahh! it was def a kodak moment!
tomorrow's my daughter's 14th bday and boy i can't wait myself. i pray for a God-centered year for her and many blessings for my teen. we're so blessed to have her and we just continue to surrender her life in God's hands. she has grown to be a beautiful, compassionate and with a big heart for the needy and we're so proud to be her parents. advanced happy birthday, camille! we love you!!!
well, i promise to load some pics next time. till then, may the Lord's blessings shower you this holiday season! i still have some great stories to tell, just kinda lazy right now... so nitey nite!
Friday, December 19
Project HOPE's year-end update
Dear Friends,
Hope this email finds you all well. Well, 2009 is just right around the corner and we, the Project HOPE team would like to extend our warmest thanks to you who have stood alongside us in praying and helping the underprivileged all around the globe.
Here's an update of where your donations have brought this ministry. Please join us in praising and thanking the Lord for this opportunity to serve the people in need. Whether they are in need of material or a whisper of prayer, Project HOPE has extended every help we can offer this year.
Fund Drive:
Feb & May: Valentines Day & Mother's Day - we delivered flowers & raised $685
Aug: Garage Sale - raised $143
In May, we volunteered to help the poverty-stricken in Zambia & Zimbabwe, through Bright Hope & Willow Creek's Celebration of Hope: We packed nutrional meals & med packs.
November:
Donated $500 to a family whose father died of cancer and have no way of paying for the funeral expenses.
On Thanksgiving, we helped feed 10 homeless individuals through the help of Wayside Cross Ministry in Elgin. We also have committed to provide food for another 10 homeless people this coming Christmas.
Christmas: For the past two years, we've been adopting 10 extremely poor families in the Philippines. These are families who have no other way to celebrate Christmas, but to sleep in hunger. Our team has agreed to provide each family enough necessities to last them for at least a month and be able to celebrate Christmas with hope that our God cares for them. These necessities are: Rice, Cooking Oil, Sugar, Vinegar, Champorado, Spaghetti noodles, Spaghetti sauce, Corned beef, Meat loaf, Cheese, Biscuit, Coffee, Milo, Packs of noodles, and apples. To them this is more than a Christmas wish come true and our hearts celebrate with joy that is beyond dreams.
I decided to include the list of families we are helping this year, in hopes that your hearts will ache with us and continue to come alongside us in this crusade. This ministry is not a joke. Being the hands and feet of God to this broken and hurting world has opened our eyes to not envy the people above us and instead look at the people below us and be grateful for what we have.
* Mr. & Mrs. Lito&Cynthia Santilleces
Tricycle driver & plain housewife with 6 children from brgy. 10
* Mrs. Aida Tolentino – husband deceased with 3 children from brgy. 10
* Mr. & Mrs. Loreto & Gloria Aquino
Factory driver & lavandera (someone who washes clothes by hand) with 12 children from brgy. Lumbang
* Mr. & Mrs. Fred & Deylin Patino
Construction worker & plain housewife with 3 children frm. Brgy. Lumbang
* Mr. & Mrs. Jomer & Joan Moreno
Welder & helper with 3 children from brgy. Lumbamg
* Mrs. Lilia C. Leyesa- husband deceased
Store keeper & helper with 7 children from brgy. San carlos
* Mrs. Alona Kalalo
Cigarette vendor with 5 children from Brgy. Balintawak
* Mr. Armando Mista
Unemployed with 3 children from Brgy. Pinagkawitan
*Mr. & Mrs. Josie Luja Janitress with 4 children from Brgy. Tambo
*Mr. Eddy San Sebastian - Handicap with 6 children
Friends, know that the task doesn't stop here. The need has tripled due to struggling economy. The task is bigger, but the good news is God is greater than anything. He has touched your hearts to help this ministry in extending the love of God to others. And so we are eternally grateful. We have a big job ahead of us in 2009 and so we continue to ask for your generosity and compassion as we come together in unity to help the poorest of the poor.
Now as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the hope of the season, we at Project HOPE want to thank you for all the help you've extended in furthering the kingdom of God.
Please let us know if we can pray for you in any way this holiday season, for prayer is the best gift we can offer. We'd love to hear from you.
Have a Merry Christmas!
--God Speed!
Lovely Miranda
Project HOPE Team
Monday, December 15
wow! 10days?
and it's Christmas? goodness! i don't know about you, but this year is going by soooo fast. in a way it's good coz i anticipate to see what lies in 2009.
i'm done with Christmas shopping, wrapped all the gifts, met up with some of the girls before Christmas (hoping to see the rest before then too) and let's see, oh! so many good news that happened lately that i'm all smiles these past few days.... i know the Lord was the #1 source of them... so all praises to Him!
changing the subject here... i was so thrilled to see my kids get along so well lately. you know how kids are sometimes... they find it amusing to annoy each other like cats and dogs, but lately it hasn't been the case. my teen and my son have been getting along for the past few days that i actually had to video tape some of them.... hahaha yep! it was like an instant prayer came true! they got along so well that they managed to watch movies together, sleep in my daughter's room, tell each other jokes, and have a concert in the office while playing their guitars... i mean, what more can you ask for? well, i know it won't be like this everyday, but i'm sure glad they're setting a good example to their little sis and really just showing love for each other. we can't have everything, i sure am glad to have God guide our steps everyday.
last weekend my daughter and i volunteered to wrap gifts for the families who cannot afford to buy retail gifts to their children. this church has partnered with Willow Creek's Christmas serving opportunities. however, their idea was good and different. in order for them to raise more funds to help more less fortunate people, they priced the donated gifts (new) about 80%-90% off the retail price. in this way, parents still have the dignity to be able to pick and buy a gift they would like for their children. the gifts they buy is what we wrap. it was definitely an eye opener, esp. for me and my family who i consider still very blessed to have what we have even if we are struggling financially. God is good, i tell yah!
anyway, starting this friday, the 19th, our home church, Willow Creek, will be having a 12 identical Christmas services... it will end on the 24th. if you live in illinois, i sure hope you'll find time to come and enjoy our yearly, wonderfully put together program about Jesus' birth. it's a great way to spend it with your loved ones and guess what? it's FREE! all you need to do is click this link: http://www.willowcreek.org/MiniSite/default.asp and reserve your tickets to the service time of your choice.
hope to experience this amazing true to life story of Jesus, our ONLY Savior!
God speed!
i'm done with Christmas shopping, wrapped all the gifts, met up with some of the girls before Christmas (hoping to see the rest before then too) and let's see, oh! so many good news that happened lately that i'm all smiles these past few days.... i know the Lord was the #1 source of them... so all praises to Him!
changing the subject here... i was so thrilled to see my kids get along so well lately. you know how kids are sometimes... they find it amusing to annoy each other like cats and dogs, but lately it hasn't been the case. my teen and my son have been getting along for the past few days that i actually had to video tape some of them.... hahaha yep! it was like an instant prayer came true! they got along so well that they managed to watch movies together, sleep in my daughter's room, tell each other jokes, and have a concert in the office while playing their guitars... i mean, what more can you ask for? well, i know it won't be like this everyday, but i'm sure glad they're setting a good example to their little sis and really just showing love for each other. we can't have everything, i sure am glad to have God guide our steps everyday.
last weekend my daughter and i volunteered to wrap gifts for the families who cannot afford to buy retail gifts to their children. this church has partnered with Willow Creek's Christmas serving opportunities. however, their idea was good and different. in order for them to raise more funds to help more less fortunate people, they priced the donated gifts (new) about 80%-90% off the retail price. in this way, parents still have the dignity to be able to pick and buy a gift they would like for their children. the gifts they buy is what we wrap. it was definitely an eye opener, esp. for me and my family who i consider still very blessed to have what we have even if we are struggling financially. God is good, i tell yah!
anyway, starting this friday, the 19th, our home church, Willow Creek, will be having a 12 identical Christmas services... it will end on the 24th. if you live in illinois, i sure hope you'll find time to come and enjoy our yearly, wonderfully put together program about Jesus' birth. it's a great way to spend it with your loved ones and guess what? it's FREE! all you need to do is click this link: http://www.willowcreek.org/MiniSite/default.asp and reserve your tickets to the service time of your choice.
hope to experience this amazing true to life story of Jesus, our ONLY Savior!
God speed!
Thursday, December 4
Project HOPE on Christmas!
here's an update for you all:
this coming Christmas, project HOPE has once again adopted 10 less fortunate families in the philippines. these families just like the last couple years we've been doing this, are the once who are not able to buy any food to celebrate Christmas. most of these families force themselves to sleep to be able to ignore their hunger. as an added blessing, we're also providing each family enough food to last them for at least a month.
we've also committed ourselves in providing to feed 10 homeless people last thanksgiving and will be feeding another 10 this coming Christmas through the help of wayside cross ministries.
it has been a privilege to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to these people and we are so blessed to have this opportunity.
as a matter of fact, we are in the process of organizing a "feed the hunger event" this january in the little town of pasig in the philippines. with the help of my mother-in-law and her compassionate team, we will be able to feed as many people, up to the maximum capacity of the vacant town house that will be used to serve these people, owned by our grandma. we will be serving lunch and dinner for one day (date tbd) and will be giving away hope bags for each family as they leave for the night.
all of this because God is just so good and He has touched people's hearts to donate their resources and for many who continues to pray for Project HOPE and our team.
thank you for everything! may our good Lord shower you all even more with His blessings!!!
please continue to pray for us and the projects in store for Project HOPE.
God speed!
this coming Christmas, project HOPE has once again adopted 10 less fortunate families in the philippines. these families just like the last couple years we've been doing this, are the once who are not able to buy any food to celebrate Christmas. most of these families force themselves to sleep to be able to ignore their hunger. as an added blessing, we're also providing each family enough food to last them for at least a month.
we've also committed ourselves in providing to feed 10 homeless people last thanksgiving and will be feeding another 10 this coming Christmas through the help of wayside cross ministries.
it has been a privilege to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to these people and we are so blessed to have this opportunity.
as a matter of fact, we are in the process of organizing a "feed the hunger event" this january in the little town of pasig in the philippines. with the help of my mother-in-law and her compassionate team, we will be able to feed as many people, up to the maximum capacity of the vacant town house that will be used to serve these people, owned by our grandma. we will be serving lunch and dinner for one day (date tbd) and will be giving away hope bags for each family as they leave for the night.
all of this because God is just so good and He has touched people's hearts to donate their resources and for many who continues to pray for Project HOPE and our team.
thank you for everything! may our good Lord shower you all even more with His blessings!!!
please continue to pray for us and the projects in store for Project HOPE.
God speed!
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