‘What’ is Your Friend?

I remember this teacher from college (before I knew Christ) whom we admired because of her intelligence yet we hated because of how she teaches. She calls herself a ‘restorative’ writer and glorifies [only] God with her articles. Of course weak as I was that time, I was one of those who said, “How would that (restorative writing) benefit us in the future?”  

Let me share one of my works with her; and shall I say one of my best outputs in college. It’s an article aimed to fight with the negative effects of internet, of course, through our restorative articles as journalists. I remember how I was shocked when my teacher commended my work and even told me that she would have written the same with the topic.

But when given a chance to add something on the write-up, I would include the issue on the social networks being the tools of everyone to disclose their feelings. Are you one of those who reveal everything on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram than in person? Do you rant often on social media and seldom tell your emotions to your friends, boss, or parents?

Once in my life I was guilty doing these. But after acknowledging God in my life, I learned to make my social media accounts as records of happiness and optimism. I would like to relate this to the preaching we had this afternoon at church. We learned how to act in times of injustice and remember that God is a righteous judge.

Two points were discussed. First, we should 'guard our heart and don’t get even'. Truly it is challenging to love your enemies.  But would it be more crucial when our God would judge us? Are you not sinful and will be saved when that happens? Let me encourage everyone to just pray for protection. Social media should not be a tool to do revenge.  Let it not be our barrier with our friends or family. Do not commit another sin for a sin. Second, we need to 'trust God and let Him vindicate us'. God knows everything, thus, he knows if you are guilty or not. Have faith and wait for His justification.

Everyone…HAPPY THOUGHTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA. =)

A Letter to You

She looked tired when she entered the house last night. Yet she managed to leave a smile to us before going to their bedroom. Suddenly, I heard someone weeping and I was quite sure it’s her. Without even knowing why she was crying, I wanted to hug and comfort her. But really I don’t want to see someone crying so I did not approach her.

I want to dedicate this second write-up to Ate Mae. =)

Someone’s Holding You

Holding on to a prickled stem, would you continue to grip even though it’s hurting? Or would you take a risk to release your hand and fall? This is certainly a tricky question. But you’ll easily give an answer when you know that there is Someone who doesn’t want you to be hurt and promised that you’ll be saved.

Jeremiah 17:14 says, "Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." Indeed, a very motivating verse. But let’s deeply study and understand its story. The verse was taken from a chapter where Jeremiah prayed for deliverance. He claimed that he has a God who he can hold on to. And he spoke to his mountains as if he really is portraying that He is alive in his heart.

We usually misunderstand the word ‘deliverance’ and define it as “the casting out of demons”. There is nothing wrong with that but there is something more than that. Deliverance is a complete assertion of salvation through a living God -- mighty and loving. It’s not just about being brave to hurl the enemies but it's bragging that you are serving a stronger God.

He is more than hurting when He sees us hurting. That’s why He never wanted that to happen (well, who wants to?). On this certain situation, we need to understand God. At times we are so worried not noticing that we are already bleeding.  We are holding so long to something that cannot cure us; and worst gives us more pain. God is telling us to trust and jump. At the end of the day, you’ll realize that it’s not deep…it’s not that bad.

“Healing? Leave it to Him.” This is what I want to tell to Ate Mae. Just this night I learned that her mom was diagnosed with cancer. Honestly, I felt sad. But not anymore when I realized that GOD IS BIGGER THAN A CANCER.

by Google

He Stayed in Our Game

"It's a little bit painful, but I'd rather be in the game in pain, rather than sitting in the sidelines watching".

"I'm hurting but I'm here".

"One of the best things you can do when you're hurting is go out and help somebody else that is hurting".

"If you move forward, God will take your scars and turn them into stars for His glory".

"When you honor God especially in a tough time, when you could be complaining but instead you are praising, that gives the enemy a nervous breakdown".

These lines are from Joel Osteen’s sermon entitled “Stay in the Game”. After a friend introduced this pastor from Lakewood Church to me, I became fascinated by his preaches. Since then, I downloaded his application to my mobile phone and listened to him whenever and wherever I want. But surprisingly on this certain ‘Stay in the Game’ sermon, I found the words that truly pierced my heart; probably because I am in a situation that relates on this…but really not. And having moved by this preaching, I listened to it for the nth time.

Eventually, I realized why this sermon struck me the most.  When you listen to the preaching, it’s all about fighting though you are in a tough situation. I found it ironic because I am certainly not into that condition (though facing challenges which I know are given). I am even in a fueled state of hoping that God has something for me everyday. After the nth time of listening to it, I knew His purpose; and I have been thrilled to make this blog.

I've attempted to make and maintain a blog before -- something that would showcase MY entire experiences on food, travel, people, gadgets, work, friends, family, etc. Fortunately, it didn't work out. Yes, you read it right, FORTUNATELY. Because when it happened to be successful, I should have glorified myself alone. I really thank God for keeping me busy and not thrilled to right at that time. Now He spoke to me that I was called not to glorify anything or anyone BUT HE ALONE (even on my blog).

Well, I know this topic would be the best kick-off. ‘Stay in the Game’ has given me a different angle on ‘surviving’. I reminisced how I was when I wasn't with God and when I was starting to know Him. He stayed in our game. I understood that He never left me even when I did not recognize Him. He was moving though my relationship with Him was stagnant.

He Led Me

I was in catholic faith for almost 19 years. Those years were chained-times with beliefs, saints, feasts, and penance. However, that wasn't that miserable too. I was not on drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, or sex. And that’s what I am thankful to God for.

He so love me that even on those times that I was not with Him, He still worked on my life. I know that He planned to give me loving parents & friends and exposed me with tough times with equipped heart. I know that he gradually led me to His side.

During those walks when I assumed I was alone, He did not just sit on the sidelines and watched me stumble. I know He's hurt when I don’t please Him but He is still with me now. When I came to appreciate all these, I can’t help but cry and thank God.

I want to encourage everyone to go back to the times when you felt alone. And focus on how you managed to overcome those hard days. It is not yourself or anybody you need to thank but God. And those who are facing challenges now, hold on to His promise that He’ll never leave. Sometimes, being strong isn't the solution…it’s being with HIM. Don’t force your God to sit on the sidelines ‘coz He will never will.

Joel Osteen's 'Stay in the Game' Preaching