Past and the Future

Four more days to go and the year 2012 will be over.
How was your 2012? Was it good? was it bad? or  was it nothing significant?

I still don't know what happened to mine and I still don't want to say if it's been a good or bad year for me because A LOT have happened. SO MANY CHANGES occurred this year. as in major changes including changes in our ministries. We lost some good friends, ended up relationships, closed some doors and opened a lot of new opportunities ahead of us.

I will not say though that it was bad because I believe that "all things work together for good to those that love God" Romans 8:28 says so. Everything that took place this year (including those not so nice ones) were allowed by God to somehow shape me(us) into what He wanted us to be.

The year will end and I carry HOPE with me to go through 2013. Things are bad now (referring to my Father's health) but I see rays of rainbow next year. I'm positive it's gonna be a very fruitful and wonderful year for us.

We're praying for new ministries where we can focus and start something new, there is something in my heart that I've been wanting to do and who knows it might come to pass this coming year.

We will still be working full time in our day job and also full time in the ministry ( that's quite possible) been doing that for quite sometime now. But still  I'm hoping I can give up work to focus more on ministry and pursue a small business at home (probably something about prints, such as t-shirt printing or invitation or even envelope printing will do) anything that can become the main source of our income.

I have yet to have travel plans but I do wish we can go out on a mission trip again this year. Praying for Cambodia or Thailand or wherever God will bring us.

Through all the years GOD has been FAITHFUL to us. Truly, He never left us and has never forsaken us even for a single minute. Many times  we both (my husband and I) failed HIM but HE loved us still. Very much. So I'm confident He will be with us and will guide us on this coming year.

Welcome 2013.

Do you understand?

Many times you wish things are easy no? Often times we wish, we could understand things quick and easy but so we could handle them well. But life is not like that, life is not like buying a new phone that comes with a manual that is written in your own language and even if it is not written in your own native language, you can just have the manual translated ( you can even hire a translation company to do that for you)

But life is not like that, though we have our own manual (which is the bible) most of the times there are incidents happening that we don’t understand and even how hard we try we just can’t get a grip of it. Like the recent shooting incident in Connecticut-I don’t think anyone will ever know the lot’s of why behind that tragic occurrence. And I don’t know if a mother can understand why it had to be her daughter or son? When you are in grief, you don’t even have the desire to know why.

I‘m also trying to figure out my father’s sickness that has been causing me lots of tears lately but to no avail. And I know sooner I have to accept the fact that he’ll be taken from us whether I like it or not, whether I understand it or not. Because we don’t and we are not made to understand everything that is happening around us, to us.

I guess what matters most is the acceptance. Hard as it is, it is the only way we can start to move on.

Selah's worship album

Update; (just in case anyone is still interested :)

During the Global Intercessors launching in San Pablo where the band was asked to lead the worship we met a young woman and she promised to help the band financially so they can finish their worship album. Although we do not hold on to someone's promise except that of God we are thankful, we are happy and we hope she'll really be used by God for us to finish the album. And if not, for sure God will use somebody else :) At least that's one good news for now and that one good news made my husband excited again.

Also,  the owner of the recording studio had an exchange of text messages with my husband weeks ago and he said yes they'll fix the schedule soon so they can start working again with the album.

I really pray that it will be available on the first quarter of next year.

Nothing is too hard for you LORD!

Forgoing gifts this Christmas

My husband has been looking at several promotional/ cheap catalogs of computer and appliances shop because we wanted so much to buy a new desktop and this was supposed to be a gift for ourselves this Christmas. It's been more than 3 months since our old PC died. :(

But because of my Father's hospitalization, things have changed now. We are forgoing that gift to ourselves including some more gifts we intend to buy for relatives and friends. Good thing I have already bought and wrapped some gifts months ago so we still have few to give this season.

I'm sure my friends and of course our families will understand why we don't have gift for everyone this time. That doesn't mean though that we love them less, after all Christmas is not about gifts only and they know that we love them even without the wrapped box/bag.

Pslams 46:10

image source : http://www.speakingoftruth.com/giveaway-winners-and-an-update/

all that I need is you

All my desire
All I require
All that I need is in you.

I fell in love with Ray Watson’s music, so calming, so motivating, so intimate.
Hubby keeps on playing it over and over now and you just can’t help but worship God and feel His presence.

And right now, that lyrics seems perfect in our situation..All that I need is in you.
No matter how huge our need is, it is still God who can provide and supply it.

You need comfort?
You need healing?
You need love?
You need someone?
You need money?
There is no need that our loving God cannot meet. You don’t need to turn to drugs, you don’t need to turn to friends who don’t seem to care, you don’t need to turn to abusive relationships.

You just have to realize that all you need is God.

Sometimes you have to have a need that is bigger than your hand and head and money can handle to realize that  All you need is God.

Well, I know sometimes it is easier said than done..trusting God when you see the big problem right in your face is not easy, when you see all the impossibilities and the pressure but I guess it is where we have to trust Him even more. I myself has been to the same situation before and I admit sometimes I fail to look how God can help me but trusted to what I can do instead.

Right now I have, we have a big financial need but we will trust God and we will keep on trusting untill the end of this all.

Prayer request for my father

Last week, we've been in and out of the hospital and several doctor's clinic for further check up of my Tatay (father).

The result of the CT Scan of his lungs is not that good. The Doctor said there is a mass in the right part of his lungs and it's quite big thus making it hard for him to breath. We will have a biopsy this week so we would know if it is malignant or benign. We need all the prayers please. Pray that it is benign and that it is still curable.

My Father stopped smoking more than ten years ago BUT (that's a big BUT) he's been smoking since he was 10 years old (according to him, when he was still a kid and he goes to farm early in the morning they'll smoke hand rolled cigars and his smoking lated for almost 50 years) It's no question now why he is having some serious lung problem.

Right now, he's home and he said he feels weak, the blood test will come out today and if we can get a go signal for the biopsy, we'll have that schedule also within the week.

Please please pray that everything goes fine with the biopsy and that it's nothing to worry about. Please pray also for provision because going in and out of the hospital means a lot of money.

Thank you everyone and may the Lord bless you!!!

Run with perseverance

Yesterday, I was reminded to run my race and have my eyes focus on Jesus. I admit, Yes, I run but most of the time I am tempted to look beside my co-runner, sometimes I look behind and I look forward and see runners ahead of me, which shouldn't be the case because I get distracted and discouraged. 

 Hebrews 12: 2 says I should fix my eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of my faith. 

Christian living and FAITH is not a competition, yes we all do run in a race but it is not a competition, we are not there to compete because as long as we keep on running and arrive at the finish line, each of us will have a prize. And we should focus our eyes on Jesus and not to somebody else who is also running the race.

When we do that, we become more purposeful, we become more passionate and encouraged. Only when we focus our eyes on Jesus can we run with perseverance.

Today...

 I just want to thank God first and foremost for the recovery of my father, we suspect he had series of strokes last weekend and Sunday was the worst (we will confirm later as I'm going to talk to his doctor this afternoon) but praise God he is back to normal now although much weaker than before, well at least he is able to walk albeit very slow and can still speak clearly.

I am thankful also for the people around us ( my 2 boss who are there to lend a hand whenever I need one), One gave me money and the other one lend us  a car so we can go as quick as we can to my father. Friends and church mates who prayed unceasingly for us last Sunday.It meant a lot. I felt all the prayers working.

I also am thankful that our motorbike is now fully paid. Now, we can start pursuing all the many plans we have- House renovation in the province will be our priority this coming year, I wanted my parents to see that house renovated before they are taken by the Lord. It's a big project actually but we plan to do it slowly. I'm excited! ( I want to  buy kitchen cabinets online but I don't think that would be possible). I want to do this as a gift for my parents :D

Thank you Lord- you are good ALL THE TIME!!

 Blessings everyone!

Make someone hapy this Christmas!

We are giving away toys, clothes and a lot more :) For sure the kids will have a great time! if you want to help you can message me here. You can also help us by praying for more people that will support us in this activity. God bless everyone!!!

A pathway to Joy

Got this in my email this morning, I do not know who exactly wrote this but it is so true :) worth sharing.

~*~

image source : http://voicesofglass.com/category/joy/

A PATHWAY TO JOY

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America title.
4. Name ten people who have won either the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
 6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

So how did you do?

 The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners .

 Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with .

Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care . 

Selah Band's ministry schedule

This week, we (SELAH BAND) were supposed to be in Mindoro for a Global Prayer Conference but it was canceled weeks ago, we were informed that it will push through on January next year. 

But next week (Novemeber 28) the band will do ministry in San Pablo, Laguna-  it's sad though  that our lead guitarist won't be with us because of previous commitment. 

And just this morning, a group invited the band for their Christmas Party on December 12.

We are thankful that we are still doing ministry as a band, sometimes my husband as the leader gets frustrated (specially with their worship album) but when they are given the opportunity to minister, it somewhat keeps him excited and alive :)  Music and gadget such as tremendous dj equipment at Musicians friend makes him excited also, so if  I want to cheer him up on sad days I just have to let him talk about his passion.

I really pray and hope they'll be able to finish  their worship album this year.

Asking and Receiving

by Henry Morris, Ph.D. | Nov. 16, 2012

"For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:8)

The tremendous resource of prayer is far too often neglected by far too many Christians. If nothing is standing between us and the Lord to keep us from asking effectively (sin, unbelief, selfish motives, etc.), then God has promised to act when we ask by giving us our request or something better. Note just a few of the many promises to those who ask:

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God . . . and it shall be given him" (James 1:5).

"Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full" (John 16:24).

"How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" (Luke 11:13).

"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight" (1 John 3:22).

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 John 5:14-15).

"If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it" (John 14:14).

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7).

Obviously, there are conditions. These marvelous promises assume that those who ask are abiding in His commandments, truly desiring His will, having His priorities, thinking His thoughts, and are asking in faith and in His name.

Faith and Infertility

I don't remember talking about infertility here mainly because this is our ministry blog but I would just like everyone to know that we are battling infertility for almost 6 years now. And I realized it is not an easy battle. a lot of times I felt down and out, lost hope and was discouraged but every time that happens I get up, find my HOPE and renew my TRUST and have bigger  FAITH that God will fulfill his promise to us.

We are waiting because we know it will happen in God's perfect timing . He's never late.

While we are waiting, like what I've mentioned on my last post, we will keep on worshiping and praising the Lord. We will keep on serving Him. Sometimes it's the waiting time that is hard, it's  the waiting  time that might wither us but if we worship while we wait, it keeps the hopes high :D

For the meantime, I'm grateful for what we have,  such as our exclusive time for each other (as husband and wife) the love we can selflessly give to our nieces and nephews and friends' children and the time we have for our ministry.  (plus the fact that for now we don't have to worry about baby expenses and the cost that comes from having a child-and that we do not worry about how much is dna testing and newborn screening test and other hospital expenses when you give birth)

We'll come to that I know and we have to get ourselves ready.

Waiting time

image source : http://www.wellsphere.com/bipolar-disorder-article/but-they-that-wait-upon-the-lord-shall-renew-their-strength/1450632

and while we wait for the fulfillment of your promises Lord, we will worship you and praise you!

Christians and the Internet

It's 1:30 in the morning and I'm wide awake. I borrowed my sister's net book so I can go online this weekend. It's been a while since our old desktop computer completely gave up on us and I miss surfing the net at home. My social life has been off lately because of that and not that It's like I'm missing a lot but it's nice to interact with friends through social media at times. Plus I need to check my emails at home :)

But I tell you, once I'm connected there are lots of distractions out there in the world wide web, sometimes I lost track and find my self spending time on not so important stuff . With the huge information the internet is offering us, you can learn about  anything and everything in just few clicks of  your fingertips such as beer making supplies at HomeBrewIt.com and of course it's also in the internet where me and my husband learn about balloon designs :)

I just hope and pray that parents are there to guide their kids when they are online, it's like watching televisions and there should be parental guidance.

We don't have kids yet, but I monitor my niece and nephews use of the internet and I make sure to tell them warnings and what is not to do when they go online. After all, it's not only the real world that is dangerous but also the world wide web.

So take care everyone and just like what my husband said in our prayer meeting last night, as Christians, we should use the ever changing technology in our advantage, use every apps that is available for us to become more closer to God, you can download bible in different versions and a lot of good literature that can help us in our walk with God. Let us not allow the technology to become the reason for us to turn our backs from God, let's use it otherwise :)

Happy Sunday everyone and enjoy your corporate worship with your brothers and sisters in the Lord!!!

Discipleship

image source : http://diggingtheword.blogspot.com/2009/02/go-and-make-disciples.html

Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

~*~*~

I'm glad someone discipled me when I was just a new Christian, I'll forever be grateful to them because they taught me the very foundation of my faith.

This week, I'll resume my discipleship sessions with some of the young girls in our church. I pray I'll be able to impart to them what I have learned and that I'll be a good example for them as well.

 

 

 

Selah Band -Keep going..keep believing

I was encouraged by yesterday and today's devotional from Joel Osteen. Today he mentioned Elijah who prayed and asked Gog  to end the drought. Though at first,  his assistant did not see anything that could mean it will rain Elijah did not give up and quit, he said look again and then for the seventh time there is the cloud as small as a man's hand.  (1Kings 18:43-45)

Elijah believed even if he did not see anything. And I hope I can have that faith.

And I hope I can encourage my husband and the band too. For the longest time they dream of having that worship album, they worked on it and they started recording already. But circumstances halted the recording and now I know in their hearts they are beginning to lose hope again. It's been a while since the last recording session and they've only finish four songs. I wish they can resume working on it soon.  I pray we can save enough money to pay for the recording studio and that they'll be eager to finish the album before the year ends. 

If only I could awaken their enthusiasm...(sure this exciting Hiwatt guitar gadget will make them smile) but they don't need it at this point in time. What they need is to get back to groove, reclaim the excitement and work even more harder for their worship album.

I pray they will not lose the faith and that they will keep on believing like Elijah did.

Rich Thoughts For The Week

  by H. Herring

10.  Lack is one four-letter word you want to keep out of your vocabulary and your life.

  9.  Your happiness is your responsibility . . . not that of your family. . .best friend...employer or anybody else...it's a choice you make.

  8.  If you decide to stay as you are...then you will stay where you are in life. Three key words...learn, change and improve.

  7.  Never be moved by what others think or say. . .only by what God directs you to accomplish.

  6.  If you’re armed with the Word...you’re dangerous to the devil because of your understanding of the authority you operate in.

  5.  There are spiritual consequences when you embarrass your spouse or abuse them verbally. Read and meditate on Ephesians 5:29-33

  4.  Never allow your circumstances to cloud your thinking; destroy your dreams or make you settle for less than His best for your life.

  3.  Never make an important decision when you are too angry. . .too lonely. . .too tired. . .too hungry or when you haven't prayed about it.

  2.  While others are complaining about a lack of opportunity...you create your own.

And here’s the Number One Rich Thought Nugget for the past week.

  1.  Wanting the blessings of God without a relationship with Him is both foolish and wishful thinking. Matthew 6:33

7 things to make your faith grow

This is written by Harold Herring, sent to me through email by a Pastor, I'm just re-posting the snippets but you can read the article in full here. I'm sure you'll also learn from this.

 "Here are the seven things to make your faith grow...

1. Feed your FAITH..through the Word
 
READ YOUR BIBLE. . .BEGIN DOING WHAT IT SAYS AND YOU WILL HAVE A GROWTH SPURT IN FAITH.

2. Exercise your faith..by your actions

what you do in life. . .will be a reflection of what you’ve learned.

3. Speak to your faith..to make it grow

Your boldness in your faith will open doors of opportunity for you. 

4. Free your faith....from negativity

 “Feed your faith and starve your doubts.”

5. Believing the impossible as possible

 Luke 1:37 in the Amplified Bible says:
“For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.”

6.  Share it with others

Philemon 1:6 says “As you share the faith you have in common with others, I pray that you may come to have a complete knowledge of every blessing we have in Christ.”

7. Discuss your faith..frequently with your manufacturer

If we want to have advantages in life then we need to understand our instruction manual. . .God’s Holy Word.  Every answer to every problem we face is in the book.

Raising Funds for Ministries

Sometimes (okay most of the times) having lack of funds for the ministries disappoint me. And I know I should not look at it and just keep on going but reality is we need funds to feed the kids in that urban poor area, we need money to be able to send our scholars to school, we need funds when the band go to places to lead worship events and we need funds so they can finish their worship album.

So the burden of raising funds is always there, last night while my husband is printing t-shirt for the Global Intercessors we talked again on how we can raise funds for the band as we have one upcoming event this November in Mindoro, we had lots of ideas (thank God for that) and we weighed every possibilities to earn (from printing to selling foods and scraps in the house even military coin and silver coins if we have that).

 But of course, God never fails to provide. Thank you also that there are people whose heart was touched by the Lord and have been supporting us in all our ministries. The Lord bless you. Proof is, the first semester of school year is now over and we were able to pay all the tuition fees of our scholars.

For the upcoming second semester, two of our college students are already enrolled.

I know our ministry funds are depleting and running low but God will surely fill it again.

Proverbs 15:13-30

^{(New Internation Version)}

 

¹³ A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
    but heartache crushes the spirit.

¹⁴ The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
    but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

¹⁵ All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
    but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

¹⁶ Better a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great wealth with turmoil.

¹⁷ Better a small serving of vegetables with love
    than a fattened calf with hatred.

¹⁸ A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

¹⁹ The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
    but the path of the upright is a highway.

²⁰ A wise son brings joy to his father,
    but a foolish man despises his mother.

²¹ Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,
    but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

²² Plans fail for lack of counsel,
    but with many advisers they succeed.

²³ A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
    and how good is a timely word!

²⁴ The path of life leads upward for the prudent
    to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

²⁵ The Lord tears down the house of the proud,
    but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.

²⁶ The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked,
    but gracious words are pure in his sight.

²⁷ The greedy bring ruin to their households,
    but the one who hates bribes will live.

²⁸ The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

 ²⁹ The Lord is far from the wicked,
    but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

³⁰ Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
    and good news gives health to the bones.

Haggai 2:19

This week (as we continue to fast and pray) we received a new promise from the Lord and we are claiming it. I know the Lord is true to His promises, all I have to do is wait for it to happen, wait for the Lord's timing is always perfect.

Haggai 2:19 (NIV)

¹⁹ Is there yet any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit.“‘From this day on I will bless you.’”


Thank you Lord!!!

Why do we fast?

Today is our third day of the week long fasting and prayer in our church. Some of our leaders are fasting from 6 AM to 6PM but since me and my husband are working we decided to just do a one meal fast, we are giving up dinner for a week.

But why do we fast?
In the book of Joel 1 :14 it says
 "Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.^{" (NIV)}

Also in Luke 4 :2  "where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry." (NIV)

Biblical fasting is abstaining from food but today people fast from certain things also like internet or TV.

 Why do we fast? personally for us, it's because we want to be more closer to the Lord and we want to hear his voice in answer to our prayers. And basically to cry out with our petition. Number one on our list of prayer items is for us to have a child. I'm hoping and trusting that the Lord will grant our request because it's says in the last part of 1 Chronicles 5 :20 " He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him."

Fasting is not dieting but it's natural to lose some weight while on fast but it should not be your main reason :)
 Though I would be delighted if I can lose some too ( haha!) then I would not be looking for plus size homecoming dresses anymore. 

Anyways, here are some practical tips while fasting:

1. Rest as much as you can
2. Be in the spirit of prayer the whole day, you can pray for your family, nation, church and others..
3. Drink plenty of water
4. While in fast, it is normal to feel weak and irritable-so ready your self about it.
5. Bask in the presence of the Lord. Enjoy His company :)

The power of prayer

 When times are rough (just as it is now ) PRAYER is like my fortress, it's like a room where I can go to and there I find peace and quiet.

Talking to God (sometimes I know I just blabber)  but that doesn't matter,as long as I tell HIM everything, every single thing that worries me is the only way I can rest  knowing that HE is in control.

But there are times though that I don't even have a word in my prayer, I sit (or stand) still and cry. Especially when I am overwhelmed by a lot of burdens.

I thank the Lord that I can always go to Him in prayer and there I find comfort and assurance that somehow, somewhere everything will be alright.

~*~

"Psalm 107:28-30 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven"
 
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

James 5:14-16 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another,that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Worship Pastor

Apparently that's my husband position in our church now. I don't even know what it means :) but last Sunday, they (along with other Pastors) were presented in the church as we had our first Metro Manila joint worship service in our new worship place.

Honestly, the position and the title does not matter to us but the responsibility does.

And I know, here comes a bigger responsibility for him, am I afraid he can't cope with it? Oh yes I admit I am but I am also reminded that if those whom the Lord found faithful in small things, He gives more. So I praise God for entrusting bigger responsibility to my husband.

I stand on His promise that not by my husband's might but by the power of the Holy Spirit, he wil be able to fulfill this greater calling.

And I know also that I play a very big role on this as his wife.

I must understand and support him all the more. And I know he will be spending more time for this, for planning,praying, executing and pastoring all the worship teams from different outreaches of our church. Help me God :) because I know I can be rough at times specially when it comes to the many music instruments and gadgets, even an aa battery charger for microphones and what nots can cause a major headache for me sometimes.

I should understand that the responsibility was not given to my husband alone but for both of us. I acknowledge though that God will give us strength and all the resources we need for the ministry.

God bless everyone!!

Octoberpraise

When : October 12, 2012 -FRIDAY 
Where : Rainforest Skatepark, Pasig City  

SELAH will be there! 

Thankful Thursday

It's been a while since I last participated in Thankful Thursday :)  I know I have lot's to be thankful for everyday. I'm counting my blessings and focusing on what we have rather than what we don't have. Learning to be content on everything that God has given us, so here's my list;

1. Thankful for the job of my husband-I'm beginning to feel less stress in terms of our finances, his regular salary is such a big help and I know in no time will be more able to save  :) and hopefully buy some stuff like platinum rings perhaps to replace our cheap wedding rings or treat the whole family in a vacation. I really hope so someday.

2. I am so much thankful  for the health of my parents, my father is still seeing his doctor and still need a lot of test but we're seeing a very good improvement in his health, he is now walking daily and he looks better than before. Praise God!

3. My husband and I are also grateful for the opportunity to serve HIM in several ministries even if we have our regular day jobs. We are thankful that the band (SELAH) are being given more opportunities to lead the people in worship in different places here in the Philippines. I am thankful also for the people who supports the Fishnets ministry specially our scholarship program.

That's it for now :D If you are thankful, join us at "grace alone" blog.

Don't get snared

Got this on my email this morning. It was totally related to what I posted yesterday about power in declaration, the power of your words.

Just sharing with you guys :)

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Don’t Get Snared TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “You are snared by the words of your mouth...” (Proverbs 6:2, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria During the 1990’s, Jose Lima was the star pitcher for the Houston Astros. One season, he won 20 games and was considered one of the best pitchers in the league. When the Astros moved from the Astrodome to their new ballpark downtown, the fence in left field was much closer than the fence in the Astrodome. It favored the hitters and made it more difficult on the pitchers. The first time Jose Lima went to the new ballpark, he stood on the mound, looked at the fence, and the first words out of his mouth were, “I’ll never be able to pitch in here. The fence is way too close.” Sure enough, he went from being a 20-game winner to a 16-game loser. It was one of the biggest negative turnarounds in the history of the Astros. What happened? He prophesied his future. Today, don’t get snared by the words of your mouth. When negative thoughts come, don’t speak them out; instead, speak life. Speak hope. Speak blessing. Speak what you seek! Speak the Word of God so you can move forward in the victory He has prepared for you! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, today I submit my thoughts, my words, and every area of my life to You. Help me, by Your Spirit, to speak life according to Your Word. Help me to stay aligned with You on the path of blessing in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

Psalm 23:6

There is power in what you say, power in declaration and we've been singing this verse and declaring it in our lives. And we believe that surely..it will come to pass :)

image source : google :D

Update: Scholars

This is actually sad news. One of our high school scholars who was with our church in Las Pinas City is now back to Bulacan.

I was able to talk to the Mom over the phone last night and she confirmed that yes, Joshua is now  with them and they've already transferred him to another school there. Somehow, I think it's good news knowing that the kid will be with his parents now and that he'll still be studying there. At first I thought he's gonna stop which is sad because  we're almost in the middle of the school year.

Good thing they already arranged the transfer. what I'm worried about is that, the kid might get back to old habits as he did when he was with his parents, he stopped studying and he stopped going to church and was a headache to his parents. I hope and pray that the months he spent in the church and his involvement with many spiritual revivals ( youth camp and bible studies) will make his faith strong and his dreams alive.

I scheduled a personal meeting with his Mom this Friday and after that the team will decide about his scholarship. I am sure we can find ways to still be of help with the kid even if he is not with us anymore.

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I'm currently finishing the brochure for our current scholars. Our computer at home is still sick (and dying) and I'm wishing it will not wipe my hard drive before we are able to replace it.No pleaaaase :)

I am hoping I can give you more updates about our scholars through that brochure I am doing. But for the mean time, I hope you all keep us in prayers (our scholars, their studies and the whole Fishnets ministry).

God bless you all!

New worship place

Finally, our Pastor was able to talk to the Barangay Captain and got her approval for the use of the function room of the Barangay Hall for our Sunday Worship. Praise God!!

It is still not permanent and we will still be paying a thousand peso per use but it is much comfortable compared to where we are doing our Sunday worship now.

And oh, the first time we will use it is on September 30 and my husband will be the preacher on that Sunday. His first time ever to preach in a Sunday worship. To say that I am nervous is an understatement. I don't know how I am going to sit still and listen to him on that day. 

So please please, pray for my husband, for wisdom, for anointing and for him to listen to God's voice and say whatever is it that God want's the people to hear.

But overall, I am excited for the new worship place and for all the new things to come!!

Praying for our future house

Like many other couples out there, we also dream of having our own house someday. Even if we are living a missionary's life and that someday we will be away on mission trips it is still best for us to have our own home here in the Philippines. We've been praying and my husband and I both knew what we wanted for our house. We don't dream of a huge house, a 2 bedroom will do, with our own backyard and front lawn (we both love to have a small garden and lots of green plants around the house. So yes, we both knew we want a house not in the city but somewhere in the province.

But of course it all depends upon the Lord.

 I saw this site (pre-selling townhouse type somewhere in the province of Bulacan) two hours away from the Metro. It is appealing because it's near my sister's place. I was just hesitant because it is a townhouse. If we go for this, it means we bid goodbye to our front and backyard and small garden dreams :(

I don't know. We are still praying and we are hoping God will give what is best for us and not what we deem is right for us.

I hope you include us and our future house in your prayers.

SOULED OUT : A fundraising concert

This will happen in Las Pinas City this Saturday. SELAH Global worship band will be there and a lot more performances from the youth of different churches. Proceeds will go to Las Pinas' JHOW Mission's house. Please support us in prayers. Thanks and God bless everyone!!

Thank God it's Friday

Because it means weekend and who doesn't love weekend di ba? Although for me it still means not getting rest as weekend means ministry time for me and my husband I still love weekend.

Tonight in our prayer meeting,I'll be speaking and I covet your prayers. I've spoke many times in many church gathering but each time  I still feel butterfly in my stomach. I still get nervous :(

Sunday, my husband and the band (SELAH) were invited in a concert for a cause and we are excited for that. It's been a while since they all played and sang together in a worship concert. It will also be preparation for the upcoming fundraising concert of our church in Alabang come September 15.

So now, they are quite busy rehearsing and preparing for that 2 events. My husband bought another gadget for his electric guitar. It's a second hand though and he said it's a good deal so I just believe him. But I told him to stop looking at deal sites offering such gadgets sale and supplies like turnbuckle because he can't resist them. He promised though that the next one he's going to buy will be on December already. I really hope so.

Although I have to commend my husband for finding ways to earn extra money for his gadgets, like tonight after the prayer meeting, we will do t-shirt printing and he will deliver it tomorrow. God bless the hands of my husband :)

What are you up to this weekend? Whatever your plans are may you all have a blessed weekend!!!

Through the Roof

I  will talk about this in our Prayer meeting this Friday. Please pray that the Lord will give me wisdom and that the people who will come and attend the prayer meeting will get something from this. Not by might, nor by power but by the Spirit of the Lord.

image from : http://www.docstoc.com/docs/115083296/Through-the-Roof-Luke-517-26

New bass and guitar amplifiers

Our church has now brand new bass and guitar amplifiers! How exciting is that? You go ask my husband (our worship Pastor) and he'll tell you how much it meant to him and the whole music team :) and of course to everyone of us. Jesus the Heart of Worship Global Ministries, Inc. started it's  Sunday worship with only one guitar and 2 old microphones and speakers and now we have additional sound system equipment. I know it won't be long till we also have the new set of speakers and mixers and maybe even an audio control surface. God is good and He always provides :) 

Here are our new amplifiers much to the delight of the worship team :)

 God bless everyone!!

Worship instead of worrying!

"You can not worry and worship at the same time" Thank you for reminding me Lord.

Just want to share with you this devotional I read on my mail  from Joel Osteen. God spoke to me through this because He knows I've been worrying a lot in the past few days. Be blessed!

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Let God Be God TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him...” (Psalm 37:7, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Are you struggling with trying to make a dream come to pass? Are you frustrated in a relationship, trying to make someone else change or live right? You may mean well, you may have good goals, but if you are trying to orchestrate things to happen your way, on your timetable, you are only going to frustrate yourself. At some point, you have to turn those circumstances over to God and trust that He has your best interest at heart. How do you turn things over to God? Start by making the choice and declaring your resolve. Simply say, “Father, I choose to let You be God of this situation. I take my hands off. I trust You.” Then, choose to worship Him. Worship is one of the best ways to set your heart and mind in the right place. You can’t worry and worship at the same time! Worship is a sign that you are trusting God; worry is a sign that you are trying to control things. Today, take the pressure off yourself and turn things over to God. Give Him control and let Him take your setbacks and turn them into comebacks. Remember, the God who holds the universe holds you in the palm of His hand. Trust Him and let God be God in every area of your life! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, today I choose to release every care and concern into Your loving hands. I refuse to worry and choose to trust. Fill me with Your peace. Show me Your ways as I surrender every area of my heart and life to You in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

Exceedingly and Abundantly

image source : http://inspiredbyfamilymag.com/2012/02/11/the-story-behind-the-artist-taking-risks/

Drums and new microphones

Slowly, we are getting back to normal. I mean our worship services.

Last Sunday, for the first time in more than two months, we set up Ramon's drum set :) Everyone was thrilled to see him play drums again. It's been a while

And also, we were blessed with three brand new microphones!! I'm sure it won't be long till we have that speakers and amplifiers we are praying for.

God is really good and He never failed us. His faithfulness in our church and to everyone of us is amazing!

We are still praying for a permanent worship place, a place where we can always gather anytime we want to. A place where we can set-up our musical instruments and bulletin boards. It can just be a square room that can accommodate at least a hundred people. I'm sure with the creativity of our young people it will be one nice worship place. Knowing them, they would even want a wall fountain in one area :) That would be soothing! 

But anyways, slowly God is answering our prayers. If  He has blessed us with equipment I'm sure He'll give us a permanent worship place too!!

SELAH band with Paul Tagle

It was their first time and they were bit nervous but all in all it turned out good. Hopefully they'll have more worship sessions coming soon!

Give thanks in all circumstances

My husband spoke at a midweek service last night and his message was about the power of gratitude :) and he quoted 1 Thessalonians 5:18 " give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

I was reminded of the many things actually endless things that I should be thankful for. Everyday we have reasons to thank God and therefore reasons to praise and worship Him.

After the service-I was immediately put to test. Someone told me about a text that angered me and my very first instinct is to do something but while we were on our way home I decided to just give thanks that at this point in time I am being tested and that my character is being mold thorugh this. And we prayed and thanked the Lord for the circumstances.

Sometimes, when we are not in a so good situation we find it hard to give thanks, but you'll be surprised how the very people that has been affected by the recent flood are still thankful for a lot of things. Bless their heart.

Last night, we were also taught to give thanks in advance for the things that we pray and hope for. In a way declaring that we will soon receive the answer to those prayer.

of course I gave thanks for the gift of parenthood, for the daughter or the son that He will be giving us soon. I know in my heart that we will become parents soon. I don't know how but I know we will in no time :) I am excited! and recently I've been browsing online stores that sells baby stuff again, you know those cloth diapers that are so cute and the lullaby earth crib mattress . I even thank God for the baby shower my friends would give me someday..hahaha!!

This sounds crazy but that's my hope and faith :)

How much is one's soul?

JESUS our savior paid it with his life. His life is priceless because HE is the only son of GOD the Father and HE loved him deeply and yet HE gave him up for us. 

It is very very clear in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world..that HE gave His only begotten Son..."

So therefore we Christians and believers of Christ should not also put a "tag price" on one's soul. Souls are important to HIM and HE wants everyone to be save and live with HIM in eternity. 

Luke 15:7 says " I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent"

I understand one sinner who repents....

And  why am I  writing this? because I can't get over with the comment I read about a youth camp last Sunday. I do not exactly remember the words but it says something like this " The souls brought to the Lord does not compensate with the expenses made"

I almost cried when I read that..I wanted to cry because of the fact that the ones who made such comments are not mere Christians but Leaders and Pastors.

So my question ( and really I want to ask them this given the chance) is how much should a church or organization spend for a soul? Fifty pesos per soul? One Hundred pesos per soul? One Thousand per soul?

It is so sad that money counts a lot and that churches are not willing to spend much for the salvation of one sinner...

While JESUS gave HIS everything including HIS very own life.