Moving Back to the Philippines

Hi readers!

I'm sorry I haven't updated this blog for ages... Just kinda busy with some other things.

Well, I'm back here to the Philippines! I'll definitely write about the experience in Fiji and how I felt about moving back at home after 2 years and a half away from it.

I'm gonna have a major blog makeover very soon!

Toodles,

Favor With People

Wow, haven't been updating this blog for ages. Sorry guys! hehe. Anyhow, we just finished the South Pacific Conference in our fellowship. It was awesome. I could write a novel. lol.

This was the sermon on August 21st, Friday and was first written on my Facebook as a note. Just thought I'd share it here on my Blogspot. hehe. :p

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Ok, I'm just aimless now. lol. I'm writing this because of Pastor Walsh's sermon entitled 'Favor with People'.

He tells about a man he carefully observed. A man who prays and reads the Bible. He does the things of God. He is basically a man of God. But when he goes home, he is friendless. He don't have the favor with people.

I guess I'm like that. No, it's not a guess. It's a fact. Here in Fiji, at least. I go to church 3 times a week. I'm always present in church activities. Haven't been in outreaches lately though. I love the church. It's been our 'family' here in Fiji.

But reality strikes... I have few friends. Friends that I could say I'm really *close* with. Like close, close. Thank God I have a sister I'm always with. If not for her, I could say I'm always ALL BY MYSELF. lol.

Ahhh. It's frustrating! haha.

I'm shy and quiet. I know.. That's the first impression my friends say. But there's a reason for that... I had no childhood friends aside from my siblings and classmates in school. I mean, you know. In the Phil, at least, you have some playmates and friends in the neighborhood. I got none. I play with my sibs, and sometimes, with our yaya's or nannies. But I don't treat them like that. They are like a family. They took care of us when our parents were not there for us. **hint hint** Guess, you now get it why I'm shy and quiet... Yes, it has something to do with the past. I'll tell it all next time. It's another novel. I mean, story... lol

I hate rejection. I guess, not being able to be close with my rents when I was young somewhat made me feel rejected.

Going back to the story, I'm like that man. I believe I do the things of God yet I don't find the favor with people. lol. Haha. Okay, enough for the emo-ness... I'm not saying I dont have friends. I have few *close* friends that I would really miss when I leave Fiji. I guess, the others cant catch up with me. I'm the person that doesn't talk much when I'm not that close to someone. But I must tell you, I'm easy to get along with. I suck at starting a conversation. It's hard for me to make new friends. Coz in the Phil, they make friends with me. lol. So I thank those friends who took the initiative. lmao. haha.

To my future friends, I'm not that hard to be friends with. I guess, one of the reasons people don't want to be that close to me is because they think the only way to get connected with me is Starbucks, and other some-what expensive places I go to hang out. I thought of that reason because someone has told me once that 'I have expensive taste'... I'm not choosy with those kinds of stuffs. I can eat street foods too, for crying out loud! haha. XD I might be a big spender at times but I also know how to save money.

Ok, whatever.. I just wanna let my future friends know that I wanna be friends with them. It's easy but it's hard. lol. It's easy to be friends with me but it's hard to keep up with me. I'm introvert. Someone must *trigger* that friendliness in me. lol

Favor with People. Why is it so hard to get? Sigh......

3 reasons Pastor Walsh pointed out:

1. Busy-ness --- I'm too busy with nothing. lol. I mean, they are busy with something. Probably, with their own circle of friends.
2. Selfishness --- Okay, I'm not selfish. But maybe somehow. Ahh yeahh... When I have a friend, I want all of their attention,,,in some ways.. lol :p
3. Laziness --- I'm too lazy to make friends... specially if I know that it wont last that long. What do I mean by this? As I've said, I'm easy to be friends with but it's hard to keep up with me. If I think that you're not the type of person who is like my best friend who is talkative (thank goodness she's not on Facebook), I mean hyper friendly not talkative, I'm lazy to make the effort. I know it's demonic. I should get rid of that motto and start to reach out and make friends. Ahh. I hate rejection. lol.

Ok... I dunno why I shared this out. Less than 4 months to stay in Fiji. I guess, I'm still hoping to make some more friends before I leave. I mean, *close* friends. Or maybe not. At least, the fewer close friends I have, the fewer people I would miss when I go home. *emo* lol lol lol.


Toodles,

Don't Get 'Hooked' By Your Teenager

Be clear minded and self-controlled. 1 Peter 4:7 NIV

Teenagers can test your sanity. They're neither adult nor child, and can become either without notice. Flooding hormones and exploding neurons spark biochemical reactions in their heads and bodies. Words like, 'What in the world were you thinking?' form involuntarily on your lips. In response come sullen teenage shrugs, followed by the incomprehensible, 'I don't know.' And they don't! What can you do? 'Lock them up?' Sorry, that's illegal. But here are two things that will help.

1) Back off and slow down. 'Be clear minded and self-controlled.' One of the biggest mistakes parents make is overreacting, which triggers an escalating battle of wills you're unlikely to win. Decibel levels rise, wisdom fails, your teen concludes you're the crazy one, and suddenly there's no adult present and nobody's 'minding the store.' You've become part of the problem, leaving your child angry and insecure, without a rational role model. Pray, breathe deeply and count to ten! For your child's sake, it's time for the clear minded and self-controlled parent to prevail.

2) Remember, anger begets anger. 'An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin' (Proverbs 29:22 NLT). No one can infuriate you like a teenager trying to grow up. A look, a word, an attitude, and you're 'hooked;' you're in a shouting match with your own child. How crazy is that? Emotionally charged exchanges hard wire your teenager's brain for automatic, long-term anger reactions. What's the answer? Use the carrot and stick approach of Scripture: 'Provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture [love and encouragement] and admonition [character building discipline] of the Lord' (Ephesians 6:4).

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I so agree with these two points. Specially the second one. I myself, hate to be shouted at and when my parents do that, they will get what they want. lol. I know it's wrong but it's reality, even the Bible says that. hehe. Peace out! XD

The Resume of Jesus Christ

Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13
Website: The Bible. Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus

Hello. My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.

Qualifications

• I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
• I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
• I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
• I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
• The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

Occupational Background

• I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
• I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
• My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)

Skills Work Experiences

• Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
• I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
• Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)

Educational Background

• I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
• In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
• My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
• I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

Major Accomplishments

• I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).
• I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
• I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).
• I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
• There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

References

• Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance

In Summation

Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).

Knowing Jesus, Who is God

Jesus! Who is he? Amazon.com has 175,986 books about him. Google has over 165 million references to him. He has profoundly and positively impacted every conceivable aspect of life on this planet. People throughout history had all sorts of ideas about him ranging from “a liberal” to “Higher Power” to “Santa Claus” to “an enlightened moral person.”

“What about you? Who do you say I am?" Jesus asked Peter in Matthew 16:15. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," replied Peter. John 20:30-31 says, “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” Knowing Jesus personally and intimately is the central purpose of life. The destiny of every human being depends upon his relationship to Jesus because He is God. The result of believing in him is life. Jesus said in John 17:3, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus whom You have sent.” Who is Jesus? What does the Bible say about him? How do we get to know him?

Jesus is the God of the universe. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The traditional Jewish mindset would understand John to be saying that the Word is the creative power of God and is, in fact, God Himself. He created the universe. Colossians 1:16 says, “For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.”

Jesus is the Lord of life. He is the Giver of life, and He is life eternal. “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men” (John 1:4). This life is the opposite of death, destruction, and condemnation.

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.” He gives life freely to those who ask to receive it. Jesus Christ is Life Eternal and He offers that life to us through the new birth—by being born again.

It is solely by God’s power, not ours, that we receive Life. Apart from Christ we are spiritually dead. When we put our faith in Jesus, believing and receiving Him into our hearts, we are made alive in Him!

Jesus is Light unquenchable. Light can never be overcome by darkness. John 1:5 says, “The Light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” No darkness can and ever will overcome or extinguish Jesus.

“John came as a witness, to testify concerning that Light, so that through him all men might believe. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. The true Light that gives light to every man was coming into the world” (John 1:7-9). John knew it was not his responsibility to attract people to himself, but to bring them to Christ. In the same way, we are to be reflectors of the Light so that people might believe in Him.

Jesus is the Savior of sinners. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth,” says John 1:14. Jesus is God revealed in the flesh. In John 1:29, John sees Jesus coming toward him and he says, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

This is a truth that echoes all the way from Genesis 3, the fall of man. Before God sent Adam and Eve out of the garden, He made garments from animal skins and by His grace, clothed them with it. This is a picture of how Jesus, the Lamb of God, would be slain to cover the shame of our sinfulness. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.

Throughout the Old Testament, we see the shed blood of a spotless lamb as a guilt offering for sin. Sin must be paid for by the shedding of blood and for centuries lamb after lamb was sacrificed daily at the Temple. Then one day, John saw Jesus and declared loudly that He is the Lamb, who once and for all takes away sins of the world, forever. “Christ is our Passover Lamb who was sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7). He who knew no sin became sin for us on the cross so that we, who certainly know sin, might become the righteousness of God in Him. John testifies that this same Lamb is “the Son of God” (John 1:34). The God of the universe has become the Lamb to be our full and final sacrifice for sin.

“He who believes in Him is not judged,” says John 3:18. “He who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” There are two kinds of people: those who believe in Jesus, and those who are already judged because of unbelief. Which category do you fall under? More importantly…

What will you do with this Jesus? What will you do with Jesus, who is the Son of God, and has done so much for you? If you are a believer, worship Him! Be a witness for Him! Let your life’s desire be to know Jesus and to make Him known to others.

If you are not yet a believer but want to receive Him into your life, you can do so at this very moment. Believe that Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb and that He died on the cross in your place. His promise is that “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).

You need Jesus. Just between you and God, bow your head right now and pray from your heart. Tell your Creator and Savior that You believe in Him and receive Him as your Lord and Master. Then you will have Jesus forever. He will never leave you. He loves you.

Source: http://www.ccf.org.ph/sunday-messages/?sermon_id=56

Is Being A Christian Hard?

I got saved when I was like 6 years old. I knew I was a sinner so I repented and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. So that makes me a Christian since then. I grew up in Sunday School and went to a Christian School. It's actually a Baptist denomination so it has been a strong Christian background, plus it's kinda old school. No loud music, no raising of hands, no clapping, no dancing and your clothes should be really conservative. By the way, I'm now a Born Again Christian but I don't mock the Baptists. I believe that religion will never save us from Hell and get us to Heaven because the only way is through Jesus Christ. By repentance and acceptance of Him, we will be saved. A real Christian is have a personal relationship with God.

Being a Christian is definitely NOT the end of all the problems you have. Some people think that when you become a Christian, God will make your life perfect. He can do that but not too fast. Christianity is a journey. You will still encounter difficulties in life but of course, God will help you all the way as long as you rely on Him and keep the faith. This is how He tells us that we obviously need Him and He is the source of everything. He is the answer.

Another reason why we still struggle in life is because being a Christian makes Satan mad. He doesn't want us to follow God because all Satan wants is for us to commit sin and live with it. Being a Christian is hard because our enemy is Satan.

As a Christian, we must always try to endure all the pains. Believe in God always and keep the faith because one day, all of these will be gone.

Being a Christian might be hard but remember that with God, nothing is impossible! He is always there for us so we should always rely on Him.

Toodles,

Why Did You Send Me?

Then Moses went back to the LORD and protested, “Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!” [Exodus 5:22-23]

In Exodus 5, Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh, asking that he give the Israelites a short reprieve from their work so that they might hold a festival to honor the Lord. Predictably, Pharaoh responded negatively. In fact, he punished the Israelites because of what Moses and Aaron had done, which angered the Israelites. So Moses, no doubt feeling confused and betrayed by the Lord, complained to him, asking “Why did you send me?” (v. 22).

What Moses and Aaron experienced as leaders is quite common, actually. Though the details may differ, leaders of change almost always confront negative reactions. I experienced this time and again in the church. I remember one time when, in order to improve the flow of a worship service, I moved the offering from its usual place. One man was furious with me. “You prohibited me from worshiping God through my offering,” he insisted. Even such a relatively small change was traumatic for him. I felt disheartened, even though I believed I had done the right thing.

Even when, like Moses, we’re doing God’s will in bringing about change, we shouldn’t be surprised when people become angry with us. We may very well echo Moses’ complaint to God: “Why did you send me?” In situations like this, turning to God in honest prayer restores our confidence. It reminds us that transformational leadership is never easy, and that we cannot do it alone. But if we seek to please God above all, and if we rely on his strength, then God will use and bless our efforts, even if they don’t turn out how we had hoped.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Have you ever experienced a reaction to your leadership similar to what we read in Exodus 5? What did you do? What enables you to remain steadfast in the face of complaint and criticism?


PRAYER: Dear Lord, you know how discouraging it can be when our leadership begets negativity. Sometimes the very people we’re trying to help are the most critical of our efforts. This is hard, Lord. You know that, of course, because you’ve experienced this very sort of thing from your people for centuries.

Help us, Lord, when our leadership is poorly received. Give us the humility to examine what we’re doing, to make sure we’re pursuing the right course. Give us wisdom to make any changes that are warranted. And then, give us confidence in you, so that we might continue to be faithful as leaders, for your sake, no matter how people might be unhappy with us. Amen.

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Hey guys!

Mahn, if you guys didn't know, I've been here in Fiji for more than 2 years. Yes that's right. Wow, it's been 2 years! haha. And counting... lol.

Anyways, I want to write something about how I lived here in Fiji for 2 years now. Hmmm. I was supposed to write it on our "second year anniversary" here in Fiji last May 29th. But apparently, I was kinda busy with some school stuffs. We just finished this school term, by the way. What a relief! haha.

So before I write a novel for my 2 years of my Fiji life, I wanted to post this stuff first! YAY. Why Did You Send Me? Why did God send me here in Fiji? I'll write some stuffs on what I've learned here and how did it change me in some ways. Well, it's been a blessing in disguise. God sent us here for a reason. It's His will.

Ahhh.. The next blog post will be a long one. I hope... haha. I hope my laziness won't strike me so I can share some wonderful stuffs with y'all!

Toodles,