College & Updates on Life!

(Check out my new blog: mary4christ.wordpress.com “Little me & a Big God”)

Hey! I know its been a long time I haven’t posted anything and I deeply apologize. Life has been quite busy and quick and, in other words, dramatic and crazy. But God has definitely been good in my life. And by the way, I’m in college now! I enrolled at CEU, Manila taking Pre-Dentistry as my pre-med to become a proper dental student. So yeah, there are lots of ongoing changes in my life right now and surprisingly… I’ve been doing well, which makes me even more confident of the Bible verse, Philippines 4:13 “I can do all things THROUGH CHRIST who strengthens me.” and He very well did!

At the age of 15, being pampered and very, let me stress it again with bold and italic letters, very dependent on my parents, going back to my hometown to study and (hopefully) survive without their presence is very daunting to imagine. I mean, they’re only going to stay here for 1 month to guide me through, but then for the rest of the years (6 or more), I’ll be on my own. Then again, I’m not really on my own because, believe it or not, God had EVERYTHING planned out. From the flight home to my schooling and studies- everything was so perfect, even if we haven’t seen it laid out in front of our eyes, everything just comes to place right in the very moment. God provided for everything! Believe me.

Okay, so I haven’t told you this story (because I apparently haven’t updated you guys about anything- sorry about that), but I also enrolled to study in UST to take Nursing, which was a blurry choice of course for me to take- well so is dentistry- ANYWAY (going out of topic), I passed the exam ~ with flying colors! Haha kidding aside, I passed the exam but failed the interview. Which by the way, was held at Skype at Feb 14, 6am which was on Valentines day- isn’t that cool for my very first interview? I wasn’t so sad about not passing, and I trusted God that He had a better plan- but at that time, that was the ONLY school I enrolled in and basically, it would be considered late to enroll into any other school for that matter.

Long story short, I am now officially an Escolarian (what they call their students here at Centro Escolar University) and I am proud to be one! I stay in a dormitory with my 3 roommates, one of which includes my best friend, Shayne (who’s been my bud for 3 years). I can say that the dorm and the school is very secure and well managed. #blessed! And believe it or not but, college is fun and exciting… I’ve made new friends, this and that. AND I didn’t experience any cultural shock or any BIG changes, though externally there are quite many big changes in my life- but no doubt, my God has kept me stable. There are times when I feel out of place (or what we call, OP here in the Philippines), because most of the students are older than me and have already experienced drinking, smoking, and partying. But I’m totally fine with that- with all the things that the Lord has provided for me, I’m pretty sure that He will provide true friends as well 🙂 Another thing I’d like to address, is my need for familiarity. Though I didn’t experience any culture shock, the need for something or someone familiar constantly– how do you say this– it feels ouch and sad. Yeah, that’s how It feels. I just miss my friends, all my church-mates, my sibs, classmates, etc. I just miss them all. I miss Grayham as well (my rabbit), and the smell of the beach and the fresh air. No offense Philippines, but the air, if you haven’t noticed, smells polluted. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the Philippines, especially the people- and I do somehow prefer it over Dubai (don’t be too shocked), but it isn’t exactly the cleanest and safest country out there. And many would agree. To put it out more kindly, its a progressing country.

I haven’t found a church near the dorm yet, but I do attend a Christian church in Pacita which is probably an hour and a half away from the school. I don’t mind, as long as I get to attend the service. You have NO idea how important it is to have friends who will help you and guide you spiritually in your life. The fellowships we have at church is like no other get-togethers. They’re the ones who will encourage you and strengthen you in your journey. With this in mind, I started searching for small community churches near Mendiola while I was still abroad. I’m left with none at the moment. But then again, the Lord will provide.

My relationship with God is improving. I get to spend time with Him more than I did back in Dubai and I’m reminded of Him more as well. I feel very grateful and thankful for what He has done in my life this year. Most especially when I go to church on Sundays… I get overwhelmed and start to get teary eyed because- just because haha. I must admit, though I do take the time to read His word and pray every night, I never really savored it. Get me? I’m always either too tired or too stressed to actually just be in the moment with God. I’m always in a hurry reading the Bible, to finish one chapter just to ease myself from the conviction I get, “SPEND MORE TIME WITH GOD.”  No doubt, I need Him. College is a whole new level. More tests and quizzes. You’ve got the “tests of Faith” and the “Who Am I?” quiz. See what I did there? Haha! 😀 funny… funny…

There’s more where that came from and I’d love to tell you guys every single detail. Man, there’s a lot. But I’ve got to study for my quiz on Botany tomorrow. Hohoho God bless you, mah luvs! ^^

Evangelism || Anywhere, Anytime, Anyone [God’s Perfect Timing]

Before I share with you my very first successful and filled-with-passion evangelizing to a 7 year old, I would like to explain “Anywhere, Anything Time, Anyone”, it basically means ‘do not limit yourselves in sharing the word of God’ but then of course there is also ‘God’s perfect timing’ and God’s ‘perfect place’ so I just wanted to clear things up a little just so you wouldn’t get confused.

Now to my ‘very first successful and filled-with-passion’ evangelizing-

 Setting: In the Bus (a ride home)

 Time: Curiosity of the Girl

 Character:
 – Me
– a 7 year old girl named, Phm
– My sister, Gab

It all started with my pink bible that was given to me by my Pastor as a Christmas present, I brought it with me to school with the  sudden desire and hunger to read it everyday. I opened to Genesis 42 while in the bus ride home. My sister being a very nosy girl,  grabbed the book and read aloud. I grew irritated and made no efforts to hide it. Next to me was Phm, a young girl and a friend of Gab’s (my sister),

she asked suddenly “Is that a bible? It’s so thick! How could you read all that?”
I smiled at her, still irritated at my sister who continued to read aloud,
“I read it little by little” I replied to her,
“What’s story are you reading?” she asked,
“Joseph the Dreamer” I replied once again,
“Joseph the Dreamer?” she repeated with a confused tone in her voice. I smiled at her and carefully told her the story of Joseph- which she still doesn’t get but is very interested and intent in listening. She kept asking questions about God, Heaven, and about prayer. It was very refreshing for me to see an innocent girl her age get so excited and energetic about God.

“Do you know Jesus?” I asked her as it was the most important thing I needed to know. She replied, yes then asked me if Jesus and God are the same. I answered, yes. Then I told her more about Jesus and heaven, that He was the only way to go there. She asked me many things- it was crazy! I’ve never felt so tested, but by the grace of God, I answered every question with- a little thinking done- but with complete ease.  I told her how there were no tears andsadness in heaven, and she smiled the whole time. It was beautiful. I told her that there were many animals in heaven, and she grinned asking me if there were ponies in heaven and unicorns, then mermaids, and the like. I stared at her with laughter in my heart. Lord, how innocent this child is. She asked me where she could find Jesus if she and her family were in Heaven. She told me that she was shy, shy to talk to people. Then I told her that she shouldn’t be shy, especially not to Jesus. “Jesus loves you very much and He really wants to talk to you..”

She was flowing with lots of questions that I just told her “All the answers are in the Bible. That’s why its so big, because we have a lot of questions, and all the answers are in it. God’s words are in it”. She stared at me in awe, then asked “Who writes the bible? How could they write it?”, I told her that God spoke directly to His chosen people in the past and told them what to write. She smiled and asked a lot more questions like, “Are there gadgets in heaven?” , “How big is God?” and some that I couldn’t recall anymore, but in the end of it all she said to me with a smile on her face “Jesus sounds really nice. Heaven sounds nice too! and all the stories you told me about Joseph and.. Da- who?”, “David.” “… David. They’re all so nice- thank you for telling me more about God, Ate Mary”

And I couldn’t help but think how amazing and wonderful God is! And how He had used me as an instrument to share His word to this beautiful girl. Gab even intervened in our conversation giving her point of view and the things she read in the bible. When Phm asked, “Are there any gadgets in heaven?”, Gab replied, “No! Because in the Bible it says ‘Do not JUDGE or you will be judged also’ so no, there are no JUDGES in heaven.” That was just hilarious. What these kids can say and do… you shouldn’t really underestimate them. It’s really a blessing. Phm told me that she was gonna share this to her parents and I replied “Why not?”- my gift for her tomorrow… a bible.

Evangelism is a command and its a really good feeling to share the word of God to others.  So when do you share the word of God and to whom?

Acceptance & Judgement

I’ve learnt about these two subjects countless of times, but I seem to re-encounter them over and over again. I guess that at times, we tend to stumble upon the same happenings or events from the past for us to truly see and learn what God is trying to tell us. So it is safe to say that, I haven’t truly placed this topic in heart and understand it fully.

At school, one of my friends- who has been my classmate for 3 times in a row now- shared a book entitled “Today Is Your Day by Arun Gogna”

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-and she was just really emotional as she explained why we should read this pocket book, and she also told us about her rivalry with her siblings and that is when she started crying which really touched me- I actually dealt with the same problems she dealt with and we both have our conflicts which is one thing we both have in common- we’re actually no different. Plus! She’s really fun to be with now that her good side over shone her bad side . But before that, I used to hate her, get irritated and annoyed by her presence.

One thing that used to annoy me was her sarcasm, and to be honest, it still (kind of) annoyed me, the only difference is that my point of view has changed. Another thing was that she always wants to win an argument… always. But then, I don’t really know much do I? Do I know what she has been through? No. Do I know what is her intentions? No. Do I know what she is thinking? No. Only God knows and only He could judge. So what gives me the right to judge a person if I barely know anything about him/ her?

And I have another friend who is slightly similar, she is pretty sarcastic and also wants to win an argument every single time and whenever I try to tell her my point of view, she would always shut me up and just stay plain with what she believes in without letting me finish or share what I want to say. I even remember thinking to myself what I would say if she ever said this or that- what my perfect comeback would be, so that I could show her that she can’t win an argument all the time and that she has to listen sometimes even though she thinks it is wrong. A harsher way of saying this is… to shame her. Though I was really tempted to do this, I had to stop myself. What will I earn from this? Yes I might shame her- but other than that, all I would do is hurt her. She’s also the type who denies that she cares- but in truth, she does care and she is capable of hurting. She was also really open to me (though there are still lots of things hidden of course) it’s still pretty rare for her to openly share her feelings (at least that’s what I know). So I also want to open up myself, tell her how I felt and how I feel now. I’m really ashamed of myself, especially since I’m a Christian, for judging both of them- and all the other people I have judged. But everybody makes mistakes, though that is an excuse, it is the truth.

Jesus lovers and Jesus freaks, learn to accept and leave the judging to God.

PS. Their names won’t be posted here. I’m simply sharing a testimony and I have learnt from experience. Not trying to shame or embarrass anyone. Thank you for reading! Have a good night and God bless ya’ll!

HE’LL NEVER STOP LOVING US, NO MATTER HOW FAR WE RUN~ Passion 2013, “God’s Great Dance Floor”

Bible Verse of The Week || He Loves You No Matter What!

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:15-16)

In Values class our teacher decided to let us open up to each other and tell about our experience of having a fight/ disagreement with our parents. And what I heard was really- it’s unbelievable! I didn’t know that they bottled up so much pain. They’re hurting. One had a problem with homosexuality- lesbian girlfriend (I wasn’t able to understand the whole story because she spoke in a low voice and kept on hiccuping), but I’m sure her parent’s didn’t take it very well. I didn’t understand what she was going through, but somehow I felt her pain. I’m kinda new to this and never had a friend who had this kind of problem. I was shell-shocked but I tried to keep my face neutral and nonchalant, this was a BIG DEAL.

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, NIV)

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So I decided to find out what God would do about it, how He would handle the situation. And I ended up finding this short article of a girl who’s best friend let out his biggest secret.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/iyf/hottopics/friendsfamily/7c3048.html?start=1

http://www.christianitytoday.com/iyf/advice/goodadvice/20.46.html

Some of my classmates had lost their loved ones, had been punched by their parents, etc. it was heart wrenching. “But I couldn’t just go up to them and tell them that God loves them- or could I?”

I just wish that they’d see how much God loves them no matter who they are or how much they had sinned. God loves us. God loves me. God loves YOU. And I know it is my mission to take baby steps and gradually share the gospel to them and even if they don’t accept Him yet, there is a time for everything. God’s perfect time. No matter how much or how badly people have sinned, God’s love can still reach them. Even drug dealers. Even murderers. The worst person you can imagine can receive God’s forgiveness by humbly asking for it (“Ignite Your Faith”). I just really need to have courage and take risks. I have to accept rejection and learn to love and control anger. I also need to learn how to pray. PRAYER IS POWER.

So, can I ask all of you out there who is reading this, to please pray for my classmates and for me to have the enough courage and love to reach out to them and tell them about our Almighty God! ❤ Thank you all, God bless you and I LOVE YOU!

 

Bible Verse of The Week || Take The Log Out Off Your Eye

James 1:19
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Matthew 7:3-5
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

I do not own this picture

I have this friend who ALWAYS wants to win an argument and is very straightforward. Whenever I share something to her, most of the time she would just shrug and say “Oh I know it already- A looooong time ago”

And I felt irritated and annoyed every single time- it just ruins my day. I would mentally concoct an idea on how to tell her about her carelessness and attitude. I told my dad about my problem and he told me to ‘let it go and just listen’, honestly I felt disappointed with the answer, it wasn’t what I expected him to say. Until I passed by this bible verse and I felt bad about my judgement towards my friend.

First, I have to take the plank out of my own eye, and then I I will see clearly to remove the speck from her eye.

Have a good day Jesus lovers! God bless ya’ll ❤

When You Feel Like You Aren’t Smart Enough…

School’s back everybody! The last two months has been an adventure for me. Quite a lot of things had happened in those two and a half months. Like Joining the music ministry, the VBS, sleepovers, birthdays, etc. and there are still LOTS more to come. On the month of October our church will be celebrating it’s 7th Anniversary! Praise the Lord! It’s weird how time flies so fast, and yet at the same time, it feels so slow… because school has returned my friends. And I’m starting to fuss all over the home works, quizzes, tests, exams, and they haven’t even started yet!

I made a post about overcoming this stress in HERE, for me and for all of you, but somehow, the worries and doubts all seem to crash back down. And I want to end that. You see, when I entered the classroom all of my former school mates were there, so there wasn’t really anything to be nervous about on the first day of school. Thing is, ALL of them… are smart. Well I don’t mean to brag, but you are at the top class, so that means you’re smart too right? 

I’m blessed to be at the top section and honored that God has answered my prayers and all. But I suddenly felt like I wasn’t smart enough. It’s like turning popular, but you just want more. And that’s what I’m afraid of, I’m afraid of doing something that is good- for my sake only. But what I really want, is to do it ALL for GOD. So this is where the story of Solomon starts…

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2 Chronicles 1:7-13

7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

8 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place.9 Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

11 God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”

13 Then Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting. And he reigned over Israel.

I recall asking God one night, to make me smart and have lots of friends (that’s what I said, but God knows what I meant by “lots of friends”- popularity) but- after thinking it through- is that what I really want? I mean, sure that would be a great blessing to earn but- is it something that would make me happy forever? I don’t think so. I felt a little jealous with Solomon when God asked him to “Ask whatever you want me to give you“. That’s like, a HUGE honor! If I hadn’t known about wisdom, I might have asked for something very self centered. Solomon here, even though he wasn’t all smart and intelligent he had humility, wisdom, and a caring heart. He wasn’t thinking all about himself, but instead he thought about God and his kingdom.

Being smart doesn’t matter, but heeeeey! That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try studying harder. You might say to your parents, “Mom! if being smart and intelligent doesn’t matter, then why do we have to go to school?”

Because it is said in the Ten commandments that we must obey our Father and Mother and the will of the Lord. That question wasn’t really necessary but that was what my sub-conscious asked 🙂 Don’t worry girls and boys! God loves you for who you are ❤ and when you feel like you aren’t smart enough?

Just pray and study hard!

 

Stressed Out… But School Hasn’t Started Yet.

School is ONE WEEK away and I am really stressed out just thinking about school work, home work, tests, exams, quizzes, friends, teachers, etc. I start to make a  mental schedule in my head every night which makes it hard for me to sleep and it’s giving me a headache! Do you guys have the same problem? Well… I found a great antidote!

Luke 10:41-42

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

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How to Cure Stress?

1.  Do NOT think of negative things. This is why you’re stressing out in the first place! When you think negatively, this leads you to…
2. Worry. Now let me tell you this, worrying is a sin. How? It’s all said in Romans 14:23 Whatever is not from faith, is sin. Worry is also a type of fear and fear is the opposite of faith. No one can worry and pray at the same time – Max Lucado.
3. Loosen up! School’s supposed to be a fun and educative experience, not stressful and boring.
4. Let God in. He wants to be with you and help you in any possible way! Just pushing Him out of the problem… is a problem.
5. Be content. Look around you and see, you are very very blessed. Stop focusing on the bad things.
6. Give yourself a rest. Lay down in bed, drink some coffee, eat some cupcakes. Just to keep your mind of your problems. Mark 6:31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest”
7. Talk to God. Need someone to talk to? Need someone to vent out all those negative feelings? Well, God is there for you 24/7. Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
   

   James 1:12

   Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

   Notes:

– Is Worrying a Sin? 

– 32 Ways to Start School Year Right

– Bible verses

Pfft! Loving a person is easy! … Think Again.

Credits to owner

I nervously entered the principal’s office to retrieve my report card, too nervous to concoct an idea of what to say so I just immediately asked for – well, for the report card. I mean, isn’t that why we were here?

Apparently, I forgot to greet her and say ‘Good morning’. Everyone knows it is somewhat rude to not greet someone, so no excuse there. What irritated me, was that the lady -which is our principal at school, I kinda forgot her name… didn’t know her name at the first place and I know that is kind of low of me but I really didn’t know her name, plus, I was too afraid to ask her… she might get more mad- didn’t take it too well. She barely smiled at me and scolded me at how rude I was being. I literally forgot was she said because I was so freakin’ scared!

Anyway, I apologized and tried to smile as much as possible- to show her that I didn’t mean to be so rude (and my first impression wasn’t so good either, don’t ask.) I was about to tear up, I mean, I know it was my fault- but at least be a bit more… I don’t know, genuine?

When I see her, my body tenses and I seem to lose my christianity- that was the worst part- Lord have mercy on me! I try to look at her in a different perspective, I’m trying, but trust me when I say- it is as hard as eating dog poo. I always told myself how easy it was to look at a person through the eyes of God. Now? it isn’t so easy. So I told myself, what could get more worse than this?

When she got my report card, underneath it was a certificate for “Most Well Behaved”! I mentally groaned at such irony. Why now? then chuckled nervously at the lady in which she returned with a feign smile. Ouch.

Credits to owner

“Most well behaved, huh?” she said, probably thinking about how rude I was when I didn’t greet her.

“Hehe, yeap” I replied uneasily, forcing out a laugh. At least my teacher loves me.

When I got my grades, I was in content. My grades isn’t so bad. Answered prayer it is! But *sigh* I should’ve greeted the lady first, then she wouldn’t be hating on me like this. And another thing, I’m not so good with… is formalities. One time I answered the phone with a ‘Heylooo’ only to be replied with the voice of a serious business woman. I am such a disgrace to the serious world, seriously! The Principal kept asking random questions (which I don’t remember) and I answer with a ‘Yup!’ then remembering that she is the head- or somewhat the head- of the school and has to be answered with high respects so I try to cover up and say ‘Yes ma’am’ or ‘Yes Miss’.

And just when I thought the embarrassment was over… Hooo! It isn’t! Mom had to come check on me and you know mom. I was kind of relieved, but mostly nervous. She’s the carefree and happy-go-lucky type. Though I made a fault, that doesn’t mean that the principal has to hate on the whole family. As I was saying, mom entered without a greeting and grinned welcomely asking if I have retrieved the report card. The lady looked at my mom with an eyebrow raised and forced a smile, maybe thinking of how we (me and my mom) are so alike.

“Good morning” she greeted in a stiff and obviously annoyed voice, but my mom was oblivious to that and just smiled genuinely saying ‘Good morning’ back.

I tried to give mom a warning stare but she didn’t understand what it meant. I really really wanted to leave. And when our conversation finally ended a man knocked at the door and guess what? The woman SMILED AT HIM! I couldn’t help but silently observe her actions and grow suspicious. To men, she is nice, but to- Nah. Maybe he is a friend or something. But he definitely didn’t greet her or anything. Sigh, I really do need to learn how to love. Because honestly? Loving someone, is harder than I thought.

I just wish that the woman could smile genuinely at strangers who lack respect and treat them nicely even though they are rude. Maybe she is just trying to keep professional? I hope she is, cause I really wouldn’t want to see her glaring at me if we spot each other at the mall.

*Shudder*

One thing I know is that if Jesus was here, He would smile lovingly at her and do the opposite of what I would (want) to do. Though I am kind of annoyed just by writing this, but I couldn’t help but think of how amazing God’s love is for us. To love… her especially. I guess, I shouldn’t be hating on the lady. She might be nice for all I know. All I need is patience, control, lots (and I mean LOTS) of love, and the help of the Lord to gain her friendship and genuine love.

PS. I want you guys to pray for me, so I could be able to love more and have a closer relationship with the Lord and also pray for the lady (principal) so that she would learn to forgive me and love others.

Matthew 5:44

 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

I Haven’t Written Much :'(

– Mary Pacis

Been busy with Home works, projects, and exams. School has been quite a pressure… fun… but a pressure. I did try to squeeze in some writing, but I ended up having low grades and a sad day… But then!

I watched Nick Vujicic and I remembered about GOD, about how blessed I am. I promise you guys I will resume writing once my FINAL exams are finished, which is on 20+ days which isn’t much right?

IM SO EXCITED!

Oooh! Our family is having a new business by the way, family business! Uggh! I got a lot to say, and it feels like I don’t have enough time! 😦 So anyways. back to the topic, we are having a home business, Glory be to God!

I’ll tell you guys all about the business… some other day, but I’m in quite a hurry 😥 God bless!

Gossip -Mary Pacis

Be Careful.

One Move.

One step.

Think twice.

Its a lytic infection, it spreads.

In the herd you stay, wrong move, you’re dead!

Be Careful.

One move.

One step.

Think twice.

Nothing they say is real, and no one knows how I really feel.

The smile on my face, deceiving. But no one knows that I’m actually grieving.

Be Careful.

One move.

One step.

Think twice.

– Mary Pacis

———————–

I went outside my classroom to eat in peace without anyone bothering me.

Then this guy came up to me and asked a random question, probably just to get my attention, and then left. Lets just say Im not popular with the boys and one of my classmates saw me talking to ‘him’ and literally screamed it to the whole class… yeah…

So I made this poem and added a pirate-ish tune, like in the movie ‘les mislerables’… if thats how you spell it…

God bless you guys! and no gossiping!