If You Had to Choose… Family or GOD?

Many people believe in Jesus, even satan himself believes in Jesus. It’s safe to say that some people may believe in the Lord but not all will inherit the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 7:21). Let me ask you one important question, why do you believe in Jesus? What made you believe in Him in the first place?

Now the whole topic here is “Jesus or Family”. Many people believe in Jesus because they want to be together with their family in Heaven. This is true, and trust me this will happen. It’s part of God’s plan. But when you ask them, “who would you choose, Jesus or your family?” Who would you think they’d choose? Who would you choose?

Well, think about this, what if your wife leaves you? or what if your child dies one day? 

What if, everybody turned their back on you, even your loved ones? then what?

Who would you turn to then?

I’ll tell you one thing, the Lord will never leave you nor forsake you (Deu. 31:6). But now you’re angry at God, “why did you take my son?!” or “Why did you allow my husband to leave me, God?”

Remember that God is a Jealous God filled with love-driven jealousy. He knows you love your family dearly (and so does He)… but the Lord also knows if they’re preventing you from finding the real reason why Jesus, His son, died on the cross for our sins. Maybe the only way for you to really move on, is for God to take someone away from your life and bring in someone new. The God who opens doors also closes them, but trust me when I say, He has a very good reason to. He has a plan. Something far GREATER will come your way. Just trust in Him.

Also remember that your wife, your husband, your children, your siblings, your grandparents, and loved ones here on earth AREN’T GOD. They do not hold the key to Heaven. Jesus does. Your family NEEDS SALVATION just as much as you do. Remember that Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:35). We have to eat His bread and drink His blood BY FAITH (not literally eat Jesus) and eating is a personal thing, right? You can’t let somebody else eat your food and have YOU benefit from it!

Salvation is a personal thing. You can’t let someone believe in Jesus for you to inherit His kingdom.

If your whole purpose for believing God is for your family, then what about you? Lets say your whole family is saved, that’s wonderful! But what about YOU? God cares about each and every one of us. And I know its not really good to compare… but if you had to choose, who would you run to?

Your family… or GOD?

HALT! : The answer is God 😀 “As for me and my house, we’re gonna serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15) not the other way around. GOD IS YOUR FIRST PRIORITY.

01/18/14 Read, Eat, and Pray

Jan 18 2014

We had a simple gathering with the Pastor and a few church mates at this cool pizza restaurant. It was such a nice and warm (well in reality it was really cold, but I what I meant was that I felt warm) outing. I had this delicious plate filled with pizza, a cool ice tea drink, and a wonderful book to read (special thanks to my Aunt Yen). The title of this book is “A Prisoner And Yet…” and in the back it is written “A Mighty Fortress”.

It’s a true story of this woman named Corrie ten Boom who experienced pain, hunger, harassment, humiliation… and yet, even imprisoned and treated in the most horrible way, she felt peaceand freedom. Just by knowing that the Lord is by her side, calmness surrounds her. Remembering how much Jesus suffered for the world. Nothing could compare. This book is simply beautiful, true, and uplifting. I recommend all of you to read this wonderful book! and if you want, you could add a touch of pizza and buffalo wings. 

A Touchy Conversation With My Little Sister

After our little sibling quarrel we said our Sorry’s and somehow had a conversation about me leaving to college…

Gab: Ate (meaning ‘elder sister’) when you’re in college chat (with) us ha!

Me: But what if there’s no internet?

Gab: Then ask your teacher how to put internet.

Me: But what if we can’t have internet.

Gab: Then you can call us.

Me: But then, what if I lost my phone?

Gab: You mean, if you don’t have load? Then borrow your classmate’s phone.

I couldn’t help but be curious into what she would say next, so I pressured her… hehe.

Me: What if everybody doesn’t have load?

Gab: Then ask God, (she said with no hesitation) He will give you load.

…

Gab: We’ll miss you, Ate. (She rubbed her eyes, about to cry)

I hugged her and it was a beautiful moment. It’s nice to know that you have a sister who loves and cares for you, and even better, one who draws you closer to God. I thank that Lord for giving me such a wonderful little sister, an answered prayer indeed. ~~ She even mentioned an additional “Can you write what I said, Ate? And print it to the whole world” She’s the family clown too!.. and now I’m wondering if that was all an act… Nah, it was too beautiful. If mom and dad read this, they would give me the ‘See?-you-have-a-sister-who-loves-you’ face… Haha anyway, Au Revoir my Lovelies and God bless!

Liebster Award!… no way!

Isn’t this another good reason to praise the Lord? I would like to thank StephenWhoElse for nominating me this award, it is an honor! I have just read some of his posts recently and I have learnt A LOT!- and I have just started. You can really relate to them and I find myself nodding every time, and the best part is, he includes God- ALWAYS. Its really inspiring. He actually gave me this award a few months ago or was that 2 months ago? Anyway, I wasn’t able to do it because I was so busy with… you know, things. >_< I just hope that there’s no time limit to this thing.

I’m accepting this award and I really want to do it because I want other people to notice my blog. I want God to use me and share His words not only vocally but also through writing and blogging. These awards are actually pretty cool, you get to share about yourself  ^_^ and it gives you this warm fuzzy feeling that you did something worth getting this award, that you have a purpose. So before I turn this into a full pledged speech I would like to thank Stephen again and… lets get on with the challenge!

Section 1: Directions if you accept the Liebster.

The Liebster Award is a “favorite blog” award. The aim is to bring exposure to bloggers and help them discover other amazing blogs and vice versa.

To accept this award, the nominee must do the following:

1.  Thank the person who nominated you, and link back and recognize their blog in your post.
2.  Answer the ten questions posted by the blogger who nominated you!
3.  Nominate ten other bloggers for the award.
4.  Create ten questions for your nominees to answer.
5.  Notify your nominees via comment.

Section 2: Questions I would like my nominees to answer (

1.) What do you struggle with the most?

2.) If you had one question to ask God, what would you ask?

3.) What are you most thankful for?

4.) How do you best handle heated/angry situations?

5.) What is your favorite (Christian) song/band? Why?

6.)  Who is your inspiration? and why?

7.) What is the best thing you have ever achieved at this time being?

8.) What is your goal in life?

9.) What are you most passionate about?

10.) What did you regret doing the most? and what did you learn from it? (You can skip this if you’d like)

My answers to the questions

Since Steven didn’t give us a question to answer, I’ve decided to answer the questions he was given to answer. Haha, confusing I know… or is it just me? Just so you know, some of the questions he answered are some of the questions I chose for Section 2. What can I say? I’m not that creative.

1) What are you most passionate about?

Since I am still a kid, I’m not really sure with what I am passionate about. But what I know for sure is that I love making the Lord proud. Hearing those two words “Well done” gives me assurance that I have done something that pleases the Lord, that’s more than enough.

2) What is your heart’s desire?

To grow SUPER-DUPER close to God, to SHARE the word of God, and to experience the TRUE worship where no one around you matters anymore and you just notice every single blessing you have received from God that you feel like you have touched a portion of heaven. THAT. When I type this, it just makes me want it more.

3) Who was the most influential person in your life?

Ever since I was young, I have always thought that my dad was the most inspiring, influential, and God-fearing person I have ever met. Yes, he has his ups and downs. But I’m always so amazed at how much God has changed my dad and he really showed/reflected it.

4) What are two items on your “bucket list”?

It was always (1.) Make new friends and (2.) Go to heaven. Of course, you’d have to do something to achieve that right? I think each goal you write on your bucket list have the same 2 most important process. Action and prayer.

5) How do you best handle heated/angry situations?

Ah, unfortunately I get these a lot. How do I handle it? Well, the ugliest part of being angry is pushing God away, and I tend to tell Him to wait for a moment and give me time- but what I’m supposed to be doing is giving Him my time. So, I write. I write my problem, why it occurred, how it happened, and what am I gonna do about it. Basically, I’m talking to God through writing.

6) What is your favorite scripture, and how has it helped you on your life’s journey?

There is a lot, but to be honest, I really don’t know. Instead, I’ll tell you my favorite. 1 Thessalonians 5:2  for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. It reminds me to be prepared and ready for the Lord will and is to come. It’s really really exciting, don’t you think? ^_^

7) What do you think are the three qualities to building and maintaining good friendships/relationships?

Trust, love, and kindness. Basically, the weight of your love for a person will relinquish fear and give you just enough to trust the him/her. And whats love without a helping hand? Be kind my friend.

8) What was your most memorable moment in your life?

My 13th birthday in the Philippines with my Grandma and family. 

9) What is your favorite book/author and why?

 I’d say Rick Warren, but I barely read his books- instead, I listen to him. Since I live in a Muslim country, I barely have any Christian books but I’d say that God is my favorite author! ❤ As for worldly books, I’d say Sophie Kinsella (’cause her books are hilarious and romantic) and Rick Riordan (c’ause I’m a fan of Percy Jackson and fantasy).

10)  If you could go anywhere in the world, no attention to cost, where would it be and why?

My first thought was Heaven since it didn’t mention “earth” but then “world” IS “earth” so that means I have to change my answer *pout*. Right now, I just want to go back home in the Philippines, other than that I really really want to go to Jerusalem. And if that dream is never fulfilled, I wouldn’t be too sure about that. I’d tell you more but I forgot the bible verse and I’m running out of time.

Liebster Nominations

 Finally! Whoo! That was- tiring and fun 😀 So here are some blogs that inspire me and I think that is so cool! I just hope that they would have time to accept this award. ^_^ I’ll only state a few since I am really lacking time and I can’t wait to finish this so… here it goes… Oh! BTW, not all of these blogs are christian.

• Dog Daz
• Doodle Mum
• Men of One Accord
• The Rabbit Rabble
• The River Walk

That’s all for now! So I can’t stay any longer- busy busy. 😀 I just wish you a Merry Christmas (its still December anyway) and a HAPPY NEW YEAR! :3 Take care and God bless my Lovelies ❤

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

I know I haven’t been posting lately, its either the laziness or the busyness. Either way, I felt the need to at least say MERRY CHRISTMAS! ❤ There are lots of mix emotions on this time of the year. Sadness, for one isn’t able to celebrate with their family, stress from lots of work, depression, gloominess, etc,.  If you are also feeling this way, I want to you to set all your problems aside, give it all to God, and lend to Him at least a little of the time you have left.

 

And the BEST gift God has ever given us, was and is Salvation. And He did that by giving His one and only begotten Son to die on the cross to deliver us from are sins. That’s ONE of God’s best gifts ❤ and since it is a gift, you do not have to work hard to get it, all you have to do is to ACCEPT it. Jesus’ death on the cross was our bridge to heaven. You might ask, then why isn’t there another way for us to go to heaven? instead of letting Christ suffer…

We’ll discuss about this another time 🙂 Also, get ready for a new segment “Questions for Christ” that I will be doing after my exams are done! :’) Excited!

– Christian Screamo & Rock? Bad Choice of Music?

– Is There Another Way to Go to Heaven? Other than Christ Dying?

What a Blessed Day!

So the past few months have been AWESOME and EXHAUSTING, it was beautiful! and you know why? Because it was the day that God has made! I have felt so blessed and thankful for all the things He has done for me. Yes, I have had my doubts and worries, stress and pain, but we just have to remember to trust in the Lord. I haven’t been posting for awhile and I wasn’t able to write about my day since I had exams and, it’s going well, glory be to God. Thing is, I have a bad feeling for my Filipino and History test…

“Huhuhu Lord! Filipino test was sooo hard D: I barely knew anything! and I couldn’t ask the teacher because then she would say “I’d be saying the answer if I told you” and I almost cried and I was sooo nervous. But then I remembered that You will always be there for me no matter what- and I thank You for that Thank You Lord!

“Even if I am weak, even if I fail You Lord, You take me up and make me stronger.” – Composition of Brother Joven” ~ Life with Christ, Facebook

And we just finished our ACC church’s 7th year Anniversary! Tons of fun! and glory be to God, I even won an award! and it was in ‘trophy form’~ my first trophy ever…

 I just felt so blessed and so overwhelmed, it was beautiful. Apparently, I was the ‘Youth Role Model’ and my speech? I didn’t know I had to make a speech! Waaah! (#ﾟДﾟ) so I borrowed baby Johan’s speech and said “Thank you”. Just that. It was funny, yes. But I was nominated for the ‘Youth ROLE MODEL’, I should’ve done better. I was so worried about it, but then, it felt as if the Lord was telling me not to worry… you know the song “Well Done” by Moriah Peters? It felt like that. And it was just… pure bliss. To know that the Lord is proud of you, that you did a good job… its a wonderful feeling. (♥◕ฺ∀◕ฺ)

I just- feel so blessed, there’s no other way to explain it. The Lord works in such mysterious ways… He is so good. And I feel bad at times, when I don’t give Him my time, at least just to say ‘Thank you’. So I’ve made it a habit to talk to Him openly, just like talking to your best friend, and I am hoping that you will also give your time for Him.

BTW, Tito Bobby just came here to Dubai- first time ever ❤ Thank You Lord for bringing Him in here safely. Let this place touch his heart and draw him closer to You. Be with him through trials and pain. You are awesome and I know that You will never let us go…

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)

I do not own this picture

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 || God’s Love Letter <3

It is a Love letter from God. Read this whenever you feel down or unloved.

I do not own this picture

My child,

You may not know Me but I know everything about you- Psalm 139:1-3
I know when you sit down and when you rise up- Psalm 139:1-3
I am familiar with all your ways- Psalm 139:1-3
Even the hairs of your head are numbered- Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in My image- Genesis 1:27
In Me, you live and move and have your being, for you are My offspring-Acts 17:27-28
I know you even before you were conceived- Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation- Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake for all your days are written in My Book-Psalm 139:15-16
I determine the exact time of your birth, and where you would live- Acts 17:26
You were fearfully and wonderfully made- Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mothers womb- Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born- Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know Me- John 8:41,42,44
I am not distant and angry, but Am the complete expression of love- 1 John 4:16
It is my desire to lavish My love on You- 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are My child and I am your Father- 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could- Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect Father- Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from My hand- James 1:17
I am your provider and I meet all your needs- Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope- Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love- Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts towers you are countless as the sand on the seashore-Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing- Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you- Jeremiah 32:40
For you are My treasured possession- Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all My heart, and with all My soul- Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things- Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek Me with all your heart, you will find me- Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart- Psalm 37:4
For it is I, who gave you those desires- Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine-Ephesians 2:20-21
For I am your greatest encourager- 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the father who comforts you in all your troubles- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are broken-hearted, I am close to you- Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart-Isaiah 40:11
One day, I will wipe away every tear from your eyes and I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth- Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my Son Jesus- John 17:23
For in Jesus, My love for you is revealed- John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being- Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you- Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of My love for you- 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything i love that i might gain your love- Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of My Son Jesus, you receive Me- 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from My love again- Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I will throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen-Luke 15:17
I have always been Father, and will always be Father- Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…will you be My child?- John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you
Love, Your Dad
-Luke 15:11-14

Credit: Yahoo Answers

Bible Verse of the Week || Bullied because of Jesus?

I do not own this picture

Matthew 5:11

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Though I haven’t been bullied for being- what some people call a ‘Jesus freak’, there would be a time in my life where I would… and I don’t know if I would be ready to confront that yet. I tend to be easily annoyed, angered, and very sensitive, it scares me that I might lose my temper and say or do something I would regret. And there are also times when I hesitate to talk about God because I am afraid of rejection and people teasing me for being so ‘religious’ when that is not even the point.

But I do have these very rewarding moments where I gather every courage I could get and share the word of God to my friends and family- knowing that if I failed, I have done my job and God will do the rest.

There was this time when I sat down beside my mom’s step father who held a cigar on his left hand, “So…” he suddenly spoke, blowing away a puff of smoke that faded to the air. I watched mesmerized as the smoke danced around, but the undeniable rapid beating of my heart confirmed to me that I was very nervous about what he would say “You’re a born against huh?” he asked whilst bringing the cigar to his mouth and taking a deep breath. I chuckled a bit feeling slightly amused from his mistake and also slightly offended, “Its born again- not against” I corrected uneasily, then wondered silently if I should talk and what I would say if I did. “Do you believe in God?” I asked and he replied with a ‘yes’, “Then why do you drink and smoke?” I continued, hoping I have not offended him with this question. I do not recall what he said to be exact- but what I do remember is being a little sad, disappointed and nervous. I stuttered a lot and talked with caution, making sure I didn’t say something wrong or to offend.

This was my first encounter with talking about God to someone- not so close- or a family member. I was disappointed with myself and when our little chat ended, that was the time when I thought thoroughly about what I should have said- sadly- I do not remember if I found out what to say or if I know the answer that I should’ve said. Though this is not exactly bullying I will tell you something that would help both our problems…

Psalm 118:6

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

Romans 8:31

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

We have to be able to ACCEPT rejection and remember NOT to argue- but share the word of God… by arguing it is winning we are trying to achieve, but the truth is, we do not want to win an argument, but we want to win a soul.

I have made a lot of mistakes and would make a bad role model  as a Christian- I do not know if you recall- the banana problem

It was break time and we were in the cafeteria, I had a banana in my lunch box, but it was smashed, so, being me I decided to throw it, then my classmate butts in and said “Don’t waste the food and throw it around, some people cant even afford food” then I got guilty, but I still wasn’t willing to eat it so I said “I’ll give it to my snail then” (cause I have a snail), but my classmate still didn’t approve, she shook her head disappointedly and asked my other classmate next to her about my religion (which was completely unexpected) my classmate replied with disgust clear on her face “Born Again” she spat, and that, just sank my heart… It showed me that I had to be careful about things I do, even small things like banana’s…

Trust me, being a christian isn’t all easy- but it isn’t meant to be easy. To have someone die on the cross for you… that’s some intense and serious love. The people who bully you don’t know who’m they’re dealing with…

“THE CHILD OF THE ONE TRUE KING”

P.S. That doesn’t mean they aren’t a child of GOD- the only difference between you and the person is that they aren’t aware of that. Which is where you come in and tell to them the truth. Imagine a dramatic scene where you place your hands on their shoulder, looking straight into their eyes saying “We are brothers/sisters”. I’m just kidding!

God bless you guys and have a GREAT day!

You have a voice, go on and use it. You have a choice, don’t let them shut you down ~JJ Heller

 

Greasy hair and Oily face- Surprised at Birthday!!

I just finished my birthday yesterday and let me say was it FUN! Honestly though, the first 5 minutes before my birthday started, I felt alone, like nobody was gonna be there for me on my birthday… Only thing I didn’t know was that God had a plan, and boy was it a good one 😀

Happy Birthday to Me! ❤

July 22, was a really magical day. It was the date of my birth, the day filled with laughter, the day of my Aunt and Uncle’s wedding anniversary, and the day of my Grandmother’s 86th birthday and guess what? she still wore the exact same shirt she wore at our birthday party last year…

Last year’s birthday Party

Group Picture!

Me and relatives

Me and Gab

I had LOTS of surprises! A baby American Chinchilla rabbit (I named Grayham) that mom and dad bought me… I’ve always wanted another rabbit, especially after Maggie died… she was the best friend I have ever had. Anyway, when dad and mom bought Grayham, I was kind of worried, (cause they might’ve brought a sick rabbit or a baby who hasn’t been weaned) but he was alright, I guess. He’s the size of my palms, which means he might be 3-4 weeks old (which is still quite young). His poop is not normal looking, they’re brown in color and oval in shape (no, they are not cecals- but something I think might be worst), I am guessing Grayham has “cow-poop syndrome” and I am very worried about that. But before I bring him to the vet, I’ll see what I could do at the meantime. But he is just SOO ADORABLE! Very soft and quite tame, he’s still a bit skittish around humans though. He might have cow poop syndrome, but I am definitely NOT gonna bring him back to the petshop, it’s HORRIBLE in there. (If you wanna know more about Grayham, I’m gonna post a page about him… or her) Anyway, I’m out of topic again… what were we talking about? Oh yeah!

I had LOTS of surprises! The baby rabbit- which I already mentioned AND… *clears throat*

The door bell rang and I expected it to be my mom’s friends coming in to celebrate, who knows? I was actually at the verge of being surprised by my buddies! I suddenly regretted not putting on some shampoo…

We had tons of fun!

We went swimming… and we went swimming! It was AWESOME xD Bwahahaha I’m getting crazy right now! *breathe in… breathe out* As I was saying *clears throat* We had TONS OF FUN! God really has a way of making a person happy. Oh! and if you’re wondering how old I am… I’m now 14!

And now, if you’ll excuse me, Imma go play with Grayham. God bless!

Psalm 90: 14

Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we’ll skip and dance all the day long.