Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17
We should strive to be that person and acknowledge that God knows what is best for us. He changes our situation or increases our load to prepare us in fulfilling more of our purpose in life. If you think God is about to do something–you’re feeling a desire to see His Kingdom come– it only means He is transitioning you. You are on your way to the next level. Continue reading Becoming the Person God Wants You to Be→
Feel free to attend if you are part of a Music Ministry or Worship Team. Let me know if you wish to attend because this will be held in my home church ICS. 🙂
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
The image above was for the party favor tag I did for the Trick or Treat event at Noah’s school. I like adding scriptures to whatever I write, do, or make, hoping people will be blessed. Just a simple reminder for us to trust in the Lord at all times. 🙂
This was the eulogy I shared during my friend Onang’s memorial service. She died last May due to pneumonia. I had no idea she was sick so I had the shock of my life when I learned of her early demise. Her birthday is coming up so I thought I’d share this with our classmates and friends.
Jonalyn, Pamela, Ronabelle, Michelle, Katrina, Rassel, Julie Ann, and I during our grade school graduation
Like many of Rona’s friends present tonight, I was shocked when I found out about her passing. I couldn’t find the words to say. “Why her?”, I asked. Why so young? Questions ran through my mind but I realized we won’t find the answers in this lifetime. However, I know one day we will understand God’s reasons for allowing her early demise. But for now, even as we grieve, let’s allow the Lord to be our peace and comfort. Continue reading That Girl Rona→
I’ve heard and read these verses many times already but I didn’t really understand what they meant until today. The phrase “to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” struck me the most. We always knew that God is an all-powerful God but sometimes, we never really regard Him as someone who could do more beyond our imagination. Oftentimes, we take Him for granted by simply praying and asking that He bless or protect us. That’s it.
We forget that we can actually ask Him for miracles. He is the same God who did miraculous signs wonders in the Old and New Testament. Some people will say that miracles are not for the modern times and God wouldn’t speak to His people as He spoke to Abraham, Moses, or Noah. How come? He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So why wouldn’t He speak to you? Why wouldn’t He perform a miracle in your life?
I don’t know with you but the verses from Ephesians challenged me to “challenge” God and even dream bigger.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (NIV)
If one is not grateful and thankful for what blessings life has already bestowed upon them, how can you have room for more blessings? Embrace the goodness around you. – Janeane Wilbur
A few weeks into this “being positive”, I can say that life is more pleasant. This includes being more grateful to even the smallest or simplest things I experience every single day. I have always believed in the Power of Thank You so I try to say ‘thanks’ as much as possible. It’s a habit that I want my son to have too. When he does say ‘Thank you’, my heart melts. Continue reading On Being Grateful→
Life seems better when you try to look at the positive side of things. This I’m learning every single day and it’s been great. The joy of the Lord is my strength!
I’m starting to live in the moment too. Not thinking so much of tomorrow, the future, and yesterday but just trying to enjoy whatever is in store for me today. This attitude has made me become more grateful of even the small things God has blessed me with. 🙂
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
I’m excited! In a few hours I will get my hands on the LEGO books I mentioned yesterday. And more good news: I was beyond thrilled that Brendan Powell Smith has been replying to my queries. It was a simple correspondence through Facebook but I’m happy that he responded.
I decided to give the books to my nephew Nav. We’re going to Bangkok and I haven’t bought any gift for him. He loves Lego too and recently, he has shown interest in reading the Bible and devotionals according to his dad, my brother-in-law, who is also a pastor. I know he’d love them. I wanted to get signed copies of the books, greeting cards, and posters. I will order The Brick products before December. I’m still deciding whether I’d have the items shipped straight to the Philippines or to a friend who is in New York.
I’m not sure if the books will be available locally but I’m sure they’d be more expensive as with the case of the Noah’s Ark book. Many of my friends have also expressed their excitement and they think that the books are a great way to get kids (and some adults) too read the Bible. I love Brendan’s work because it’s Lego and the Bible. Two of my favorite things in the world.
Sample page from The Brick Bible: The New Testament
I am hoping this LEGO Bible would lead more people to Christ. Who knew even toy bricks can be used to advance God’s Kingdom?
I plan on asking a few questions to The Reverend as I’m so into the books. Feel free to send me questions you’d’ like me to ask him. I hope he replies too. 🙂
Mixed reviews of The Brick Testament but we’ll see. I shall post a REVIEW once I’m done reading them.
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16
… keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.
Psalm 34:13 (NIV)
We all need to be reminded of this. Yes, you and me. You may not be a certified gossip but there are some stories not yours to tell. I am not trying to be a hypocrite here. In a way, this is me saying that I want to be more careful with my words and that I will be more careful with my words. Only God can help me. You can’t.
Felix Baumgartner aka Fearless Felix jumped from 39 kilometers high above the earth last October 14, 2012
By now most of you know who Felix Baumgartner is. But of course, not everyone is interested in things related to space, skydiving, and record-breaking stunts. So for the benefit of those who don’t know, Felix Baumgartner is a 43-year old Austrian daredevil sky diver who set the world record for making the highest jump ever from approximately 39 kilometers high above the earth at a speed of 834 mph. Felix did the “space jump” from a helium balloon last Sunday, October 14, 2012.
He was part of a skydiving project called the Red Bull Stratos (yes, as in the Red Bull drink). Felix flew over New Mexico in the United States riding a helium balloon. Wearing a pressure suit, he jumped from 24 miles above, free falling, and then parachuting back to Earth within ten minutes. Wow! Ten minutes of free falling must be crazy and terrifying! But then Mr. Baumgartner here (who reminds me of David Beckham) managed to finish the mission. He even broke the speed of sound without any vehicular assistance. I’m not gonna bore you with details as Wiki has everything but he broke a record previously set in 1960 by USAF Colonel Joseph Kittinger.
The October 14 space jump was actually the third launch attempt. The first launch scheduled on October 9 was delayed because of the weather and eventually aborted and rescheduled for October 11 which was postponed again for some reason.
He’s no astronaut. He’s a skydiver who was brave enough to jump. He may appear to be brave but I’m sure like any ordinary human being, he’s a bit scared of what could go wrong. But he did, he jumped!
“Sometimes you have to go up really high
to understand how small you are.”
– Felix Baumgartner
This was Felix’s last statement before he made the historic jump. Felix jumped into the unknown. He jumped not knowing if he would succeed or would come back to earth. He was also quoted saying,
“Trust me, when you stand up there on top of the world,
you become so humble. It’s not about breaking records any more.
It’s not about getting scientific data. It’s all about coming home.”
Home could have meant “Earth” or it could have also meant “Heaven”. I have no idea if Felix is a Christian or not but for me, his jump was a perfect illustration of the phrase “leap of faith”. Oftentimes, Christians need to be reminded what having faith means and that it should be exercised. Watching the Baumgartner’s jump gave me goosebumps and all but it caused me to praise and thank God for his courage and for the beauty of His creation.
Felix Baumgartne’s jump has taught me to be courageous and to have more confidence in myself, and have more faith in my God. More COURAGE to do things God is telling me to do. More CONFIDENCE that I can accomplish my mission for the Lord is my confidence. And more FAITH in God because He is One who never changes and never fails.
Oftentimes, we may doubt people and ourselves but you know God, He is still the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.
Courage. Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)
Confidence. For the Lord will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught. Proverbs 3:26 (NASB)
Faith. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. HebreWs 11:1 (NIV 1984)
I don’t dream to be an astronaut but sometimes I wish Noah would be one. That seems impossible but I hope, at least, I be like Felix by being brave.
I have so many fears: fears of what could go wrong, the future, and a few people I know. However, I know God will help me overcome. He has given me a spirit of power, not timidity, of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).
I have fears. You have your fears but like Felix Baumgartner, we need to face and conquer them. That is, with the help of God. His Grace is sufficient for you and me to say, “Yes, I can do a Felix jump“.
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I had no idea about Felix before but his good looks skydiving stunts got me interested. Even Philip deFranco agrees that he is good looking. Hehehe.
