Photos after Typhoon Glenda

These are the photos taken after typhoon Glenda left our area...

We praise God for:

1. Safety of our family and countrymen.

2. No electricity. We had time to rest and reflect in our home. The weather was not so hot.

3. No classes. We had to stay with our kids.

4. Discomfort this storm brought to us - reminding us that only in Him we can have the real comfort.

5. The thought that God is in control.

Star Apple tree uprooted by Glenda...

Leaving muds on the street from the creek's overflow...

Our house is located about 5 meters above and 200 meters away from the Subdivision's gate. 

In the midst of the Storm

Sitting by the front of our doorway

Gazing upon the trees unceasingly sway 

Thinking about our countrymen today

Storm surge Glenda may cause dismay

Praying to God who is in control

Simply resting in Him is a sure call

Meditating on His unfailing greatness

Remembering His power & goodness

Singing a song to find rest in my God

In Christ alone, the King over the flood

I put my trust and quite my heart

For His plan I can never ever thwart.

STILL 

(Hillsong United)

Hide me now

Under Your wings

Cover me

Within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar

I will soar with You above the storm

Father you are King over the flood

I will be still, know You are God

Find rest my soul

In Christ alone

Know His power

In quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar

I will soar with You above the storm

Father You are king over the flood

I will be still, know You are God

He is indeed our strong refuge

No matter how the troubles so huge

We do not fear nor give in to any reasons to fret

Though mountains tremble, to Him our eyes are set.

Remembering my journey in Him these years

Amidst the troubling storms and tears

Brings back praises to my lips 

To a God Almighty who never sleeps

  

Psalm 46:1 God is our strong refuge; he is truly our helper in times of trouble. 2 For this reason we do not fear when the earth shakes, and the mountains tumble into the depths of the sea, 3 when its waves crash and foam, and the mountains shake before the surging sea. 

Statistics - does God care?

Let's look at these verses...

So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added. -Acts 2:41

But many of those who had listened to the message believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. -Acts 4:4

So the churches were being strengthened in the faith and were increasing in number every day. -Acts 16:5

Don't you think God is concerned about numbers? Doesn't  He care about statistics? 

I believe God loves numbers.

God is so concerned about statistics.

Behind every number is an individual.

Behind every individual is a name.

Behind every name is a story.

And every story matters to God.

So beautiful in our Sight!

On our way home from an appointment, we saw a long alley of ornamental garden. So beautiful in our sight. We parked our car along the road opposite to the garden and had our sight seeing in that garden. 

Many of my friends knew that I love the color green. So cold in the eyes. So relaxing. Having gazed closely at these plants brought a delight in my eyes and a feeling of having peace and assurance of a healthy growing relationship and life. That's how it meant for me. 

              

These plants, actually, can help to regulate temperature, keeping a climate more temperate and comfortable while acting as air scrubbers, removing pollution and keeping the air fresh and clean in and around our house.  An ornamental garden can also provide habitat for birds, butterflies, and other creatures. Hmmm, can our house look like this, with the limited space that we have? :)

As I looked at our pictures once again, I'm reminded of this passage:

Psalm 144: Then our sons will be like plants, that quickly grow to full size. Our daughters will be like corner pillars, carved like those in a palace. 13 Our storehouses will be full, providing all kinds of food. Our sheep will multiply by the thousands and fill our pastures. 14 Our cattle will be weighted down with produce. No one will break through our walls, no one will be taken captive, and there will be no terrified cries in our city squares. 15 How blessed are the people who experience these things! How blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!

Ate Lisa on her most important decision in life!

TODAY, Ate Lisa, our household family help, made the most important decision in her life. 

Just this morning, while having our breakfast, we were at the same time listening to a testimony of a lady through the live streaming site of Christ's Commission Fellowship. Our conversation went on about having a  personal relationship with Jesus. I directly asked Ate Lisa if she already made a personal decision to invite Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of her life. She said she already knew about Jesus. That He is God and that, He died on the cross. Divine already shared the gospel with her weeks ago but she was not ready --- not even ready to forgive those who hurt her. I asked, "What does it mean to you now that Jesus is God? That he died on the cross?" She paused and pondered on my question. I saw her lips trembling as if she was about to cry. Then She started to cry.  

I continued to explain about what does receiving Christ in our life mean. I asked her again, "Now, would you like to invite Jesus into your life to be your Lord and Savior?" It's not about a new religion. It's about a new relationship with God if you put your trust in Jesus and invite Him to come into your life. Today is July 12. Remember, if you do invite Him to come into your life right now through this prayer, He will surely come into your life. You need to seriously ask Him. It's not the words you say, but it's the attitude of your heart that matters to Him."

 

She said YES. She prayed this prayer in tagalog as I led her phrase by phrase:

"Lord Jesus, I need you. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life and make me the kind of person You want me to be. Amen!"

Dana and Ardi were wondering why she was crying. And so I did a short explanation to them that Ate Lisa was surrendering her life to Jesus. That she received Jesus into her life to be her Lord and Savior.

We proceeded our discussion about Ate Lisa's newfound faith in Christ, now that she's a new creation. That her relationship with God is secure. That He will never leave her nor forsake her. That she is now a child of God. That we are brothers and sisters in Christ. That God loves her and wants her to grow in Him.

Today is July 12, 2014. Today is Ate Lisa's Spiritual Birthday! The Heaven rejoices over this one soul who came to know the Lord Jesus Christ. 

What is your story of God's pursuing relationship towards His people? 

Check this link to know more about what I explained to Ate Lisa on having a personal relationship with God through Jesus ---http://www.campuscrusade.com/fourlawseng.htm

Take a deep breath!

When week days are full and seemingly draining your strength away and when stress level is somewhat reaching its peak, it's high time to take a deep breath. Savor the nature. Connect with loved ones. Relax. Rest. Eat something different. Play. Walk. Run. Sleep. Laugh. Chat. Listen.

Don't be guilty. 

Take time to slow down and feel your heart beat. Sense God's touch. Listen to His still small voice. 

It's good to take a break. It's good for our souls. God wants us to do this. Rest! 

STOP!

Many times we wonder why our prayers are not answered. Theoretically, we would say, maybe it's not yet the right time. We may also think, it's a no, no. Or we would say, we need to pray more, as if twisting the arms of God to grant what we ask for. If we are not careful, we may treat God like a genie in a bottle.

The word says, "If I had harbored sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." -Psalms 66:18

Very clear! But we thank God that we can always go to Him with a repentant heart.

"But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9

Just like the Israelites, I am also reminded to STOP sinning. I may commit sins again, but there's an assurance that God will forgive me and cleanse me if I sincerely repent. I can't do it on my own. I need the Holy Spirit to empower me to live a life that is pleasing to Him. I am a new creation. 

Isaiah 1: Wash! Cleanse yourselves! Remove your sinful deeds from my sight. Stop sinning! 17 Learn to do what is right! Promote justice! Give the oppressed reason to celebrate! Take up the cause of the orphan! Defend the rights of the widow! 18 Come, let's consider your options," says the Lord. "Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow; though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, you can become white like wool. 19 If you have a willing attitude and obey, then you will again eat the good crops of the land. 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." Know for certain that the Lord has spoken.