Colored Heart

Two Shall Become One Tuesday: Marriage Survey

2009-01-13T16:55:00.000+08:00

Sue, the author of Praise and Coffee blog posted a set of survey questions for married women like me. It has been two days since I last read this, but it's only now that I could post my answer due to busy-ness. Now that I'm in my blogging mode, I shall try to answer them with whole honesty and propriety. If you wish to share your answers, either leave a comment or direct me to your site where you have posted your answers. I would love to know your thoughts on these.
1. How would you rate your marriage on a scale of 1-10?
(1 being poor, not much partnership, 10 being that he's your best friend and things are great)
I say we're 8. We may argue about a lot of things, but when it's time to put our acts together and do our responsibilities to our family, we really are a team. Even if I share with him things that he does not agree with, I am confident that our different views will not change his commitment to our marriage. 8 not 10 because I feel our communication pattern still has a room for improvement.

2. Is making your marriage better a high priority to you?
Yes. I believe praying for our marriage first before anything else plays a big part in what we have accomplished as a couple so far. Prioritizing the betterment of our marriage is God's will.

3. Do you resent your husband? Why?
There were times when I resented him for not meeting my expectations, usually those we have not discussed thoroughly. But after a good talk, I get freed from any ill-feelings instantaneously.

4. Do you like your husband's friends? Yes! They become my brothers and sisters. Some officemates though act differently when I'm around, but that does not hinder me from extending myself to them. my husband's real friend would definitely like me as a friend, too.

5. What are some of the top things you would like to change about your marriage? (Please don't say "my husband") Just teasing!
If I could, I would add few months of just being the two of us before my first pregnancy. I do not regret having ST, but it would have been great to have a period in an intimate relationship when you have less competition for attention. Even a fetus can be a big time competition, not in a bad way though.
6. How often do you eat dinner together? Every night, unless I get really sleepy or hungry, or he calls to say he’ll eat in the office to finish an overtime work.

7. Do you work outside the home? No, not yet. We agreed to go back to work when my son ZT turns 1. He is one now, so as soon as we find a new apartment, I will start checking the ads again.

8. Who does the chores in the home? I and our housemaids

9. What is your favorite thing to do together with your husband? I love prayer walking, watching movie (be it in theater or just on the sofa in front of our 13-inch tv), discussing (even if it turns passionate sometimes), shopping, doing groceries, serving in the church (especially when I sing back-up for him during Sunday praise and worship), just lazing on the coach, and serving the kids (praying, story-telling, tucking them to bed, singing, dancing, playing, watching tv, and many more) with him.

10. How's the bedroom life? Let me be more specific...are you happy with where it's at and would you say your husband is happy with it? Let’s just rate this, from 1 to 10 where 1 is lowest and 10 is highest, I say we are having an 8. With kids around, sometimes the go becomes wait, and wait means let’s try tomorrow, Lord willing!

11. Have you ever gone to a marriage conference together? No. But we have had several marriage sessions with our friends in the church handled by our pastor and wife.

12. Is your husband a Christian? Are you? We are both Christians and actively serving God in our family and church.

13. If you are and he is not, how does he feel about your faith? Irrelevant

---o0o---

The last two questions are what I wish you could share from your end.

14. Is there anything I can pray for you and your husband? your marriage?
15. Do you have a testimony regarding any areas of marriage which I could feature in my blog which will encourage other couples?

LP: Pula (Red)

2009-01-08T20:41:00.007+08:00

Matagal din kaming naghabulan ng anak ko sa play area ng McDonalds North Ave corner Mindanao Ave, Quezon City. Isang paa at kapirasong parte ng pulang palda nalang ang nahuli ng aking kamera bago siya humaripas ng takbo pataas sa loob ng pulang slide na ito. Ah, ito na ang simula ng aking paghabol sa mabilis na paglaki ni ST na ngayon ay tatlong taon gulang na. Sana maabutan ko siya lagi. Sa pagkakataong ito, inabot ako ng halos isang oras bago ko nakumbinsing bumaba ang malikot kong si ST. Nakaka-inis... nakakatawang alalahanin.

It took a while before I caught my daughter in the play area of McDonalds North Ave corner Mindanao Ave, Quezon City. My camera only got a shot of her foot and a portion of her red skirt just before her ultimate escape towards this red slide and upwards. Sigh. This is now the beginning of my "running" to catch up with my fast growing ST who is now three years old. I hope I could always catch up on her. In this instance (shown in the picture), it took almost an hour before I successfully convinced my restless ST to go down. Irritating... yet, so funny to remember.

New Year's Thankful Thursday

2009-01-08T17:47:00.010+08:00

I praise the Lord for 2008 which God used to confirm our family's calling to be sent for the harvest field, particularly to an Unreached People Group in Asia in the year 2010. The tests and tribulations our family faced last year proved to be orchestrated for us to understand more His limitless power, encouraging presence, faithful provision and ever-reliable protection. He knows we need to see His glory to courageously take the next big leaps He will require for us to take this year. My husband and I realized that our lot is to wade in the water of the unknown so as to reach our glorious fate - reach more souls in the least reached people of the world.

God will part the sea before us this year. I can already feel the rushing wind creating waves to every direction, paving the way for His harvest at the other side. Our King will lead us on... and so there will be more things to thank for every Thursday. I hope to cross the sea with you! Meet you next week?

By the way, I would like to thank all my blogging friends who bloghopped here even when Colored Heart's hands were full of concerns and could not update her posts. The Lord bless your heart for your intercession and encouraging words. My cyber friends and universal sisters Michelle, Twinkle Mom, Pia, Laurie, Cheryl, Denise, Nancie and Tiff... you my prayer warriors across the globe have done so much. I already asked our Mighty Abba to enlarge your territories and increase your influence that more young wives and moms could benefit in your friendliness and sisterly kindness. You were blessed to bless!

For more thankfuls, I suggest you visit Iris in her gracefully fashioned blogsite, Grace Alone. She remains the host of Thankful Thursday in CWO. Kindly share your thankfuls before you click the exit. Shalom and A Blessed New Year!

Would You Believe?

2008-10-08T02:42:00.003+08:00

Yes, we went back to the hospital... third time this year! This time, my daughter ST was stricken with Pneumonia which strain was not covered by her vaccine, and ZT with Bronchitis and Primary Complex. God provided for our needs, as usual, and He healed my kids gradually during our 8 day stay at the hospital. Click the title of this post "Would You Believe" to view their photos during their last day of confinement.

God bless you, my dear friends, who took the time to visit my site and prayed. The last post here before I was out for a really long while was ZT's second confinement. I sure felt your prayers then and even during their recent confinement. Well, the hospital bill hurt this time even with my husband's Health Card and PhilHealth. Nonetheless, we are grateful that the cards covered 95% of the whole amount in 5 digits.

My kids are now up and well. The three of them (my hubby, ST and ZT) celebrated their birthday last Saturday, October 4 two days after the kids were discharged from the hospital. God was so generous to use our family and church friends to sponsor this event. In fact we only spent for their costumes, some prizes for the games and the cake minus the upgrade. Who would have thought that after what we went through we could still celebrate this grand? Only God can do wonders indeed. Thus, we made sure He was properly honored during this event. Click here to view their Super Heroes birthday celebration.

I missed blogging. But, God required that I take care of my kids and experience Him during these trying times. Right now, I am preparing for our trip to my mom's mountainous hometown Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, somewhere in the South of the Philippines. This is my kids' opportunity to recuperate from the hazards of Manila pollution. My mom offered her service to help me care for the kids since the three of us will be away from the nannies and my hubby MP. Hopefully, after 6 weeks, they have gained weight and are stronger to be in Quezon City.

As to my blogging life, I am still not sure if I could resume my regular visits to all my blog-sis at WMO. I will try to update soon as I find internet connection in the province. I truly miss you, my sisters Michelle, Denise, Nancie, Joy, Laurie and all the hosts At The Well. I really feel connected to the body of Christ in a global sense because of you. I can not thank you enough for your love, concern and prayers. Lord willing, I shall be back to visit you.

Let us keep praying for one another. Leave me your prayer requests if you ever visit here. I love you too! Be strong in the Lord, ya'll lovely ladies and women of faith!

"...from glory to glory, He's changing me..."

Back To The Hospital

2008-08-29T14:45:00.004+08:00

My hubby and I decided to admit our 10 month old son ZT to the hospital last Monday due to Loose Bowel Movement, a condition any parent would not take lightly. It was just two weeks ago when we brought our daughter ST to the hospital due to her famous fall from our 8step stairs. I think we are getting better in attending to the health needs of our children. That I have to thank God for.

I missed my regular memes this week. When I say "missed", I really mean "to regret my absence". I missed you, girlfriends here at CLAY. Anyway, may I ask for your continued prayers as we press on in the ministries we are called to do this weekend. We noticed that the attacks we are experiencing before major assignments are getting more personal. Of course, how else would the enemy hurt more but through the people we love? "But greater is He that is in me [us] than he that is in the world." Praise God for His promises and the Word that affirm our calling. We will not face challenges alone... especially now that you, girlfriends, are around. I will see you soon. For now, would you please join us in praying?

Prayer Requests:
1) Speedy recovery of Zeph from Viral infection and diaper rashes
2) Financial provision for the amount not covered in our medical card
3) For me and my husband to be able to attend the Young Adults conference tomorrow
4) To discharge our son before going to the conference
5) To bless YAs during the conference
6) To have a blessed weekend with my family for the dedication of our nephew Ronan
7) To be able to return online for my blogging ministry

Thank you for bearing with me through prayers. God bless us always! Shalom!

LP: MITHI (Wish)

2008-08-21T21:09:00.013+08:00

My wish, you ask? Simple.

For the bliss in being together...

For the joy in learning new things together...

For the being together...

...to be ... FOREVER.

But, I have to accept that what we have shall come to pass.
I might as well live the most while we are together...
Appreciate the things God allows for us to enjoy together...
Create more beautiful memories together to remember...
And cherish my hubby, daughter and son as long as I live.

-o0o-

Ano ang minimithi ko ikamo? Simple lang.
Na ang ligaya kapagkami ay magkakasama...
Na ang tuwa sa pag-aaral ng mga bagong bagay ng magkakasama...
Na kami'y magkakasama...
...Ng habangbuhay.

Ngunit, kailangan kong tanggapin na ito man ay lilipas din.
Mabuti pang gawin ang lahat sa abot ng aking makakaya ang lahat ng bagay habang kami ay magkakasama pa...
Pahalagahan ang mga bagay ng Dios na nagpapasaya sa aming habang kami ay magkakasama pa...
Gumawa pa ng maraming ala-ala habang kami ay magkakasama pa...
At ibigin ang aking pamilya habang ako'y nabubuhay.

Thankful Thursday: Shalom, Pacem, Peace!

2008-08-21T18:30:00.007+08:00

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Our dear TT host, Iris, quoted Peace's definition as freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. Peace is a treasure to a restless soul. This is why I made it a habit to bless people with a word of Shalom. My mom, hubby and some girlfriends know how much help I draw from it especially when I turn fearful and panicky. Today, I would like to thank God for that life-saving Peace, too.

Peace can be a state of harmony or the absence of hostility. It can describe calmness, serenity, and silence. It can also be a non-violent way of life.

Thank You, Lord, for the safety and quietness of our neighborhood. A war in the Southern part of the Philippines [Lanao del Sur] broke out again, and many muslims and christians mostly men and children, were killed brutally in the middle of the night. Many houses and schools were burned, and the families evacuated to schools, mosques and barangay halls. They were really traumatized. I am not thanlkful for their plight, but I thank You for the opportunity to pray for them. Please bring peace, not just between the MILF (faction of muslims) rebels and the government, but moreso, between You and them.

Peace can also describe a relationship between any people characterized by respect, justice, and goodwill.

Thank You, Lord, for the relationships You blessed me with, free from abuse, rudeness, quarrel and dissension. Misunderstandings are blessed with healers like patience, acceptance and tolerance. There are so many people who are being maltreated in their own homes, gearing them to criminalism, a great deal of violence and mental problems. I am not thankful for the pitiful situations of these women and children, but I thank You that many people now are responding for their rescue. Please continue to bless the peacemakers.

"Peace" is used to describe the end of a violent conflict.

Thank You, Lord, for the Peace that enabled me to let go of the grudges I kept in the past, and for continually enabling me to let go of the sins that people do against me. Sometimes, those I love the most are the ones I find more difficult to forgive. Thank You for the Holy Spirit's prompt conviction and Your living Word that is ever-ready for reproof unto righteousness. I am so grateful for the many times You save me from me - when I stand between doing what You want and doing what I want. That really gets violent within!

Peace can mean a state of quiet or tranquility — an absence of disturbance or agitation. It can also pertain to an individual's sense of himself or herself, as to be "at peace" with one's own mind.

Thank You, Lord, for freeing me from unbearable stress and anxiety - usually after I cry them out. I really see Your hand turn the circumstances immediately when I pray. You bring me to a higher plain where I could see the light. Everything in my life makes perfect sense whenever I put you in the center of the picture. Where You are, there is peace, there is love, there is joy. You make my mind-squeezing mechanism take rest in the thought that "everything's gonna be alright in Christ!"

Thank You. Thank You... from me to You. Amen!

If you have time, please do share how Jehovah Shalom worked in your life today. I would love to know your thankful list, too. God bless you! Shalom!

To read more blessings and thankful lists, visit Iris at Sting My Heart.
*Definition from Wikipedia

My Ezekiel Time

2008-08-20T14:36:00.008+08:00

I scanned through my Bible this morning as I breathed out a prayer. I asked that He would lead me to what He wanted me to read from His Word . I decided to park my REALITY devotional guide for a while to have the Spirit a free time with me. My fingers were led to the exciting book of Ezekiel, a prophet whose name means "God strengthens", who saw God through the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day and the radiance around it. (1;28) This is such a timely revelation for a rainy day like ours here in Quezon City. My pre-nursery daughter tried to wake up early for her first day in school, after her long vacation due to her accident, just to find out that her class was suspended. Poor excited girl.

Going back to my morning cup with Apo Dios (Abba Father), we had a swell time going through chapter 18. The Devotional Study Bible entitled it The Soul Who Sins Will Die. This reminded me of our Care group's lesson in Experiencing God about how we almost always refer our difficulties and sufferings as trials from the Lord, discounting the possibility that they are also sent for the purpose of discipline or Fatherly chastisement.

I appreciate the justice of our Holy God when He said [and Ezekiel wrote],

"For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son - both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.

...but suppose this [wicked] son has a son who sees all the sins his father commits, and though he sees them, he does not do such things... he will not die for his father's sin; he will surely live.

...the son will not share the guilt of his father, nor will the father share the guilt of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.

...But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he will not die. NONE of his offenses will be remembered against him.

...But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked man does, will he live? NONE of the righteous things he has done will be remembered... he will die.

...For I take NO PLEASURE in the death of anyone [wicked or righteous turned wicked], declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live."

How wonderful to be reminded of God's attribute of righteousness. He is faithful to forgive and to bless life those who walk in the path of righteousness and who repents from wickedness. This is also a good warning for those who think they will be rewarded a life in eternity for the faith of their parents, siblings or forefathers. God clearly states that the soul of those who sins will die, and the souls of those who are righteous will have life. There is no big or small sin in the eyes of the Holy One, thus making us all destined for sin. Our righteousness only comes by His grace in Jesus Christ.

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heavens given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

"For as many as received Him to them gave him the power to become the children of God." John 1:12

What a promise we have in Jesus, that in Him lies our salvation. We do not deserve it, but He gave it anyway. No one can accuse God as unjust even when a person is said to be "predisposed" unto sin for his environment. God will judge us according to the light He reveals us. The Word is the light. He will definitely judge. But, what makes Him different from what most people know about God's judgment is that He does not only judge out of wrath for sin. He judges man with love. Let us pray for the wicked men around us that they will respond to the Spirit's nudging unto repentance. God is faithful and able to forgive. He is ready to save!

Word Filled Wednesday: 2 Corinthians 6:18

2008-08-20T12:04:00.009+08:00

MY ABBA'S CHILD with ABBA FATHER

You are my Abba, my heavenly Father
You know my tears, and my smiles.
You are my Abba, my heavenly Father...

And I am my Abba's child.

Yes, I am my Abba's child.

Abba Father, Abba Father,
Deep within my soul I cry.
Father, Father, Jehovah Shammah, You are my King
My Jehovah Rophei, You are my Healer
Yahweh, my God

Abba Father, Abba Father,
I will never cease to love You.
I will never cease to love You.

In the photo are my beloved hubby MP and son ZT. This was taken last Monday when we went out for a family picnic at the nearest park, the Quezon City Memorial Circle. I missed you gals AT THE WELL, but still blessed just to have a fun-time with the kids. We are thankful for the national holiday that made it possible for an extended family day. That day we celebrated the 25th year of Commemorating Benigno Aquino's death, the man who has become the father of our freedom from the Marcos dictatorship.

The song featured in this post is from Experiencing God The Musical album. This is my favorite song in this album. And, this album is a must-have for every Christian library. Hope you grab a copy.

May we enjoy our spiritual sonship all the days of our life. But, in the light of eternity, I 'd rather not dare wish you well for we will surely be more than well there!

To view more WFW entries, please click the photo above.
Oops, you might want to leave a comment first? *wink ;)
Thanks!

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays: BLESS MY SON

2008-08-16T11:55:00.002+08:00

This is the prayer song I sang for my son during his Dedication Day. I could have sung it like Rita Baloche, but I got carried away by the sniffing and teary-eyed girlfriends of mine during the event. I praise God for the singer, Nancy Gordon and Martin J. Nystrom for creating this music. We never get tired listening to all the music in the album Bless My Little Boy. I recommend this a must-have to all mom's library. Have a blessed time listening.

Click here to listen to the music.

BLESS MY SON

Nancy Gordon & Martin J. Nystrom

May he have the faith of Abraham

may he have the boldness of Paul

May he have a heart like David

Always seeking God,

Always seeking God.

Chorus:

Father God, bless my son

May he grow to be a man of God.

May he have the wisdom of Solomon

May he have the patience of Job

May he be a leader like Joshua

Always full of hope,

Always full of hope.

May he have the courage of Daniel

May he have the love of John

May he know Your voice like Samuel

Always obey God,

Always obey God.

For more inspirational entries, visit Amy Wyatt of Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

LP: Liwaliw

2008-08-14T19:58:00.006+08:00

This is a picture taken during our church family outing, a way of celebrating the love of God for the families in the 49th year of our church's existence. We do not really go out often as a family, but since this is an event paid by the church, we took the big O. My hubby MP, who is shown in this picture, had a great time with the waves of Bulacan's Paradise Island wave pool. I just love looking at everybody. We truly enjoyed the fellowship, the food, and the swimming "f"ool! LOL!

Liwaliw [Going out]

Ang litratong ito ay kinuha noong family outing ng aming simbahan bilang pag-alala sa pag-ibig ng Dios sa mga pamilya ng aming simbahan sa loob ng 49 na taong. Hindi kami madalas na nakakalabas bilang pamilya, ngunit dahil bayad ng aming simbahan ang naturang gawain, ay minbuti na naming kunin ang oportunidad. Ang asawa kong si MP, ang nasa litratong ito, ay aliw na aliw sa "waves" ng Paradise Island wave pool sa Bulacan. Ang sarap pagmasdan ng bawat isa. Labis akong natuwa sa pagkakasama-sama, sa mga pagkain, at sa paliligo sa "pool"!

Then Sings My Soul: Lord, Have Mercy

2008-08-13T18:35:00.017+08:00

LATE ENTRY

Click the title of the song to view the YouTube video.

I do not know Charles Billingsley and his song , Lord, Have Mercy, but this phrase was what I uttered again and again when I picked up my daughter from the foot of our 7step stairs. Have mercy, Lord, have mercy!

ST and her nanny were still singing past midnight when I passed by the nanny's room. Jessa explained that our girl would not like to drink her milk or sleep without her mama beside her. My hubby slept ahead beside our little boy, while I opted to work overtime on the video presentation for ZT's dedication that Sunday. I was instructing Jessa from the sala to convince ST to drink her milk, but before I finished, ST sneaked out and ran towards the dark staircase. She got thrilled when the door opened and ran away from Jessa who was then holding the can of Gain and a water-filled, feeding bottle. I remember her calling my name before her frail body tumbled down like a rag doll. The vintage point from where I was seated was directly facing the stairs. I could have picked her up before she landed the marble floor, but my knees buckled and was unmoved by denial and fear. It was a face to face with possible unrepairable damages, or worse, a permanent loss. And, I was very afraid.

Is this really happening? Aaaaaaaahhh... Jessa screamed; I screamed; my husband who heard the commotion screamed. We were all screaming as if the house was on fire! ST, who finally landed with her head first, screamed the loudest. God was so good to have given me the strength to pick her up at once, but to see the blood oozing from her mouth scared out the remaining strength in me. I saw how her head bounced from step to step, dragging her arms from the side. It was difficult to let go of the memory. The awful fall caused two, huge lumps on her forehead, and one at the left, and another one at the back. I was distraught at the sight of her swollen face. My little darling cried out in pain while I applied on the 3 ice cubes which my right hand held tightly until we reached the ER. My husband prayed for a taxi on his way to the Subdivision's gate, and we were blessed with the best driver who drove really fast and safely to the hospital. He even went against the flow in his hazard lights until we reached the closest U-turn towards the hospital's avenue.

The whole time we were in the taxi, MP and I were praying aloud. Lord, have mercy on our daughter! I tried to calm down, to ask her if she's ok, but when she said "painful... I'm sorry", I broke down again. I remember not feeling anything with my right palm while holding the ice cubes. My eyes were filled with tears; my mind was filled with prayers. Oh Lord, have mercy!

A comic relief came to the rescue though. Still on the road to the hospital, I asked...

"Can you see me?"
"I cannot see! I cannot see, Mama!"
"Are you sure? Look at me, baby. "
"I cannot look! Aaah, painful!"
"Baby, look at Mama. Be brave! Be brave!"
"I cannot brave! I cannot brave!"

I felt like laughing, but I embraced her instead. I praised God that her eyesight was fine, but I praised Him more that her thoughts were coherent. She answered the way she would under ordinary circumstance.

We felt the Lord's favor following us. The CT scan and the chest xray's initial results were negative for fracture. The doctor recommended that she stays in the hospital for observation, but there was no room available yet. After a few minutes, MP returned with a good news that a suite is vacant, and apparently, it was the same room where ST and ZT spent last April when they were stricken with Pneumonia. Our medical card can only subsidize the first 24 hours of the suite, after which, we have to transfer to the maximum allowable room rate which is a regular private. We were lined 7th in the private room reservation, and had a vacancy only in the late afternoon of Monday. We were grateful. We expected to pay for the excess of the remaining hours plus the additional xray for ST's forehead when the doctor felt a dent on both wounds. But, to our surprise, the card covered everything except for the nebulizer kit, cold pack and hot bag. All in all we only paid Php190 out of the Php18,000 total hospital bill. Jehovah Jireh & Rophei did it again! God answers the cries of His children. God's mercy endures forever!

Time and time again, we experience the hand of God carrying us through inevitable trials, proving to us that the only way to go is through letting go and letting God. ST's life is so precious to me and my hubby, but we have to remind ourselves that she is God's precious one, too. She is safest in the hallow of His hands.

For more inspirational entries, visit Amy Wyatt of Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

What a mighty God we serve!

P/S
Charles Billingsley really ministered to me with his soothing and beckoning voice.
Take time to listen to Kyrie: Lord, Have Mercy.

Word-Filled Wednesday: Luke 11:1

2008-08-13T16:22:00.008+08:00

I missed my three memes and regular visits to my favorite blogs last weekend. It's a long story. But, before I dive in to that... or should I say those, because it's going to be a series of stories, I would like to post my WFW first, before I miss another meme. These two, lovely, praying angels were given to my daughter ST and son ZT by ST's godmother, Malis. There is this recorded goodnight prayer in it which plays when their tummies are pressed. My daughter memorized it already, and she is so cute trying to sound like the voice of the American girl who recorded it.

Since I enrolled myself in the school of prayer and intercession, God actively situated me and my family in circumstances that will force me to exercise my faith-lessons. It was like signing up my entire family for inevitable problems. Good thing I and my hubby have the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us in all truth. We are learning to discern how to pray and what to pray for in times of trials. To pray that God, the author of prayer, would teach us how to pray is really a wise thing to do. Testings, tribulations, troubles and temptations are typical times when we need wisdom in our prayers. When one of the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray like John the Baptist, He did not hesitate to instruct them. They were even told to ask, seek and knock, and promised that the Father will give the Holy Spirit to them who ask of Him. Writing these things down from the Bible is just so affirming!

For more inspiring pictures and Bible verses, visit The 160 Acre Woods.

Wordless Wednesday: Better Together

2008-08-13T01:00:00.002+08:00

BETTER TOGETHER
Just like me and my hubby.
I am definitely the circle, and he has always been the square.

TODAY'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!

2008-08-12T15:35:00.004+08:00

B I G T H A N K S !
...to all who remembered to greet me!

And for those who did not know, or just happened to forget,
no problem...

You can still greet me. Come on, post a comment.
heee heee heee...
I would love to know you prayed for me.
In fact, I'd love it most if you'll post your prayer down there!
Thanks.

God bless our blogging friendship in the Lord!

God Stop Friday: God's Princes & Princess

2008-08-08T02:09:00.007+08:00

This is my family. God made His love known to me through His Word and my relationships. And my little Atienza circle tops my list in relationship category. I never knew I am capable of loving this much until I had them in my life. God gave them to me, but never left me alone in this huge wifey and mommy responsibility. He enables me to be the wife and mom that I ought to be. This is my God stop Friday. And I am in awe of His mighty work in my life through His princes and princess. Praise God for the high calling of parenting... and housewife, too.

God's Prince and Princess: My hubby MP and our daughter ST

God's Little Prince: our son ZT

These pictures were taken last May during the Daily Vacation Bible School: SIDEKICKS graduation day in our church. This is the reason why ST is now in school. She had a great deal of fun learning new things, and missed it so much. A week after, we went hunting for her Pre-Nursery school. My son, on the other hand, was a happy guest of his sister. He had a swell time too being crowned a Sidekick of her ate. May they both become the Sidekicks of God, relying on His power and strength. Hiya!

Thankful Thursday: Hope and Others

2008-08-07T15:26:00.005+08:00

Psalm 121:1-3
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber

This is an amazing week so far. I am showered with love by God through my family, my sisters in the Lord from different places, and through the Word. Today, I am tempted to be frantic with my preparations for the dedication of my son, but God nudged me to pause for awhile for my Thankful Thursday. After reading Iris' post today, I heard my sister sing in my mind --

I will lift mine eyes to the hills from whence my help shall come,
I will trust my Lord to heal and take me home.
Lord, I never felt this way before, You promised to see me through.
I could only trust you more and more, Lord, I lift mine eyes to you.

Hope floats in the hearts of those who trusted Jesus as their Savior and Lord. There is no hope in the eyes of those who have not known or heard that there is life eternal. And because of my salvation ---

I thank God for the blessed hope that is in me, and for His ever present help in time of trouble.
I thank God for giving me the courage to slow down when everything in me says speed up, and neglect my time with Him.
I thank God for my children; they keep me sane and less self-centered.
I thank God for my husband who rejoices with me in my successes, and empathizes with me in my frustrations.
I thank God I am healed from LBM which was really painful last night until I fell asleep.
I thank God for sleep. I am naturally a late sleeper with occasional insomia.
I thank God for continually healing my coughing housemates: my kids and their nannies.
I thank God for the willing hands from our church's Young Adults Ministry that will help us in putting the dedication event together.
Thank God for those who prayed and are continually praying for that, too.
I thank God for the future we are looking forward to. I am excited to be trained in the Bible school in preparation for the mission-work. But, right now, my assignment is to be here with the kids. I feel it will come very soon. God knows when I am ready.
I thank God for Thursdays. I always thank Him, but knowing someone will thank God with me is just awe-inspiring.
Lastly, though I won't cease to thank God today, I thank God for you. Your comments will surely inspire me. I can't wait to read your ThTh post, too. I'll be visiting you, Lord willing.

My Bumble Bee's Dedication Day

2008-08-07T14:30:00.004+08:00

Luke 2:21-22
21And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child,
his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before
he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days of her
purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished,
they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord...

Presenting... Mama's Invitation for her bumble bee's Dedication Day.

If I can only invite you all... sigh.

And here is my tarp design.

How do you find my simple art work?

I am prayerfully getting busy, scribbling down the program with the Lord's guidance. It is my prayer that in this event, we will not just bless our guests, but that God will find our (mine and my hubby MP's) hearts pure when we "officially" dedicate our bumblee bee to Him. Of course we already dedicated him to God long before His birth. This is just a matter of publicly declaring our vow to God that we will raise him up to be a godly man after His heart. Ah, talking/writing/ typing about it makes me cry.

Help from all places are coming in! Jehovah Jireh is affirming us in our solemn desire to give back to Him our beloved son. May he have the favor of our great Abba. He knows what's best for him.

Word Filled Wednesday: Jeremiah 31:13

2008-08-06T16:30:00.007+08:00

Here's my Word-filled post. I can't make it bigger, but the verse is found in Jeremiah 31:13. This is a picture of our Praise and Worship Filipiniana version. Remember my picture post last week, the Kulintang? Meet the whole band, making the ethnic music and movement at home in a city church like ours. This was taken during our church anniversary 2 years ago. Our worship band is called Misyon:Samba [Mission:Worship] while the dance group is called Sayaw ala-Yahweh [Dance offered to Yahweh]. We really had a full and blessed time of worship, singing, dancing and praying for our missionaries.
The bamboo dance shown here is a typical Muslim community dance in Mindanao particularly in Zamboanga and Davao. There are many efforts now reaching their communities so that they too may hear the saving story about Issa Almasi [Jesus Christ].

This is a promise to the people of God, Israel, that with their liberty they shall have abundance and joy, and God shall be honored and served with it ( Jeremiah 31:12,13). When they shall have returned to their own land they shall come and sing in the high place of Zion; on the top of that holy mountain they shall sing to the praise and glory of God. They so did as what was foretold in Ezra 3;11. Amazing how we in Christ can claim this promise of turning our mourning into dancing when we make Him our Lord.

Trivia:
Can you spot me?
Clue:
I'm standing near the screen!

Have a blessed Word-filled Wednesday, my spiritual siblings!

LP: AKO (o parte ko)

2008-08-06T12:10:00.014+08:00

Theme: ME (or a part of me)
This is the baptistry located on the stage of our Worship Hall in our church, Capitol City Baptist Church. I was not baptized here, but most of our church members were immersed here after declaring their faith on and alliance to the Lord Jesus Christ. I posted this because my faith to God is not just a part of me but the core of me. Without my renewed life in Christ, everything I have now are just earth-bound. My life, my family, my relationships, and my few earthly possessions will not have eternal meaning if not for the new life I have in Christ. I love this part of our church. The empty cross reminds me that my Lord is a resurrected God, and very much involved in my daily life. Whenever I stand in front of it to sing, pray, listen to the Word through our pastor or partake of the communion elements, the sight never fails to give me peace and assurance that He is near. His presence silence any turmoil within. Jesus' cross was definitely unsmoothened or unshaped not like the one hanging on our baptistry, but this symbol helps me jump-start my imagination of Jesus of the Bible.

Thank you for the cross, the mighty cross
That God Himself should die for such as I
And everyday we're changed
Into your image more and more
Yes, by the cross we've truly been transformed

"...the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18

Litratong Pinoy [Filipino Pictures]
This is a Philippines-based meme on the net for all Filipino photography enthusiasts and "wannabes" like me. I am excited to join the rest of the professionals and the avid members in their Tuesday participation. Here is my courageous, first post however late it is. Special thanks to my friend Roselle of REFLEXES for the encouragement.

-------------------o0o-------------------

Theme: AKO (o parte ko)
Ito ang baptistry na nakaluklok sa entablado ng Worship Hall ng aming simbahan, Capitol City Baptist Church. Hindi ako nabinyagan dito, ngunit karamihan sa aming mga miyembro ay dito nilublob makatapos nilang ihayag ang kanilang pananampalataya at pakikisapi sa Dios Jesus Kristo. Ito ang aking napili pagkat and aking pananampalataya sa Dios ay hindi lamang isa sa mga bahagi ng aking pagkatao, bagkos ay aking kabuuan. Kung hindi dahil sa aking binagong buhay kay Kristo, lahat ng mayroon ako ay pahanggang dito lamang sa mundo. Ang buhay ko, pamilya, mga relasyon at maging ang kaunting panlupang ari-arian ay walang eternal na kahulugan kung di dahil sa aking bagong buhay kay Kristo.
Mahal sa akin ang parte ng simbahan na ito. Ang krus na walang laman ay nagpapa-alala sa akin na ang Dios ko ay buhay at nananatiling buhay sa aking pang-araw-araw na buhay. Kapag ako ay natatayo kaharap itong entablado upang umawit, manalangin, makinig sa Salita sa pamamagitan ng aming pastor o tuwing tatanggap ng mga elemonto ng komunyon, nagkakaroon ako ng kapayapaan at napapa-alalahanang nandito't kampiling ko Siya. Ang Kanyang presensya ay nagdudulot ng katahimikan sa aking kalooban. Ang tunay na krus ni Jesus ay hindi man nakatam o na-ihugis ng maganda gaya ng nakasabit sa aming baptistry, ngunit ang simbolong ito ay nakakatulong sa aking imahinasyon sa Jesus ng Biblia.

Salamat O Jesus sa Iyong krus
At Ikaw na Dios ay namatay para sa'kin
At ang lahat ng araw ko'y
Hinuhubog sa wangis Mo
Dahil sa krus, ako'y tunay na nagbago.

"...ang mensahe ng krus ay kahangalan sa kanilang patungo sa kamatayan, ngunit sa mga ligtas ito ay kapangyarihan sa Diyos." 1 Corinto 1:18

Litratong Pinoy [LP]
Ang Litratong Pinoy ay isang meme sa net mula sa bansang Pilipinas para sa lahat ng mga Pilipinong nahihilig sa potograpiya at mga "wannabes" na gaya ko. ako ay excited na makasama ang lahat ng mga propesyonal at mga masusugit na myembro sa kada Martes na paglahok. Ito ang aking unang matapang na pag-post, kahit medyo huli na. Isang natatanging pasasalamat kay Roselle ng REFLEXES sa kanyang encouragement.

Two Shall Become One Tuesday: Thankfulness and Forgiveness

2008-08-06T08:38:00.008+08:00

For this meme, I would like to appreciate the faithful hosting of Sue in her cozy coffee shop blog of Praise and Coffee. Indeed, my stop-over was a moment of Refueling, Refreshing, and Restoring... from my personal battle on discontentment and boredom. I praise God for your ministry, Sue.

At Praise and Coffee, being thankful and forgiving were the two elements in marriage that were put on the spotlight. These two are things that God has been dealing well in my marriage. And though I have graduated from being too self-absorbed, the Lord remains faithful to deal the remnants of this ugly past.

THANKFULNESS

I am blessed that God made it is easier for me to be thankful for the marital bliss I am experiencing in my married life of 3 years (and counting). It is not the perfect bliss, but by God's grace, I see whatever marital state we are in as an opportunity for learning, thus, a blessing. I thank God that we are becoming more and more the teammates who pursue God's purpose for our family in the light of the Great Commission. I believe that when we get to know God's love and undeserving grace, and look at our husbands as our co-beneficiary of the same, it will not be too difficult to thank God for our man. Also, when we choose to be thankful to God for our marriage, we will begin to see the Author of the knot that binds us and His purpose for our union. It is a choice, a matter of perspective. We can choose to look at our Father and believe that in our obedience there is blessing, or look at the ugliness of our marriage and wallow in pity, a downhill to hopelessness and depression. I have seen how others chose the latter and suffered so much in their marriages. Ungratefulness springs out from a proud heart that says, I am the good one and he is the bad one. Sadly, the proud spouse neglect to see his/her own share of garbage in the marriage, and fall prey at the lies that his/her life will become better with a new partner. I can also testify of God's favor to those who, even being married to difficult men, chose to be thankful for their husbands. My mom is one of them, and I just treasure her example of obedience to God through acceptance and thankfulness. She said, to choose otherwise will just make her a bitter-looking hag. That is just the cruelest thing you can do to yourself.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes. 5:18

FORGIVENESS

I think there is nothing more fatal than unforgiveness. It waters down all the good things that there is in life. It chokes your spiritual life like the seed thrown in a thorny ground. It dampens the Christian life which God intends to be abundant, joyful and full.

"...bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others." Col. 3:13

Forgiveness is a command which God gave us to free us from the shackles of sin. Unforgiveness is a sin. We have to agree with the Father that when we hold grudge against our husbands, when we want to strike back, when we do not want to let go of the painful memory caused by our spouse, we sin. And the Bible says,

"Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25

"But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins." Matt. 6:15

God designed marriage for us to experience His love. But when a spouse has an unforgiving heart, just like any sin, the flow of God's favor is blocked. Bitterness breeds in the heart of the unforgiving. The longer it sits in your heart, it eats you up like the termites in the basement that will crumble down a palace in due time. Forgiveness is a decision that can be done by God's grace alone. Let us not attempt to do this on our own strength.

"Now without faith it is impossible to please him..." Heb. 11:6a

Thankulness and forgiveness are marriage savers. If done consistently and by faith, we can save ourselves from unnecessary heartaches that may derail us from doing the main thing - the great commission. When our marriages are free from selfishness and pride, that is when we can participate in the Kingdom task. The couple is one in the sight of God. But, individually, we are accountable before God as a spouse, a parent, and as a child created for His use. Let us free ourselves by choosing to give thanks in everything, and forgiving those who trespass us especially the flesh of our flesh and bone of our bones, our better whole.

Countdown To My Son's Dedication Day

2008-08-05T12:35:00.007+08:00

ZT, my youngest baby ball who's turning 10 months on Thursday, will be dedicated to the Lord this Sunday, August 10, 2008. This is a special event in our family, but with tight budget and few days to work on details, I think we will have to make it simple without losing the essence of the occasion. Our families are used to having big, fat parties. We are just so tightly knitted. However, with the increase of our weekly consumption having growing babies in our care [plus their nannies], and with the increase of prices on all basic commodities, we will try not to feel bad if we can not invite other family friends this time. Sigh. I am beginning to feel bad now.

Anyways, here is my to-do list, hoping to get the essentials done before this day ends. It's 12:30pm, and I have 6 remaining hours before the stores close. Here goes...

invitations/give aways
program
tarpaulin
video/photo coverage
PPT presentation
venue/interior
catering
balloons
cake
dedication certificate

I think this is pretty much the basic list. Oh, and I need to coordinate with the Officiating Minister, and ask for our guests' confirmation. So, what do you think? Oh, Lord, I am beginning to feel the stress. Please help me! Inhale... exhale.... If you have any ceremony/party ideas to share, please feel free to leave a message. I would love to hear from anybody who has easy-to-execute, brilliant ideas for this important event. I better dash now. God bless you. God bless me, too... as I do my assignment for the Lord and my begotten son. See you around. Shalom!

At The Well: Testimony On Having A Vision

2008-08-05T06:16:00.010+08:00

It's a wet, good morning here in the Philippines! Thank you very much, my sisters, for praying with us. Thanks especially to Denise, Amydeanne, Laurie Anne, Michele and Tracy Berta for taking the time to encourage me at the well. The rain is still pouring, but my kids are not coughing like dawgs, although my daughter ST, will have to take antibiotics. ZT's cough is hard, but the doctor did not hear anything through the stethoscope. That is a praise item! Thank God they do not have to be admitted in the hospital for something worse. We had that experience early this year when they were admitted together due to pneumonia. Also, their nanny's happy new year cough is getting better now. Filipinos greet a coughing person with a happy new year especially if it sounds anything like a fire cracker... that hard! We make fun of everything here in a non-offensive way just to keep things light. When the weather is this gloomy and everybody's sick, it is best to have some humor around. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.

Ah, and I am back at the well. I've been visiting Natalie's entry, but my "wind" to write did not come until I woke up this morning to pray. God nudged me to share about my first pregnancy experience. That was the time when I received a vision from the Lord and I chose to act out in faith. This is a bit out of the topic on family vision at our well, but I hope my story will serve its purpose even to just one person. Shalom!

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WISDOM'S WIND AND PRAYER'S PEACE

My daughter's two names mean "wisdom" in Greek and "a direct petition or short, sharp cry of a distressed heart sung out in supplication" in Hebrew. A few seconds after I read the positive sign on the pregnancy kit, a powerpoint presentation-like vision came to me. It flashed wisdom and prayer. Right there and then I felt that strong nudge to seriously consider these two words in naming our firstborn.

We were just a month-old, married couple when ST was carefully formed in my womb. We learned of her existence when I was two months delayed. My hubby was thrilled! I was nervous. Thank God for the vision which helped me accept the pregnancy. It was a rollercoaster ride alright; but now that I have her, after all the pains I went through, I wholeheartedly say the ride was all worth it!

THREATENED ABORTION

I almost lost her from excessive bleeding during the 4th month. I remember MP and I were watching the late Sunday replay of the 2005 NBA finals on the local TV station when I had the painful lower abdominal cramp. I went to the bathroom to see what gushed out of me, and I almost fainted at the sight of blood. It was a little past midnight when we got the strength to rush to a hospital. But to get a cab, we had to walk few blocks away from our apartment. It was like a staggered walk to Golgotha minus the mocking and whipping. Well, it was my fault. I insisted to go with MP and did not want to be left alone. Fear was written all over me. Alas! The OB's verdict was a month-long complete bed rest. For a sociable and outgoing person that I was, this was worst than a house-arrest! I was not allowed to sit, stand or walk. I'm just so blessed that my husband was there with me all the way. If mine was a walk to Golgotha, his was a daily crucifixion! He had to wake up early morning to cook a meal good for breakfast and lunch, and to bathe and clothe me before going off for work. He made sure I had enough water (when Maynilad could not deliver) for the whole day. He did the washing of the dishes every night, the weekend laundry and house-cleaning, and even the cutting of my toenails since I was not also allowed to bend, not even to carry things or move around. My boy-next-door looking hubby successfully matched the demand for sacrifice and hardwork for the love of me and the baby. How else could he have succeeded but through divine grace. After a month, I was asked to remain slow and continue with the meds.

MY PRESENT COMFORT

God used my baby's names to comfort me during the whole term of my perilous pregnancy. I remember what my Ninang Ellen, a faithful intercessor and mentor in prayer said. "Prayer should be a non-stop belief on God's power. And after uttering your petitions, you must decide to embrace His peace." That is true dependence. If not for the peace I embrace in every prayer, I could have succumbed to depression. I cannot even begin to think where that would have led me. Family and church friends were very helpful through prayer and fellowship. We were just cautious not to laugh too much or do anything that may induce contractions. In other words, no prolonged LOL's!

Before we knew of ST, I was into a deep study on the books of James and Psalms. According to the Bible scholars, James is the New Testament's wisdom book while Proverbs is the Old Testament's. I think God meant for me to learn about wisdom for the circumstance that was to come. "Even before this valley, He has gone before me in triumph." A profound thought like that would need wisdom to understand. He preceded me! Like a wind, He passed through me, and went ahead of me to where I was going. Then, He met me again just when I needed a second wind.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Names are very important to us. We want our kids to see themselves destined for greatness by the names they bear. I am glad my husband and I were spared from asking around or buying Naming books just to have the right pick. Although I also spared some time researching for the appropriate foreign translations just so my daughter would not end up being called "Wisper" (a hypothetical nickname if I combine the two English words). Since the Bible was originally written in Greek and Hebrew, we thought it best to search Greco or Jewish terms that sounded feminine enough for a name.

OUR BUBBLY ST

ST, now a two year old pre-nursery pupil, is a strong headed girl, very opinionated and talkative, sometimes to the degree of being boisterous. She likes to sing, dance, and read aloud (or, should I say, "pretend to read') on top of her lungs, on top of any platform - a chair, a stool, a bed, even a table! She is so adorable! Someday, if she sings or delivers elocution before an audience of a hundred or more, I think she may pull it off for simply performing without the aid of a microphone. But, more than the possible glam she may gain from being a natural performer, I pray God will make her a wise and prayerful woman who would bless others with God's wind and peace.

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Wisdom's Wind, Prayer's Peace
Posted at REALITIES by Colored Heart
Tuesday, July 8, 2008

To My Sisters At The Well

2008-08-04T10:58:00.005+08:00

It's 11AM here in the Philippines. If ever you came earlier before I post my At The Well entry, please accept my apology and pray for my family. My kids: ST, my 2yo girl, and ZT, my 9mo boy, caught bad colds along with their nanny Am. It's been raining hard, and the coldness aggravates their condition. We even failed to go to church yesterday due to the heavy rain. My hubby who commutes via 4 jeepney rides going to work is also in danger of catching colds or even worse if he gets too wet before entering his fully air-conditioned office. Filipinos are used to different weather conditions, but sometimes our bodies get this frail. Times like this, we value intercession and God's grace. Hopefully, when we get home from the nearby Kid's clinic, I'll have the strength and "wind" to type down the faith-thoughts that piled up in my heart after reading Natalie's post at her I AM (NOT) blog. I was blessed at her well. Please come back to check out my post. Knowing you came by to pray and will come back after a while mean a lot. See you around. Shalom!

Tagged: Google Search

2008-08-04T08:05:00.006+08:00

Our AUGUST Featured Blogger, Sister Denise, was tagged and tags all those who wants to be tagged. The rules are simple, google your first name with needs behind it. Do not forget to put your link in the chain, copy it, and tag at least 5 people to do this TAG too.

Google Search: 1. Denise, 2. Colored Heart, 3. Your Name here

List the first 10 results.
And here are my ten Google "needs":

Heart needs a home.
Heart needs lyrics (?)
Heart needs immediate attention.
Heart needs just right amount of sleep.
Heart needs to be freed.
Heart needs a lot of loving.
Heart needs help to heal.
Heart needs repair.
Heart needs a beat.
Heart needs a chance.

Now, I want to tag Roselle , Michele, Nancie, Full of Joy, and Kristi.
Hope you have time for this... just for fun. :)

If you find this tag interesting, you may snag it... but please, be a heart that cared to share by leaving a message. I would like to read your post. By the way, my real name is Gracey.

Children & Prayer: You'll Never Get Away With It

2008-08-03T14:00:00.001+08:00

101 STORIES OF ANSWERED PRAYERS

You'll Never Get Away With It
By: Jeannie St. John Taylor

"Who broke the vase?" I asked.
Three innocent faces grazed up at me. Three pairs of shoulders shrugged. My heart broke. Every day of their lives, I prayed for my children to love the Lord and have soft hearts, yet one of them was lying. One of them had a hard heart.
"You may be able to lie to me," I said in a last-ditch attempt to soften hearts. They were so close in age, I never seemed able to sort out who did what - and they knew it. "But God is always watching. He knows who is lying."
Three pairs of eyes grew big with concern. Three dismayed voices protested.
"I'd be scared to lie to God," I said. Three sets of eyes unblinkingly met mine. Obviously, the perpetrator was not going to crack.,
I walked into the kitchen, my stomach churning, my eyes filling with tears - helpless to do anything more. How could my precious children have such hard hearts?
Hearing a "rhummm...rhummm," I glanced back into the family room. Ty and Tevin made motor sounds as they ran trucks over a pillow. They had returned to their play, but Tori hadn't joined them. She stood alone on the hearth, palms pressed together in a prayng position, eyes squeezed shut, lips moving in silent prayer.
Obviously, the guilty part was feeling remorse. It looked like my God had answered my daily prayer. Her little heart wasn't so hard after all. Hopefully, she'd come and confess to me, too. And she did.

"For He views the ends of the earth, and sees everything
under the heavens." Job 28:24

Children & Faith: Grace's Calling

2008-08-03T02:02:00.014+08:00

Our daughter Grace takes her Bible to her public school. She shares with her friends who don't know Jesus. Last night while cuddling with me she quietly said, " Mom, I want to be a missionary when I grow up. I want to take Bibles to China where people can't get them...and if I perish I perish." (I almost fell off my bed) At 8 years old my prayer life for her has just been kicked up a notch... Posted by Joanne at "BLESSED"

What would you feel if your precious says such profession of faith? How would you respond to your child's earnest desire to obey the call for missions?

"37Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'" Matthew 9:37-38

*The image above is from http://the160acrewoods.com.

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays: Through It All

2008-08-02T09:38:00.014+08:00

This week bore my firsts in CWO Meme. I met new bloggers from different memes and I am so glad to participate today in one of the memes that may just be closest to my heart. Not that the others are less enjoyable to do, but that as a professional musician and an active worship minister, sharing my meditation on the songs I love is something I need to do. Sharing makes one rehearse her lessons by heart, and so here is my first entry: THROUGH IT ALL by Hillsong. Please click the title to view the video.

THROUGH IT ALL

You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with Your hand
And lead me in Your righteousness
And I look to You, And I wait on You

I will sing to You, Lord
A hymn of love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all

Hallelujah, hallelujah

The first time this song was introduced in our church, I was not on stage with the Praise and Worship team. Usually, when I am assigned to serve on stage, I rehearse and perform with focus on the technicalities so as not to get too emotional which is detrimental to having a good vocal performance. It has been my rule to do the meditation part at home, and click on the performance mode when I step on the stage. If you are a singer, a speaker or someone appointed by God to stand before a crowd, you sure do understand it when I say it is just difficult to deliver the message with stuffy nose, blurry eyes, and constricted throat.

Going back to the day when I first heard this song, I was really thankful then that I was not on the spotlight to lead the people in worshiping Him. The melodies turned stringy out of my emotional well, and I just had a trance, like I was transported before the holy presence of God in the heavenlies. There I stood with shaking knees, telling God how grateful I am for my salvation; for giving me the grace to even say "You are forever in my life"; for seeing me through all the seasons in my life; for clothing me with His righteousness that I may stand worthy of all His riches which I do not deserve. I tried opening my eyes to see more of the lyrics displayed at the screen by the leftmost corner of the stage, but the tears get in the way. And so I opted to shut my physical vision, open my spiritual eyes and return to my solace state before His throne. My voice muscles buckled, and so I let my heart soar along with the chorus line. That was the release part of the song. Flashbacks of the moments when I prayed vigorously out of brokenness and remorse came to me. Each picture was like a tablow in a book page, and in every turn His loving image vividly appeared holding my hand, walking beside me, carrying me, laughing with me... and in every turn, I was in awe.

35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:35-37

Thank you, Abba, for your sweet promises. I am forever yours. Your love will NEVER let me go... through it all.

The vocal arrangement of the backup singers moved me as well. I sang the Alto part, but with my inner voice which sounds better, I suppose, after breaking down in tears. It did not matter because the song became my prayer of praise to God. I chose to sing silently, and think through my life, if it really echoed the truths of this song.

Do they see my life experiencing God?
Will they say God saw me through all the seasons of my life?
Can they see the hand of God working in me unto righteousness?
Am I really focused in looking up to Him for everything?
Will God say I really waited on Him?

The band segued to the next song, but I was left thinking and singing with my heart, dwelling on the words "...I'm carried in everlasting arms, You'll never let me go through it all". Yes, I know that truth. I just have to let it go deep down my heart, to renew me daily, to empower me in doing my everyday assignments... He is the Omni-present God. He is with me 24/7. He will never fail.

If you want to join this meme hosted by Amy Wyatt, sign up at her blog site SIGNS, MIRACLES AND WONDERS. Her Friday post is "Canine Assistants Graduation song".

God Stop Friday: God Speaks

2008-08-01T13:29:00.010+08:00

Last week, Patty of GIRLFRIENDS IN GOD shared with us a psalm...

For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord, I sing for joy at the works of your hands. How great are your works , O Lord, how profound your thoughts. Psalm 92:4-5

She posed to us two questions which I intend to answer as my first GOD STOP FRIDAY entry. It is still Thursday in US, and probably, she is on her way to posting her August 1 GSF. Nonetheless, I will let her questions guide me this afternoon.

How has God revealed himself to you this week? If you have a special verse that has spoken to you this week will you please share with us?

The sky is clearer after this morning till early afternoon's strong rainfall in Quezon City, the city in the Philippines where I live. God spoke to me through the changing shades and temperature of my surrounding. The weather here shifts quickly to extremes. This week, there were days when our mornings were pretty much gloomy while the afternoon skies were bright and sunny. We had something like this picture which I just downloaded from Google images.

"Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these days, He has spoken to us by His Son." Hebrews 1:1

God actively speaks. Through this picture, I was reminded of God's love etched in almost anything He and His Son has created even before mankind was born. God speaks in many ways that is why the Holy Spirit's guidance is crucial. I need for Him to make me sensitive both to His written and unwritten words. Jesus through the Bible, God's body, prayer and circumstances are all being used by God to speak to me. He speaks. He communes with me. And, I must stop. I must listen.

BlogLines That Stung My Heart Today: ThTh

2008-08-01T08:58:00.006+08:00

Thankful Thursday was an awesome experience. I never thought my Jars of Clay will be this full after reading tremendous praise and thanks items from different women of faith. However trivial some may seem for others, these women proudly wrote them out of their abundance. Extravagant worshippers indeed! The testimonies of God's faithfulness are overwhelming. Here are some bloglines I read today that stung my heart. Oh, tissue please!

Thank you Lord for what health I do have because I know that there are so many more that suffer so much more on a daily basis.
Thank you Lord for my loving daughter who takes care of me even though she also suffers from autoimmune diseases. Heather is worth more than a thousand children!
-Michele (with multiple chronic illnesses) of Michele's Morsels

To be able to thank God for the little graces of everyday is to have a bigger mustard seed of faith. Michele must have a garden full of mustard.

I am thankful that my three little boys have all grown up to be men: God loving, good husbands, great dads, responsible sons. -Princess of The CooknTcher Mom

I hope to be able to say that about my little boy 20-25 years from now. Aah... tissue.

Nothing is too big for my God nor impossible. I feel that He has looked down on me and heard all of the prayers that have been sent heavenward on my behalf and has answered them. What a glorious God! And what a great bunch of bloggers that have interceded in my behalf - I can never thank them enough. -Cousin with cancer of Cheryl of Hope for Each Day

What a growing family we have here in Thankful Thursday! My friend and blog mentor Roselle of Reflexes is suggesting to put a prayer box here at my site, and she volunteered to be a prayer partner. Now I am seriously thinking about it. I need a good widget for this, Lord.

IT MATTERS TO ME ABOUT YOU
...I have but one sole object - That thou should'st fruitful be!
And is it not thy longing That I much fruit should see?
Then shrink not from the training I needs must give to thee;
I know just how to make thee What I would have thee be.
Remember that I love thee! Think not I am unkind,
When trials come to prove thee, And joy seems left behind... ()
-Nancie of More Than Conquerors

Before she quoted this old poem written by Alice C. Lefroy, she thanked God for this encouraging piece of literature that reminded her of God's love and care. What a sweet soul.

Due to my diabetes, nerve damage has set in my hip. It will be numb for the rest of my life. But, I am ok with this. I am not going to dwell upon the negatives, only concentrate on God and His love for me. My prayer is that nerve damage will not set in my legs, I truly do not want to lose the use of my legs. If that should happen at some point in my life, I will accept it. I will continue to rest securely in God, and let Him carry me in His loving arms.
-Denise of Shortybears Place

Another surrendered soul who trusts God's higher thoughts and ways. I think I really need to put up a prayer ministry for my new space friends. Lord, if it is your will, let it be done... you know what I mean. More tissue... please?

And I am thankful for the relationships that are not friendships, but that help me grow and stand firm in what I believe in. I think that our Lord puts some people in our lives to make us stronger - stronger in faith and reliance on Him...
-Iris of Sting My Heart

The not-friends are still relationships to be thankful for. Iris wrote well her faith-thoughts on this, and I too thank God for these people. I become a better person around them.

Thankful Thursday: TREASURES

2008-07-31T11:00:00.021+08:00

Hi! This is my first Thankful Thursday and I am blessed for this privilege of sharing my TREASURES in Jars of Clay. today, my CWO Daily Snippets from the Word gives a timely reminder to what I should thank God for online.

And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way,
thy faith hath made thee whole. (Luke 17:19)

I now lay down my TREASURES before you out of my heart's abundance to God who has made me whole. I am thankful for...

T-IME. My time here on earth is still ticking so I can live, love and soar for God's greater glory. I am grateful for my life which our Abba lengthens not for my own selfish use but for the furtherance of His kingdom. There were times when Christian life is a walk down Via Dolorosa, but His grace never failed to sustain me. What I am and what I have are all because of G.R.A.C.E. "God's Riches At Christ's Expense". Hallelujah!
R -ELATIONSHIPS. One of my greatest riches are the lives God used to touch me and the lives God allowed for me to touch. I praise God for my family and my church which energize me to fulfill my calling, pursue my passion and carry my burden. I am a happy part of the body. I sure can never accomplish for the Lord apart from His body. Amen!
E -ARLY MORNINGS. More than the early morning cries of my babies for their regular "milk session", I praise God for my Samuel experiences being awaken from sleep for an early Abba-child conference. I do not always open the Bible when He wakes me up because sometimes He just wants me to bask in His presence. That is priceless! He, not me, starts my day. Sweet time of refreshing!
A -FFECTION. I am an affectionate person that is why I appreciate the stories in the Bible about Jesus being personal and affectionate towards women. I usually imagine Jesus carrying me on His lap, wrapping me gentlly with His arms and whispering to me His words of comfort and encouragement as I meditate on His Word. The Scripture becomes an instant balm to my tired and weary heart. Thank God for my new role as a parent that teaches me so much about our Abba's unconditional, dependable and faithful love. He does not have to put on flesh for me to feel Him. His Word says He's here... I believe it.
S -CRIPTURES. The Bible is God's love-letter to me. There I see the unchanging image of His glory, the testimony of the faithful God with mortal beings like me, the reality of the Holy Spirit's existence, and all about His mercy and justice. My soul it never ceases to quench the thirst; my heart it never fails to satisfy; my mind it never misses to discipline. I am indeed like a tree planted beside the river. He makes my ways straight. His Word is sweeter than honey to me. Without it, I think I would literally die.
U -NDERSTANDING. I am a product of encouragement. Not many people understand me, but to the few, they are God sent clay people who were gifted with quickness in listening and slowness in speech and anger. They stretch their understanding with mercy and season their counsel with grace. These special people reflect the love and understanding of my bestfriend Jesus, and for them I am most grateful.
R -EPOSE IN THE RAIN. The Philippines is stricken with heavenly outpours. August, my birth month, is approaching, and with it comes more Typhoons and floods. But ever since I was a child, the rain's pouring sound soothens me physically, emotionally and even spiritually. It silences my noisy thoughts and weariness. It calms me, causing my restlessness to be still. In the quietness of the after-rain, I find it easier to listen to my inner self and to connect to God. Thank God for a moment of ease in the midst of clatter and busy-ness.
E - NTRIES. My blogging life has just started, but I feel like I've been blogging for so long in the hearts of the few people I ministered to. There are too many stories of victories and triumphs etched in my colored heart that are yet to be written. I praise God for the opportunity to be able to write my faith-thoughts down, however limited my space entries are supposed to be, because I am able to touch some readers too whose hearts are like mine - broken and renewed. I also praise God for my new spiritual mentors on the net. Their entries echo my heart. The truth stings... but the wise will embrace it like a bosom friend.
S -ALVATION. Last, but definitely not the least, I praise God for my eternal hope that is in Christ Jesus, Who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. If not for Him, this blogging life is a sheer waste of time. He did not just saved me from my wretchedness, He also called me to take part in His Master plan. He sustains my excitement in reaching more souls for Him through witnessing and intercession. I have not even fully enjoyed other spiritual blessings that come with my salvation... too many to unpack. All good gifts come from God, and I am so blessed!

Thanks for reading through. If you think you have so much to thank God for, join us every Thursday at Sting My Heart. Read Iris' thanks-filled entry today about Relationships and sign up to be a part of this wonderful Thursday meme. Please leave an encouragement for me, will you?

"In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

BlogLines That Stung My Heart Today

2008-07-30T18:23:00.001+08:00

I felt like bloghopping today at my new community AT THE WELL. There were a good number of entries by some amazing women of faith there that really "stung my heart". This was because I felt we were all the same before God, seeking God in His Word and desperate for daily miracles. Their thoughts which penetrated into the heart of my heart make my clay heart soak in tears now.

"Even though John called Himself the disciple Jesus loved he let Christ define him. As I move towards a relationship and not just knowledge of God I pray Christ will define me."
-God Chaser of "Broken Vessels"

"Praise God though that we serve a Heavenly Father whom, no matter what, is faithful, always perfect though we may not always see that right off and reliable."-Twinkle Mom of "Sunflower Faith"

Let’s face it; I am ugly, and I have a lot of ugly in me. There, I have said it. Ouch.
Thankfully, though, when my Father looks down upon me, He only sees beauty and perfection. Of course, he is looking at me through blood stained glasses; the blood of my beautiful and perfect Savior Jesus Christ. The blood that is my saving grace. -Chelsey of "Joyfully Living for His Glory"

Grace is the power to be the women God has created us to be! Grace empowers us. God wants our hearts to be strengthened by Grace, as it says in Hebrews. The Lord does not want us to be in bondage to failure. He does not want us to live defeated lives. He does not want us to believe and succumb to the lies of the enemy. He wants us to be free and full of joy.
-Amy of "Laced with Grace"

So if you are a woman at home, facing life struggles - take a moment out - and yes, sweep the floor. Take a look at that pile you sweep together - and if it is anything like my house, you will find sand - more sand grains than you can count - and it’s not even the beginning of God’s thoughts for you.
-Lori of "Writing Canvas"

I really wavered between ‘Trust’ and ‘Gift’ for Thankful Thursday this week, but ‘Trust’ ‘won’…Again this week I was reminded that we really can trust only a handful people this side of heaven. There are a lot of mean-spirited people in this world. -Iris of "Sting My Heart"

My lovely little darling in this picture is known for her smile, but boy that temper.. when it flares up, you better watch out!!! Something we.. my precious munchkin and I need to take to Jesus… With the grace of God we all need to “known by our actions”.
-Amydeanne of "The 160 Acre Woods"

I praise You Jesus For breaking the chains that held me prisoner for so long. You gave me wings, and let me fly, straight into Your loving arms.
-Denise of "Shorty Bears Place"

May our daily words and meditations continue

to glorify You, O Lord!

Word Filled Wednesday: PSALM 150:4-6

2008-07-30T16:00:00.003+08:00

This is my first entry in Word-filled Wednesday! Our God is awesome and most worthy of praise!This instrument is popular in the Southern islands of the Philippines and one of the oldest music-maker among the Muslim tribes. We believe that all instruments are from the Lord and they all have their rightful place in the Worship-life of His people. "

"Kulintang" is the singer gong set of the whole Kulintang ensemble composed of five other gongs [Gandingan, a set of four and Agong the father gong] led by a drum called "Dabakan". Everytime I and my bandmates play these beauties during the Praise and Worship celebration, we can't help but rejoice in the Lord with dancing. It livens up our ethnicity which truly longs to be identified in the Living God. Indeed, if the breathing creatures cease to worship Him, the Lord can make these inanimate objects sing for Him. May we not forget from whence all help comes. May we not cease to praise our Creator God! PRAISE YE THE LORD!CH

At the Well: RAISING GODLY BOYS

2008-07-28T16:04:00.002+08:00

I am a mom of two vibrant kids, a girl ST (33mos) and a boy ZT (9mos). I grew up in a family of five girls including my mom, with one man, my dad. My parenting style is very much like my mom's, which makes sense to my baby girl. Our family is dominantly expressive and emotional, with lots of hugs, kisses and appreciation. But, having a baby boy suddenly made me feel unsure of the "mother-ing" I knew of. It is just a blessing to have a God-fearing husband as a teammate in this challenging quest, and to be a part of a church that biblically instructs us with the basic whats and hows of parenting.

Today, the topic AT THE WELL is about Raising Godly Boys. I will attempt to answer the following questions from the WELL hosted by Lori at I Will Take it Lord, all You Have to Give. May I glorify God in my answers.

"As a woman at the well, you'll be meeting women who are trying to raise Godly men. These boys they are raising will grow up to marry your daughters or become leaders in your community. What advice would you give to them?If you are raising boys, what areas concern you most?If don't have or haven't raised boys, what is your concern for boys in today's culture?"

What advice would you give to them?
Raising a child, whether a boy or a girl, they say is a blessing and a curse. A blessing, because you are given the privilege of shaping the life of a person who might play a very important role in his/her generation. He/She will remember you as the hands that nurtured him/her in love and held his/her fragile heart until it became strong, ready for more difficult battles in life. A curse, on the other hand, because it is never easy to be responsible for a life. Some would even say, "I can't even take care of myself, how can I take care of a child?" Parenting for a teenager, a single parent, or someone who is not ready to be a parent is really a huge responsibility to carry alone.

I remember our youth pastor who once warned me in my "youthfulness" to not be careless in the things I entertain in my mind such as to want a pregnancy out of wedlock. During those times, many Yuppy girlfriends of mine vocally say how much they dislike the idea being tied with a guy for good, but they would really like to be moms. It is good that thought like that can be caught outright to be brought unto light. Our pastor added that every child is designed to be parented by a man and a woman whom He intended to represent His parenting. There is where the wisdom of parenting lies, the parenting based on the Word. To know God is to read His Word. So, my topmost advice for parenting in general is to know our Abba Father in His Word, the Bible. The Bible was written mostly in the context of Israel, a very patriarchal society. This is beneficial to us parents who were assigned to raise future heads of their families. The Bible will never fail us.

5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:5-9

Second, I believe that prayer is something every parent should model and encourage his/her children to be a lifestyle. I am blessed to have a prayerful mother who taught us not to dwell on the negatives in life, but rather kneel before the Lord in prayer. Early in my Christian life, I had the notion that men pray less compared to women because my dad was not fond of joining our family altar (obviously led by my mom) and also because there were very few men who would join the Wednesday prayer meeting in the church. Even if the Bible bore so many testimonies of praying men, I thought the prayer of the righteous "women" avails more than men. I laugh at this realization, but I also feel sad that the spiritual warriors in most churches are women. Where are the men? There must have been a "breakage" in passing this legacy to many male believers. I think more than teaching our boys how to pray, we must also encourage our husbands to champion prayer so as to influence more our boys to pray. Prayer says, I can not do anything apart from you, Lord. Men need to know that though they have a built-in "fix it" mode, they have to surrender to God Who can fix things best and "for good". The warfare primarily belongs to men as the called heads of their future homes. Our boys must be taught to fight the enemy and his schemes at the forefront for their families' sake through prayer.

If you are raising boys, what areas concern you most?
We might leave the country 1-2 years from now for missions, and it concerns me how he would live with two cultures (Filipino culture and the second culture of whatever nation we shall be sent to). I want to be ready to be able to teach and model the basics of Christianity and how I can contextualize it in a lesser confusing way. My kids will have to learn 3 languages: our Filipino native tongue which is Tagalog, English and probably Japanese; not to mention the two sets of alphabets - roman alphabet and Japanese characters. Only God knows how I and my husband can make it there. One thing I am certain for now, He will not lead us where His grace can not sustain us. Amen.

May I share with you a message in a poster which my mom hang on the wall couple of years ago. I have read this so many times, and it is so appropriate to post here. May we strive to meet the need of this world even just by being faithful godly mothers to our little boys.CH

The World Needs Men…
by Zachary Buckler
• who cannot be bought;
• whose word is their bond;
• who put character above wealth;
• who possess opinions and a will;
• who are larger than their vocations;
• who do not hesitate to take chances;
• who will not lose their individuality in a crowd;
• who will be as honest in small things as in great things;
• who will make no compromise with wrong;
• whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires;
• who will not say they do it” because everybody else does it”;
• who are true to their friends through good report and evil report,
in adversity as well as in prosperity;
• who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hardheadedness
are the best qualities for winning success;
• who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular;
• who can say “no” with emphasis, although
all the rest of the world says “yes.

COLORED HEART'S CHRISTIAN BLOG!

2008-07-27T02:36:00.019+08:00

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power

is from God and not from us." 2 Corinthians 4:7

WELCOME TO CLAY IN THE POTTER'S HAND! This is my new Christian blog which I lovingly constructed for the purpose of glorifying my Creator-Master through sharing my faith-thoughts, challenges as a woman after His own heart, praises and thanksgiving, and anything that I feel convicted to blog about His love-letter to us, the Bible. Join me as I discover and rediscover treasures from my jars of clay, and others' too, that would hopefully encourage, empower and edify us in pleasing our Abba Father.

I look forward to growing with you in the Lord as clays - moldable, pliable, the kind that pleases the Potter. Also, I invite you to join the memes hosted by fabulous women of faith from Christian Women Online. The hosts and the avid participants (including myself ) have been faithfully blogging about powerful testimonies of God's grace, love, hope, faith and joy. The memes list in bold are the ones CLAY IN THE POTTER'S HAND are currently posting at.

SUNDAY

Sunday Seven
Our Journey…
Seek the Lord Sunday
Weekly Poetry Prompts

MONDAY

Marriage Monday
Menu Plan Monday
Children's Book Mondays
Miracle Monday
*At the Well

TUESDAY

In 'Other' Words - A Writing Challenge (Tuesdays)
Tackle it Tuesday
*Two Shall Be One Tuesdays (Marriage)
10 Minute Tuesdays
Tuesdays for Timothy Moms

WEDNESDAY

Live Well Wednesdays - Weight Loss and Health
Works for Me Wednesday
*Word-filled Wednesdays

THURSDAY

*Thankful Thursday
Plate it and Post it Thursdays (cooking)
Thursday Thirteen
This One's for You
Thirstin' for the Word
Sincerely Fro' Me to You

FRIDAY

Fruit of the Spirit Fridays
*GodStop Friday
My Husband Rocks!
Fiction Fridays
Great Food Fridays

SATURDAY

*Then Sings My Soul Saturdays
Weekend Reflections

Shalom!

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THEME SONG:

POTTER'S HAND

by Darlene Zschech

Verse:
Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour
I know for sure, all of my days are held in your hands,
Crafted into your perfect plan
You gently call me into your presence guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord to live all of my life through Your eyes
I'm captured by Your holy calling
Set me apart, I know You're drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray

Chorus:
Take me, mould me, use me, fill me
I give my life to the Potter's hand
Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter's hand

You gently call me into Your presence
Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord to live through Your eyes
I'm captured by You holy calling
Set me apart, I know Your drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord, I pray...

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*STATEMENT OF FAITH:

I believe that the Bible is God's Word, that it was written and uniquely inspired, that it is absolutely trustworthy and [the] supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice.

I believe in God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, measureless in power. I rejoice that He concerns Himself in the affairs of men. He hears and answers prayer and that He saves from sin and death all those who come to Him through Jesus Christ.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, sinless in life, making atonement for the sin of the world by His death on the cross. We believe in His highly priestly intercession for His people and visible pre-millenial return to the world according to His promise.

I believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from God to convince the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and comfort those who believe in Jesus Christ.

I believe that all men by nature and by choice are sinners, but that "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." I believe therefore, those who accept Christ as Lord and Savior will rejoice forever in God's presence and those who refuse to accept Him as Lord and Savior will be forever separated from God.

I believe in the Church as a living spiritual body by which Christ is the Head and of which all regenerated people are members. I believe that the local Church is a company of believers in Jesus Christ, buried with Him in baptism and associated for worship, work and fellowship. I believe that the visible churches are committed, for observance "till He comes" the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper; and that God has laid upon those the task of persuading a lost world to accept Christ as Savior and to enthrone Him Lord and Master. I believe human betterment and social improvement are essential products of the Gospel.

I believe that every human being is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith.
*Based on Conservative Baptist of the Philippines Statement of Faith

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