The Best Gift Ever

I actually am regretting right now that I haven’t posted anything yet. Puno na ata ng alikabok at cobwebs ang blog na to. Actually, I wonder if merong nagbabasa neto. Ayokong maniwala sa number of views na nai-ta-tally ng Google. Pero, sige. By faith alam ko meron. :) Why in place would I start a blog and wouldn’t dream for readers? Starting a blog is one of my dreams. A blog that would somehow inspire people. That would somehow radiate God’s love and hope though at times my life doesn’t reflect it at all. Which actually is the main point. Kung sarili ko lang ang huhugutan ko ng inspiration, wala. Hindi ako perpektong Christiano. Hindi ko masasabing everyday is a happy day. But my starting a blog is an act of faith. That I can inspire and encourage people and all will be because of God. 

Why do I write in Taglish? Simple. Dahil alam kong pribilehiyo ng bawat manunulat na sumulat sa isang wika na sila ay komportable at hindi nito mahahadlangan ang pagdaloy ng mga ideya. 

Actually, I write with my co-Filipino citizens in mind. They are my main audience. 

Why do I write? Because I love to. Besides art, writing is close to my heart. ;)

Commercial lang yan mga kapatid. Haha. Magtatapos na ang taon. Actually, katatapos lang ng Christmas party namin kanina sa church last Sunday and, Pasko na. :) One thing that I actually reminded myself is, hindi ako ready this year with regards sa mga gifts. Wala akong budget. But all is possible with God. 

So what is the best gift you received so far? If I were to ask, Him.

He that was born in a manger for about some thousand years ago, He that changed the world by dying on the cross. He that holds the world. He that holds my heart. And again reminds me of the things that I should have known by now. 

I know I had wished for that fancy material gift that could somehow spark my holidays. I know I had wished for that someone that would exclude me from what youngsters call nowadays as SMP. I know I had wished for a hassle-free discipleship. And I know all of these had been secretly in this heart and that I wouldn’t have known all of this if it wasn’t for God making me realize them. 

With this Christmas, I am still asking God to amaze me. ‘Cause I feel so empty. But today, I believe He made it on purpose. For God, at times, have to empty us of everything so we could realize He is the only One we truly ever need and that He is the only One who could satisfy our longings. 

Indeed, pag Siya nalang ang meron ka, alam mong nasayo na ang lahat. Lahat-lahat. Dahil kaya Niyang punuan yung kakulangan and kawalan na meron ka. Dahil kapag patuloy nating hinahanap sa mga tao at material na bagay yung pupuno sa atin, patuloy lang tayong mauuhaw. Dahil ang mga material na bagay ay maluluma at ang mga tao ay magbabago. 

Pag tinanggap mo Siya at nagdesisyong mabuhay para sa Kanya, dun natin natatagpuan yung kapayapaan. Yung kapayapaang hindi maiintindihan ng mundo. Yung kapayapaang pilit hinahanap ng mundo. Sa pagtanggap mo saKanya, tinanggap mo narin ang walang hanggang buhay kasama Siya na may kalakip na joy at peace.

Habang nagsusulat ako, may isang bagay na sumasagi sa isip ko. Tila mali ang magpakita ng kahinaan sa social media. Hindi lahat ng tao na makakabasa neto ay kilala ako. Pero hindi man nila ako makilala, mas importante nang ang Panginoon ang makilala nila. And sabi nga ni Paul, 

 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Merry Christmas kapatid! ‘Wag nating kalimutan na si Chirst ang dahilan kung bakit may Christmas at hindi si Santa Claus. Ok? ;) So, kahit wala ka mang handa, wala ka mang magandang regalo, basta nasa puso mo Siya, kompleto ka na. :) Isang napakagandang regalo na ang kompletong pamilya, malusog na pangangatawan, at isang pananaw na kahit anu mang mangyari basta kasama natin Siya lahat ay magiging maayos. ;) God bless!

For Eternity and Beyond

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." -Proverbs 18:24

Isa lamang ako sa milyun-milyong taong na-touch ang buhay sa buhay ni Abraham Fabi III.  I knew him for barely two years and within that short span of time, God had sent one of the best blessings I could ever receive. This post is in tribute of him. For I believe wifi connections are a lot better up there in heaven and God and the angels use a lot better reliable form of Facebook and Blogger. :) 

Abraham Fabi (middle. white shirt and denim pants. with glasses) and his PLMCI Family. (Photo courtesy of his primary pctures in Facebook)

He is a one big jolly kid. Sobrang masayahing tao ni Fabi. By the way, Fabi is his surname but we got used in calling him that way. I've known him sa church. God used kuya Markko (his professor in college) para mas maging malalim pa ang pagkakilala at relationship niya sa Diyos. Una kong naging impression sakanya: "Yaman naman neto." Hahaha. May Ipad kasi siya which he said na regalo sa kanya. Hindi kasi ako common sa mga gadgets na ganoon so, ayun yung naging parang unang nasabi ko about sakanya. Pero napaka-approachable ni Fabi. Napakadaling pakisamahan and he has that beautiful smile na kahit sino ma-fe-feel na welcome.

He attended the church's Encountering God Retreat which I believe sobrang nakapagpabago ng buhay niya. He stayed in his deep relationship kay God and kahit maraming problema and challenges, nag-stay talaga and nag-stick siya sa Lord. He embraced the vision of sharing the gospel and encouraging people na magkaroon ng personal relationship sa Lord. A lot of people could testify on that. Hindi siya nagstop kahit maraming discouragements and isa siya sa mga taong gumagawa ng way for new believers to get to know God deeply. Isa siya sa mga taong hindi pinabayaan ang youth service or Friday Celebration ng church. 

Ate Meilen, Fabi, and Ate Jo in one of the church's Friday Celebration

Fabi and one of his friend. Encouraging people to know more of God. (Photo courtesy of PLMCI.)

He is also that kind of person who knows how to honor leaders. I believe he made every effort to make his leaders feel the respect. Napakabait niyang tao. Hindi siya madamot even financially. He would never think twice basta may maitutulong, tutulong talaga siya. And, I am so proud of his spiritual gifts because indeed he has a gift of giving. Naalala ko nung staff kami pareho ng EGR, siya yung maya't-maya ay inuutusan na bumili ng mga kakailanganin para sa mga pagkain ng delegates. You would never hear a word for he would do things wholeheartedly and wala kang maririnig na reklamo. 

Together with Pastor Rey and spiritual brothers. (Photo courtesy of PLMCI.)

This guy also had that strange sense of humor. XD Hindi ko siguro makakalimutan yung Agape Night ng isa sa mga Retreat ng church in where he acted as a gay. And dude, he portrayed it perfectly. HAHAHA. Lahat talaga tawa ng tawa. And that is just one of the happiest moment na hindi ko makakalimutan sakanya. Nung mga panahon din na hirap akong maghanap ng work, he somehow helped me for sending me a website link. And though hindi ako pwede doon, the thought na he is concerned of my situation is really nakakatuwa. He is so thoughtful. He is so supportive. He is so caring. I never know what he is before, though I heard some of his drunk stories, but clearly God changed him. And I am blessed for I was one of those na naka-feel ng glory ng God sa pagbabagong ginawa Niya sa buhay ni Fabi. 

Fabi and Princess. (Photo courtesy of PLMCI.)

Kuya Anthony, Fabi, and Gel. (Photo courtesy of PLMCI.)

And November 20, 2014 came, I received a message saying he was rushed in the emergency room. The night before kasi, nasa seminar kami sa church, he was asking for Paracetamol kasi masakit daw ulo niya and masama ang pakiramdam niya. So akala ko his headache lead to fever or trangkaso kinaumagahan. But I received a message which says otherwise that made us run to where he is rushed to see his condition. And I saw one of the scenes so common to an emergency room that I never thought I would see so soon to one of my beloveds. 

His life moved us to unforgettable laughter but so soon life also lead us to cry immense tears for him. I know he got big dreams in mind, he got lots of plans in his life, and it still puzzles us why he did leave so soon. But the love of the Lord always moves us to trust in His ways. Na hanggang sa huling hininga ni Fabi, I believe it is the good plans of the Lord that reigned. 

(Photo courtesy of PLMCI)

God never take lives to torture us with heart breaks and sleepless nights and miserable tears. For He is a sovereign, omniscient God who controls everything and would always have the reason for everything. And now, though things are vague one thing is for sure, Fabi is in good hands and he is a lot happier to where he is now. 

Life here on earth is short. Kahit pa umabot ang isang tao sa 99 years old, that is still short. That is just a tiny speck of life compared to what awaits us in eternity with the Lord. And Fabi made the right choice of living and praising and worshiping the Lord while he still lives. He received Jesus as his Lord and Savior and he lived for him. Now, he continually lives in our hearts and in his eternity with the Lord. He did leave a legacy and his life's message continues. Choose to accept Jesus. And your future will be secured. God bless!

Death and Life

 Amidst all the candles being lit, all the tombs being cleaned, all the flowers being offered, all the biko's (gelatinous rice cake) and ginataan's (I don't know what this is in Filipino) being eaten, all the kids and not so kids dressed in costumes, in short, amidst this Halloween, November one, All Saints-Souls Day, we at PLMCI is promoting life through water baptism! Yes, the world may "celebrate" or "commemorate" the death of loved ones and certain people, but we celebrate the death of sin and the resurrection of a new life as received by our beloveds as they proclaim, by faith, that they are officially followers of Christ and members of PLMCI.

A Sweet Ending to a New Beginning

"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” - Matthew 19:6

 October 18, 2014, Saturday, we witnessed the civil rites of Eula (my cousin) and Radger. It was indeed a very joyful and heart-warming event dahil sa pagkahaba-haba nga daw ng prusisyon, sa Tramway Buffet, este, sa simbahan din ang tuloy. Yes, the event was held at Tramway Buffet. Joyful dahil hindi lang ‘to kasal; mini reunion din ng Agustin clan. Nakakatuwang makita ulit ang kaming mga kamag-anakan. Heart warming dahil, mayroong mga nadagdag sa aming pamilya, and that is the Alday family.

Sadyang napakabilis ng panahon. Mga bata lang kami noon, at hindi ako makapaniwala na ikakasal na si Eula. Napakaraming nangyari and seeing them finally uniting the ties is really nakakatuwa. A young couple joined happily by God’s grace. Representatives of the PLMC family also attended. Sila ay sina Pastor Rey, Pastora Nette, Ate Mai (Eula’s cell leader), and Merriam (Eula and Ate Mai’s classmate back in college). Though hindi si Pastor Rey ang nagkasal, God blessed the newlyweds and the whole occasion through him. 

One thing that I liked most about the event are messages Eula and Radger have for each other. I like what he said to her that they should stay prayerful. I love what she said to him that in all ways she would submit to him. 

Hindi nga biro ang pag-aasawa. People may be happy and people may spend a lot in a wedding but I always believe that what couples should prepare is the marriage. Isang araw lang ang kasal while panghabambuhay ang pagsasamahan ng couple. I have seen my parents went through the thick and thin of life. Pero seeing them still stay together is something really amazing kahit pa they have seen the worst of each other. And maybe that is one of the secret ingredients of a lasting marriage. Not just love one another, but love one another unconditionally. Tulad ng ipinakitang pagmamahal ng Panginoon sa atin, walang kondisyon. And being a married person, naniniwala kong kakabit na noon ang pagiging isang magulang. There should never be a room for selfishness in a marriage.

Amazing that thought like these about marriage came from a single person like me.  Mukha bang matured mag-isip? Hahah. Maybe, God is training me to think about marriage in a mature way kahit 21 palang ako. I know I may sound too idealistic at times. But God, with my two decades and a year of existence, had showed me different situations about life that made me the conviction that I should not treat marriage the way the world thinks of it nowadays. And I am blessed because He opened my eyes to the things that I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t known Him. 

So to the newlyweds, I pray for a lasting strong marriage for them. And of course that will only be possible if they let God be their center everyday. I pray na kahit na ano pa mang problema ang dumaan, hindi nila sukuan ang isa’t-isa. And I pray that they will use this marriage to glorify God even more. :)

That was it for today :) God bless us!

The newlyweds. Radger Alday and Eula Bernadette Cruz-Alday. 

Grand Booster October 2014

One week had already passed and I know this post is too late. But forgive me dear reader. Sadyang busy lang ang nagdaang lingo at hindi ko nagawang mag-post. Anyway, this post is dedicated to Manila Doctors College of Nursing Grand Booster which was held last October 14, 2014. I am blessed to be a part of the said event. Ang Grand Booster ay ginagawa for the graduating students ng nursing. It is a day full of inspirations meant to boost the self-esteem of the graduating batch in preparation for the local nursing board exams. Nakakatuwa dahil binigyan ako ng Lord ng opportunity to share what I had been through and to speak about His goodness.

Lima kaming naimbitahan na alumni ng MTC to speak sa booster. Apat kaming recent passers lang and ang isa, who is ate Chrisse, is a passer of the June 2013 NLE. It was a great experience speaking in front of the students. Actually I know some of them for they were my classmates and supposed to be also graduates by April of this year. But God is good dahil graduates narin sila. And some of my professors were there. Nakakatuwa kasi ang bilis ng panahon and ang bilis din ng mga pangyayari. Mga clinical instructors ko lang sila a few months ago, and now, nurse narin ako. :) God is indeed faithful.

Faith like Cupcakes

I am so happy I am able to bake my first cupcakes! :D Sobrang saya ko kasi pangarap ko talagang mag-bake. Haha. Minsan nga iniisip ko kung wrong course ba ako ‘cause I love cooking, baking, and stuff. Pero syempre hindi naman. Don’t get me wrong, I love nursing. I am never forced to take up this course; this is actually my own and first choice. Anyway, so this post is dedicated to my beloved cupcakes. :) I will also be sharing the sites that inspired me the most. :) Happy baking!

The Almost Unexpected but Expected Answers

Today’s a bit different. October 12, 2014, Sunday. Ang dami kong nasa isip at hindi ko alam kung papano i-o-organize. Anyway, we are so blessed to have Rhea in the worship celebration. Too bad wala akong picture kasama siya. Rhea is my brother’s classmate and it is indeed a blessing having her today. :) As I have heard, this kid had gone miles in dealing with what problems life and school gave her. But I guess, she’d finally found her peace of mind and refuge in the Lord today. :) I pray na mag-grow pa siya into knowing who God really is. :)

What I wanted to share today are the answers to the problems that I had been sulking on. The worship ended around 11:00 pm. May activities pa ang church sa hapon and I am contemplating kung babalik pa or hindi. The activities include our PEPSOL or Sunday School. Pinag-iisipan ko na hindi na bumalik dahil tapos na ko sa Sunday School. So in short, wala naman na akong gagawin. But aside from the Sunday School, may seminar na paunang ginagawa and this seminar is for the whole congregation. Gusto ko sanang puntahan iyon. Pero umiral ang kung anong katamaran. Umuwi ako ng bahay around 12:00 noon to eat lunch. I was thinking  to follow-up several people instead of going back sa church. Dahil tanghaling tapat, napakataas ng araw and bigla kong naisip na ang hirap kasi maglalakad lang ako to their houses.

There is where the problems came in.

I’ve dwelt on the negative. Biglang sumagi sa isip ko na nakakapagod ‘tong ginagawa ko. I’ve been following-up people na naglalakad lang. I can ride but it wont be practical. So, in short, naisip ko yung lahat ng pagod and effort ko into discipling people and I am into this point na napapagod na ko kasi wala akong nakikitang results. Like, parang ako nalang yung nag-eeffort, walang nakikitang changes sa kanila, mauubusan na ko ng funds, ‘tas sila pa yung hindi nasunod, tataguan ka pa, blah, blah, blah. “Lord, hanggang kelan ba ‘to na ako nalang lahat? Hanggang kelan po ba na babalik balikan ko sila?” Ayun. Reklamadora mode on. Naisip ko pa, ang tagal kong hinintay ‘tong point kung saan magkakaroon na ko ng disciples pero nung nagkaroon na nga, hala, ang hirap pala. :(

Hindi ako natuloy sa pag-fo-follow up. I then saw myself going back to church that time. Bumalik nga ako but aside from my back pack, I carried with me the luggage of my problems.

But God is so amazing. He did let me come to church so I can hear His answers to all of my questions.

It was specifically in SOL 2 where I got my answers. SOL 2 or School of Leaders 2 is a part of our Sunday school where the students are already cell leaders or are already capable to be one. Tapos na ko sa Sunday School but I can always sit in. So God used the teachers to show me my answers and here are they. First, nahihirapan ako kasi sa simula palang wala akong goal sa disciples ko. Hindi ko talaga malalaman kung hanggang kelan kasi walang clear na goal and plans on how could I reach my goals. And the goal of G12 is to make every believer a leader. I should goal that my disciples are becoming leader themselves. Ang kaso cell group ako ng cell group, follow-up ng follow-up, na wala naming sinusunod na plano. So parang I’m doing this thing endlessly. Kailangan ko rin na magfocus na sa tatlong disciples na potential leaders at i-close cell ko na sila. And the rest na makulit, open cell.

But this what struck me the most. If we are motivating people, we must make sure that us leaders are well-motivated by God. That we should not let God’s battery on us be depleted kasi pag hinayaan natin iyon at nagpatuloy tayo sa gawain ng Panginoon, ang sarili na nating lakas ang gagamitin natin. Kasi ‘yung dapat na source natin naubos na. Pag nangyari iyon, mapapagod talaga tayo. Hindi naman talaga nauubos ang strength na kayang ibigay ni Lord. We just ran out of it pag tayong mga leaders wala nang matinong intimate moments kay God. Wala ng devotions and prayers. Hindi na nagpa-recharge kay God at ang sariling lakas na ang ginamit. 

And it is not true na kapag sinusugod na tayo ng kaaway or anumang pumipigil satin into continuing God’s work, titigil narin tayo into ministering peole. We can always fight our own battles while pursuing the work God gave us. There is where we can also see God’s grace and mas lalalim ang faith natin. Makakaya natin all because of faith in God’s faithfulness and grace. I am also inspired to read the whole book of Nehemiah. Ang daming pwedeng makuhang insights and inspiration on how they rebuilt their wall. And connected talaga ang book ni Nehemiah sa discipleship.

I was really recharged. And thank God for this day. I can say that God indeed is patient on each one of us. And as long as we really seek Him with all our hearts, mahahanap natin Siya. (Jeremiah 29:13) Sa part ko, I sought Him with all my heart in regards to ranting Him all my problems. And hindi naman Niya ko binigo.

Naalala ko rin yung devotion ko for today. Noong una akala ko wala lang. ‘Yun pala, pinapaalala sakin ng Lord that I am a chosen generation and I am set apart to do great things for Him.

“Datapwat kayo ay isang lahing hinirang, mga saserdote ng Hari, isang bansang nakatalaga sa Diyos. Pinili kayo ng Diyos upang maging Kanya at mahayag ang kahanga-hangang gawa Niya. Siya rin ang tumawag sa inyo mula sa kadiliman tungo sa Kanyang kagila-gilalas na kaliwanagan.” (1 Peter 2:9)

His promises are true. And dahil Siya ang nangako, sure tayong tutuparin Niya ‘yun at Siya ang magdadala sa akin doon. He never promised an easy way but He did promise that He shall be with me until the very end. :) Being a cell leader and discipling people is really difficult. But once you experience the joy of seeing people’s lives changed all because of God, lahat ng hirap worth it. Kasi at the end of the day, God can tell you are indeed a good and faithful servant. And being an instrument God can use to change lives is a very wonderful and exciting journey sa buhay natin dito sa lupa.

My PLMCI Family. Photo courtesy of Pastor Rey. This photo is dated October 5, 2014.

So God bless everyone! See you at next post! :D

Merry Early Christmas!

Hello everyone! :) How many days to go till Christmas? I actually don't have any idea kung ilan na basta alam ko malapit na. :) I am a Christmas person. Meaning, I love this season of holidays and I am sure all of you out there love it too. :) Lalo na dito sa Pilipinas, September 1st palang may mga Christmas songs na. I always feel weird whenever this season's coming. Actually a bit pressured kasi ugali ko nang magregalo kahit noong estudyante pa lang ako. Now that I haven't yet have a stable job, I still want to give gifts. Christmas is all about giving and sharing love. I know it's not about material things. Kaya nga I am planning to give something special to those special people on my mind. Mga DIY ideas. Atleast tipid, diba? :)

My mom.

Building Your 144 Training

Building Your 144 Training was held last October 6, 2014 at Holy Spirit Christian Church in Parañaque. Lead by Bishop Bien, many were encouraged and inspired to build their twelves and 144's all for the greater glory of the Kingdom of God. :D Sobrang na-bless ako and hindi ko pinagsisisihan na i-spent ang holiday na nasa presensya ng God. :D Yes it was holiday. And pinagdaanan ko rin ang common na pinagdadaanan nating lahat. Ang labanan ang katamaran. Praise God napagtagumpayan ko! :D Pero wala talagang regrets and sobrang na-bless ako na finally buuin ang aking Twelve and soon, 144. :D

HSCCI

First time kong nakapunta ng church nila. This is exclusive for primary leaders ng bawat network ni Bishop Bien. Kaya I am blessed na part ako ng primary leaders ng church namin at nakasali ako dito. :)

Praise and Worship

The awesome praise and worship. :D Ang una kong nasabi sa sarili ko upon entering the church is, "It's so homey." It's pleasantly comfortable and cozy, sabi nga ng google dictionary. Parang bahay, and one would really feel at home and welcome. :)

What I wanted to share here is yung topic na Completing your Twelve from Three to Twelve in Three Months.But before anything else, here are the true characters of a disciple. Ito ang dapat nating Makita sa ating mga disciples. In 2 Timothy 2:2-6, a disciple should be F.A.S.T.

F-Farmer. Like a farmer, our disciples should be hardworking. Masipag magtrabaho in giving glory to the Kingdom of God. Hindi niya pababayaan ang kanyang mga tanim, po-protektahan sa lahat ng peste, and magbubunyi pagdating ng anihan dahil alam niyang nagtanim siya ng maayos.

A-Athlete. An  athlete does not compete without undergoing training and practices. So we have to train our disciples on how to evangelize and follow-up.

S- Soldier. A soldier is brave and hindi siya matatakot sa kanyang susuungin. Patay kung patay. At he will please the commanding officer na nag-recruit sa kanya.

T- Teacher. Should know how to teach but should also be teachable.   

Here are the points to take into heart in completing our twelve. :)

1. Spiritual Preparation.

  

 This includes prayer and fasting hanggang ma-win and madala mo ang first 3 souls sa Encounter. These three souls ay iyong i-co-close cell. Here, mag-pa-plano kayo kung papaano mabubuo ang team ninyo which will compose twelve members. Dapat may calendar and organized ang bawat event or activity na gagawin. Leaders should also check the devotions of the cell members. Sa close cell i-ti-training ng leader and members into becoming leader themselves. Sa G12, hindi ang leader lamang ang gumagawa or nag-wi- win. Lahat kasali. Ang bawat isa sa iyong first three ay magdadala ng tig-tatlo. When that happens, mabubuo ang 12 disciples mo.

2. Goals and Vision Casting

In Genesis 12: 1-3, God told Abram of His promises to him:"The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you;

I will make your name great,

and you will be a blessing.

 I will bless those who bless you,

and whoever curses you I will curse;

and all peoples on earth

will be blessed through you.”

Likewise, we should cast these promises to our cell members. We should encourage them of the blessings that they could receive once na nagdisciple din sila. Lalago sila in every area of their life. And we cell leaders, know what blessings await those who obey the Lord in discipling people.  Dapat sabihin ito sa ating members. Dapat din sabihin sakanila ang Goal, Vision, at Purpose ng G12. Para alam nila kung saan sila papunta at maayos ang takbo ng cellgroup.

3.) Target People

 Ma-i-stretch ang creativity ng bawat cell leader at member dito. Think, create, plan, and conduct an event sa cellgroup. Yes, sa cellgroup at hindi sa church. Dito tayo mag-i-invite ng new contacts. Dapat ang ating event ay capable na magpabalik sa ating mga invites into 2nd and 4th times. The suggestions in here was cooking (for mothers), practice ng basketball, volleyball, make-up, etc. Let your imaginations run wild.:) Dapat one month before nag-iinvite na at hindi the day before. So, list names on a board and pray for them. Give goals to your first three. Kunwari, assign them na mag-i-invite sila ng tig-tatlo sila. And monitor talaga na madadala ang bawat naka-assign sa kanila. Again, sa G12 hindi lamang ang cell leader ang nag-iinvite.

4.) Training 

 Train your closed cell group on how to share their personal testimony having the pattern na sino sila noong hindi pa nila nakikilala ang Panginoon, and kung sino na sila noong naligtas na sila. Train them also how to invite people, how to evangelize and how to follow-up.

5.) Connecting and Developing Fellowship with Prayer of Three Target

Dapat lumalim ang relationship natin sa mga bagong souls na idinadaan natin sa Prayer of Three. As the cell leader, also share your personal testimony and pray for them.

6.) Invitation

This will be the invitation for the Harvest Event. We have to make sure this is given early para may ample time. Share and highlight what's in the event. Talagang i-si-sale's talk natin na magiging masaya ang Harvest event. Also, the cellgroup should prepare for it. And hindi dapat mawawala ang pagkain. :)

7.) Harvest Event 

Dapat maganda ang plano dito dahil anihan na! :D The venue should be comfortable, well-assigned ang personnel, at organize and well-planned lahat. Importante din na dapat may guestbook. Dahil doon mailalagay ng ating mga invites ang kanilang name, address, contacts, and dedication or feedback if nagustuhan nila or hindi. If hindi man, mag thank you parin tayo for their attendance. Pero dwell on the positive. Basta back-up ng prayers ang lahat. Importante ang programme dito. May ice breaker para magkakilala ang bawat isa. Sharing personal testimonies are also included and after that, the sharing of the gospel and the prayer of repentance and acceptance among the new invites. After that, proceed with the activity proper. May gimik ulit sa harvest. Then the kainan after! :) End everything in prayer at kung maaari, have the invites take home something. So kailangan talagang mag-invest dito. 

8.) Consolidations

Proceed with the 24 hour call and 72 hour personal visit. Dapat samahan ng cell leader ang kanyang cell member na mag-consolidate. And after the consolidations, invite the new members  on the cellgroup.

9.) Create 2nd-4th Reasons to go back to Cell group

Every after cell groups, see to it the needs of the members are met. Check their feedbacks.

10.) Maintain what you have achieved.

Check if the goals are being met and check if there are things to delegate. Ingatan ang first three disciples and of course ingatan ang buong cell group all with prayers.

11.) Bring to Churh

The first three should be in process of the PEPSOL. Monitor their attendance upto the fourth time. 

12.) Repeat the process if the Goals are not met.

Prayers, fasting, and intimate moments with God are always included sa bawat step of the way. Always remember God is with us. And said in Matthew 28:18-20, He will always be with us until the end of the age. :) God bless! 

Victorious Sunday

I know it's late. This post is supposed to be posted last Sunday, October 4, 2014. Pero, better late than never I guess. Haha. Usually puno ang buong Sunday ko. But I can say that it is a day full of spiritual upliftments (if there is such a word as that), and bonding with our whole spiritual family. :) They said Sunday is for God. But I believe it shouldn't only be Sunday that we should dedicate to Him. It should be the every day of our lives. :) But Sundays are special, yes I agree. :) So, here it goes. :D

Jof with his powerful testimony.

2 Corinthians 12:9

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

Right Angle - Friday Night Jam

FNJ's got a bit of twist yesterday as our amazing speaker, Gel, introduced God's topic through every student's favorite subject - Math. Specifically, Geometry. :) Do I sound sarcastic? Haha. Pero kidding aside, and as the title speaks of it, how can we ever think God can inspire us from this subject that most of us hate while we were still students. Of course exempted ang Math geniuses, but lets face it. Not everyone is good in this subject. :) But Math did look inspiring tonight. :D

Gel as she speaks of God's message tonight (October 3, 2014).

1 Corinthians 10:31

 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

The Start of a Healthy Lifestyle

Disclaimer: I don't own the photos featured in this post. The credits are published below the photos. All photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Ok, masyado lang akong masaya with these awesome gym invitations I got from my beautiful friends this afternoon! :D Being fit and healthy is hard these days. Gosh, Big Mac palang ng McDo and such, mahirap nang humindi. Samahan pa ng vices, and no exercise lifesytle, naku, a bigger problem ang magkakaroon tayo kapatid. Noong estudyante palang ako, napag-aralan namin kung papano nangyayari ang mga pinaka-nakakatakot na sakit like heart attacks and even strokes. Some of these diseases have a common denominator: unhealthy lifestyle. We all know what unhealthy lifestyle is and I need not to enumerate what it includes. Kapag natatapos ang bawat lectures namin noon, nabubuo sa isip ko na I should practice a healthy lifestyle kasi being a nurse, I should be a role model. Ikaw ba naman magkaroon ng nurse na sakitin tas sasabihin sayo, "Maam, kain po kayo para lumakas kayo", eh siya mismo hindi inaalagaan sarili niya? So, with this post, I'm gonna show to you, kapatid, how I myself practice this healthy lifestyle and I pray it would work to you too. :)

Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Bakit List?

Hello reader! "Bakit List?" This post is actually weird, for me, because of the title. Bakit List. These were the days or nights that I find it hard to post for I feel like I can't post anything relevant to my blog's theme or it seems like there ain't anything that made me that happy that could somehow make you happy too. Hahaha. Ok, magulo. I don't just want to think that big things are the only ones that could give us joy or make us happy. But, we can count for small things right? There are just those days na akala natin walang blessing na dumating kasi we thought blessings are only counted when they are big enough. For me, this day is like one of the many days that God wants me to appreciate every little blessing or surprises that He have for me. Here is my list. :)

1.) I woke up. :) From an eewie and kadiring dream but still I woke up. Hahaha.  Dear reader, ang laging gumigising saakin tuwing umaga ay si Baby Jessie. Baby Jessie is my cousin's baby. She would crawl and greet me with that big toothy smile. Simply adorable! :D Eewie and kadiring dream, uhmm, I would not tell you what it is. Hahaha. Pero praise God dream lang siya. 

2.) I heard God's voice. :) My personal devotions. The best talaga pag uunahin si Lord. :) No devotion, no food talaga. :) And I love it because when we chose to listen to Him, and only to Him, we can actually feel and hear His leading. :) 

3.) I love my breakfast. :) Eggs. I just love anything from the dairy family. Milk, cheese, eggs. Yum! :)

4.) The yummy snacks! Sinamahan ko si mama to buy some goods and we stopped by this bakery. I love it because it was like first love. Hahah. I bought the pastry because it looks masarap, and it really is! :D Plus, I had been munching on this rice snack the whole day. Folks, try One One Rice Snack. It's the best. :D

5.) My masayahing Nanay. Para lang talaga akong nasa bakasyon. :) I'm having fun with my mom, and with my whole family and these are the moments that are truly priceless. :D

There you go. :) Learn to appreciate and list every small blessing that you have each day. :) God bless!

The Joy of Having Quiet and Intimate Moments with God

Pag naging tahimik ang mundo natin, doon mangungusap ang Panginoon. :) 

First, I had been thankful God gave me this opportunity na maging guide sa Encounter God Retreat. :) Being a guide is a real responsibility. Mag-ga-guide ka ng isang young Christian into knowing God deeply. It happened last September 26,27, 28, 2014. Before that, something happened which totally broke me. It was amazing actually. Amazing how God breaks us to stand up and be strong enough for people who are experiencing brokenness far worse than what we have. I have the choice if I'll entertain the pain but I am guide. So, with God's grace and strength, nakayanan ko. Praise God.

Second, madami akong natutunan sa encounter. Kahit guide na ko, madami parin akong bagong natutunan. Ganun talaga si God. He is able to reveal to us new and meaningful revelations basta i-se-seek lang natin Siya. What struck me most sa Encounter is the thought na, being an earthly father is crucial. Dahil kung ano ang pagmamahal na naibibigay sa atin ng ating earthly fathers, malamang sa malamang ganoon din ang mafo-form nating image ng ating Ama sa langit. Kaya marami ang hindi maka-grasp ng malalim na love ni Lord dahil we never really experience that love among our earthly fathers. Marami ang walang maayos na father figure kaya marami rin ang hindi maintindihan ng maayos that God wants to father us. I am not saying that we should condemn or hate our earthly fathers for that. Actually that is a reason na mas lalo pa natin silang mahalin. For they, themselves, might never experience that love from their own earthly fathers. A rejected and broken spirit always have the tendency to pass what rejection and brokenness they have to people. In my case, I can't grasp the saying "Look at yourself the way God sees you" because I never really felt being beautiful in my father's eyes. And I had only the image of God as a provider because that was what I had from my earthly father. But God had already redeemed my heart and I love my father and I always pray that He will also know God. Bigla ko tuloy naisip na ipag-pray na maging pastor's wife. Hahahahahaha. Resounding amen! My point is, I want my future children to have someone who will show them what true fatherly love is. Matagal pa yun syempre and being a pastor's wife would entail huge responsibility. But if God would let me have a family, I would be blessed to have a pastor as my partner.  :)

Third, all of my own brokenness dawned on me the moment I went home from the encounter. Maluha-luha 'ko habang nag-eemail sa isang kaibigan. Then, I prayed and read the Bible, and sang hymns and praises. I suddenly felt that comfort and encouragement from God. I believe God is all the more teaching me how to be strong and add more faith to my basket of faith. 

Fourth, I am blessed to have spiritual family and friends who are there for me in prayers. Sila yung magiging mga paa mo everytime na hindi mo na kayang maglakad. Sila yung maniniwala pag hindi mo na kaya. Sila yung mag-eencourage sayo pag wala ng hope na natitira sa puso mo. I have the tendency to have depressions and I am blessed for God to gives me this bunch of beautiful people to help me out through tough times. 

In the middle of crazy world that we have, having a moment of silence with God is a treasure one must not let go. I pray, that you dear reader, would also experience that quietness from God. He is the still small voice in our hearts at maririnig lamang natin Siya pag naalis ang lahat ng kaingayan sa mundo natin. And I am thankful for this silence because my heart had been able to hear what He wants me to ponder on. I pray you would also have that intimate and quiet moment with God. :) God bless you!

Lovestruck: Sakit Edition

Hi readers! Got quite some time before I had this post.:) I am actually excited about this dahil first time kong gagawa ng book review dito sa blog. At Lovestruck: Sakit Edition pa talaga. Haha. Pero I would not make it this book review so serious. I would just share to you, dear reader, how this book inspired me and gave me a new perspective about having “sakit editions” in our lives. So, for everyone who had read the book, feel free to leave a comment and share how this book personally touched you. Pero sa lahat ng hindi pa ito nababasa, I might give spoilers kaya beware nalang. :) 

Lovestruck: Sakit Edition front and back covers

Here is that awesome book. :) Again, I have it at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) na ginanap last September 17-21, 2014, specifically at the OMF Literature Booth. Ang huling balita ko, hindi pa ito na-re-release at bookstores nationwide and una talaga itong inilabas sa MIBF. Which means, napaka-blessed ng mga umattend ng book fair. :) Ito ay isinulat ni Pastor Ronald Molmisa and this is the fourth book of the Lovestruck series. Ang Lovestruck series ay hindi isang nobela; ito ay series ng mga inspiring na libro. So, kahit ano ang masimulan mong libro, may mapupulot kang aral and makaka-relate ka. :) Nakakatuwa ang tag line ng libro sa likod: "Lord, give me amnesia para makalimutan ko na siya!" Natawa ako nang una ko itong nabasa dahil relate much talaga. Lahat na ata ng nasaktan humanap ng paraan para makalimutan ang nakalipas na pag-ibig at nandoon na ipagdarasal pa ang amnesia. Relate much ako kasi dumanas din ako ng minsang sakit edition sa buhay ko. And yes, I also once prayed to have selective amnesia. Selective para yung part lang niya yung mawawala. :) Pero hindi naman nangyari at kilala ko parin siya at alam ko parin ang nangyari noon, pero hindi na kasing-sakit tulad ng dati. :) Bakit at paano? We'll have that later. 

Pastor Molmisa's signature and dedication for me.

I am just so happy for this. Sorry kung pangalawang appearance na nito pero nakakatuwa talaga kasi nakapagpa-sign ako. :) 

The Table of Contents.

Moving on, this is the table of contents with its catchy titles. :) Nakakatuwa yung mga titles ng bawat chapter. Some are from movies, songs, etc. Nakaka-lighten ng theme ng book yung bawat title. Being heartbroken and all is so depressing. Mahirap pagdaanan ang bigong pag-ibig and mahirap din makakita and nakakalungkot makasama ang mga taong heartbroken. Nandyan na maaawa at maiiyak din tayo dahil sa pinagdadaanan nila at talagang kailangan ang mahabang pasensya nang pagpapayo at pagdarasal para sakanila. But having the titles make us somehow smile and wonder what those chapters contain. :) Nakaka-excite at napaka-page turner ng libro. :D

For me, God had again inspired lots of people through Pastor Molmisa with this book. It tackled different issues and lahat talaga ng kaugnay ng pagiging heartbroken natalakay dito. From being seenzoned to issues of adultery among married couples, to moving on and starting all over again, lahat nandito. Ang maganda sa bawat libro ng Lovestruck Series, including Sakit Edition, God is always connected to every topic and He is always the center. Hindi nawawala sa lime light si God and iyon naman talaga ang importante. Because God's Words on anything and everything in our life are important. And we should never forget the One who gave us the ability to love for He showed what true love is when He gave His only Son to die for us. At iyon ay ang Panginoon. :)

If I would share my own sakit edition, kinda nakakasawa na for me. Haha. Alam niyo kung bakit? Eh sa dami naman kasi ng nasabihan ko, nasanay na puso ko. :D From my cell leader, friends whom I know na alam ang talagang pinagdaanan ko, elders and leaders ng church, at paulit-ulit na pagku-kwento sa bawat dasal ko kay God, hay naku, madami na talagang beses. Siguro kasi, sa paulit-ulit na pagkukwento sa mga reliable na tao, and even as a good testimony sa buong church, wala nang natirang kahit anong bahid ng ka-bitter-ran sa puso ko. Kaya, I really suggest na dumaldal ka lang talaga ng dumaldal at umiyak hanggat gusto mo, kapatid, kung iyan ang makagagaan ng mga dinadala mo. :)

Real stories from real people.

Isa pang bagay na nakapagbigay puso sa librong ito ay the fact na ito ay inspired sa bawat totoong taong nakaranas ng totoong heart breaking experience. And this page shows an example of the many real testimonies and stories included in the book. Ang mga stories ay galing sa bawat taong humingi ng payo kay Pastor Molmisa. Parang movies, the best parin ang mga true to life stories. And these stories are, I believe, not meant for us na pagtsimisan dahil ang iba ay sensitive. These stories should serve as lessons for us and should give us a preview nang mga posibleng mangyari once na parang nakakaranas na tayo ng mga the same situations.

"Ang pagmo-move on ay hindi paglimot sa naganap. Kailangang magka-dementia o amnesia ka muna siguro para mangyari iyon. Ito ay pagsasabi sa iyong sarili na hindi ka pwedeng forever magtatampisaw sa pagdurusa. Hindi mo dine-deny na ikaw ay nasaktan pero may dahilan ka para magpatuloy sa buhay. Kaya desisyon iyan. Walang makakagawa para sa iyo. Ikaw lang."- Pastor Molmisa, Lovestruck: Sakit Edition

This is what I mean by how I did move on. Mahirap pero decision talaga natin kung mananatili tayo sa lugar na kinasadlakan natin, habang yung nanakit saatin masaya na at maaaring hindi pa nga tayo naiisip. Hindi ko rin noon inakala na makakapag-move on ako dahil minahal ko siya ng sobra. Pero nabuhay ako para sa Panginoon, at para sa mga taong alam kong tunay na nagmamahal sa akin. Hanggang unti-unting nakahakbang ang buhay ko mula sa madilim na nangyari. At mas alam ko na ngayon kung bakit hindi talaga pinahintulutan ng Panginoon na makasama ko siya. At ang maganda kapag ang Panginoon ang kasama mo sa bawat heart break mo, mapapatawad mo ang sarili mo at ang mga taong nanakit sayo. Hindi tayo magiging bitter. :)

This is just a glimpse of what God can tell you through this book. :) Be blessed kapatid! Pray ka lang always dahil God is always close to the broken hearted and He wants to hear all of your thoughts. :) God bless you! :D

The 35th Manila International Book Fair

Besides the usual annual celebrations that we have like Christmases, New Years, Birthdays, and a lot more, visiting and shopping books at Manila International Book Fair is tradition that I always look forward to. Una akong nakapunta and una kong nalaman ang MIBF during my first year college and I was really amazed by this huge event. Ang daming libro and for bookworms like me, you'll definitely drown yourself with so much excitement of touring around and hunting for new babies (aka books). MIBF is an annual event that happens for five consecutive days usually at the month of September or near October. Ang marker ko dito dati nung college is pag finals na namin, mag bo-book fair na ulit. And this year's book fair had again been a blast and I was so blessed to be able to visit it. Here's my experience. :)

Being Beautiful. God's way.

Hi there readers! :) It's 1:46 PM, Manila, Philippines time. And it is raining. I've been contemplating on what to blog for I haven't updated for two days now. I should be visiting the book fair today but due to harsh weather, I can't. So, here I am. Pouring my heart out kasabay ng down pour ng ulan. Haha.

I am currently watching a very excellent make-up guru's video on YouTube and as always, I am amazed by how they do make-up. With all those lipsticks and eyeliners and foundations, surely one's look will be transformed. It is every girl's dream and desire to look beautiful and stay beautiful and of course be admired. Aren't we? But with all those products and with the price tags that associate them, sometimes, it's hard to keep up with the world's standard of beauty. So, we end up with the same old routine that we have. Not all girls know how to apply make-up; not everyone has that time to keep up with beauty routines. I am not saying make-ups and such are wrong. I believe they are a great help to boost one's confidence. But as I always say, beauty, true beauty should come and must be God's way. :) Which, I believe is the most important thing to keep for this lasts forever.

  

How Far Faith, Hope, and Love Could Go

13 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.  

And there I just showed you, dear reader, the whole of  1 Corinthians 13. I love the Book of Corinthians of the New Testament. Maybe because some of it talks about love and relationships. But nevertheless, I was captivated by it. :) Most especially of this chapter. Love. Love. Love. Sa isang movie that I had watched a couple of days ago, it said that love is the most abused word in the English language. Maybe, this world lost what love really means. Dahil sa iba't-ibang situations where love indeed is abused, it thus somehow lost its meaning. But this afternoon, I was somehow reminded by these three faith, hope, and love. This might be the post that I wouldn't dare publishing but I would still share it to you reader. :) 

Fun Sunday with the Kids

I never really imagined I would be involving in the children ministry today. Hindi talaga. Haha. It’s not that I am afraid of the little kids. I am just in doubt if I could “control” them and make them behave. Lahat naman tayo ayaw ng batang umiiyak or nagta-tantrums. And maybe that was my worry nung na-assign ako ni Pastor Rey sa mga bata kahit isang Sunday lang. So, let’s see how my day went with the kids. :)

Gel's reminder.

I was assigned two weeks before to prepare for this ministry. What we do in here is we provide the children a separate place and separate activities while the congregation’s assembly is going on. This is to prevent unnecessary noise from them and also, people would focus on the message of God given by our pastor. Mahirap, I should say, na magbantay ng bata kasi it would really require one lots of doses of patience and love. But God lead me here. Yung ministry na sobrang iniiwasan ko talaga. Haha. 

My visual aid for the kids. :D "Noah's Ark" Can also be downloaded here.

"The Awakening; Fire and Passion" G12 Taguig Annual Gathering

It happened last Saturday, September 13, 2014. Iba't-ibang churches under G12 Taguig City ang nagsama-sama for the Annual Gathering. And this year's theme is entitled, "The Awakening; Fire and Passion". It was a day filled with worship and praises to our God almighty. Everyone was awakened. Matagal na tayong tulog. Tulog eveytime na nananawagan ang Diyos. We are ought to accomplish our mission of sharing the gospel and winning people to Christ. But lots of Christians are sleeping. And now is the time to awaken and have that fire and passion for God burning once again. 

Photo courtesy of G12 Taguig Facebook Group

1 Timothy 6:11-12

"Ngunit ikaw na lingkod ng Diyos, umiwas ka sa mga bagay na ito. Sikapin mong mamuhay sa katuwiran, kabanalan, pananalig, pag-ibig, pagtitiis, at kaamuan. Gawin mo ang buo mong makakaya sa pakikibaka alang-alang sa pananampalataya at kakamtan mo ang buhay na walang hanggan, yamang diyan ka tinawag ng Diyos nang ipahayag mo sa harapan ng maraming saksi ang iyong pananampalataya."

I Have A Great Purpose - Friday Night Jam

Thank God it's Friday! And, with the love and grace from the Lord, we again have our Friday Night Jam! :D We are blessed to hear God's message for tonight through Brother Kerby! Siya yung camera-magnet if you happen to view my Tagaytay Escapade post. :D So, let's run through this and once again, let's be blessed! :D

Ate Love (white), Kuya Jamon (black polo), and photo bomber Kuya Andy

1 Timothy 4:12-14

12 Huwag mong bigyang-daan na hamakin ka ninumandahil sa iyong kabataan. Sa halip, pagsikapan mong maging huwaran ng mga sumasampalataya: sa pananalita, ugali, pag-ibig, pananampalataya, at kabanalan.
13 Iukol mo ang iyong panahon sa pagbabasa ng Kasulatan sa madla, sa pangangaral at pagtuturo hanggang sa ako’y dumating.
14 Huwang mong pababayaan ang ipinagkaloob sa iyo ng Espiritu Santo ayon sa inihula nang ipatong sa iyo ng matatanda sa iglesya ang kanilang kamay.

Simple Joys

This is actually for yesterday but schedule's full so we'll gonna be posting this today. :D 

Life's not easy. This blog is purposefully created to show that happiness do happen everyday. Kahit maraming problema and negative na ang nangyayari sa buhay, it is actually our decision to be happy and stay positive. That is actually my personal advocacy for myself. Haha. The past few weeks had been getting rough. And I do really pray I am not getting depressed. Of course I am not. Haha. With this blog, I had been motivated to find happiness in each of everyday that God gave me and share it with others. Be it a simple message from a friend, or a snack, or food, or just anything - it could make us happy. And I do really believe that God is always making ways for us to be happy. He never promised an easy life, but He did promise to be with us everyday. 

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

(Matthew 28:20) 

Me with my mom. Edited using InstaMag (Android App)