Throwback

Recalling the time God has picked me up. From then on, life has never been the same.

Worship in Hardship

If you will read Acts 16: 16-34, it is the story when Paul and Silas heal a woman possessed  of bad spirit in Philipi. Yet because that spirit bring her owners money being able to foretell future, they aren't happy and drag Paul and Silas to authorities resulting to being stripped and beaten by the authorities and are thrown into prison. Yet instead of asking God why all these happened despite doing His will, they chose to worship the Lord and ²⁵began praying and singing hymns to God. Suddenly, there was a violent earthquake that prison were shaken. ²⁶At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose- suddenly is such a big word there. It means that when we choose to worship God in our hardship, sudden miracle/s will be released by Him. Usually, when earthquake strikes, it often traps people, but at this time, God is able to shake the foundation not to trap them but to release them.

Similarly, whatever bad situation we are in right now, if we worry too much about it, it will soon become our chains, but the good news is, the scripture would like to impart that the way out of it is through worship. Whatever circumstances, God is more than able to shake its foundation and set us free.

In addition, when we are experiencing hardship, the people around us can also be affected direct or indirectly. Same thing happened with Paul and Silas, ²⁷ The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped- In reality, giving up is always the easiest way out of our bad situation but when we choose to worship God in all our circumstances, it will not only release miracles and breakthroughs but will also reveal His glory through salvation of others- ²⁸ But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” ²⁹ The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household. ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. ³³ At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. ³⁴ The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

No matter who we are, we have experienced, experiencing and will experience hardship in our lives. If we do the will of God, it will not exempt us, but if we are not, the more we will go through these situations. I encourage everyone to fix our eyes on Jesus and just experience the full power of His amazing grace.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is in Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law- the Spirit that worked in Apostle Paul and in me will be the same Spirit that will work in you. Make a decision today and choose to worship God midst your situation.

Thoughts

Like how the trees are exposed to seasons and processes of nature, we too should find joy in walking through the seasons of life. It is through these processes in which our roots will dug deep and our fiber becomes strong on the inside enabling us to mature and get stable. When the storm comes, we can stand tall. We might lose few leaves or perhaps break some of our branches on the process but at the end of the day, we will stand firm.

Thankful and Blessed

2012 is just about to wrap up and I can’t help but just be thankful with the faithfulness of the Lord above all His blessings throughout this year. Many times I missed to attend the church, read the bible or say “thank you’s and I’m sorry’s” but His love endures forever. My shortcomings has no bearing with the amount of love He’s been giving me since. It was indeed, unconditional.

This year is certainly a roller coaster ride. I have experienced loss, new endeavors, faith, hope, love and more. My fingers will not suffice to count every blessing the Lord has shed throughout the whole year, not only with me but with the people I love dearly.

My 2012 may have started with goodbyes, first with Sodexo (previous employer for two years whom the people I have loved and place where I have been molded professionally) and next, when I lose mom last February. I am glad that the Lord filled my heart with joy to move on with life and true enough that when He closes a door, He opens a window, when the Lord called me to the unexpected place, Dubai, shortly after mom’s death. It is in this unexpected place where I have started to build a relationship with my sister and her family. I’m merry to gain new friends with their friends and I am excited to see how our relationship will blossom in the months/years to come.

I came in Dubai holding a tourist visa which is only valid for 30 days, otherwise, extended for another month which will cost me few more grand, but, the Lord loved me so much that He has lead me to Atlas, my present employer. I was only on my second week in Dubai when I found work. Yey! But hey, the challenge didn't stopped with getting an employer, my faith and patience were also tested when I exit in Iran while waiting for my employment visa to come in. I, again, has gained new friends from there and the memories will surely be treasured. I love my colleagues in Atlas dearly. They are friends to me and the joy they bring to me everyday is awesome.

2012 is also a year of miracles. My family has gained three new addition to our clan. The new source of our joy, our new babies, Raine, Axel and Aj. These babies are truly miracle from the Lord especially Aj who came only after 10 years of marriage of Kuya Ton and Ate Jo. Aj is an epitome of an answered prayer. Baby Aj is a testimony of how prayer can move mountains. Kuya Ton and Ate Jo have cried rivers from few miscarriage in the past, but, as they say, everything happens in His most perfect time.

Above all, It is in this year I mature as a Christian- the best thing ever happened to me. Life is never the same since and I am very excited to see others experience the same. I can’t thank ate Sheila enough for accompanying me in VCF Dubai and for introducing me to Jen, my small group leader. I have not only gained friends with them but a spiritual family whom I can laugh, cry and share the same faith with. I am giddy to grow more in faith with them in the years to come.

The Lord however does not only want relationship with me, but to serve a purpose to save others through discipleship. I had my first disciples this year through Aika and Alexis. Yey! I can't wait to see them mature with the Lord too.

Above are only few highlights of this year, not to set aside, new gadgets, relationships, restoration, answered prayers, everyday protection, provision, strengths, abilities and His plans and purposes coming true in my everyday life. The way I see things now are far way different from how I used to. I thought that success and money are the best things in the world, but they are not. After all, they all shall perish. It is my relationship with the Lord which is eternal. Btw, I melt every time the Lord uses me to bless others - one of the best feelings in the world! =)

I am thankful with how the Lord has been moving in my life. It is in my weakest points, I found perseverance, patience, humility, forgiveness and faith.

But the best is yet to come. I am sure 2013 will be even better. It will be a year of breakthroughs and yes’s from the Lord! *dances*

Bidang Kontrabida

We all have villains in our lives. The person who is always "kontabida" to our wants and our decisions in life. A person who will define us with most negative words. Well folks, I am no different because I  have one too J Pero siya ang bidang kontrabidang mahal ko at sure akong minamahal din nang nakararami - my loving Kuya Andrew.

Being raised in an adaptive family, kuya and I’s relationship were never established. We only lived together when I was already in high school. I must say, siya ang Clara at wicked witch ng buhay ko dati. J I still remember his photo album defines me as “papansin”. He always "kontra" my wants in life. I remember nung one time, nag overnight ako sa extracurricular activity ko sa school - na pinayagan naman ako ng parents ko, at siya, as usual, hindi! Aba kinabukasan, nasa kanto pa lang ako namin, hinila na ang buhok ko pauwi ng bahay namin. Dinaig ko pa si Mara sa iskandalo at dinaig pa niya ang nanay ko sa pagdidisiplina. And please don't forget, I'm already  in high school. Tsk tsk.

Pero siyempre, glad we both matured. God loves me so much that he has restored our relationship. I  have zero grudges :)

Being far from home made me missed kuya especially this Christmas. We’ve been bedmates for sometime before I move in to Dubai. Tabi kami niyan sa bed. Kahit na sobrang lakas ng hilik niya, ok lang. I used to tell him, utang na loob, ako muna patulugin niya, so I will always go to bed earlier than him. Awa ng diyos, count ten pagka higa niya at hihilik na iyan nang bongga! haha! Even kahit na tinatandayan niya ko at pag ako na, ayaw niya na, ok pa din. Walang patid na usapan at wagwagan sa mga kaengutan namin sa buhay ang peg namin every night. haha! 

Pero I still remember din nung sobrang na heartbroken siya, para akong nanay na di matiis tingnan siya ng ganun. Dahil sa emotions ko, inemail ko si "x" na spare his sanity and leave him alone, at ayun, binlock ako ni "x" sa Facebook. Oops sorry kuya!

But what I missed most besides our shopping escapade sa divisoria at pasig for holidays, ay ang good heart niya. Naks! Many will agree to me na para siyang nanay namin, masyadong mapagbigay. People will always run to him for help. He’s not hard to crack. We have this little bonding during Christmas which I really look forward in doing again, kuya and I will buy donuts or burgers and we will distribute it sa mga pulubi sa Quiapo. Very humbling experience and the joy is one of a kind. Actually, we used to both dream of building a foundation someday. Promise me kuya, let's hold on to that dream a. Anyhow, God gives the desires of our hearts.

I am sure God sees the goodness of your heart and He will return the favor to you. I won't be tired to pray for you too. I love you everyday kuya! Missed you bad. Let's travel soon.

Always,

Arris

Mabini's

Never in my entire life did I imagine myself working abroad. I have once considered myself nationalistic (naks!) and the last thing I can do is to abandon my country and let other place reap what Philippines has sown for me. But as they say, GOD is unlikely. He is a God of unexpected. He has callings in unexpected places and perhaps, even with unexpected people.

My move in to Dubai is spontaneous until the latter months of last year. I must say, it was an abrupt decision. Nevertheless, God has been supportive of my decisions in life and allow me to flew to Dubai without any hassle with my documents nor with the immigration.

But just like how the place is unexpected, the people were also unexpected. I am currently living with my sister, ate Lhen, her husband, kuya Joel and the joy of our lives, baby Raine- aka Mabini’s.

I never thought I can build a close relationship with ate, because, we never had the chance in the past due to I grew up in an adaptive family. Little did she know, I have once looked up to her. In fact, few of my paths were copied from her (oh noes! haha!) - theater organization (we are both Artists of the Year when we graduated. Naks!) love for math, Jollibee and call center work during college. Isa lang ata ang di ko natahak, ang kaseksihan niya. Di din siya skinny okay?! haha. But I must admit, I still look up to her to this date. Her love to her family is selfless. I am a testimony of her love, patience and understanding. Kaya naman, you better be good kuya because another ate is way harder than winning jackpot in lotto.

My first months in Dubai were never easy. The anxiety is hell but I’m glad I made it through with their help and my spiritual family in Victory. I cannot thank the Lord enough for blessing me the people I have in my life now. They have been an inspiration and their love and concern for me is just awesome! Their existence is only a confirmation of how great the Lord is.

I wouldn't be tired of praying for more blessings to come to your lives because you all deserved it. The Lord sees the goodness of your hearts and He will return the favor to your family. Cheers to more months and more years together. Love you all!

Victory in Defeat

Low crime count, minimal traffic jam, numbered people in malls, superb station ratings and raining advertisements- these are only few scenarios in the Philippines each time Manny Pacquiao has a boxing fight and I must say, yesterday is not any different except that he is fighting for the fourth time against Juan Manuel Marquez.

I am certain that they both had their fair share of hard core training. I even heard Coach Roach giving Pacquiao a thousand dollars for every man he will knocked out during his sparring.  Well, I heard he pound four. Whoa! On the other hand, Marquez got into his perfect shape in his secret garden. Marquez has been quiet in his strategies while Pacquiao’s trainings were open book since day one.

As all of you may know,  the fight ended quite unexpected. The last second wicked right hook of Marquez on the sixth round has kicked Pacquiao off the canvas. It made the Filipinos shocked and Jinky, his wife was terrified on the ringside. It was unexpected. The last time Pacquiao was knocked out was more than a decade ago and he has been the undisputed boxing champion of the world for quite sometime now. Well, not until yesterday.

The social media was flooded by reactions- both bashers and cheerleaders. I am saddened with how the Filipino people reacted negatively. It is as if Manny is as good as his last fight. All the pride he brought to the country throughout the years were swiftly unremembered. He was being crucified by his Christianity; he is getting old; he is over confident; he shouldn’t win because he has all the money in the world; and a lot more words of discouragement, but, of course, all the persecution were anticipated. Indeed, you cannot please everyone. Nevertheless,  I can’t be any happier for the cheerleaders on the other hand. I am sure that their words are genuine and are relief to massive muscle pains to Pacquiao. Certainly, it was uplifting to his morale.

This morning I got to read his statement in Yahoo News, and I quote "First and foremost I would like to thank God for keeping Juan Manuel Marquez and me safe during our fight. I want to congratulate Juan Manuel. I have no excuses. It was a good fight and he deserved the victory. I think boxing fans who watched us were winners too."

I am blissful to see with how the Lord is moving in Pacquiao’s life. The time he chose to live the right path is just but music to my ears. I am sure he will make a difference in the world of sports just like how Jerry Lin has affected his collagues in NBA. Not to set aside the people he can save from the limelight of show business too. I pray that his faith will not be shaken by this defeat for victory is tested in defeats too. After all, it is not the title nor the belt, but the crown of eternal life Christ has won for us by His victory on the cross. I pray that God will continue to use Pacquiao by leading others to victory in Christ too.

Allow me to end this post by my favorite scripture in the bible: "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

P.S.

I love it too when Gary V tweeted " Marquez won, but there will be other bigger challenges you will overcome outside the ring, and it will prove that you aren't just a boxing champ but a real winner for the God who still has so much more victories for you in all aspects of your life.  I stand with u my bro. This loss doesn't define who and what u are in the eyes of God”