“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 2:14
What’s in the air last Friday? I felt like “Dear Ate Liz” that day because most of the people I’ve conversed with were just giving me depressing news and needed some consolation. Throughout the day, I’ve been bombarded by news of loss, sadness, confrontation, misunderstanding and disappointment. Listening to their stories made me feel melancholic as if the gloomy weather wasn’t enough. But, I thought, there must be a reason why God wanted me to hear their stories. I think God wanted to see if I could take all these stories of misery and translate them to something positive – a tale of love and celebration. I felt that God has a message for these people that need to be delivered.
The message was revealed to me the next day when I attended the very powerful and enlightening Intercessor’s Conference in VCF Galleria. As our speaker (Mary Malinao) talked about ‘fleshy character’, she mentioned in passing of ‘the burning season’ and that single phrase sent all my thoughts in motion. I just had to reflect on that phrase.
What Is The Burning Season? I think it’s usually the time when dreams are shattered, prayers are still left unanswered, relationships are broken, patience is being stretch and characters are being tested. It is the time when we all start to think “Has God deserted us?”. We all wonder why such events happen in our lives just when things are going well. You see… God fashioned us in such a way that we’ll be able to appreciate life in its entirety. He wanted us to embrace each and every experience of our existence so as to remember him. (Thought bubble: Wow that’s so many E’s in one sentence ^_^) But, more often than not, we only call out to him in times of trouble and distress. I guess He noticed and thus, the burning season.
In the bible, there are many stories written about burnt offerings to God especially in the book of Leviticus. Some are offered in thanksgiving while others are offered as propitiation for sins. They symbolize the ‘depreciation of man and the lifting up to God’—that it is ours today and God’s tomorrow. Anyways, my point is that these burnt offerings implied a TOTAL and COMPLETE DEVOTION to him.
Life is emblematic of all we owe to God and yet when our life peaks in happiness we tend to forget where it all comes from. Our devotion peters out and our focus shifts toward the things that make us feel blessed at that moment like relationships or achievements. Hard to admit but our once full attention on him is slowly being transferred to something else. Therefore, God is sometimes forced to address our forgetful minds and stubborn hearts by letting us experience such ‘burning season'. And when such occurrences happen, DO NOT REJECT IT. Instead, we should rejoice in it because it only means that the Lord wants to have OUR attention.
“Why don't you tell me where it hurts now baby. And I’ll do my best to make it better” I’m quite certain that this is one of God’s theme song for us when such moment arise. This is the song that God will sing to us for he knows that we will be hurting and we will be seeking. And (yuck naiiyak ako…=P) when we do start seeking, don’t be surprised when he’s already there waiting for us with arms wide open.
This ‘burning season’ for me has 3 main purposes: First, it is to test and strengthen our character. Second, it is to make us hopeful of God's "tweaked-to-be-better' plans for us. Finally (and more importantly), it is to remind us of our relationship with God. So to those who are going through such phase right now, don’t despair. Embrace and celebrate it for God is just missing you.
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i just have to post the whole song here ^_^ .. i never really thought of this song as a call from God until now...
TELL ME WHERE IT HURTS
Why is that sad look in your eyes Why are you crying Tell me now, tell me now Tell me, why you're feelin' this way I hate to see you so down, oh baby Is it your heart Oh, that's breakin' all in pieces Makin' you cry Makin' you feel blue Is there anything that I can do
Why don't you tell me where it hurts now, baby And I'll do my best to make it better Yes, I'll do my best to make those tears all go away Just tell me where it hurts now, tell me And I love you with a love so tender Oh and if you let me stay I'll love all of the hurt away
Where are all those tears coming from Why are they falling Somebody, somebody, somebody left your heart in the cold You just need somebody to hold on, baby Give me a chance to put back all the pieces Take your broken heart Make it just like new There's so many things that I can do
Why don't you tell me where it hurts now, baby And I'll do my best to make it better Yes, I'll do my best to make those tears all go away Just tell me where it hurts now, tell me And I love you with a love so tender Oh and if you let me stay I'll love all of the hurt away
(Instrumental)
Oh I'm gonna take it all away, baby
Is it your heart Oh, that's breakin' all in pieces Makin' you cry Makin' you feel blue Is there anything that I can do
Why don't you tell me where it hurts now, baby And I'll do my best to make it better Yes, I'll do my best to make those tears all go away Just tell me where it hurts now, tell me And I love you with a love so tender Oh and if you let me stay I'll love all of the hurt away
Tell me, baby Tell me, oh yea Is there anything I can do, baby Just tell me where it hurts now, tell me And I love you with a love so tender Oh and if you let me stay I'll love all of the hurt away
“At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.’ The words ‘once more’ indicate the removing of what can be shaken – that is, created things – so that what cannot be shaken may remain” Hebrews 12:26 – 27
Last night, I read the book ‘The Promise No One Wants’ by Joey Bonifacio. In the book, he talks about God’s promise, having to live through a series of ‘shake and break’ and of course spectacular breakthroughs. My late night easy reading turned out to be a night full of revelations. It was astonishing.
The Promise of Shaking
‘With the greatest breakthroughs come the most violent shaking and turbulence’. I couldn’t agree more. The very first major breakthrough I have experienced happened 5 years ago. And just to let you know, that breakthrough wasn’t handed to me on a silver platter because the ‘incident’ that came along with it took me a decade to overcome.
Many do not know that I come from a dysfunctional family. My parents have lived in separate rooms since I was 12 years old and then, in 2001, they finally separated when my mom moved to the states following the death of my maternal grandparents. The first blow came when I found out that my dad was having an affair. I felt betrayed. As if that information wasn’t hurtful enough, I discovered that she was pregnant. The world’s greatest dad to me became the world’s greatest liar. I was just devastated. Things haven’t been the same since.
I am not going to bore you with details of how sad, how lonely and how painful life was in the years that followed. During that time, my brother and I were sent to Singapore to further our studies. Living in Singapore helped me cope with the circumstances but it didn’t make me forget. It only numbed me. If before, I was just emotionally distant, now, an ocean physically separated him from me. During this time, I also found myself having relational problems with God. I was very very very angry at him. I blamed him for making things happen. For years I desperately prayed for the restoration of relationships in my family but I got nothing. Every night I prayed that he answer my petitions but still he kept silent. Was he listening? Because it seemed that he had totally forgotten about me… that I existed… and that I was going through this terrible terrible ordeal. At that point, I started to drift away. I stopped praying. However, little did I know that God has started working on my heart and the restoration of my family already.
In 2002, I finally had the courage to face the other family. By then, there were 3 of them (my half siblings I mean). I had already practiced my lines like --- “you’re nothing but a second rate….trying hard…” hehe =P Anyways, I saw them. I met them. I threw up. I just couldn’t handle it. Despite my stubbornness, God gave me another opportunity. I thought I’ll react and feel exactly the same way. However, wonder of all wonders, God did something to my heart. Anger just melted away and it was replaced by, believe it or not, FORGIVENESS and LOVE. That was my first breakthrough – finally after 10 burdened years, I was able to forgive the people who have hurt me the most.
Favor of Man vs Favor of God
Pastor Joey then talked about the favor of man and how winning a man’s favor can lull us into believing that we have also won the favor of God. In a previous blog I’ve written, I spoke of having to decide whether to take a very alluring fashion-related job in Hong Kong or to stay and help out in the family business. I worked my (pardon my term) ass off in my previous job to secure the favor of my foreign counterparts. I was good at it. I did it. They loved me and my work attitude. They wanted to hire me – ASAP. I started researching about working in Hong Kong and then contacted the necessary people who could help me with my transition. I couldn’t believe it. A dream job right there handed to me on a silver platter. There i was so proud of myself and my accomplishments thinking everything was due to my hardwork and own effort. However, as I was about to send my confirmation letter, God whispered something to me. I suddenly felt the need to stay. Needless to say, I decided to decline the offer.
God has other plans for me I guess. I have to be honest though. From time to time, I still think of what life might have been if I flew to Hong Kong. But I don’t regret the decision I made cos only now that I realize what God’s teaching me and that is OBEDIENCE. Obedience to Him (God) and obedience to my father. I am still a work in progress but, by God’s grace, I’m here and I commit.
God’s Timing
“And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised” Hebrews 6:15
Blessings and breakthroughs could be taken away from us if we are not careful. Also, God’s destiny for us could be altered (not to our benefit) if we try to manipulate God’s timing. Just like Joseph, I feel that for God to bring me to my next breakthrough, He needs to shake impatience off me. Pastor Joey was right in wondering... What if Joseph got out of prison because the cupbearer mentioned him to the Pharoah? Would things be different?
Let me relate that to my ...umm… love life. My quest to find true love started when I was 16. Too tired of not having a ‘normal’ family to come home to and too tired of feeling unloved, I tried to seek it elsewhere. God was kind enough to bless me with suitors and I just took advantage by leading them on (I repent!). My distorted views on love led me to be with men who were all wrong for me and just ended up breaking my heart. Why God why?? His answer: SEEK him first. TRUST him first. Be complete with HIM first. Above all, LOVE HIM first. My impatience to find my true love’s kiss led me to kiss a couple of frogs. I wasn’t ready and God knew that. I didn’t. I pressed fast forward trying to manipulate God’s timing and look what that got me into. But our God is a faithful God. He doesn’t give up on us. He didn’t give up on me. He has my heart now… taking care of it till the time he deems his best man (who’s deserving to have my heart too) will be ready to share that responsibility with Him.
His Will Be Done
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” Proverbs 19:21
Forgiveness. Patience. Obedience. Love. Trust. Strength. My breakthroughs were all virtues that sprung out of me during the those times. I didn’t realize God had been pruning me all along. He took away bad habits and character that didn’t fit his purpose for me and replaced them with these character-building qualities. These breakthroughs seem so major already but there is still a greater promise coming my way. I just know it. And I know that along with that comes more ‘shake and break’ moments. I still think that I still need a major overhaul on my person. On hindsight, I think those tests of character and faith will also be a blessing in disguise. All those trials happened because he loves me so. I can only pray that as he strengthens me he’ll grant me the patience and faith I’ll need that could transcend all trials so that one day I will be able to fulfill his purpose for me and glorify him even more.
Yesterday, God made me smile. ;-) He never ceases to fascinate me with his wonders. When i see things such as sunset, rainbows, butterflies, sunflowers and children, i just can't help but feel .... blissful. Anyways, God gifted me with a full rainbow yesterday as i was driving home. To me, the rainbow is a symbol of hope. But more than that, it reminded me once again of God's covenant with His people.... really makes me appreciate the surety of his promises. Just sharing ^_^
Yup, that's what i am. I start thinking of Christmas as early as June ^_^. It's really my favorite time of the year (yes... more than valentine's day =P) because everyone is just in a jolly good mood and love is in air. This year though, my christmas is gonna be extra special. I know it... Because when i woke up this morning, I had this extra-ordinary feeling once again of getting another overwhelming breakthrough/surprise this december (OA ba? extra ordinary na.. overwhelming pa! haha)... just like the one i felt before my victory weekend where i was so certain that breakthroughs will come my way. =D I think my hearts gonna burst anytime now.. *sigh* if i could only explain the feeling! I'm soooo excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wonder what God would reveal to me this time.
John 20:29 - "Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"
... just remembered this video i posted before.. my brothers and i were singing Christmas songs in October..
... ok.. i'm never gonna go out again!! ..hahaha.. that's exaggerating a bit.... =P ... last september was one of my busiest ever! ... We just kept on celebrating as if it'll never end. Since we had one birthday after the other, i was thinking that no one was gonna get surprised anymore. Boy i was sooo wrong!Wait, let me start from Day 1 of September (this is gonna be a long one haha) ... We celebrated Pastor Nuel's bday in Makati. Then the following week It was Joel J and Doc ruel's "surprise bday" at Jay-j's. Then there was my victory weekend. Then I celebrated my bday with my family. Then with my best friend. Then my bday salubong at the penn. Then with ex-officemates. Then Ayen's birthday. Then my meet the parents "fiesta". Pareissa's depedida. Anyways, going back to my birthday week. I got to spend it with the people i love and well.. really just my core group. The only person missing during the whole thing was my mom who's in the states but she called me naman on my birthday soo.. ok na rin ^_^
It all started with me celebrating my birthday week with God. After 2 years of contemplating, i finally felt ready and decided to public declare my faith by going to the victory weekend. As I grew in the love of the Lord, I heard him whisper to me promising me a new victory-filled life.... A renewed life and he did just that. He started my 28th year with a bang! =D I have never felt sooo alive, so complete, so confident and so at peace! And I was just blown away by all the breakthroughs that happened immediately after my VW.... which brings me to my next kwento =D ... the REAL SURPRISE PARTY ... actually i was expecting the group to plan something for me (hahaha soo assuming!) but i was thinking that it would be during my friday small group meeting. However, little did i know that they had planned it on the saturday of the VW. The my spiritual family surprised me by havign a little get together at Dome in Podium. Eto seryoso, i was really surprised! *one tear of happiness* .... i thought kasi it was just a dinner celebrating our victory weekend. Hay naku ... those who loved me just orchestrated this wonderful event for me. I really really really wanna thank everyone who came. I know you were all tired already and yet you still dropped by. *mwah!* and then.. the highlight of all the highlights!!! Iris introduced my to John Lloyd a.k.a. Idan (kasi close na kami hahaha) !!!! Can i just say.... WAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! * triple tumbling* =D Grabe talga... i thought i died and gone to heaven ! hahaha .... Thank you Iris... dahil dun .. nag iba na yung destiny ng buhay ko hahahahaha....The next day i had lunch with my siblings and my dad at house of wagyu... just being with them ... i ... well i couldn't ask for more....Then there was my birthday salubong which was just PERFECT!! ... I knew that it would be too much to ask for people to "salubong" my bday with me cos of the time... but they all came... thank you Lord that I got to spend it with the people i care about the most and this celebration also literally came a "cherie" on top... my best friend Cherie was there! ...She flew in from Singapore... (my former home of 51/2 yrs) ....I haven't celebrated my birthday with her since i was.. i don't know ...20? 22? .. this one really brought me to tears. The best birthday gift ever! Plus of course the ma-pa she brought with her hahaha.... Hmmm.. what else? On the 17th i celebrated it with my other best friend.. my guy best friend Derwin who just got married and is currently honeymooning in Europe.. (tampo pa rin ako na di ako sinama! hmph!) ... Then to close the week...my family and i drove off to tagaytay to spend crazy QT there... So that was my month... oh yeah... added bonus.. si sam milby came to my house with paring hahaha.. good job paring! surprise suprise princess oily tycoon! i will miss you plenty!
one breakthrough after the other... i still feel that there's more to come and i just can't wait to be surprised yet again......so anyways that was my september.... how was yours???
... i was reconciling bank and book firgures when i suddenly felt oh-so-senti.. just like that!.. Stevie's my friend today... so is Andrea ... =D
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Too Shy to Say
Stevie Wonder
You make me smile You make me sing You make me feel good everything You bring me up When I've been down This only happens when you're around
And I can't go on this way... With it stronger every day... But being too shy to say That I really love you...
I wanna fly Away with you Until there's nothing more for us to do I wanna be More than a friend Until the end of an endless end
And I can't go on this way... With it stronger every day... But being too shy to say That I really love you...
And I can't go on this way... Feelin' it stronger every day... But being too shy to say That I really love you Ohh.. ooh... I... do...
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Time To Say Goodbye
Quando sono solo Sogno allorizzonte E mancan le parole Si lo so che non c? luce In una stanza Quando manca il sole Se non ci sei tu con me, con me. Su le finestre Mostra a tutti il mio cuore Che hai acceso Chiudi dentro me La luce che Hai incontrato per strada
Time to say goodbye Paesi che non ho mai Veduto e vissuto con te Adesso si li vivro. Con te partiro Su navi per mari Che io lo so No no non esistono piu Its time to say goodbye.
Quando sei lontana Sogno allorizzonte E mancan le parole E io si lo so Che sei con me con me Tu mia luna tu sei qui con me Mio sole tu sei qui con me Con me con me con me
Time to say goodbye Paesi che non ho mai Veduto e vissuto con te Adesso si li vivro. Con te partiro Su navi per mari Che io lo so No no non esistono piu Con te io li rivivro. Con te partiro Su navi per mari Che io lo so No no non esistono piu Con te io li rivivro. Con te partiro Io con te.
man... i think i'm one big ball of emotions today.. naiyak lang ako sa forward na to sa email..hahaha... babaw luha ever
such a nice inspiring read..
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You are My Sunshine, My only sunshine'
Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling.
They found out that the new baby was going be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in mommy's tummy.
He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her.
The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen, an active member of the Panther Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown , Tennessee .
In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes, every three, every minute. But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor.
Would a C-section be required? Finally, after a long struggle, Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very serious condition.
With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee . The days inched by. The little girl got worse.. The pediatrician had to tell the parents there is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst.
Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot.
They had fixed up a special room in their house for their new baby but now they found themselves having to plan for a funeral. Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his sister. I want to sing to her, he kept saying.
Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come before the week was over.
Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care. Karen decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not.
If he didn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive. She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him into ICU. I looked like a walking laundry basket.
The head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, 'Get that kid out of here now. No children are allowed.' The mother rose up strong in Karen, and the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line. 'He is not leaving until he sings to his sister' she stated.
Then Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside.
He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live.
After a moment, he began to sing.
In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang:
'You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray.' Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. The pulse rate began to calm down and become steady.
'Keep on singing, Michael,' encouraged Karen with tears in her eyes.
'You never know, dear, how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine away.'
As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's ragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten's purr 'Keep on singing, sweetheart.'
'The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms'. Michael's little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep over her.
'Keep on singing, Michael.' Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glowed.
'You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take my sunshine away...'
The next day...the very next day. the little girl was well enough to go home
Woman's Day Magazine called it The Miracle of a Brother's Song.
Yesterday i attended the leadership meeting in VCF and our topic that night was how to discover your spiritual gifts. Anyways i just wanted to share what i've learned about spiritual gifts.
1 Cor 12:7
each one has a gift
your gift is used for the common good and not for self gain
these abilities are given by God for the church
it is not based on faithfulness but just given by God just as He determines
These abilities are used for His plans
Rom 12:6-8
Gifts can be developed
We can't choose and force onto ourselves to have a certain gift.
Accept what God has to give you
Why is it important to know our gifts?
- the gifts point and direct us to our calling
How can we know our gifts?
- pray and ask God
- try and explore other ministries
- get the opinion and counsel of others
- prophetic presbytery
- TESTS
- fruitfulness and effectiveness
After the talk, we were asked to do this survey and then tally our scores after. This was such a nice and interesting exrcise.
weird.. was trying to look for the love language quiz i took before.. must've deleted that blog entry or something.. anyways...
I feel loved when...
The Five Love Languages
My Primary Love Languages are probably Acts of Service and Words of Affirmation
My Detailed Results:
Acts of Service:
9
Words of Affirmation:
9
Quality Time:
6
Receiving Gifts:
3
Physical Touch:
3
About this quiz
Unhappiness in relationships is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. It can be helpful to know what language you speak and what language those around you speak.
Tag 3 people so they can find out what their love language is.
I have started teaching again only this time I volunteer at the Kid’s church in VCF. Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month I help out in the 2-4 age group in galleria and every 4th Sunday I will help out in VCF Greenhills. I am really in my element here. There’s a sense of joy and contentment when I’m around these children. This is what I’m born to do. It doesn’t matter if it takes up my whole weekend cos I love doing it and I love being there. Anyways, I’m looking forward to more crazy, fun-filled, God-given moments with these children. Thank you Lord! I am truly blessed ^_^
Because people are too busy, they readily dismiss the prayer possibilities that surround them. Real prayer is organic. It grows out of your own life, personality, needs and rhythms. Each day and every moment are filled with opportunities for prayer.
Prayer begins with a restless heart. Listen to its stirring.
Prayer is yearning for one’s true home. Follow its lead.
Prayer is like a garden. Tend to it and it will be fruitful.
Don’t worry about words or formulas. Prayer is listening.
Prayer has many methods. Do it your own way.
Pray always, but schedule special times too. The spirit, like the body, needs formal exercise too.
Let your prayers be short. Love needs few words.
Pray where you are. God is everywhere.
If you need something, pray for it. God desires your good.
If you want something, ask yourself, “Do I want what God wants?” God wants your true good.
Remember, your work and struggles are not unholy. Pray and God will come to you just as you are.
When your praying becomes dry and routine, keep at it. Parched earth welcomes the rain.
Bring your anger to prayer. Hot metal can be molded.
When God seems far away, keep praying. Light can be blinding.
When you sit and continue to fail, pray anyway. God keeps on loving you.
Pray when you are worried. Prayer puts everything in perspective.
If, for any reason, you cannot pray, relax. The desire to pray is already a prayer.
When prayer invites you to take risks, have courage. God will uphold you.
When you feel sad or sorry, weep. Tears are prayers of the heart.
If you don’t like somebody, pray for them. Prayer reveals the hidden God.
When you receive bad news, take heart. Praying uncovers the spark in the cinders.
When sickness, age, pain or worry steals your concentration, relax. God is an understanding friend.
If you begin to feel advanced in the ways of rpayer, think again. God’s life runs deeper than your feelings or experiences.
If prayer makes you passive or indifferent, it isn’t prayer. True prayer bears fruit in care and service.
Use quiet times for prayer. Silence draws you to the infinite.
Use noisy times for prayer. Sound is the clamor of creation seeking God.
Pray when you feel lonely. Prayer puts you in the company of angels.
When life is cruel and unjust, keep praying. God is the victim not the cause.
Touch the joys and troubles of your friends and neighbors. Shared life is shared prayer.
When your heart is bursting with thanks, just be. God’s spirit is praying within you.
When you are overawed before mystery, just be. God’s spirit is praying within you.
Embrace the whole world in your prayer. Peace depends on it.
Pray in your resting. Sleep is the prayer of a creature secured in God’s love.
Pray in your rising. Each dawn draw you closer to the light.
To pray is to breathe. Do it deeply and you will be filled with life.
Something must be in the air cos I have been surrounded by people who have caught “love bug”. From courtship to engagements to weddings, everyone seems to be in the mood for love and it's not even the ber-ber months yet. J
On Courtship
I have witnessed one of the sweetest things ever when someone formally declared his intentions of courtship by surprising the woman with a bouquet of roses and a note saying “today God made me realize how precious you are to Him and how special I am to have you in my life……”. I heard that they have been praying for each other without knowing it. =) … hmmm ako kaya? hehe … God do answer our prayers. All we need is just a little patience.
On Engagements
Another couple announced their engagement to the group a couple of Fridays back. God is a God of surprises. After 9 years of waiting and 15 first dates last year… God finally lead him to meet his God’s best right when he least expect it… And sabi nga nila…When you know… you know…
So happy for you BoPotS! Congratulations!! Ang saya nito! Entourage na naman ako! Hahaha…
On Weddings and Marriage
My guy best friend is getting married to his gf of 6 years. I’m so happy for you Der! At panalo pa rin ang pinaka corny mong proposal!!! Hahaha … grabe talga..
Liz on Love
The heart is just so incredibly resilient that even after millions of heartache it still manages to love again and again and again. My being jaded still doesn’t stop me from being hopeful… still believing that the man God has intended for me is just around the corner. It’s taking a tad bit longer than expected but who ever he is… he’s already there… I know it =) …..
On Being Single
Just wanna re-post and share this prayer I had posted a year ago to all my single friends…
May you girls remain patient and hopeful =)
Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess that I have not always been as careful as I should've been with my heart. From time to time, my desire for love has caused me to leave my heart in the wrong hands. I now commit my heart into Your hands for safekeeping.
Please help me to stop being so impulsive with what you deem so precious. As I learn to celebrate Your love for me, let me learn from Your example what a bridegroom should really be like. Help me to never settle for less than what you desire for me.
As I embrace You as the Lover of my soul, keep my affections in the haven of Your own heart. As I rest in Your love, make me more discriminating of those who approach me. I ask that You take over this area of my life. Keep me from those You know would hurt my heart.
I invite You to set a hedge around me and keep me from all who would draw me into unfruitful relationships until the day you present me to the mate that You have selected for me.
Grant me the discernment to recognize him as he recognizes me. Cleanse me from the temptation to typecast the men I meet according to what I see. Help me to trust in Your knowledge and lean not on my own understanding. I know that You know what is best for me; therefore I yield to Your choice. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Etc Etc
I had a dream singing this song in a ktv bar with friends and since then I’ve been listening to this song (together with tuloy pa rin =D) day and night. Sobrang kilig talga .. hahaha.. sarap may kantahan nito esp. when the feeling’s mutual..
PALAGAY KO MAHAL KITA
Maniniwala ka ba kung Malaman mo Ikaw yatang’ng tinatangi Ng puso kong ito Iisipin mo nga kayang Nagbibiro lamang ako Mahal kita, mahal kita, Palagay ko
Refrain: Palagay ko mahal kita Ikaw na nga, walang iba ‘di pa kasi masabi ng puso Ang nadarama Pansinin mo rin kaya Maalin mo rin sana Ksi na nga, palagay ko, Mahal kita
(do stanza chords) Maniniwala ka ba kung Malaman mo Ikaw yata’ng nagpatibok Ng puso kung ito Panaginip Kitang lagi kahit Na nga gising ako Mahal kita, mahal kita Palagay ko
(repeat refrain)
Bridge: Sige lang, hihintayin kita Sige lang, sa tingin ko’y Malapit na Kung magmamahal kana Maaalala mo ako Maaalala mo ako, palagay ko
(repeat refrain 2x/ move the chords 1 fret higher)
The series in VCF, "Faster, Higher, Stronger", reminded me of this poem i had posted on my rustan's fabulous corkboard. I have read this many times over especially when i felt like giving up...
Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out; Don't give up though the pace seems slow-- You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than, It seems to a faint and faltering man, Often the struggler has given up, When he might have captured the victor's cup, And he learned too late when the night slipped down, How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out-- The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far, So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-- It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
I grabbed this from pretty kitty's blog... I hope this will inspire you just as much as it has inspired me today.. :)
such a nice early morning read
thanks kitoy
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A God of Suddenlies
“I foretold the former things long ago, My mouth announced them and I made them known; then suddenly I acted, and they came to pass” (Isaiah 48:3).
Today's Word Our God is a God of the suddenlies! Suddenly, He can turn your situation around. Suddenly, He can give you the break you need. You may have been dealing with the same problem for ten years. It may look like it’s never going to change, but in a split second, God can totally resolve it. No matter how long it’s been, no matter what you’re facing, you’ve got to believe that God is full of surprises. One touch of His favor and He can move the wrong people out of your life and move the right people into your life. One touch of God’s favor and He can take you from having barely enough to having more than enough. You may not see how it’s all going to work out, but you don’t have to figure it all out. Your part is to simply believe; to get up each day in faith, expecting God’s favor. Expect something good to happen to you today. Expect God to surprise you. Remember, He’s a God of the suddenlies and He can suddenly turn around any situation you may be facing!
A Prayer for Today Father in heaven, today I come to You, giving You my cares and worries. I believe that You are working behind the scenes and expect You to suddenly turn things in my favor. Thank You for everything You are doing in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Those close to me know how much i LOVE LOVE LOVE writing and receiving handwritten letters. I do love emails and instant messages but nothing beats old fashioned (sometimes hard to read) handwritten letters. I still have boxes full of letters from friends, Xs, my mom, dad, my brothers, former teachers and strangers which i have kept and once in a while i open some of them. Anyways, since last week, i've been thinking of letters and snail mails. I've been planning to send surprise handwritten letters (well, if they read this.. it wouldn't be a surprise anymore hehe) through snail mail to people who are very dear to me just because...
...anyhoos...today, i've had the most wonderful surprise! hidden in a pile of bills and catalogues is a postcard sent by my best friend... grabe! she read my mind! hahaha ... seriously... naiyak talga ako sa tuwa... i know i know.. mababaw but i just couldn't contain my excitement hehehehe.... wwwwahhhhhh!!!! i really really miss her... maybe i'll surprise her one day and go to singapore for a weekend hehehe ... anyways... she really made my day... love you love you love you cherie pie!
You know that I've had my share of disappointments in life -- Failed relationships, Disrupted perfect plans, Unmet expectations. I always felt that the whole universe was conspiring against me especially when it all happened at the same time. You also know that at that lowest point in my life, I promised myself that i (and no one else) will create my own destiny, be in control of it... independent of everyone. No more heartaches. No more false hopes, No more garbage.
But then you had other plans and challenged me year after year after year making me realize that I cannot do it on my own. I was (well, sometimes still am) a stubborn mule until one day i realized that You're teaching me something and it is called faith.
"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.." - hebrews 11:1
I read this verse during one of my quiet time and it dawned on me how scared I was of what the future may bring... to the point where i wanted to manipulate it by being "in full control" of my affairs and my life. However, now i know better. I now put my trust in You, Lord, and I surrender to Your divine will. My greatest desire right now is to follow your purpose for me and I pray that you'll be there guiding me in every step of the way.
Anyways, Lord, I'm sleepy na =P. Thank you for being so wonderful. I'm truly truly blessed. Good night =)
p/s i have a song for you Lord ... wala lang... =)
I Love You,
Lizzie
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I'm Gonna Be Ready
I say a prayer every night, whatever I do, I'll get it right With no regret, no guilt or shame this time, no not this time Once I surrender, I won't dare look back, cause if I do, I'll get off track Move ahead in faith, and patiently await your answer, what will it be
[Chorus:] Sight beyond what I see You know what's best for me Prepare my mind, prepare my heart For whatever comes, I'm gone' be ready
Strength to pass any test I feel like I'm so blessed With you in control, I can't go wrong 'Cause I always know, I'm gonna be ready
I was free to do, what I wanted to, lost everything, but I still had you You showed me your grace, now my life's renewed and I thank you, yes.. I thank You So I'll tell anyone who'll listen, I'll testify About how good you were to me, when so call friends passed me by The fact that you would show somebody so broke down, so-much-merccccyyy...
[Chorus:] Sight beyond what I see BEYOND WHAT I SEE You know what's best I KNOW YOU KNOW WHAT'S BEST FOR ME Prepare my mind...PREPARE MY MIND AND PREPARE MY HEART For whatever comes...FOR WHATEVER COMES I GONNA BE READY
Strength to pass any test GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO PASS ANY TEST I feel like I'm so blessed I KNOW THAT I'M SO BLESSED With you in control...YOUR IN CONTROL LORD, CAN'T GO WRONG NO 'Cause I always know...CAUSE I KNOW THAT I'M GONNA BE READY
So use me as you will, I'll pay the price 'Cause made the ultimate sacrifice It's all because of you, that I even have life And I'll give my love, as a tribute, to how great you are...
[Chorus:] Sight beyond what I see BEYOND WHAT I SEE You know what's best I KNOW YOU KNOW WHAT'S BEST FOR ME OHH OOHH Prepare my mind...PREPARE MY HEART AND PREPARE MY MIND For whatever ...FOR WHATEVER COMES I GONNA BE READY YEAH YEAH YEAH
Strength to pass any test I WANNA PASS THIS TEST I feel like...I KNOW THAT I AM, KNOW THAT I AM, KNOW THAT I'M SO BLESSED With you in...YOUR IN CONTROL OF MY LIFE LORD, I CAN'T GO WRONG NO 'Cause I always know...AND I KNOW IT I'M GONNA BE I'M GONNA BE READY
I'm gonna be ready THIS TIME I'M GONNA BE I'm gonna be ready CAUSE YOU LIVE DEEP INSIDE OF ME I'm gonna be ready AND I KNOW IT'S IN YOUR WILL FOR ME TO BE READY YEAH YEAH YEAH UUUHHHHH I'M GONNA BE READY
Ok... I just got back my blood chem results and....... ... i really need to watch what i'm eating cos my cholesterol level's really high ... (i think it's 210)..
I used to be really really fit back in the days when i trained 3-4 hrs a day 4x a week for UAAP. I found some pictures of me with my teammates. I miss playing. I miss the games.
Anyways, I've decided to bring back the old me. I've started going to the gym again. I run for at least an hour 5x a week now (wheee!!! i love it!) and i got a PT to help me out with my weight training 3x a week. I've also decided (but haven't really done yet) to watch my diet. Hmmm.. i wonder if south beach will work for me. Basta my goal is to to lose XX lbs and XX% of fat as computed by that depressing machine in fitness first. If anyone needs a fitness buddy, just holler! hehehe ...
Here's a pic of Liz 5 yrs ago at 100 lbs... but i think i was a bit too skinny back then.. anyways good luck to me!
john lloyd has a new movie wahhhhh.... such a cutie ...
let's watch please??? ....
everyone's invited to join me hehe...
baka joe and gf, pots and gf, liz and ?¿?¿? .... (Lord ... isang plus one lang talga... now lang... =P hahaha) .... and small group and girlfriends and college barkada ...
so weird pero kinikilig lang ako the whole day for no reason.. something must be wrong hahaha...
i soo sooo soo love love love Sophie Milman
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Like Someone In Love
Lately I find myself out gazing at stars Hearing guitars like someone in love Sometimes the things I do astound me Mostly whenever you're around me
Lately I seem to walk as though I have wings Bump into things like someone in love Each time I look at you I'm limp as a glove And feeling like someone in love
Lately I find myself out gazing at stars Hearing guitars like someone in love Sometimes the things I do astound me Mostly whenever you're around me
Oh, lately I seem to walk as though I have wings Bump into things like someone in love Each time I look at you I'm limp as a glove And feeling like someone in love
Lately I find myself out gazing at stars Hearing guitars like someone in love Sometimes the things I do astound me Mostly whenever you're around me
Lately I seem to walk as though I have wings Bump into things like someone in love Each time I look at you I'm limp as a glove And feeling like someone Feeling like someone I'm feeling like someone in love
wwwwahhhhhh!!!! 
i really really miss her... maybe i'll surprise her one day and go to singapore for a weekend hehehe ... anyways... she really made my day... love you love you love you cherie pie!
... i really need to watch what i'm eating cos my cholesterol level's really high ... (i think it's 210).. 
