Christian songs in times of suffering

         

   Here's a little weather report:  It has been so stormy in the past week and the river of tears was just overflowing.

             My stepfather passed away and it's just too sudden. We thought it's only a simple fever and cold. Turned out it's something terminal and he eventually took his last breath. I got the news at around 3:15 AM from my mom. No, no, no! Wait! PLEASE WAKE ME UP!!! I hoped so hard that it's just a bad dream. The storm is approaching hard. 

             Oh, storms. Early in my Christian life, it's been established in my heart that we don't have a storm-free life. Our life is like the Philippines ... may dadating at dadating talaga na bagyo (whether you're a Christian or not). I was also taught na mas marami pa ngang storms ang Christians.  But then, there's hope. 

             Oh, hope. Though we can't have a storm-free life, we can have a storm-proof one. How? By having the right foundation. And our only foundation is JESUS CHRIST. Having  Him can make the pressure inside stronger than the pressure outside. Having Him as the source of  hope, security and peace is everything.

            When I read Narnia, one of my favorite moments is when Aslan was reminding a girl to always remember the word that he spoke to her  because it'll be very hard to hear it once she go to Narnia.

             Same is true with me in my reality. It's a challenge to be reminded of God's Word and who He is when I'm in the midst of a storm. I  tend to forget. I tend to be overwhelmed when I start staring at the storm and stop fixing my gaze on Him.

            I'm grateful that because of  the past storms that went by,  I learned that the best thing to do in times of suffering is to keep on praising Him. It helps heaps to declare to your hurting and weary soul who He is and what He can do.  In the most painful moments, earphones were stuck to my ears or sobrang lakas ng tugtog ng worship songs sa bahay namin! HAHA! It's my suffering hack... and it points me back to Jesus, back to His love, back to my hope and future that He is. It helps me hold on all the more to what He told me in the past.

            Are you suffering? Are you losing hope? Is your faith gone?  Is the fear strong? Is the pain real? Is it hard to heal? Is your joy stolen?  Here's how I fight my battles (but ultimately, He's fighting for us): I read the Bible, be reminded of the past words He spoke to my heart through my journal, ask friends to pray for me, pray and I listen to these Christian songs:   

It is well - Bethel Music

And far be it from me to not believe

Even when my eyes can't see

And this mountain that's in front of me

Will be thrown into the midst of the sea

And through it all, through it all

My eyes are on You

And through it all, through it all

It is well

Peace - Hillsong Young & Free

There's a peace far beyond all understanding

May it ever set my heart at ease

Dare anxiety come, I'll remember that peace is a promise You keep

Peace is a promise You keep

Not today - Hillsong United

Fear must have thought I was faithless

When it came for my heart

‘Cause I got a song that will never die

I know Your love is the reason why

Stars in the sky - Kari Jobe

The stars in the sky will hang there

'til You tell them to

The faith in my heart will still sing

Of what Your love can do

And even when life weighs heavy on me

I know You're in control

And You're all I need

Steady my heart - Kari Jobe

Even when it hurts

Even when it's hard

Even when it all just falls apart

I will run to You

'Cause I know that You are

Lover of my soul

Healer of my scars

You steady my heart

Find You on my knees - Kari Jobe 

So what if sorrow shakes my faith

What if heartache still remains

I'll trust you

My God I'll trust you

'Cause you are faithful

Our God - Chris Tomlin

                                                               

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome in power

Our God, Our God

And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?

And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

Dessert Song - Hillsong Worship

All of my life

In every season

You are still God

I have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship

Hope of all hearts - Planetshakers

In darkness,

In trial, my soul shall sing

Of his mercy, and kindness

Our offering of praise

Our God never fails

Our God never fails

Even when it hurts (Praise song) - Hillsong United

Even when the fight seems lost

I'll praise You

Even when it hurts like hell

I'll praise You

Even when it makes no sense to sing

Louder then I'll sing Your praise

Defender - Rita Springer 

All I did was praise

All I did was worship

All I did was bow down

All I did was stay still

Yesterday was the last day of my stepfather's funeral. It still hurts that he'll not be around. I still cry when I remember how a blessing he is to us. I still have the pain, but as I listen to these songs, I know the future will still be bright because I have Him there.

May you also be reminded that God is in control, He is good, He loves you and your loved ones, He is your peace, your victory and NO MATTER WHAT, IN EVERY SEASON,  HE deserves all our praises, worship and all the glory! He is our greatest blessing! More than the songs, it's actually  His love that can keep our heart together. Tara let's praise, worship, bow down, stay still.  Smile for Jesus!  

  There is surely a future hope for you, and                    your hope will not be cut off. 

                    (Proverbs 23:18 NIV)

Lovin' these 7 Christian Songs [January 2018]!!!!

Here's a list of some songs that are  on repeat these days in my ear, mind and heart (they are not necessarily new songs but they're new to me, so..) Plus my reasons why I currently love them!  Maybe you can add them to your playlist too! :")


7. Known - Tauren Wells

January. Ah, New year. New. It's a fresh start and I wanted me to be a better version of myself. I'm excited! But what happened was.. I sinned. I made wrong choices. I failed to fulfill a commitment. My "Yes" didn't become a "Yes". It was so terrible and I hurt people that God blessed me with.  Here I am again - such a sinner and it was hard again to forgive myself even after apologizing to Him and to the person I hurt. Eventually, He revealed His forgiveness and His love for me. I was so amazed again at how He could still love someone like me. HUHUHUHU. Thus,  I loved this song my Tauren Wells!

It's so like You to keep pursuing

It's so like me to go astray

But You guard my heart with Your truth

A kind of love that's bullet proof

And I surrender to Your kindness

I'm fully known and loved by You

6. Soar - Meredith Andrews

I just love declaring this song! It's from the verse Isaiah 40:31 which says

"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

I’m gonna run and not grow weary

I’m gonna walk and not grow faint

Rise up on wings like eagles 

To soar

I know with everything You’re with me

I know you’re working as I wait

Lift me up on wings like eagles

To soar

5. For Your Purpose - Victory Worship

This year will be  a purposeful year and I want nothing less than His purposes for me! I really love this song from Victory Worship!

You shape me, inside and out

You made me to be all about

About You

What can I do without (You) ?

So tell me who I am

Remind me of Your plans

Lord, You know me more

You know it all

So, tell me who I am

Remind me of Your plans

I wanna know You more

Know You more!

4. Good Good Father - Chris Tomlin

We sang this during a worship service in Victory Baliwag and I love the song anew! I heard this before pero ngayon lang tumama ng soooobra.  :")

Oh, it's love so undeniable

I, I can hardly speak

Peace so unexplainable

I, I can hardly think

As you call me deeper still

As you call me deeper still

As you call me deeper still

Into love, love, love

3. Always Enough - Kari Jobe

I'm in the season wherein the cliche's are being real.  I'm currently in the pursuit of really living for Him. It's being real that  He is  enough. More than enough for me.
This song is the cry and the declaration of my heart these days. Haaaay.. NKKKLG!!!!!

I will find my life in You

You're always enough

Always enough

Let the fullness of Your love

Be all I need

All I need

Consume me, come like a fire, oh God

Reign in me

For You alone will satisfy

There is no other

2. What love is this - Kari Jobe

Will always be amazed of His great love!

What love is this, that You gave Your life for me

And made a way for me to know You

And I confess You're always enough for me You're all I need

I look to You, I see the scars upon Your hands.

And hold the truth, that when I can't You always can.

And standing here beneath the shadow of the cross.

I'm overwhelmed that I keep finding open arms.

1. Beautiful - Kari Jobe

and, I will always be amazed of who He is! His beauty makes me utterly speechless. Nothing else to say but... BEAUTIFUL!!!! :")  This is a great song to listen to or to sing to Him before reading the Bible/ having your date with Him/ spending time with Jesus. It's for those times that  you just want to surrender yourself fully to Him and be in awe of Him.

Here before Your altar

I am letting go of all I've held

Of every motive, every burden

Everything that's of myself

And I just wanna wait on You, my God

I just wanna dwell on who You are

Beautiful, beautiful

Oh, I am lost for more to say

Beautiful, beautiful

Oh Lord You're beautiful to me

Here in Your presence

I am not afraid of brokenness

To wash Your feet with humble tears

I would be poured out till nothing's left

That's it for the list folks! Remember that worship is more than a song. It's a lifestyle to live.

Enjoy worshiping the ONE who is ultimately WORTHY!!!

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another  in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritiual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

"More Beautiful You"

Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine

Says she wants to look that way

But her hair isn't straight, her body isn't fake

And she's always felt overweight

Well, little girl fourteen I wish that you could see

That beauty is within your heart

And you were made with such care, your skin, your body and your hair

Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you

Don't buy the lies, disguises and hoops, they make you jump through

You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do

So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty one the things that you've already done

Anything to get ahead

And you say you've got a man but He's got another plan

Only wants what you will do instead

Well, little girl twenty one you never thought that this would come

You starve yourself to play the part

But I can promise you there's a man whose love is true

And He'll treat you like the jewel you are

There could never be a more beautiful you

Don't buy the lies, disguises and hoops, they make you jump through

You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do

So there could never be a more beautiful you, more beautiful you

So turn around you're not too far

To back away be who you are

To change your path go another way

It's not too late, you can be saved

If you feel depressed with past regrets

The shameful nights hope to forget

Can disappear, they can all be washed away

By the one who's strong, can right your wrongs

Can rid your fears, dry all your tears

And change the way you look at this big world

He will take your dark distorted view

And with His light, He will show you truth

And again you'll see through the eyes of a little girl

That there could never be a more beautiful you

Don't buy the lies, disguises and hoops, they make you jump through

You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do

So there could never be a more beautiful you

There could never be a more beautiful you

More Beautiful you - John Diaz 

Every Season

This is Mrs. Bo's song on her bridal march:

Every Season by Nichole Nordeman

Every evening sky, an invitation 

To trace the patterned stars 

And early in July, a celebration 

For freedom that is ours 

And I notice You 

In children’s games 

In those who watch them from the shade 

Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder 

You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered 

To the harvest time 

Forfeiting their leaves in late September 

And sending us inside 

Still I notice You when change begins 

And I am braced for colder winds 

I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come 

You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven 

Finally falls asleep 

Wrapped in blankets white, all creation 

Shivers underneath 

And still I notice you 

When branches crack 

And in my breath on frosted glass 

Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter 

You are winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced 

Teaching us to breathe 

What was frozen through is newly purposed 

Turning all things green 

So it is with You 

And how You make me new 

With every season’s change 

And so it will be 

As You are re-creating me 

Summer, autumn, winter, spring

You're Not Alone - Owl City

Again,  I'm kilig (thrilled)  to discover this song! In a radio interview here , Adam explain the inspiration behind the song and said in the end,  "Ultimately, the message of this song is despite all odds, there is hope. And that hope is Jesus Christ."  :) 

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/sivolc7/owl-city-ft-britt-nicole-youre-not-alone

"You're Not Alone"

Owl City 

(feat. Britt Nicole)

[Adam:]

Some days I barely hold on

When life drags me down

I wanna let go

But when my spirit is weak

You come to my aid

And strengthen my soul

I’m lost without You

I’ll never doubt You

Your grace is beyond compare

And though when it rains, it pours

You know all I have is Yours

You smile when you hear my prayer

You rescued me and I believe

That God is love and He is all I need

From this day forth for all eternity

I’ll never wander on my own

For I am Yours until you call me home

I close my eyes and I can hear You say

You’re not alone!

You’re not alone!

[Britt:]

Some days I just can’t go on

I stumble and fall

And I hang my head

But You reach out for my hand

And You lift me up

Again and again

Oh, yes, You do

[Both:]

I’m lost without You

I’ll never doubt You

Your grace is beyond compare

And though when it rains, it pours

You know all I have is Yours

You smile when you hear my prayer

You rescued me and I believe

That God is love and He is all I need

From this day forth for all eternity

I’ll never wander on my own

For I am Yours until you call me home

I close my eyes and I can hear You say

You’re not alone!

You’re not alone!

[Adam:]

In the face of my depravity

[Britt:]

For God so loved the world He died for me

Yeah

[Both:]

My fire burns ‘til He returns

And takes me home beyond the galaxy

[Britt:]

You rescued me and I believe

That God is love and He is all I need

From this day forth for all eternity

[Adam:]

All eternity!

[Both:]

I’ll never wander on my own

For I am Yours until you call me home

I close my eyes and I can hear You say

You’re not alone!

You’re not alone!

[Britt:]

You’re not

You’re not alone

Never alone...

There must've been something in the...

Now I'm changed..

Now I'm stronger..

There must be something in the water..!


Here's the new song of Carrie Underwood, Something in the Water! It would really remind you of your baptism. Oh Victory Weekend! Oh day day you publicly proclaim that by his Grace, you are a follower of Christ! I discover this through my spiritual brother Darren in his own site ( http://justkeepthefaithheneverfails.tumblr.com/ )

He said, "I've been where you've been before.

Down every hallway's a slamming door.

No way out, no one to come and save me.

Wasting a life that the Good Lord gave me.

Then somebody said what I'm saying to you,

Opened my eyes and told me the truth."

They said, "Just a little faith, it'll all get better."

So I followed that preacher man down to the river and now I'm changed

And now I'm stronger

There must've been something in the water

Oh, there must've been something in the water

Well, I heard what he said and I went on my way

Didn't think about it for a couple of days

Then it hit me like a lightning late one night

I was all out of hope and all out of fight

Couldn't fight back the tears so I fell on my knees

Saying, "God, if you're there come and rescue me."

Felt love pouring down from above

Got washed in the water, washed in the blood and now I'm changed

And now I'm stronger

There must be something in the water

Oh, there must be something in the water

And now I'm singing along to amazing grace

Can't nobody wipe this smile off my face

Got joy in my heart, angels on my side

Thank God almighty, I saw the light

Gonna look ahead, no turning back

Live every day, give it all that I have

Trust in someone bigger than me

Ever since the day that I believed I am changed

And now I'm stronger

There must be something in the water (amazing grace)

Oh, there must be something in the water (how sweet the sound)

Oh, there must be something in the water (that saved a wretch)

Oh, there must be something in the water (like me)

Oh, yeah

I am changed (I once was lost)

Stronger (but now I'm found)

(was blind but now I see)

I like what she said in an interview because of some criticism:

"Country music is different," she told Glamour magazine. "You have that Bible Belt-ness about it. I'm not the first person to sing about God, Jesus or faith [or] any of that, and I won't be the last. And it won't be the last for me, either. If you don't like it, change the channel."

Definitely it will not be the last and her last because when you experience His love, you just can't stop expressing your gratefulness! Your heart will just be so full and it will really just overflow!

When it comes to the song, actually it's not simply about the "Water". It's about the faith on what Jesus did on the cross and this is just how we respond to that. :) I used to think that it's the mark of conversion for me. But nah, conversion (An event that results in a transformation) apparently happened when we accepted Him. Did you already accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Then boom! Converted ka na! Converted in a sense, just like what the song's lyrics says..

"I am changed (I once was lost)

Stronger (but now I'm found)

(was blind but now I see)" 

There must've been something in His love! 

Gilas ni Lord

I always want to write about the joy of Discipleship. I have moments when I think "I will definitely write about this". Like during the Victory Weekends of the girls I'm leading. Being the participant of Victory Weekend is a whole lot of wonderful experience itself  BUT SENDING someone there is another! It's magical. Iba talaga ang joy ko. hahaha! Anyway, I will still fail to write about that,  maybe next time (ayan procrastinating). Hahaha.Actually, today I'm gonna write about one means of  Discipleship, which is the "Inviting to the Service" part.


I've been praying for this friend for almost 3 years now to attend the Youth Service. 3 years. I remember it started during the "Game Plan" series of Victory U-belt. The Pastor usually use basketball as an illustration. Thus, I can't help but be reminded of this friend of mine. He's into basketball so sobrang I can't help thinking and imagining that he's there with me listening to the same message.  Ayun, I invited him and I was somehow rejected by chances or reasons or excuses or time or whatever. Three years passed.


I was surprised though that one night while having dinner with our other friends, He simply told me  "parang gusto kong I try victory jan..". (Poker face and pa cool look na parang wala lang) I said,  "cge one time, tara" (or maybe something like this lang). Hindi ko na talaga maalala since sobrang saya ko na inside. Nakailang talon siguro ako sa isip at puso ko. Yes!


After some weeks of struggle again because of the unmatched schedules, last night was the fulfillment.  I was so nervous and all. We agreed that I will wait for them and reserve seats. The Victory Worship was there and 30 minutes na silang late (my friend and his friends)! I didn't want them to miss that EPIC praise and worship so sobrang kaba talaga. Nakailangang surrender ako kay Lord sa kung ano ang will Nya for that night. Great thing too that I'm with my Team 4 family (Ate Yvonne and Kelly) at that time. Of course I can't disciple men so sobrang blessing si Kelly (yes, he's a guy) I really pray that it's the start.


They came and I'm so glad that he brought 3 other men with him. Yung dalawa, first time din! We laughed together, we listened to the message together. I'm so happy that Ptr. Julius Fabregas was so cool! He talked about basketball in his preaching! So napaka nostalgic talaga. It was like yesterday that I'm imagining my friend to be there and now, he's here! He's here! (yan yung thoughts ko at that time). Whoa! And during the altar call, one of them raised his hand! Amazing talaga! Parang pinag pawisan pa nga ata ang kanilang mga mata eh. (not that sure) ;))))

My friend then texted me after we part ways "Thanks... sobrang blessed ng experience!"

Because of this I learned na  don't be afraid  ma reject in inviting someone in a service..one day they will say din  "Sige na nga..matagal mo na ko iniiinvite eh".  Yun #boom moment na yun.

Discipleship starts in a genuine concern (that is planted by God).

Napaka Gilas talaga ni Lord. :) 3 points! :) 

Fool for You

There are times when faith and common sense do not align

When hardcore evidence of You is hard to find

And I am silenced in the face of argumentative debate

And it's a long hill, it's a lonely climb 'cause they want proof

That they want proof of all these mysteries I claim

'Cause only fools would want to chant a dead man's name

Maybe, it's true

I would be a fool for you

All because you asked me to

A simpleton who's seemingly naive

I do believe You came and made Yourself a fool for me

I admit that in my darkest hours I've asked what if

What if we created some kind of man made faith like this

Out of good intention or emotional invention

And after life is through there will be no You

'Cause they want proof of all these miracles I claim

'Cause only fools believe that men can walk on waves

Maybe, it's true

I would be a fool for you

All because you asked me to

A simpleton who's seemingly naive

I do believe You came and made Yourself a fool for me

Unaware of popularity, the unconcerned with dignity

You made me free, that's proof enough for me

I would be a fool for You only if You asked me to

A simpleton who's only thinking of the cause of love

I will speak Jesus' name

That makes me crazy, they can call me crazed

I'm happy to be seemingly naive

I do believe You came and made Yourself a fool for me

A fool for You

Read more: Nichole Nordeman - Fool For You Lyrics 

These 3 Days Before Weekend (Day 1)

I decided to join Arlene and Jo (two of my VFs) in praying and fasting before Jo's Victory Weekend. I did so because I didn't quite make it during our Church's  3-day midyear praying and fasting (since I need to have some medication). So there. Here are some revelations and note-worthy stuffs for the 3 days before the weekend. :)

Day 1

I read quotes from T.B. LaBerge and they were simply inspiring! I wonder if he's an author of a book or a blogger. Anyway here are some of what I read:

"Nothing awakens a soul like knowing that it is loved. To be loved, appreciated, fought for, and encouraged is something that our hearts thirst for; and ultimately all these things can only be found in Christ."

"Nothing cuts deeper than losing the attention of someone you admire, yet once we have shifted all our adoration to Christ; nothing heals more fully.

Don’t you feel it, beloved? Don’t you hear the song of Heaven singing His grace? Don’t you see the wounds that bought you? Look up and see that you have the full attention of Christ; and be renewed in that glorious revelation."

"God pours Himself out and says “Drink deeply”, yet we look up and complain that we are thirsty. In our prayers we often overlook the answer that God has given us. We must learn to drink fully from the fountain of Christ, to understand what it means to never thirst when we spend time with Jesus.

Let our prayers reflect a life that lives in the reality of the daily blessings of God, and not the daily wants of our own desires."

"If I have given my heart to Christ, then what right do I have to say what He should do with it? If I am to give Him this soul, should I not be blessed if He wills to break it and change it? I should spend no less than all my days praising Him for the pain; for when Christ breaks our hearts, He does it so that we might be holy as He is holy.

So praise Him; even through the pain."

"We cry “I’m hopeless!” Jesus cries “It is finished!” We scream “But I’ve fallen too many times!” Jesus whispers “And I hold the scars.” We weep “God, I’m scared.” And Jesus walks towards us, wraps us in His arms and says “So was I, but I am here so that you will never be alone.”

And that is the glory of Emmanuel; He is with us in the storms, He is with us in the sunshine. He is with us when we are low, He is with us when we are filled with joy.He is with us, always."

I almost cry in the last quote, reminding me of Emmanuel. So familiar but just the thought that He is with me is so refreshing. I'm not alone! He's with me. He's with me. He's with you! He's with you! NO MATTER WHAT. JESUS STAYS. YEAH. It's possible pala for you to forget that and got to be reminded time and time again that He is with you and that He's fighting for you.


eto pa isang malupet:

"Jesus was more brokenhearted, scarred and betrayed than anyone in history. Yet, He did not shut Himself off from us; Instead, He calls us unto Him. If you cannot trust anyone, right now, please trust Him. His scars are proof that you are loved more than you know. He will guide you through this pain, He will sit with you when you are weak, and He will carry you until you can walk again. Christ wants to see you run again, He wants to see you live in His glory. You just have to take His hand and walk; it will take all of you, but you will get all of Him.

He is worth it."

----

Proverbs 31 Woman 

Trustworthy

Gets up early

without fear of the future

plans

wise in time and money

Give good advises

instructs kindly

energetic

strong

hardworking (NOT LAZY)

helps the poor and needy

ready

well-dressed

all because

She FEARS THE LORD

After reading the verses again about the woman that I want to be, it was just revealed  that it's impossible for me to be a Proverbs 31 woman apart from Jesus. He is the only reason why I could be one though it seems like it's being perfect. It is not by my own works, but His in my life. :) 

----

"I want you to show love not offer sacrifices. I want you to know Me more than I want burnt offerings."

                                                        -Hosea 6:6

He wants our love, not our sacrifice. It is His desire for us to know Him more and more and more. Continue to seek and know our ever so loving God. :)

----

In the end, as I read other verses from Hosea 6. It reminded me of the worship song "You'll Come" by Hillsong United.  My favorite lines were: 

As surely as the sun will rise

You'll come to us

As certain as the dawn appears

You'll come let your glory fall

As you respond to us

Spirit Rain, flood into our thirsty hearts again

You'll come

Chains be broken

Lives be healed

Eyes be opened

Christ is revealed

On Christian Music and Hillsong UNITED Concert

 "and it really got me curious about what it meant to follow God. What it meant to love Jesus. And all that really started for me when I started listening to Christian Music."  - Kristian Stanfill


               As I was reading the Saved News Magazine, I encountered an article entitled "Kristian Stanfill on Christian Music". Here, I read the quote above. This is something for me because I could relate to it (when someone said what I wanted to say, that's simply one of my favorite moments. It just inspires me. Hehe). I can say it all started for me as well when I listened to Christian Music. If you know my Salvation story , then you know that the reason I said "Yes" to an invitation in a Worship service is actually a desire to listen to a Christian music (particularly Hillsong's). It played a significant role in the life I have now in Christ. It's just so precious.

               I agree when  Kristian Stanfill said that Christian Music was set apart because it's filled with so much hope. It is "coming through hope that says hey, God loves you. God is real..." Listening and singing Christian songs deposited faith in my heart even before I knew what it's like to live for Him.


              I believe it's my early cry out to God. I remember when I was 15, I used to sing:

              "Jesus we're living for Your name, we'll never be ashamed of You! Our praise and all we are today, Take, take, take it all! Take, take, take it all!"

              "Tell me what You want me to do Lord God, tell me what You want for my life.. It is Yours, oh God, it is Yours.." and

               "I'll be the one to shout Your fame forever, I'll be the one to sing Your praise, My Savior. You are the Strength inside of me. You are the Light that let's me see. My Only One.."

              These are all Hillsong UNITED songs! :) Take it all, By Your side and Only One. :)

             
               Not knowing, not even imagining a kind of life that is in store for me! It's just amazing on how God orchestrates things. #inAwe

               What made me more #inAwe is when I actually made it in Hillsong UNITED Manila Concert.

               

                         Flashback starts.

                         When I first heard about it, my heart skipped a beat. Yes. It was definitely a dream (waiting to come true, haha) I was so excited that I posted about it immediately in Facebook and then texted my friends (it would be great with friends right?) to inform them.

                         I really thought I could make it.

                        But then I heard after a month that "tickets were sold out" plus I started to have a part- time job until 8pm at that time. I just slowly slowly..slowly.. let it go.

                        Though there was a news about having a second night (June 11), I just shrugged it off. It's Wednesday. Part-time. Aww.

                         Fast forward on that night (June 11), I was indeed so sad. There's something hard in my heart. My friends (Ana, Dessie, R-jay, Eva, Rovi, Marco) and a whole lot more were there. Reading status and posts about it equals.....sighs.  Especially nung napadaan na ako ng Araneta. I went near and just stare at that huge venue for some minutes having a drama rama moment. Imagining thousands of people worshiping Jesus (and I'm not there!huhu). Walking away.... I'm letting it go. hehe.

                         I asked a friend in the concert  to tell me if they will play Oceans (where feet may fail). That's the song that I would loooveee to hear  if ever I would come. I was #inAwe again because my friend called me while they're playing that! Whoa! Worship time! I was really happy. Feeling nasa Araneta na din somehow. :) I thought that's it. I thought that's all in my Hillsong moment.

                       But, Friday came! June 13. No plans, no anything just a beat of the heart. Haha. I mean, deep desire pero alam ko impossible na talaga. I was surprised though when I saw an announcement na may available tickets pa! Is it real? Is it real?

                      I shared the link with the caption  " Kapag mamayang 8:30 at meron pa, nakooo! #umaasa".

                      On the way to Araneta, I was nervous na ewan. I'm praying hard na if will Nya, may ticket. Pero pag wala na, it's over. I'm praying di pa mag start though past 8 na. hehe. With Php 500 budget. Off I go.

                      At the ticket booth, may ticket pa! But there's no more Php 500 worth of ticket. Only worth a Thousand! 1, 2,3.. ANG MAHAL! It's so expensive that I walk away again. But then I'm still confused. I prayed and prayed and prayed "Lord..go or not?" I hastily read my Bible on the phone. I read Psalms 33:1-4!  It says:

Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord;

it is fitting for the pure to praise Him. 

Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre;

make music for him on the ten-stringed harp.

Sing a new song of praise to Him;

play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.

For the word of the Lord holds true,

and we can trust everything He does.

Praise the Lord. Sing with Joy. Trust. 

Oh how I love those moments when I know it's Him speaking. By faith, I obeyed. 

When I run to enter the venue, It's time to cry. I was so overwhelmed. 

Here's my status in Facebook at that moment: 

                            I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS! I'M IN HILLSONG CONCERT!!! WAAAA LORD!!! IYAKAN NA ITUUU!!!

Here are some of the songs I remembered:

All I need is You

The Stand

Mighty to save

Oceans

Wake 

Alive

One Way 

Here are my favorite moments:

1. Lalo ako napaiyak nung binasa yung Roman 8:38. That's one of my favorite verses because it just secures me na yung pinaka importanteng tao sa buhay ko (who is Jesus) and yung pinaka importanteng bagay (which is His love)  hinding hindi mawawala EVER. :)

2. when we're singing "Shine your Light and let the whole world see..we're singing for the glory of the Risen King!" Everyone made their Light shine that night through our phones. hehe. What a sparkly crowd for Jesus! :)

3. When people prayed the prayer of Salvation! Ang daming nang raise ng Hands! I can imagine the party in Heaven! Whoo! 

4. When they played Oceans!!!!! Taya Smith!!! 'nuff said. Pinakinggan ko lang 'to sa phone 2 Days ago right?! And now I'm here?!

5. When I shouted and prayed for "MORE!!!!!" and "ONE WAY!!!!" HEHE

6. It's like grace every time they would go back  the stage and play again. 

7. when Joel Houston said that he thinks  that night's  crowd was  CRAZIER.

8. When I dance. All out ah. Sa Wake, Alive and of course, ONE WAY! :)  

9. When we prayed for the Philippines!!!!! 

10. Every time I would look in the crowd. Amaze na amaze ako. hahaha! 

20,000 + worshipers.

1 Band.

ONE SAVIOR -  JESUS!!!!

A taste of heaven indeed. 

To end, I just want to add what I read in the Saved News Magazine about Hillsong UNITED:

"But despite achieving massive international success, Hillsong UNITED has always pointed out the true purpose for their music: 

to intimately lead people in worship of our Savior, JESUS CHRIST - the only one who deserves all glory and praise. " 

They definitely led me. :) 

With my ticket and  Saved News Magazine after the concert at home. Mahirap pag walang friend, wala pang camera. Haha. Thanks Jimna for this! 

Count your Rainbows (1 Girl Nation) #beautifulsongdiscovery

Feels like you're all alone
Stuck in these highs and lows
Strapped in a merry-go-round and round in circles
The colors in the sky
Are His promise shining bright
So look for a miracle right around the corner

Just remember
Things are gonna change
Just remember
They'll be brighter days

You know the stars can't shine without the dark
A fire can't catch without a spark
Like sunshine mixed with a little bit of rain
Beauty begins right after the pain
So count your rainbows

The hands that paint the sky
And lift the sun to rise
Will keep on holding you close through every season
Mercy and morning light
Breaks through the darkest light
So keep believing
No matter what you're seeing

Just remember
He'll bring you brighter days

Like a rollercoaster
That you can't get off
Gotta throw your hands up
And just make the most
Of the twits and the turns that you can't control
Just wait
At the end there's a pot of gold

Every color
Every hue
Red, yellow, green, blue
Without the rain and the pain
They can't shine through
God made a promise
Oh, don't you know
Just trust in the Lord
And count your rainbows