In a journey of surrender

This season has been nothing but overwhelming.

Most cliches are being so real in my life , there are  lessons that I want so much to embrace and treasure in my heart and there's a  new revelation that makes me repent.

-  Cliche's being so real  in my life:

Jesus is everything.
Jesus is our all in all.
A life that's fully surrendered to Christ.
Jesus is in full control of my life.
Fully trust in Him.
All I am for You.
Take it all, take it all.
Only Jesus.
He completes.
He is our sole completion.
You can only be complete in Jesus.
Everything you need as a woman is found in Christ.
Jesus is THE ONE.
I am totally surrendered to Jesus.

Everything. All in all. Only One. The First. All. Fully. Totally.  Sole completion.

Those sayings and words sound so familiar and all this time, I thought I grasp

them well.
I thought I'm doing good in this, but not really. I realized that I'm still learning

and by His grace,  it's  becoming real. Like a flower's petals that bloom in it's time.


In the past, I had the tendency to just fit Jesus into my life, but now I realized that I should be building my life around Him. That He really got to be the reason for  living. Learning about the brevity of life made me think of my life and my  purpose more. In conclusion, life is still and will always be about Him.

Jesus, be my everything.

- Lessons that I want so much to embrace and treasure in my heart:

-Outward-focused life

When I'm so focus with myself, my problems, my issues, my pain, I noticed that I  was not being  productive and it feels like I'm not living out my purpose.  God just  recently opened my eyes to see the need of other people. I happened to stumble upon stories of some  Christian Women in history who changed the world  through their outward-focused life. Women like Elisabeth Elliot, Carrie Ten Boom, Sarah Edwards and Amy CarMichael inspires me in serving more and  in doing more. Their lives are really His and His purposes. They loved Him and others so much and made a great impact in lives of people. I loved this part while reading about the life of Amy CarMichael (a missionary to the children in  India in the 1900s):

"When the children were asked what drew them to Amy, they most often replied 'It was love. Amma (Amy) loved us".

Their lives and situation were not perfect but they trusted God and allowed Him  to use them. Oh to have an outward-focused life!

- WOW Project

This stands for Woman of Word Project.

We're learning about the Bible (it's authority etc.)  these days in the church and  the importance of meditating His Word was pounded on me. I learned that meditating is also repeating and memorizing. Thus, it became goal to memorize  at least one verse a week.

I'm happy that last January I memorized the following:

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God's masterpiece. Created anew in Christ Jesus,  so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 3:20

Now all glory to God who is able according  to His mighty power at work within us to infinitely accomplish more than we might ask or think.

Colossians 3:16

Let the Word of Christ dwell in your richly, teaching and admonishing one  another in all truth, singing  hymms, psalms, spiritual songs with thanksgiving to God in our hearts.

Revelation5:9b

For you were slaughtered and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe, language, people and nation.

This is not just for the sake of memorizing it is for the sake of future use. I'm also learning that  His word is meant to be used. It's not to be displayed. After all,  His word is our Spirit's Sword. We fight the lies using them and grow more in the knowledge of Him.

Let's be women of the word yeah?

-Life is Short

Finding it hard to breathe sometimes, my grandmother's wake,  a booklet entitled "Life is Short (enjoy mo ang buhay)" by William Girao and a talk in our Victory Group in the office about the brevity of life made me think more about life, my purpose and what I'm doing about it. It made me long to prioritize the activities that will just impact the eternal destiny of a person. I'm praying to share the Gospel more and to serve more. Nawa  ang buhay ko'y maging gamit na gamit Nya! Amen!


New revelation that makes me repent:

Proverbs 31: 12

Oh how I'm doing my MOG harm all this time.

Thinking and longing for someone else other than Him and him is not honoring at all. Imagine talking about your man about another man right? oh oh.  I've been writing to MOG about my crush weeks ago and God just made me realized that it's not right.  "All the days of her life" means even today, I've got to honor him. Yes, it's permissible to have a strong  crush on someone today but is it beneficial? I know it isn't. It just make me have unnecessary kilig , thoughts and pain. HUHU.  Nothing against crushes it's just that, I noticed  it's not good for me. Learning to just go and  focus more on what He wants me to do in this season.

I know it's easier said than done (like naiisip ko pa din si crush at times,  I have to just snap it and focus my thoughts on Him and  talk to Him)  I'm just really clinging to His grace in all these.


After all, all things are possible in His Name.  :")

So there, I pray that the cliches that I mentioned above to be more real in my life , for the lessons to be embraced well  and for my repentance to be proven true.

This season has been nothing but overwhelming.

                                                 ***Photos (first and last)  by  Larm Rmah and  Christopher Campbell  on Unsplash

"Girl Crush"

Okay so. Not that I like girls in a romantic way. I just really really love to see them and to learn from them.

I first heard "girl crush" from one of my girl crushes (whut?), Ate Phoebe dela Cruz. She calls the women that  she admires "girl crush" .

You know ... "crush", it's admiring someone right? I just want to write about the girls/ women that I really admire and look up to. Here they go (please click their names to visit their instagram/blog sites):


1. Rica Peralejo - Bonifacio


The famous wife of Pastor Joseph Bonifacio and Mom to the super cute Philip. I love her love for adventure, how she embrace new seasons, her heart for other mothers and above all her love for Jesus. :)


2. Acel Bisa - Vanommen

Moonstar 88's former vocalist. Yeng and Maricar Reyes - Poon's leader. I really really admire her leadership and love for the lost people and street children. Most especially, her passion in obeying and honoring God.  I learned a lot from her book "Who would have thought?" (grab a copy!). I remember crying in a bus too while reading God's wonderful love story for her. Amazing woman! Isang pambihirang pagkakataon ang makilala sya though not yet  in person but I know it'll come. Teehee! I'll be so kilig when that happen!


3. Patty Laurel - Filiart

The woman I just love staring at (her pictures). I just love her smile, her hair and all (crush kung crush).  I can relate to her somehow because she said that she's the world's corniest jokester. And indeed I know it's true  just by reading her blog posts. She makes me smile with her little "hirit" here and there. I'm so happy that her faith is building up and I'm more happy that her husband is someone who loves Jesus so much and constantly leading her to Him. What-a-wonderful life she has and what-a-wonderful woman she is!

4.  Joei Gayares - Revilleza

I knew about her after watching their (she's the wife of Ptr. Noel Revilleza)  love story in MMK. That's the best MMK episode for me and I think the title was "Journal". Their lives were played by Jessy Mendiola and Sam Milby. She inspired me a lot to write for my future husband (hi MOG!). I even  send her a messsage on facebook to ask questions about how she did it and why. I love reading her blog posts too and inspired me to love Him more and more!

5. Yeng Constantino


Her passion for God is really evident. She's using her influence well! She's so true to herself and in her SNS! I just really love how she express her love for God and telling others about His love for them too!

6. Thammie Sy

I grew up as a woman of faith listening to her Podcast. I was always reminded that beauty is fleeting but the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised! Na yung mundo ko, yung buhay ko, hindi nakasalalay sa crush ko, kundi kay God. (Yes, that's very important to know for the younger me.) I love her voice too! It's just so sweet.

7.  Nikki Gil


The woman who can stand up in her convictions. Saludo. I'm so happy for her to finally meet  THE ONE. I feel inspired by just looking  at  her life. Indeed, may tamang panahon!

8. Jenn Punzalan

She's Pastor Paolo Punzalan's wife. She's also one of the leader's of Ms. Rica in the church before. A mother of four. Amazing leader. I learned from her  to confirm the relationship in my heart already and stop assuming things. Until he lays down his intention, walang nangyayari. Friends lang kami.  Her message helped me alot too.

9.  Marie Bonifacio

I love it that Mrs. Marie Bonifacio was also a broadcast communication major. I just knew her better while following her blog posts (over at joeybonifacio.com) every Thursday. It is called "Secrets my Father told me".  She's got the wit and the humility in her posts. I'm really learning a lot from her!


10. Phoebe dela Cruz - Cabral

Kahit na mas close sila ni Dyna (isa sa aking mga kaibigan), I also admire this woman even from afar. Naks. She's now an executive producer/ anchor/reporter  in  Light TV (where I had  my OJT). She's married and she's about to be a Mom. I love her being a writer and because she loves climbing mountains too. Not just climbing but they're making a difference in the lives of the people/tribes  there.
She got her dream wedding, went to Batanes for honeymoon and... pinaglilihian nyang kanta ang "Rise Heart' na favorite ko din!


Ten women who inspires me through their lives.
One thing in common: an awesome relationship with Jesus!

The One na nagpapakilig sa aming lahat.  #teehee

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

24 ways to be a Christ-glorifying woman

Be gentle in words and actions. Let your beauty come from a gentle and quiet spirit (I Pet. 3:4).

Determine to be strong. As a woman, you’ll face many situations where you’ll need to be steady and of a sound mind. Strength and honor are her clothing (Prov. 31:25).

Live purely. There’s goodness and power in purity.

Choose joy. You will bless everyone around you with your joyful countenance. Besides, it’s a lovely way to live.

Seek wisdom. And as wisdom comes from above, look up (James 3).

Laugh freely. It will lighten your spirit and everyone else around you too.

Care for your health. Be sure and eat good foods, exercise, and get enough rest. If you care for yourself, then you’ll be better able to care for others too.

Speak sweetly. People will be able – and more open – to listen to you if you do.

Be willing to work hard. Learn to enjoy your tasks and take on what must be tackled (Prov. 31:13).

Sing loudly. A song can both change a mood and give glory to God. So make a loud noise! (Ps. 98:4).

Study many different things. Decide you’re going to be a life-long student. Learn about gardening, ancient history, bread-baking, new languages, natural medicine, geography, or anything else that fascinates you.

Look after those in need. Have compassion on others and use your gifts to bless them.

Bring beauty into your life. And into the life of others. Whether it be flowers, art, poetry, handwork, or bright colors.

Walk through trials in faith. Don’t walk in your own strength, but trust Him who will carry you through.
Dress with modesty. Truly lovely. I Tim. 2:9

Invest in a few good friends. Make time for and pursue relationships with those who can encourage you, inspire you and challenge you.

Prepare delicious foods. Bless those around you with your simple culinary gifts.

Spend time alone in the Word. Don’t ever get too busy for time with your God.

Be kind to others. Kindness isn’t all that hard to offer and yet has such a significant impact on those around you. And on her tongue is the law of kindness (Prov. 31:26b).

Serve cheerfully. Look to Christ as your example, not what the world says about service. Nothing begrudging or stingy there (Phil. 2).

Pray about all things. Don’t try to solve everything by yourself, but go to your Heavenly Father with your joys, cares and concerns (Eph. 6:18).

Watch what you say. Your words have power to build up or tear down. So use them carefully.

Love others deeply. I Corinthians 13.

Draw near to God. And He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)



                                                                                                     source:  Club 31 Women

I'm so thrilled when I read this. I pray that I could glorify Christ  more and more in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.