Writing for Him

For the past months, I've been doing things that I've never done before or things that I've never even imagined of doing. One of them is writing a newsletter for an outreach event. When it was first brought up, I was too hesitant (because I only write blogs and I almost forgot that comm was my major!). I was reminded though that I declared in my heart that I will not put any boundaries on how He'll gonna use my hands, feet and life. 

I am blessed to be part of the Core team of Hike For Christ Movement now and this was my first task. I resolved to rely on His grace.

Days after, I was so happy to actually come up with this (though this is still for approval!). I was like, "Whoa, this really looks like a newsletter!" I can't believe this! I thank Daddy God for His Word for me last night..

Generation after generation stands in awe of Your work;

each one tells stories of Your mighty acts. (Psalm 145:4 MSG)

Your marvelous doings are headline news;

I could write a book full of the details of Your greatness. (Psalm 145:6 MSG)

I'm amazed when the author of Psalm said "I could write a book full of the details of Your greatness." I realized it's a great privilege to write about Him and what He is doing! 

So here's the newsletter I tried to do for Hike For Christ Movement's Balik-Eskwela missions (this is not the official newsletter) : 

The text isn't  that clear so if you want, you can read it here:

Balik-Eskwela Missions 2018 

We are very much grateful for your partnership in blessing our Aeta students in Sitio Cawag and Sitio Banawen, Zambales through our Balik -Eskwela missions last May 19, 26-27,2018. We are privileged and humbled that God is continually using us to bring hope and faith in the said communities.


At Sitio Cawag


It’s great to go back to this community. It’s been 5 months since we last visited and it’s heartwarming to see familiar smiles all over again. Our team (which was composed of 54 volunteers) was expectant of what God will do in and through us this time.


In this one day missional outreach, we’re able to give 115 school bags with school supplies. Initially, we thought that we will only be able to give school kits, but because of God’s provision through your generosity, we’re amazed that we’re also able to bless them with new school bags.


In addition, we also gave toys to the preschool children, prizes for the games and fed them physically by cooking and distributing snacks (“sopas” and juice).


Most importantly, we’re able to feed them spiritually.


We praise God together, conducted Bible story telling and had a discipleship time with the youth. Specifically, we taught the children to love others as Jesus Christ loves us. We’re grateful that we’re able to share the Gospel to the parents as well. We believe that they could and should be our partner in leading the next generation to Jesus. We must always go back to our mission. We exist to reach out different tribes around the Philippines to share His hope and His love.


It wasn’t only a wonderful time for the community but for the volunteers as well. We had a chance to meet new brothers and sisters in Christ, had a deeper revelation of why we were doing these things through our time of devotion and we were able to use our different skills and gifts so that we can serve more. Some had fun cooking, ministering, preparing the place, teaching, singing, dancing and even acting! Yes, some tasks were challenging, but we declare that we’re unstoppable in doing what God wants us to do. We’re grateful for the spirit of fun, faith and family in our midst. The outreach shaped our faith and we’re forever grateful that we’re there to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus.


At Sitio Banawen

It’s the second time that we blessed this community and it’s great to be back. The 2-3 hours trek just to reach them was really worth it. Our team was relatively smaller (we only had 33 volunteers) this time but God still worked mightily through us.

In this two-day missional outreach, we’re able to reconnect with the children and bless them with snacks, 85 school bags with school supplies and toys. It’s our prayer that they will be able dream big and believe that nothing is impossible with our God.

Just like in Sitio Cawag, we were intentional in sharing what they ultimately need - the saving knowledge Jesus Christ. We shared the story of Joseph the Dreamer to the young ones and presented John 3:16 to the youth. We were also able to reach the parents with the Gospel.

It was also a great privilege to lead the children as they sing and dance for Jesus. To celebrate His great love with them is a sight to behold.

The volunteers had a great time of fellowship on the second day. We reminded each other that Jesus is a compassionate God who can relate to us. We also ponder on what He did on the cross for each of us. We can only love the community that we’re in because He first loved us.

Again, we thank God for you. We truly appreciate your prayers and support to our Balik- Eskwela Missions.

God bless you always!

Hike For Christ Movement

After a series of meetings and heeding suggestions, here's the final look of our Balik- Eskwela missions newsletter: 

This might be not as long as a book but this is from my heart to our God and our partners. 

LORD, have Your way as I write for You

Why do I love sunflowers?

They're not that beautiful.

Honestly, it wasn't natural for me to love sunflowers. I didn't find it appealing at first. Most especially their big brown/black center part called seed head (I hope I'm right).  Some years ago, I think  roses and tulips are way better. But then, though the sunflowers are not that beautiful, there's something about them that's so charming and I fell for them over time. I can't resist the facts that  they stand tall and confident no matter how they look. They remind me of being  secured of who you are and that you don't need to compare yourself to the other beautiful flowers/people around you. You have your own kind of beauty.  Yes, they're not that beautiful, but they are secured and that makes them beautiful.

They're yellow.

Some sunflowers could have a touch of red or orange but they're mostly yellow right?  And I love yellow. The color is so optimistic. You just always want to look at the brighter side of things. There would always be hope.

They even grow in a challenging season.

In the University of the Philippines, it's been a  tradition to have sunflowers every graduation season. It gives hope to the graduating students and it's as iconic as the UP's Sablay.  The tradition was threatened though because of the calendar shift in the university. The graduation season now falls in a rainy season. But then, we're grateful that the sunflowers managed to stay and we're still enjoying them!

Despite some challenges, the sunflowers teach us to just continue blooming and growing. We were not promised a storm-free life but a storm-proof life in Christ.

They're a source of nourishment for others.

Last Saturday was the fourth time that I saw the sunflowers in UP and I noticed the bees that stay in the disk/ seed head. According to an article, "Sunflowers grow with everything they have only to give away what they spent so much time growing. They are selfless." Embrace that it is always better to give than to receive.  Let's live to love and to be a blessing to the people around us.


They look towards the sun.

This is actually my favorite reason why I love sunflowers. They encourages me as they look to the sun. As for me, I will look to the Son. I will just look to Jesus and by His grace turn my back on the dark. I will live, love, bloom, grow and stand looking  to Jesus.  It reminds me of the verse Hebrews 12:2 which says ".. fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."


They have a lot of seeds.

When I think of seeds, the Word of God came to mind. In one of Jesus' parable which is The parable of the sower, He said "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God's word." Luke 8:11

Over the years, they are a lot of seeds that has been planted in my heart through my quiet time or through my leaders. My prayer is that for the seeds in me to just grow. And as I plant the seeds/ Word to the people around me, the desire is still the same .. for it to grow, stand, shine and continue to multiply. I'm grateful though that growth is God's work.

"It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow. " 1 Corinthians 3:7

"When the sunflower is done blooming, the seeds fall to the ground to wait til next spring, when they'll be new sunflowers."

PS. It was really awesome to stare and enjoy the sunflowers with friends/sisters last Saturday. It was really wonderful  to pray with them while walking along the flowers!!  Hi Gabby and Arl! 

Mt. Pamitinan

One day I will climb mountains and shout "Thank You for Your love Jesus!" :)

This was my declaration in this blog and I'm really ecstatic to say that it already happened last Saturday!

A week before this climb, hindi pa talaga nag si-sink in sa akin na I'm gonna climb. I mean, as in hindi pa ganun ka giddy na.. this is it! Finally! Yung dream magiging reality na oh! oh! Because honestly, this is a huge thing for me. I was in a state of shock pa siguro a week before or while my friends are planning it months ago.  Minsan hindi na lang talaga  ako makapaniwala na eto na yun. Pero nung the day before, hala, eto na. I felt really excited especially when I went to Divi (Divisoria) with my friend  Ana  to buy the things that we need, like:

Jellyace (lots of it!)
Chocolates (flat tops! Yum!)
Water (wow dun pa talaga bumili eh noh?) (I bought 1.5 L of water and 500 ml of Pocari Sweat ;))
Gloves (yes, because it's rocky -- Php 25)
Cap (Php 100)
Arm band  (para mukhang mountaineer talaga --Php 50)


Now, remembering that it already happened and what actually happened make me so in awe pa din talaga.


Here we go! November 14, 2015 Saturday.

I talk to Daddy (God) first when I woke up He gave me these words:

They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, "Do you believe I can make you see?" "Yes, Lord," they told him, "we do."   (Matthew 9:28)

Do you believe I can make you see [the summit]?

Yes, Lord!!!


The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. (Habakkuk 3:19)

I am claiming this! He is my strength! I am surefooted! I will tread upon the heights!


Next, I did some stretching and practiced going up and down the stairs 10x. :)
Then take a bath and meet Ana.

We went to Jolllibee Farmers, ate breakfast and bought our lunch there with Arlene.

Rode the UV Express going to Eastwood Montalban Rizal -- the terminal is just next to the Jollibee Farmers.  (Php 50) One more time, Eastwood Montalban Rizal hah. Not Eastwood QC. ;)

We met Gabby and her workmate Micah and Luke there at Eastwood Montalban.

We then rode a tricycle going to Brgy. Wawa ( Php 60 isang ride ng tricycle, so kung 6 kayo, tig Php 10)

Find a Tour Guide. (nandun lang sila)

Register in DENR and Brgy. (You'll pay  Php 2 here)

Yun nah! Akyat na. Pero picture muna. Haha!

                                      

Nagsisimula pa lang medyo challenging na. Here I realized na totoo yung mga narinig at nabasa ko na depende din talaga sa mindset ang pag-akyat. If you really want to be in the summit. Kakayanin mo. One step at a time. 

I stayed near our tour guide going up  so that he can teach me first hand how to overcome the rocks! Na inspire ako na kaya nya, so kakayanin ko din. Natuwa ako kasi parang ganun din kay Daddy, He already knows the way and tuturuan ka Nya how you can overcome. 

Nung nasa kalahati na kami. I'm amazed na may nagtitinda ng palamig dun! Ang cool. 

Then yun, sabak ulit. This time. MORE challenging na ang trail.. ang mga bato ganyan. Pero mas maganda na din ang view. OUCH! Nauntog din nga pala ako. Watch out din sa ulo paakyat, hindi lang sa paa ang tingin. 

Bato pa more. Picture pa more. Strength pa more Daddy! 

May makakasalubong ka din or malalagpasan ng ibang mountaineers. It's really encouraging. 

YUN!! After 2 hours I think,  nakarating din sa "summit- summitan" yung lugar na malapit sa summit haha. We took loads of pictures there while waiting for our turn sa summit (maliit lang ang summit ng pamitinan, so per group lang ang akyat dito). Here we talked to other tour guides and learned more about Montalban, the mountains, the legend of Bernardo Carpio.. etc. It was  somehow fun waiting.

IN THE SUMMIT. 

Whoo! Amazing! Ang saya lang. Hahaha. We did it! God made me see it! I was surefooted!

 Sobrang gusto ko na isigaw agad agad yung "Thank You for Your Love, Jesus!!!"  But I was  little hindered kasi may ibang tayo sa baba na nakatingin sa amin. Waah. Will I do it? Of course. I WILL. I will not be ashamed! 

 "Thank You for Your Love, Jesus!!!" 

YES. I DID IT!! Declaration come to pass all because of His grace! 

Sa summit din, ang cloudy lang kahit na bandang 12 noon kami nandon. Sobrang favored and sabi nga ni Gabby, sobrang ramdam namin ang Kanyang presence!!!

GOING DOWN DOWN.

It's more challenging and painful for me. Nakakanginig talaga ng tuhod. 

Hungry and all. We decided to eat lunch sa bilihan ng mga palamig na pinaggalingan namin kanina. 

Then baba ulit. Nadudulas dulas na ko dito. Haha.  

WAWA Dam. 

We saw BIG rocks, the Dam, balsa and the river. It's nice and pretty! Picture picture! 

We then prepared to go home. Haayyyy. Totoo, it's not the mountain that I conqured, but myself on that day. Amazing Grace! 

We bid good bye to Kuya Jimmy ,  took the tricyle again to Eastwood Montalban  and  then the  UV Express going to Cubao. :) 

Gusto ko ulit isigaw: 

"Thank You for Your Love, Jesus!!!" 

'til our next climb!

P.S. 

Thank you Gabbski for leading and organizing! We're blessed! 

Once a Beginner

I read this quote  on Pinterest and I feel inspired right away: Once a beginner. It encouraged me that though I am no near an expert on something, I can still begin and continue.


I was first  interested in sketching and drawing beaches, trees and flowers. I can't explain the feeling while creating something. There's really joy and I just want to get better. I hope I could learn more. :) See here my first:

Beginner kung beginner 1

Originally a balloon, it became a girl. Look harder. I call this one "In every season". :)

Now, I'm also into Calligraphy. It's delectable to create beautiful letters and words and messages! :)

Tried this on my notebook this morning:

beginner kung beginner 2

Beginner kung beginner 3

I tried this one on Paint. Yes, on paint. Eh wala eh, wala pa tayong brush for calligraphy and so does the books and  paper para sa training. I saw two on National Bookstore yesterday though, so one day..one day.. Gotta have 795!



I really want to do  alot of things! Read more and more books, write more poems, do DIY projects, draw more, do calligraphy more! Let's fight for this! One day I'll be an expert too. HAHAHA! Here's to a better us! :)

Discovering Pastel

I just can't strop scrolling and staring! Indeed I'm falling in love with Pastel!

Well, I remember during my graduation (more than a year ago), Pastel was  the required dress color. I never mind about it  before. Not knowing I'll meet Pastel again last night! My little sister is Christ showed me the sample dresses for our upcoming Appreciation Night. They we're all so beautiful! I just wish to wear 'em all! (sigh). :)

So today, I surf the net  to look for more of Pastels! Here are some!

I'm so excited to go shopping and stare and  admire Pastel colored stuffs!

See, I even changed my the design of my blog today into a Pastel inspired one (I did tried hard!) Some weeks ago I turned this into a minimalist. I simply loved black, gray and white...but then! I discovered PASTEL. HAHA.

I'm really really really  excited! I think I'll have a Pastel themed Dresses in the future and so does Wedding and House..and.. and.. and!!!! Teehee!


Credits to Pinterest for the lovely pics! YAY!!!!

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 

Bought and now Free

This is the story that I heard in this message when I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior last January 15, 2012. Until now, every time that I would be reminded that He bought me to set me free, I can easily be brought back to tears. How can I not accept the freedom that He is offering? How can I not serve wholeheartedly the One who gave His everything (even His own life) just to set me free? Accepting it was the best decision I've ever made in my life.



"During the years when slavery was legal in the United States, a gentleman happened upon a slave-bidding in a crowed street. The man paused to observe the activities. As he watched from the edge of the crowd, he saw one slave after another led to a platform, their arms and legs shackled with ropes as if they were animals. Displayed before the jeering crowd, they were auctioned off, one by one.

"Some onlookers would inspect the 'merchandise,' grabbing disrespectfully at the women, examining the muscular arms of the men. The gentleman studied the group of slaves waiting nearby. He paused when he saw a young girl standing at the back. Her eyes were filled with fear. She looked so frightened. He hesitated for a moment and then disappeared briefly. When he returned, the auctioneer was about to start the bidding for the young girl he had noticed beforehand.

"As the auctioneer opened the bidding, the gentleman shouted out a bid that was twice the amount of any other selling price offered that day. There was silence for an instance, and then the gavel fell as 'sold to the gentleman' was heard. The gentleman stepped forward, and waited at the bottom of the steps as the young girl was led down to her new owner. The rope which bound her was handed to the man, who accepted it without saying anything. The young girl stared at the ground. Suddenly she looked up and spat in his face. Silently, he reached for a handkerchief and wiped the spittle from his face. He smiled gently at the young girl and said, 'Follow me.' She followed him reluctantly. As they reached the edge of the crowd, he continued to a nearby area where each deal was closed legally.

"When a slave was set free, legal documents, called manumission papers, were necessary. The gentleman paid the purchase price and signed the necessary documents. When the transaction was complete, he turned to the young girl and presented the documents to her. Startled, she looked at him with uncertainty. Her narrowed eyes asked, 'What are you doing?' The gentlemen responded to her questioning look. He said, 'Here, take these papers. I bought you to make you free. As long as you have these papers in your possession, no man can ever make you a slave again.'

"The girl looked into his face. What was happening? There was silence. Slowly, she said, 'You bought me to make me free? You bought me to make me free?' As she repeated this phrase over and over, the significance of what had just happened became more and more real to her. 'You bought me to make me free?' Was it possible that a stranger had just granted her freedom and never again could she be held in bondage and servitude to any man? As she began to grasp the significance of the documents which she now held in her hand, she fell to her knees and wept at the gentleman's feet. Through her tears of joy and gratitude, she said, 'You bought me to make me free. I'll serve you forever!' ( Click here for the source )

This is what's always rushing through my mind and I always to tell this to Him:

                     "You bought me to set me free..now all I want is to serve You all my life."

                                                                                                                        

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

Cute Afternoon

Finding myself fascinated with cute GIFs :)

glitter-graphics.com