Prophetic Presbytery

I heard these words last September 23, 2017 after graduating from Leadership 113. I recorded it on my phone but I lost it since my phone was broken. Glad I still have these lines..:") 

I saw a girl dancing.
I am concern in every little thing that you do.
I will give  you a platform of influence
people will look up to you
gift of influencing and relating to people
engage people
new season of intimacy with Me
you will see Me more in your family 
I will throw the mountains into the sea
continue to humble yourself
Those things that you think are impossible are nothing to Me
Continue to trust and believe that  I will make a way for you
search your heart for what's hindering you
don't doubt my promises

I admire your faith, My daughter. 
more people will come to know Me
Use your giftings.
Seek Me.
Step out in faith.
I will take you to places that you've never thought of before. 
I am the one who's gone ahead of you, My daughter.
I am very pleased with you. You can ask for anything.
And I love you very much, Jessica.
I prepared the check, You just have to ask.
Get ready .
Be faithful with the little things.
I will be the One to level you up.
Be patient.
Be diligent.
Greater things are about to come.

Season of strengthening of faith.
I'm gonna bring you to a season of breakthroughs upon breakthroughs.
I'm allowing you trust Me in certain areas. 
ask Me for bigger things.
I'm gonna bring you to places.
This is a season of preparation for you Jessica.
This is for you to be launched to the next season.
Be faithful to the little things.
See with My eyes.
You have power in your speech.
I'm gonna give you power in your speech.
I'm gonna allow you to intercede for your family and the people around you. 
Prepare and continue to trust in Me.

-----

Well, isn't He The SWEETEST? :")


                             


                                                                                                                             photo: unsplash.com 

25 and in awe

Today marks my last day as a 25 year-old woman. Wow. In just a few hours, I'm officially in my late 20s! I can't believe it (sometimes I feel like I'm just 14!)  So let's try to remember what God did in the 25th year of my life here on earth:

My 25th  birthday was celebrated with co-workers making cupcake for me (I  was so happy already) and also  with Kids family for the first time! Yung may cake (gusto ko talaga ng cake at that time). I think we had a Junior Kids bonding at that time.

It was a first time to have a Christmas bonding with Junior kids teachers also at Glorietta (as far as I can remember). I gave them pictures of their 2017 highlights. That's when I saw the smiles of Aeta children and heard more about the  Hike for Christ Movement.

My Nanay Lydia and Tito Cesar went home to heaven. It's God's grace to be able to go through those storms. Trusting... trusting...

I experience my first outreach in the Aeta community (Sitio Banawen)!It's called "Engage" event. We shared the Gospel and bless them with hygiene kits. It was such an answered prayer! I also get to help to share the Bible story! I met new friends like Ate Chaye, Pau, Earl, Albert, Lorainne, Kuya Bryan, Van,  Ate Grace etc. I also met a young Aeta  girl named Aileen. She got my number so I gained a textmate? hehe.

I get to take an undergrad subject in UP!!! WOW. WOW. WOW. At, math sya ah! Ang babata at ang brilliant ng mga kaklase ko! Huhuhu.

I get to share the Gospel to one of my UP classmates! This is too wonderful.

I met my new classmates and became a part of our "Monday Group". I miss them! I miss Mhean, Kim, Nick and Kwin!Hi guys! 

I got 1.25 in subjects I thought I will not pass. (EDRE 146 and EDFD 201!!!) Whaaaa. TEARS!!!

I went to Masasa Beach for summer! I experience a lot of firsts!

First time sumakay ng bangka.
First time sa crystal clear water!
First time mag island hopping.
First time mag snorkeling. WAAAAAHH!!!
First time mabaon sa ilalim ng buhangin.

I also had my 2nd outreach in the Aeta Community! We gave school supplies this time.
I get to be one of the Bible story tellers! WAAAAH! I shared about Joseph the dreamer.
I got the help of my friend Edz for the visual aid and the whole family for coloring it!
I met new friends like Kuya Ronald, Kuya Julius, Rose, Ate Sarah, Alphey etc.
We had fun playing games (or not getting the games)  in the dark haha.

First time matulog sa tent! (I miss my roommate Rose!!!)
I was asked to be part of the HFCM Core team. WAAAH!
I saw Aileen (a young girl in the community)  again and went to her home and met her family!!!

First meeting with the Core Team at Lorainne's house.

God enabled me to raise fund  for a  3 -day discipleship mission! I saw how He provided and my heart melts.  Grateful for Ninong and Ninang Nor, Dia, Ate Ayen and Coach Pat. Hindi ko maitatangi ang kilig ko. There are people who actually believe in me!!

But it's still not God's time for me to go on a mission. It was decided to be postponed (due to the weather and schedule). It was like my third heartbreak in missions but continually trusting. One day, one day...

I was not enrolled this sem too. Naubusan ng afternoon slot.  Still trusting.

I lost my UP ID. :(

I met Rose and Belle. (roommates)

Did One 2 One with Pearl, Mikee , Belle and  Lizette. This is too wonderful.

I saw Tita Coney again! (Lola Lucing's friend)  She's still so cheerful and lovely.

I met Kim! One of my violinists on my wedding day! HAHA! She's only 9.

What I wrote for this blog became a part of Ate Pamu's book! WOW. His dreams for me are really way bigger that my dream for myself.

I get to write a newsletter for HFCM. Grateful for the trust when I can't trust myself!

I became part of Kids main hall volunteers and curriculum team! WAAAH! #grace

Attended Kuya Michael's wedding.(Pangako, hindi kita iiwaaaannnn #LSS )

Played badminton with rules for the first time in a long time with HFCM friends!

My brother went abroad. (I miss you bro)

Stephen said "Amen"  for the first time after a prayer!

Baby Jasper was born. :")

I started to learn about having a poured-out life.
I continually learned about Jesus being my Sweeter song, my Bridegroom, my All in all.

It's 7:56 PM of October 11, 2018.

I just went home after dating (in a sisterly way okay? hihi) wonderful sisters in the faith (Celina and Ate Marian). Both making great impact in the world through the Gospel. My heart was so full because of the privilege of knowing them. Their faith and passion for God and the lost are just so amazing. I'm in awe that God orchestrated  the last day of my 25th year this way. It's just too wonderful for me.

I never really thought that my 25th year would be so awesome. I'm excited for my 26th. By His grace, I declare we'll  laugh without fear of the future. :")

 Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. 

                                                                            (Ephesians 3:20-21 New Living Translation (NLT))

                                                                                         Photo by Nadi Whatisdelirium on Unsplash

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)

Alone and Stuck in an Elevator

"Daddy, please... Daddy please save me...Daddy please... please..."

Uttering those words, crying, panicking, confuse, really don't know if what I'm doing was making sense.

It was Monday morning, I rode the elevator and about to get off  at the 29th floor. The door suddenly stopped opening. I tried pressing all the button but nothing's happening. "Daddyyyy". I was trying to be calm at first but after some minutes, tears just fell! I cried and I tried the elevator phone but I think it's not working.


I then  pressed the elevator alarm button repeatedly. Hoping that someone would hear me. Sobbing, I don't know what else to do.


I reached out to my phone but it's running out of battery and wala akong load at wala na ding points!  I kept on crying and making noise.



Like a ray of sunshine in total  darkness, our company guard noticed and he asked me to push the close button since the elevator door is a little open. He helped me in closing the door. I stopped crying (did I?haha). I just know that I was too  happy to see a human being! I was hopeful. Yes, Dad! But just when I thought it's over..


hindi pa pala...


Once the elevator door closed, I suddenly went down to the 28th floor! The same thing happened, the door was not fully opening. I cried hard again. I don't know if anyone could hear me here. It's around 4:35-40 AM. Is there any guards here? Is there anyone at all?

"Daddy, please... Daddy please save me...Daddy please... please...Daddy..Daddy..Daddy..."

I was just uttering "Daddy" in the midst of the noise as I continually and desperately push the alarm button. I was crying louder.

Why?

I was scared (obviously) but not for my life. I trust that I could get out of the cab safely. I trust that  help would certainly come. It's only a matter of "when". That's what I'm scared about , when? At what time? It all boils down to this prayer...

"Daddy, I don't want to be late please... Don't let me be late please.. Daddy please".

Yes,to be so honest, yun po yung iniiyak ko. Ayaw ko talaga ma late. :"( I cringe at the thought of it. Very crucial po ang time in my line of service. :(

And yes, I was eventually saved!  Two men came and the door opened. I rushed out and I was still crying while saying..."Thank you po.. huhu (yes, ang ingay ko umiyak huhu) san po hagdan pa 29th floor?"

Like a lost little girl in the mall...

I hastily ran and climbed up the stairs. The door's locked!!! I knock and knock  louder, louder  and the door opened for me. I was still crying! What time is it? What time is it?!  I then logged in! It's 4:47! 4:47 (I'll be late by 4:56) !!!!! I'm not late!!!! I'M NOT LATE!!!! And I cried again. I can't believe I'm not late. Sagip ulit ako ni LORD!!!!

My heart was so full when the teachers came to my station and comfort me. (Thank you Teachers!!!)

As I reflect on what happened,  I was really regretful how I reacted.

I am called to have a quiet spirit di ba? What was all that panicking and losing hope thing?

I remember my college friend's words when we were so worried about our Thesis years ago..

"Para kayong walang Diyos".

Where was my faith at that time? Why was I so scared and worried? Did I just forget that He is in control? That He's with me? FOR REAL? Anyare sa mga verses na minememorize at minemeditate ko? Psalm 23 pa man din!  I was so shy to Dad!!!

I realized how desperation can just suddenly test faith. 

Obviously, I think I didn't pass. Overwhelming ang fear talaga at that time. Yung faith parang as small as my silent whisper of "Daddy..." in between my sobs of fear.
Yes, I was unfaithful but HE REMAINED FAITHFUL. SO FAITHFUL.
The One who said that a faith as small as a mustard seed can move a mountain is FAITHFUL.

I realized na mas lalo pa kailangan mag build ng faith muscles. Mas lalo pa dapat mag store ng Word Nya. Mas lalo pa dapat mag hold on!!

I repent and accepted His forgiveness.
I learned and I learned a lot.  Including the practical things kapag na stuck sa elevator or kapag nasa overwhelming situation:

. remember that God is with you. He is real. His love and power even!!!
. find the elevator phone
. press the elevator alarm button repeatedly
. really fight for presence of mind
. cry out to Him
. witness His deliverance
. Trust that He is a good God!!

Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. -Psalm 118:5 

I thought I would never ride the same cab of elevator ever again but He  corrected me.
I was taught that I shouldn't let fear to take hold of me. I should get back up again because fear paralyzes. He doesn't want that for me. He doesn't want that for us.

I rode the same cab and riding it again.



                                                                                                  Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash

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