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

Only One Life (a poem)

Awe-inspiring  poem by C. T. Studd (an evangelist and a missionary to China in the 1800s). :") 

Only One Life

By C.T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day,

Traveling along life’s busy way;

Bringing conviction to my heart,

And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, 

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,

Soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,

And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life,’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,

Gently pleads for a better choice

Bidding me selfish aims to leave,

And to God’s holy will to cleave;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,

Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;

Each with its clays I must fulfill,

living for self or in His will;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,

When Satan would a victory score;

When self would seek to have its way,

Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,

In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;

Faithful and true what e’er the strife,

Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,

And from the world now let me turn;

Living for Thee, and Thee alone,

Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,

Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;

And when at last I’ll hear the call,

I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;

Only one life,’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Photo by Taylor Ann Wright on Unsplash

To you who have a boyfriend

This is a letter I wrote for a young woman I love a few years ago when I heard that she already has a boyfriend. The draft resurfaced and I read it again. I realized,  it's the same message that's burning in my heart. I just also want to share it to you  girl. This is from my heart to yours...

To you who have a boyfriend ,


Kamusta?

This message is coming from a friend/ Ate who only wants what's best for you ok?

Since you decided  to have a boyfriend  in this season, I'm just concern because  I know the temptation will be there and will be stronger.

So this is just to encourage you, to beg you..

if ever...

if ever....


he or someone in the future  will ask you to do something that supposedly only married people could do...

Please say NO.

NO.

NO!!!  (With conviction. With all that you are.)

Please be brave enough to protect yourself and your future.

Been counseling women who gave themselves away to their exes and saw how regret, guilt and shame consumed them.  And those are NOT COOL. NOT COOL  AT ALL. (though the world makes it appear like pre-marital sex is cool) .

Know that you are valuable. So valuable.You're bought with a price.

You're just too precious.

 And sex too. Sex is God's  idea  (who else right? ) and it is to be enjoyed at the right time.  It's so precious that God had to protect it in the boundaries of marriage. Kung saan walang shame and guilt!



If a man really loves you, he will respect you. He will wait for you because you are worth waiting for.



Sounds so old-fashioned ba? so KJ (Kill Joy) ? Well,  can you just  call it PJ (Protecting Joy)? Because a glorious joy ( not just a temporary one) awaits you once you decide to embrace His perfect time for this and that is His will for you.


"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God."  (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 )


You'll tend to think that boundaries limits but actually, it  protects my dear.

Payakap ako! Be strong and very courageous! May you always consider Jesus, your first love in every decision.May He be the one to complete you. You are loved. So loved.  And at times, when you feel like you've been so far and you can't go back,  know that you can, you can. Pagtalikod mo, He's just there waiting for you.

"Christ has loved you and gave Himself for you. Everything you need as a woman is found in Christ." - Thammie Sy .  May this reality sink deep in your heart just like how it did to mine when I was 18.


I love you but Christ loves you more than most.

from a friend who prays for you and  only wants what's best for you,

 Ycah / Ate Ycah


Photo by Tord Sollie on Unsplash