Body + Love

"With my body I thee worship."

So goes the old wedding vow.

But could that vow apply to singles too?

Or, more accurately, could we not apply that as humans relating to our God?

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."  

-- Paul to the Corinthians (1 Cor 6:19-20)

Loving God through the body He gave me.

Like everything else, our body is a gift that we can use or misuse. It's something we can develop or destroy. Maintenance takes effort, but it goes a long way to maximize what we've got. :)

"In Christ, there is no more condemnation."

Today, I had a lot of opportunities to work out. Which I did *not* take. Again. But the attitude is already there. And baby steps (back to working out, eating right)...

Let's go Lord! Life is too precious to waste. :)

My desktop right now ;)

God's perfect will in an imperfect world

Some people expect God to bless their choice.
Others ask God for His choice, and expect to be blessed.

But first, a disclaimer!
There is no perfect person to marry,
no perfect job to take,
no perfect friend to hang out with.

To prove this, let's look at some examples of "perfection" and think of how unrealistic they are :)  (On the off-chance that you have all of these, congratulations! But I'd bet you still have a flaw, even just one...)



Wanted: Perfect Life

The Perfect Female Face 
according to Men (top) and Women (bottom)

 

http://fashionbombdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/escentuals-perfect-woman.jpg

 http://www.ivillage.com/womans-idea-perfect-man-cause-girl-can-dream/4-a-508962

 

http://thegreysfan01.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/snoopy-the-perfect-friend.gif

The Perfect Day

 http://youqueen.com/life/personal-development/how-to-find-a-new-career-you-are-truly-passionate-about/

If perfection is impossible, why bother looking around?

Because... we have a perfect God.
And He is calling us to be more like Him. 

Because He has a Spirit of wisdom and revelation,
and this is available to anyone and everyone who asks for it.

Because He reminds us to listen to Him instead of the foolish, self-serving norms of this world.

Because I'm not perfect,
but He is, and so is His will for me.



Marriage

I am not perfect, and nobody else is. But I'm not going to marry the first Y-chromosome-carrier I see. Of all the billions of people in the world, not everyone would share my goals and my dreams. My future husband and I cannot build a life together if we cannot even agree. Yes, we can always decide and commit together as a couple. But it's much easier to live for what God is calling me to do, as a single, before embarking on a journey and a shared calling with a life partner. This way, I'm sure that I am living for God, first and foremost. 

And if I do get married, will it be because I want to, or because God wants to? There are many men (!) that I wanted for myself, but thank God He didn't answer my prayers. (Or, He answered with a resounding "No!")  I am NOT talking about somebody being superior or inferior... just a bad combination. Somebody could be a "really great girl", or "a man after God's own heart", but the union could still be a hindrance to one or both of them.

Love and marriage do not conquer all, but God does. I've seen friends who live for God yet cross continents to join their spouses, and that's great. I know others who, in living for God, decide to end their romantic relationship. I can say that's great too --- because they pursued God, regardless of where He would lead them, regardless if their hearts are broken.

And I know that His will is always good, pleasing and perfect. No man is perfect, no woman is perfect, but God will bless and purify the union of those who seek His blessing. But I do not have to wait for marriage to seek His blessing --- I can ask for His guidance now, and even His will in who to date and to marry :)

Recommended read:
"When God Writes Your Love Story" by Eric and Leslie Ludy


Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
--  Paul to the Romans



Career

Unlike marriage, which is a lifelong commitment, looking for a job might be a little easier:

http://www.people-results.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Perfect-Job.jpg

But if I am living for God, how will my priorities change? Specifically, what job should I look for, how well should I do that job, and what will I do with my spare time and extra income from that job?

Isn't this over-spiritualizing (or over-thinking)? After all, the Bible says:

 
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God.
 -- Paul to the Corinthians


Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, 
as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 
since you know that you will receive 
an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. 
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
-- Paul to the Colossians


Serve wholeheartedly,
as if you were serving the Lord, not people,
because you know that the Lord will reward each one
for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
-- Paul to the Ephesians


Okay, so do whatever, right? As long as it's for God.

That's just it. Not all things honor, glorify and please Him. If I work in a company that regularly engages in fraud and corruption, or if my work environment encourages or even requires immorality, should I continue working there?

Some people choose to stay and fight the good fight, to be that one little candle in that dark corner, to challenge, revolutionize and reform their place. Others leave for better pastures, that will help them help others better. Still, others make their own company, build them up from scratch with God as their cornerstone. I think all these actions glorify God, but it is up to each person to determine God's specific action plan for himself.

Of course, we work to buy the "basics": food, clothing, and shelter. Yet Jesus reminded us of our priorities: 


So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’
or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
For the pagans run after all these things,
and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
-- Jesus (The Gospel of Matthew)


The main driving force in my life, including my career, should be the spread of God's Kingdom -- His righteousness, truth, love, grace, peace, justice. He will provide the "basics". But He is calling us to work (literally) for more than that.


Recommended read:
"Lifework: A Biblical Theology for What You Do Every Day" by Darrow Miller    
**This is a shorter version for free 


"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread."
-- Jesus (The Gospel of Matthew)



Friendships

Think of your best friend. The bestest friend you have ever had. Did you have at least one fight? Or at least one issue you disagreed on? Was there something that left you disappointed or even betrayed?

Thank God that He is our Perfect and Best Friend, our Rock, Rescuer, and Defender. 
Thank God because: 

• He loved me in spite of my faults;
• He forgave me before I asked;
• He died in my place so justice would be served;
• His Spirit is always available to transform me, to cleanse those faults, and to empower me to rise above them.

But God's commands boil down to these:

 

http://blog.jennimullinix.com/love-god-love-others-scripture-printable/ 

Our life with God does not end with God. He should always be first and foremost, but loving Him means also loving the people He created --- including the least lovable people we know ;)

God loved us without waiting for us to be perfect. He calls us to do the same (and interestingly, He calls this "being perfect"):


“You have heard that it was said,
‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good,
and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
... Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
 -- Jesus (The Gospel of Matthew)


But, like marriage and career, we need to choose wisely if we're looking for mutual, life-giving, healthy friendships.


Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
     “I will live with them and walk among them,
     and I will be their God and they will be my people.”
Therefore,
     “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.
     Touch no unclean thing and I will receive you.”
-- Paul to the Corinthians


This might seem confusing. Let's backtrack: 

God created everyone and loves everyone, 
so we should love everyone too.
(If that's hard to do, think of your worst sin,
and how God already loved and forgave you for that. ♥ )

But when it comes to seeking advice, guidance, inspiration, responsibility and accountability, who will we go to? Shouldn't we go to the people who would encourage us to do right, and not wrong? Even (especially) when we are weak? 


And let us consider
how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but encouraging one another —
and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
-- Letter to the Hebrews


Again, this is not looking down on (fellow) imperfect people, but just doing what is wise. If I am tempted to do drugs, should I get advice from a drug addict or a drug pusher? Of course not! I should get advice from (a) someone who has never struggled with that issue, or better yet, (b) someone who has struggled and overcome. How inspiring is that, and directly applicable to my own present issue!

Again, nobody is perfect, in our lives and relationships. We are called to love imperfect people perfectly. But if I know that someone is walking with God, then I have more confidence that I can walk with him too: same Way, same goal.

Recommended read:
"What's So Amazing About Grace?" by Philip Yancey
** This is a related study guide for free


  
Stop Looking Around

How easy it is for us to use "I'm not perfect" as an excuse to continue doing wrong. Being an imperfect, flawed sinner is an explanation but never an excuse. Instead of wallowing in the mud of our faults, or slinging that mud to others, we can simply ask the one and only perfect God for help. He will never disappoint.
 
I have a challenge for you: to stop looking around for perfection; and to seek God, the only One who is perfect. We become who we follow. When we seek God, we become more like Him --- still with human flaws and no divine powers, but we can mirror His character and be His agents of blessing, power, grace, love and truth in this world.

  

http://golikejesus.com/sites/default/files/inshort-golikejesus.png

First, first, first, our focus should be on God. Oh, how perfect!

But as we live in this fallen world, we join God on His quest to redeem and restore this world, one good deed at a time. Perhaps we do seek perfection, impossible though it may be. But we have God as our Author and our Finisher, and with Him, all things are possible.

God's will is good, pleasing and perfect. The more we seek HIS will to be done, the more we will encounter His Kingdom --- on earth, as in Heaven.

Recommended read:

"The Bible" by God :) 


As for God, His way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
He shields all who take refuge in Him. 
-- Psalm 18 


Not my will but Yours be done.
-- Jesus to God the Father


The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

-- Proverbs

http://wallpaperstock.net/perfect-me_wallpapers_35926_1366x768_1.html

Gentle reminders

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
-- Jesus (Matthew 5:44-45)

  

http://www.crossfitbrea.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/sun-rising-good-morning.jpg

A churchmate texted me this week: "A gentle reminder" that our team will serve in kids' church this Sunday.

Gentle reminders. Reminders to be gentle.

How timely. At the time of that text, I just used the Bible to publicly lambast (!) some fellow Christians who I believe have wronged (?) me. And as I'm posting this, I just answered another churchmate in the same harsh tone that she used on me.

I'm posting this to preach to myself. Please feel free to preach to me more. It would be more effective though, to demonstrate gentleness toward me. That would doth heap burning coals on my head (there's a verse on that below). 


A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
(Proverbs 15:1) 


A person’s wisdom yields patience;
it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
(Proverbs 19:11) 


Who is a God like you,
    who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
    of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
    but delight to show mercy.
-- Micah (7:18) 


Above all, love each other deeply, 
because love covers over a multitude of sins.
-- Peter (1 Peter 4:8) 


"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
-- Jesus (Luke 6:37-38) 

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20peter%204:12-19&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%206:27-36&version=NIV

www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans 12:9-21&version=NIV

Here are some other gentle reminders to be gentle. ♥

 
tumblr.com

http://www.gcc.qld.edu.au/Pages/Admin/Quotes.html

http://thebeststatusmessages.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Learn-to-respect-all-kind-of-people..jpg

 

http://www.upliftingwordsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/

Quote-Kindness-Frederick-William-Faber-Theologian-31-Days.jpg

Being gentle does not mean forsaking my rights and letting people abuse me. It does mean considering other people's rights and feelings. As in every good attribute, we get our example from God Himself.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians%202:3-8&version=NIV

May God bless and be with us more! ♥

Living Water

Today was probably the first time I went around campus with a liter of bottled water in tow. Ah, water. They say a lot of times when we feel hungry, we are actually thirsty. The one "food" that's most essential to our survival. So cheap yet so good, and no calories even ;)

No wonder Jesus compared himself to water. Not to coffee or fried chicken or chocolate (my personal faves), but to water. Let us listen.

http://www.mountainspringwaterco.com/images/waterfacts.jpg

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and Who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.”

(John 4:10)

http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~reetaban/New%20webpage%20folder/Water%20droplet.jpg

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep.

Where can you get this living water?" (John 4:11)

http://www.coldspringharborspringwater.com/ColdSpringHarborSpringWater.jpg

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)

http://0.static.wix.com/media/5832a0_c278807fb50d095e34f652fabc8c3b7a.jpg_1024

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink." (John 7:37)

http://images.mnn.com/sites/default/files/main_chanie_distilled_spring_water.jpg

"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said,

rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)

http://waterevolution.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/slide2.jpg

By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given,

since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (John 7:39)

http://www.vamex.bg/imgupload/background/water_deep.jpg

Feeling thirsty already? Or already filled with Him? :)

Quotes: Nick Vujicic in Manila

Born without arms and legs, God is using Nick Vujicic to touch people otherwise crippled by fear and hopelessness. Two days ago I was blessed to hear this amazing man live in Smart Araneta Coliseum.

http://instagram.com/p/ZkmidWD7Na/

Here are the snippets I managed to write down. May you be inspired and encouraged as I am. :)

• Put your faith in action.
• Courage means doing something even if you fail.
• You don't need courage to win, you need courage to fail.
• F.E.A.R. --- False Evidence Apparently Real
• F.A.I.T.H. --- Full Assurance In The Heart (of the Truth)
• Courage starts with purpose.
• You can have arms and legs and not know what to do with them.
• Try again.
• Failure = Education. (Teci: In direct contrast to today's mainstream educational system)
• Never give up!
• Don't believe you're a failure:
• Thomas Edison invented the light bulb after 10,000 tries. He didn't see himself fail 9,999 times. Instead, he just learned 9,999 ways to not make a light bulb.
• Nick himself contacted 52 schools and got rejected before being accepted to his first speaking engagement. Now he has to say "No" to 28,000 speaking invitations.
• The bigger the dream, the bigger the opposition.
• Was that a failure? Yes. Was I a failure? No. Try again.
• Obstacles = Opportunities.
• We have storms and clouds but it's always sunny above the clouds.
• Sometimes you may have a dream that has to die, but don't let it kill you.
• Take steps, no matter how small, towards the right direction.
• Be thankful: See what you've been blessed with!
• My circumstances didn't change; my heart did.
• If you're not happy single, you won't be happy married!
• I'm happy today because I'm thankful for the things I do have.
• Fame, fortune, sex, drugs, gangs, being in the cool group... Happiness is not in those things. Love is what you're looking for.
• Life is not just about success. At the top of the mountain it could get very lonely. Build each other up in love.
• When Nick was a boy, he wanted to see someone who was like him, with no arms and legs. Sadly, that wish was never fulfilled. But now as a speaker he once met a child with the same condition as him. The boy looked at him and knew that he himself can be happy and okay.
• You can be a miracle to someone right now.
• Australians helping Australians... Filipinos helping Filipinos.
• What are the three greatest/dearest things in your life right now?
• Who have you not forgiven yet?
• At 19, Nick had his first speaking engagement: the first time he had compassion on a group of complete strangers, 300 teenagers.
• A teenager asked if she could interrupt Nick's talk because she wanted to hug him. She whispered, "Nobody has ever told me that they love me. Nobody has ever told me I'm beautiful."
• Nick got home, realizing what he wanted to do for the rest of his life: He wanted to be a speaker.
• My parents constantly planted seeds of love and hope and truth. If parents don't do that to their children, who will?
• You are beautiful just the way you are.
• Life without limits... Unstoppable... Limitless
• Unconditional love
• Don't take any day for granted.
• Dream big.
• You can't buy hope.
• Faith as first. Faith as last.

Nick Vujicic is the author of Your Life Without Limits, Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action, and Limitless: Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life. He also encourages Christians to never miss an opportunity to share the Good News in this article.

Persevere! (Study!)

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award unto me on that day." - Paul (2 Timothy 4:7-8)


People in the academe and the "intellectual" fields honor God with the minds He gave them. That's a double, even triple whammy for me: I'm a university teacher, a graduate student, and a Sunday school teacher. But like any other divine appointment, it is God who enables those He calls. I may get tired sometimes, but the feelings of fulfillment and living out your purpose are well worth it.

I've been plagued by discouragement many times: from people, failure, and distractions. If this were a race, I've stumbled, fallen, and run off course. But God simply encourages us to just get back on track:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." - Paul (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Just keep at it. The more steps we take in the right direction, the more empowered we feel, and the more encouraged we are to finish the race.

Persevere! And if you're a student: Study Hard and Study Well! :)



Image credits:
http://cdn.bills.com/images/articles/originals/GoodIdea.jpg
http://blogchase.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Study-Hard.jpg
http://images.travelpod.com/tripwow/photos/ta-0113-e42c-20fa/study-hard-nanjing-china+1152_13001086172-tpfil02aw-12181.jpg
http://blueprintprep.com/lsatblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Alex-lsat-blog-coffee-study2.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9n4cOETGYvgLmuUGAETjesiCIYcu4SwTKeTp5UnWHvxsvgC0LBsrLc4o4ZKwJghj4F62zYoSnDBXPWxox1l-o_mDF-nE2wecLVYMzBwfzPNfkxw4A-9kBJPoEVgvDj5IXkSs/s1600/paintings%252C+coffee+024.JPG
http://imgix.8tracks.com/i/000/213/692/c/study-7304.jpg?fm=jpg&q=65
http://schoolofrockpaperscissors.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/coffee-tea-bible-study.jpg
http://litreactor.com/news/study-shows-coffee-shops-foster-creativity-through-ambient-noise
http://blog.loyola.edu/thestudy/files/girl-studying-science-M.jpg
http://c3e3.com/hpu/unhappytstudent.jpg
http://imgix.8tracks.com/mix_covers/000/831/506/97944.original.jpg?fm=jpg&q=65&sharp=15&vib=10&w=521&h=521&fit=crop
http://www.desktopwallpaperhd.com/wallpapers/8/4022.jpg
http://www.otea.info/wp-content/uploads/study-.jpg

Honor God with your body

Let's talk about sex, marriage, and food. Because it's February :)  From Paul's first letter to the Corinthians (3:16-17, 6:9-7:11):

 

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/images/body/body2.jpg

"You realize, don't you, that you are the temple of God, and God Himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God's temple, you can be sure of that. God's temple is sacred --- and you, remember, are the temple...

"Don't you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don't care about God will not be joining in His kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it, don't qualify as citizens in God's kingdom. A number of you know from experience what I'm talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list. Since then, you've been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit.

"Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims.

http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/logos/logos1206/logos120600468/

14092973-catering-buffet-food-in-luxury-restaurant-with-dessert-and-fresh-fruits.jpg 

"You know the old saying, 'First you eat to live, then you live to eat'? Well, it may be true that the body is only a temporary thing, but that's no excuse for stuffing your body with food, or indulging it with sex. Since the Master honors you with a body, honor Him with your body!

"God honored the Master's body by raising it from the grave. He'll treat yours with the same resurrection power. Until that time, remember that your bodies are created with the same dignity as the Master's body. You wouldn't take the Master's body off to a whorehouse, would you? I should hope not.

 

http://www.godsownholidays.com/graphics/images/honeymoon1.jpg

"There's more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, 'The two become one.' Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever --- the kind of sex that can never 'become one.' There is a sense in which sexual sins are different from all others. In sexual sin we violate the sacredness of our own bodies, these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love, for 'becoming one' with another. Or didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don't you realize that you can't live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body. 

"Now, getting down to the questions you asked in your letter to me. First, is it a good thing to have sexual relations?

http://images03.olx.com.ph/ui/1/57/11/6965611_1.jpg 

"Certainly --- but only within a certain context. It's good for a man to have a wife, and for a woman to have a husband. Sexual drives are strong, but marriage is strong enough to contain them and provide for a balanced and fulfilling sexual life in a world of sexual disorder. The marriage bed must be a place of mutuality --- the husband seeking to satisfy his wife, the wife seeking to satisfy her husband. Marriage is not a place to 'stand up for your rights.' Marriage is a decision to serve the other, whether in bed or out. Abstaining from sex is permissible for a period of time if you both agree to it, and if it's for the purposes of prayer and fasting --- but only for such times. Then come back together again. Satan has an ingenious way of tempting us when we least expect it. I’m not, understand, commanding these periods of abstinence --- only providing my best counsel if you should choose them.

"Sometimes I wish everyone were single like me --- a simpler life in many ways! But celibacy is not for everyone any more than marriage is. God gives the gift of the single life to some, the gift of the married life to others.

"I do, though, tell the unmarried and widows that singleness might well be the best thing for them, as it has been for me. But if they can’t manage their desires and emotions, they should by all means go ahead and get married. The difficulties of marriage are preferable by far to a sexually tortured life as a single. And if you are married, stay married. This is the Master’s command, not mine. If a wife should leave her husband, she must either remain single or else come back and make things right with him. And a husband has no right to get rid of his wife."

Feb 4 2013

This day is important to me because:

• For the first time, I sent someone (two students) to the Disciplinary Office for cheating. Verbal reminders and personal confrontations are not enough --- people (myself included) don't learn until we reap the consequences of our actions. "God disciplines those He loves" (Hebrews), and so should we.

•  For the first time in over a year, I returned to our research lab. Not much has changed there, it seems, but I feel I've changed much. What I couldn't do before, I could do now. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." (Philippians)

• For the first time in weeks, I chose to go home early (as in, the sun hasn't set yet). For a long time I needed to get my energy level up; now that it's up, I need to get going. I'm distinguishing between goals (ex: graduate) and means (ex: dance). "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians)

• I'm using a laptop given to me by my uncle and aunt, and I'll be using a cell phone I "inherited" from my brother. Very good gadgets that I didn't lift a finger to get. "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all -- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans)

Plus there are the everyday (but always special) blessings like my family, a fulfilling job, supportive friends, enough finances and yummy food. Thank You, thank You.


"In everything, give thanks." (1 Thessalonians)

:) :)

(Hey! And the day isn't even done yet ;) )

Deo Volente

Deo Volente. God willing.


Below is my sked for the next few months. (This was last term's.) Teacher in the mornings, Student in the evenings. Reserve a Sabbath day for worship-slash-rest: far from being a luxury, it's one of God's Ten Commands and a necessary pressure valve for professionals.)

It's been a while since I've been this confident about setting goals and reaching them  ;)

Because nowadays I'm learning to stop wrestling against God (His Will vs. mine) and learning how to wrestle with Him (against my selfish self, my laziness, my fear, my distractions).

Finally, I'm willing what He has been willing all along. And that's the only reason why I know I will succeed. ♥

Wisdom is a balance

That's right.

As Paul told the Ephesians to "speak the truth in love," so must we think, live and act with God's balance of truth and grace, justice and mercy, power and love.

It's a balance. It's easy to think of God as this All-Powerful, Majestic Creator (only). And it's easy to think of God as just this All-Loving, Goody Best Friend (only). But a half-truth is a complete lie --- we might completely miss out on God if we only know (or choose to see) one aspect of His Being.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." (Psalms and Proverbs)

Wisdom is knowing the Lord in the complete sense (well, as much as fallen limited humans can anyway). Wisdom is looking at the complete picture, first about God then about how He has made me. Finally, wisdom is about pursuing a life full of meaning and purpose.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) That last part always gets me. It's funny how I proclaimed 2007 as my year of power, then 2008 my year of love, then... then... nothing. Obviously I lack "sound mind", "discipline", "self-control" (the various translations of that verse); as well as having too much fear (the first part of that verse).

Thanks to God, things are finally changing. This year, without my declaring it (haha), turned out to be my no-fear year, and miracle of miracles, even a little sound mind.

Finally, some balance. I feel His Power strengthening me, His Love encouraging me, and the fears fading away.

As for self-control, I'm learning, bit by bit. (Case in point: I wrote this next paragraph after being distracted by one hour of Plants vs. Zombies.) We're not yet there, but getting closer.  :)


Thank You LORD for the balance, the wisdom, and the complete picture. ♥

Manager-in-Training

 

 http://publicphoto.org/c/business-finance/

There's this passage that always gets to me. (Is that you, Conscience?)

It's the Parable of the Talents. (Several judgment stories like this are found in Matthew 25.)

The Story About Investment

     “It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master’s investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master’s money.

     “After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’
     “The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master’s investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’
      “The servant given one thousand said, ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’
     “The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.
      “‘Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this “play-it-safe” who won’t go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.’

It's criminal to live cautiously like that.

Funny. I've heard of people getting into jail for wasting money, but not for saving!

But the thing is, it's God's money (and other resources like time, gifts, opportunities). And He will always make that resource grow. The question is, will we let Him? When He gives something to us, do we give it back to Him, to be used for Him and by Him? Or do we just drift along, or actively use those resources with the wrong motives?

I often find myself foolishly wasting time and money. Thank God, He never gives up on me. Every now and then I find that gentle nudge in the right direction.

Specifically, these two books are treasures. One is very short, sweet and practical:

Ang Pera Na Hindi Bitin: 

How to manage your money so God will entrust you with more

by Ardy Roberto

(Read sample chapters here. PhP 50 in OMF and National bookstores.)

The other is quite deep but really worth reading or even browsing:

Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No

To Take Control of Your Life

by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

(The authors talk about the book here. P250 in Philippine Christian Bookstore.)

Now it's time. Time to manage my time, money, and everything else.


"Those who honor Me, I will honor." 
(1 Samuel 2:30)

A couple of weeks ago, I committed to honoring God even more with my money. I chose to invest in His work over improving myself (i.e., going to The Gym). I don't think it a coincidence that managing my time suddenly became easier. As in much easier.

Here's my schedule for this school term. This might seem pointless or silly to some, but for someone like me, it is a miracle.

Just like that, Time Management: check.

Giving more for God's Kingdom doesn't make me poor. It just takes wisdom and discipline. Yesterday my friend suddenly gave me a piece of advice: get a lump sum to balance every week or so, instead of withdrawing every time there's a need or want. Again, miraculous insight for someone like me.

Money Management: check.

As for the self-improvement... I finally got to lift weights, jog, and dance again. For how much? The first is free, the second is free, the third only PhP 50.

That's Body, Time, and Money Management too: check.

King Jesus says it best:

"Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:30)

Thank You Lord for being a Great Owner, and for helping me be a good manager. It's great to work for the King. ♥

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met."

(Matthew 6:30-33, The Message)

Is it OK to play PC games? 8-D

Speaking of freedom and responsibility... I was just playing "Escape to Rosecliff Island".

And here are the issues associated it:

Fear: God doesn't like what I'm doing?

Answer: God gives us everything for our enjoyment.

Condemnation. Gifts are wasted if not maximized (or if lived only for self)?

Answer: A healthy rest makes a more effective worker.

Insecurity. God would not be pleased?
Answer: At my worst, God already loved and saved me.

Guilt. I spend too much time there (and on this blog)?
Answer: Yep. I've received so much blessings already. About time I give back.


Logging off and rebooting (myself)...

The Memoirs of a Wedding Guest

 

http://www.casamadrona.com/sausalito-california-weddings.php 

Tonight caps  my "three-weddings-in-one-week" adventure. What have I learned?

* God will provide --- from money for a wedding (if it's His will), to someone to marry in the first place (again, if it's His will).

* I am honored to be invited to each friend's/relative's/co-worker's wedding: one of the most special days in their lives. To witness, to pray for, to share joy in. It is a privilege.

* Surprisingly, I feel no bitterness. I'm single and will be 30 in two months. Society dictates I should be panicking by now (and dating around instead of... *blogging*). But, it's OK. I'm walking with God and He's in control; He knows best.

* "There is no more condemnation for those in Christ."  No more manipulation, guilt tripping, emotional blackmail, playing on insecurities, and defrauding. No more abuse. "All good things come from the Father." God-centered relationships are not perfect, of course, but may we recognize (and take action) if we are in a relationship that does us more harm than good. I would rather be single than in a relationship that displeases God and people. Well, prayer answered / wish granted --> I'm single now.

* I love people! These three weddings enabled me to hang out with three different sets: churchmates, family, and co-teachers. In particular, I love what my married co-teachers said: It's not about age, background, status.. It's about God, and who He'll send. Just pray. Wow. Amen.

* May the guests not just partake of the wedding; may they support the marriage too, for better or worse.

* I love food. I've said before that my goal for this year (and how many years before?) was to develop "the Spirit of self-control". Hmm. Tomorrow I'll exercise na, promise. ;)

* I'm looking forward to my own wedding, God-willing. Our Lord Jesus tells us that if we ask according to His will, He hears and answers. It turns out I still have a lot to learn about God's will, but on the plus side, at least I'm learning.

* Lastly, I should look forward to each day, single or not, approaching my wedding or not. "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." There is a command to rejoice; it is an act of faith for those who wish their lives could be different. But God is good and great. Let's remember, and trust, and live each day to the full. Attend a wedding even.

Life can be good again

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vincealongi/2936158964/

"Slowly, with many lost days, I come back to life.
I try to follow Dr. Aurelius' advice, just going through the motions,
amazed when one finally has meaning again.

"We seal the pages with salt water 
and promises to live well to make their deaths count.

"What I need is the dandelion in the spring.
The bright yellow that means rebirth instead of destruction.
The promise that life can go on, no matter how bad our losses.
That it can be good again."
- Katniss Everdeen, Mockingjay (Hunger Games 3) 

 

http://cottagegardenthreads.typepad.com/.a/6a01348751618e970c0133f576c646970b-800wi   

I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today:

I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. 

Choose life so that you and your children will live. 

And love God, your God, listening obediently to Him, firmly embracing him. 

Oh yes, He is life itself, 

a long life settled on the soil that God, your God, promised to give your ancestors.

- Moses (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

Resurrect!

Yesterday was Easter Sunday. People celebrated the resurrection of Jesus in different ways.

As for me...

• reformatted two computers (if you know me, you know this is a major issue)

• reclaimed leadership of our small group/Bible study -- thank You for the growth in quality and quantity. Every person is a blessing; every story helps us grow. ♥

• returned (slowly but surely) to Kids' Church ;) (If anything balances out teaching college students on weekdays, this would be it.)

• released, finally, all the bitterness and hatred, followed by a release of grace and forgiveness. This is my miracle of miracles.

• remembered to buy, one of these days, "Overcoming your Shadow Mission" by John Ortberg. Didn't have enough money once again ;) But I think it's something I need to know. Especially because I missed even the meaning of shadow mission completely.

• reminded again and again to confess my sins and bring them to light. Ask for help and for accountability. Relieved now. 

• restored and redeemed, even if yet in theory, God's plans and purposes for me. It's not my job to understand everything: I'm not God and I just act on the little that I do know. And I'm remembering to be thankful because His revelations are supposed to help and guide and remove confusion instead of adding to it. And I'm remembering that many seasons of frustration over delayed and denied *stuff* are directly due to my own *issues*. C'mon Lord. I claim Your power :)

• reminded that it's more blessed to give than to receive. :) This is no empty do-gooder push phrase; it's a tried and tested truth.

• reminded to "do ALL for the glory of God". But this time, it finally sank in. Finally finally. 

• remembering that Jesus ordered a direct command to NOT WORRY. Repeat ...

My body is supposed to be tired but my spirit is refreshed and renewed. :) 

"You must be born again," Jesus said. The decision to accept Christ can literally be made in an instant, but it is a commitment that needs renewing and remembering every once in a while. And the more we walk with God, the more we understand how great and holy and wonderful He is, and how undeserving yet blessed we are that He loves us... How far we are from Him and yet how powerfully He can change us if we just let Him.

And, so, I get born again, and again and again. 

And my soul is resting in peace while I'm being brought to life more and more.

Resurrect!

Easy to follow (or, "Decisions, decisions")

Today I'm just thankful, for the times God makes it easy to follow Him. ♥

I remember my first "major life decision" as a Christian: contemplating the path to take after graduating from college. I prayed for neon signs pointing to just one path, God's will for me.

Sure enough, then and now, clarity arrives, things do fall into place, with criteria being met by only one option.

Even Jesus prayed, "Father, not My will but Yours be done." [1] "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as in heaven." [2]

Following God doesn't have to be a painful (if I may say so) hell. True, there are sacrifices and hardships, but the bigger picture is simply wonderful.

Jesus endured the most painful kind of death "for the joy set before Him." [3] "God's will is good, pleasing and perfect." [4]


Dilemma no more, head and heart united, His will becomes my own. There's no other place I'd rather be. Wouldn't you agree?

Songs for the New Year :)

I've been enjoying listening to these songs (thank you Mellow 94.7) and just realized they're quite appropriate as we welcome the new year. One talks of letting go of the regrets and hate of the past, while the other compels us to keep moving toward our dreams.


Let's. :) 


1.Shake It Out by Florence + the Machine 

I am done with my graceless heart
So tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart

I'm ready to suffer and I'm ready to hope
It's always darkest before the dawn

It's hard to dance
With a devil on your back
So shake him off




2. Paradise by Coldplay 

In the night, the stormy night, she'll close her eyes
In the night, the stormy night, away she'd fly

Dream of Paradise
I know the sun must set to rise

Thank You (December 3, 2011)

And I want to thank You
For giving me the best day of my life
And, oh, just to be with You
Is having the best day of my life
 - Dido 


Thank You, Lord, for this season of growth. I'm back to (real) work after four years, and it's my heaviest work load ever. The word "transition" is an understatement. :) This season, it seems that every day I have to make a "life" decision aside from the daily issues of what to wear, eat, and teach. Finally growing into myself, eh? :) 


Thank You for the freedom. I'm listening to Snow Patrol's "Called Out in the Dark", over and over again. The phrase "We do not need to be told" suddenly struck me. I've been obsessing about deciding in accordance with *God's Will*, but how much of that is based out of --- again --- fear? Some decisions are clear enough already, while some options are equally good; do I still have to be told? Thank You for the freedom to decide in the present, for my future.

Interestingly, according to the lyrics sites, the phrase is actually "(our rain-washed histories, well) they do not need to be told." That's a different message, but it still points back to God setting me free from my past. Thank You for the freedom to start anew. 


Thank You for them movies :) I got to watch my top two favorite movies of all time (at least for now) - "One More Chance", and "Easy A", back to back. I love a good story, where you get not just feel-good entertainment, but wisdom too. Thank You Lord, for cable TV, and for Your perfect screening times :) (Thanks also to my previous fave movie, "Forrest Gump", and to a future fave --- may it be completed --- "Redeeming Love".) 


Thank You for all things new. A few days ago, one friend of my father's gave him a phone, and another gave him a battery for his current phone. What seemed redundant at first is now simply providential: I just lost my phone with all contacts, pictures and information therein. So just like that, I get a "new" phone, minus all the baggage of the past. Teci, let's not waste this opportunity to start afresh --- in phone contacts and relationships in general, in work, in life. 


Thank You for my body. Cliche but true --- my body (and yours!) is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. What am I doing to take care of it? I'm slimming down due to stress, and the constraints of time and money. My fitness trainer brother keeps on reminding me that regular exercise is a much better alternative. Hopefully, when I board near UP Diliman, I can get to jog, swim, play football, and do aero/tae/bo/dance again. Help me take care of my body Lord, for my sake and Your glory! 


Thank You for the attention. Nowadays I get a lot of attention, including much intrigue and gossip. While I never asked for fame (!), it is rather useful for a blogger like me who believes she has something to say. (A lot actually.) I used to enjoy corrupting people's minds --- it's a good thing nobody paid much attention then! :p 


Thank You for my bro. Dexter graciously gave me his iPod when I needed to fill in the long commute to work (from San Mateo, Rizal, to FEU in Sampaloc, Manila). I'm now listening to his downloaded Joel Osteen podcasts on overcoming fear and moodiness --- that being consistent and stable are acts of faith. My issues right now are about discipline and self-control and taking responsibility for my actions. "The LORD disciplines those He loves," the Bible tells us twice.

Just a month earlier, while I was (am) still wavering in career decisions, Dex also recommended that I watch "3 Idiots". I said I read about it in Wikipedia already. "No, you have to watch it," and I did that same night on his laptop. Yup, watching it is an experience. And so, Ma'am Teci made her students watch it. (All of them, by the way, are engineering majors like the lead characters.) Thanks bro. 


Thank You for my parents. And their unconditional support. (Need I say more?)


Thank You for new relationships. The old ones are great and are still there, but I'm happy because now I have more. After sixteen years (!) studying, teaching and living in the district of Diliman Quezon City, everything and everyone in old Manila is new for me. I'm learning a lot and am being so blessed by the people I encounter - parental figures (who readily share their advice, exams, food and money hihi), peers (who like me are just a thesis away from graduating!), and students (for me, the one thing better than teaching, is the fact that I'm ministering to people). Just like that, I'm going to Iloilo next month with new friends (Lyza, Sharol, Bless), to attend the wedding of a new friend (Emee). And last night, Emee introduced me to her friend Ann, who just might be our newest colleague. Life is good, no, great.

God says, "It is not good for man to be alone". That's true for me too. On my first day in my new work, I also caught our local church's "Singles' Getaway". I got to talk with one of our pastors (Hi Kuya Edge!) who exhorted me to get out of my way to be with other people whenever I find myself alone. I go back to that advice every now and then. When I was boarding alone, in a new city with nothing but the papers I have to check and the life decisions I have to make, I immediately understood why solitary people are more likely to commit suicide. It's great to be alone with God, preferably quality time with quantity, but the rest of the day is for applying what I've learned, what He's sent me to do. Thank You, thank You for relationships :) 


Thank You for my work. I am currently a physics and math teacher in Far Eastern University - East Asia College. I've grown a lot from the time when I taught out of convenience or comfort or just because everyone else (in my field) is doing it. Now I do it because I want to. I've been a teacher since I was in fifth grade so it was easy to take it for granted. But now, I am realizing how special it is to find something (1) you're really good in, (2) that you love doing, (3) that people would pay you to do, and (4) that blesses everyone involved, including me. 


Thank You for my finances. Thank You for providing for me and I am sorry for ever doubting You. Thank You for taking care of me, and enabling me to support and take care of others too. Thank You even for the season of famine, to remind me that (1) man does not live on bread alone but on Your Word, (2) You are in control, not me nor circumstances, (3) You are the owner but I am a manager/steward. May I be more responsible. :) 


Thank You for clear boundaries. "Everything is permissible," the Bible says, "but not everything is beneficial." I thank You for Your boundaries, so I can thrive within my limits instead of wandering aimlessly. Indeed, these are limits that actually liberate. 


Thank You for having a lot of things to thank about. This was supposed to be a quick blog entry. 


Thank You for You. Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of Man, said that He came here to give life and life to the full. I am living proof that He does.



How about you, dear reader? Would you like to experience God -- The Answer to all your needs and wants... The One Who Is More Than Enough?

Try inviting Him into your life, to make Himself known to you. To show Himself. If you need help, you can ask for it. (A little humility is worth the answers He's going to give.)

May we all find so many reasons to thank Him, that we can't thank Him enough. :)