The Disciple whom Jesus Loved.

And so my grace story continues...

I went to a send-off dinner last night with friends.  But instead of me sending blessings to her before flying back to the Philippines, I think I was the one who was greatly blessed when someone prayed for me.  Several days ago I've been telling myself that "I want to be the disciple whom Jesus loved." Please don't get me wrong, Jesus loves everyone - you and me, without favoritism.  

Frankly speaking, I have this competitive spirit inside of me that led me to say those words. Back when I was studying, I always wanted to be on top of the class and achieve recognitions. When I got saved, the desire for honor has lessened but I think the competitive spirit remains in a different way.  hahaha. 

Tears fell from my eyes when someone prayed for me and said these words, - "like", "fond", "delight", that Jesus delights in me.  Praise the Lord! Jesus is pleased with me. Those words brought such joy in my heart, it felt like Jesus was affirming His affection for me and that Jesus and I are really "lovers".  Kakakilig! Feeling ko ang ganda ganda ko! hahaha. Those words are confidence-booster for me.

Snapshot of the four of us last night. Yey!

A story behind a bra container.

How would you respond if God tells you to say something to someone whom you barely know? 

I was checking some sale items at a mall and found bra containers which was on sale.   I thought that I could use it during overnights with friends and when travelling so I decided to buy one though I was really cost cutting.  While choosing between purple and pink, I got reminded of this young lady who used purple design during craft time on our alabaster brunch event. She said that purple was a sign of royalty.  But after half an hour of thinking (that long! Yeah - that's me) which is which, I chose pink.  Yey! A bra container for only $xxx! 

On my way home, I felt like God was telling me to give the item that I bought to that young lady in church and tell her that she is special and loved. I doubted if I really hear from God or its only me. I never really approach someone before and tell them that "This is what the Lord says", I thought its creepy. I ignore the thought but reaching home it got me thinking. "What if she thinks I am a lesbian if I give it to her?" (crazy me!) "Lord, she looks so happy and fine.", "We are not close friends.", "How would she react if I say those things to her?" "What if the word does not make any sense to her?" "What if she says I'm weird and creepy?" Besides it took me half an hour to choose this item and then God will tell me to just give it away! Nahhhhhh! The word is not from God, its just me.

As I was laying down and reading Rick Warren's devotion, I was totally in goosebumps when the Scripture reading for the day was on Jeremiah 1:7 which says "You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you." It was not  a coincidence anymore. I knew it was from God. The word confirms that God wants me to give it to her.

Sunday came. I felt like it was the biggest day of my life because I'll be doing something I've never done before. I didn't see her during the service.  But I know that I could possibly see her at the Foodcourt where  almost everyone goes to have their lunch. Fear gripped me again and so I didn't do what I was told to do.

I still had with me the gift when I reached home after the service.  There was an uneasy feeling inside of me. I know I should be doing something but I didn't do it.  And so I finally gave up on myself and messaged the young lady. Thank God for technology! Immediately the uneasiness was gone and was replaced with peace.  Few days later, I saw her again in one occasion and finally gave her my "precious bra container". I prayed for her and she told me that we should hang out some other time.

I was thinking why the young lady didn't say something like "That's what I needed to hear", "I was going through some rough time and I really got encouraged". But God impressed me something - that experience was not about the young lady nor the bra container. It's about God dealing obedience and submission in my heart. My resistance of obeying Him and all those excuses in my mind shows that I was concerned of my image and reputation towards other people which keeps me from doing what God has called me to do.

I know that there will be more instances like this and I pray that this experience will be a reminder for me to stop running away from God and wholeheartedly obey Him instead.

Photo from Google 

Biking & Barbecue

Friday morning was spent biking with friends at EastCoast, barbecue and swimming in the evening. Followed by a movie which no one I think was able to finish. Haha. Everyone was tired and sleepy but enjoyed the fellowship. Second sleepover for the year, making the end of first quarter memorable. Grateful and truly blessed! (though I had a small cut on my feet due to biking).

"There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart....pursue those. "

A quote from Michael Nolan

"There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart....pursue those."

I was at a home furnishing store this morning and saw these lovely stuffs of which I was not sure if we are allowed to take photos of it. Haha. Nevertheless, I would like to share these photos.

Have a great Sunday everyone :)

Inside the polls: Cross Cultural Marriage

Do you see yourself marrying someone who's race and nationality different from yours?

I received in the mail today the wedding invitation of my friend, Ghia. She will be married to a non-Filipino, Nate. Yay! It's so amazing how two lives with completely different background from each other will be joined as one in marriage.

Snapshots of the invitation below: Isn't it cute? - "Save the date" words on their feet. I also like the material that was used and how my name was written on top of the invitation. There was like a personalized touch on it.

Congratulations Ghia and Nate!

Baby Names

My best friend's new born baby boy named Caleb. What a cute little angel!

Its too early for me to think about this but I want colors as baby names like Cyan, Tangerine, Amber, Amethyst, Indigo.

What baby names do you prefer?

Day 303: Fly, Fly, Goodbye?

Went out with friends 2 days before my flight.

Day 287: Love! Love! Love!

I think this is the best ring I've ever had which I only got for xxxx! Haha. Ako pa! It was so unique from the other rings and felt like God is sealing His love for me. Wearing this ring requires both my forefinger and middle finger and its a bit difficult to separate my 2 fingers because of LOVE. Galing! Its like what it says in Romans 8:38-39. Yay! (Sorry, if I'm petty or too much detailed or religious or call me whatever, but this ring spoke so much about God's love in the midst of what I am going through).

It was so timely that we watched a documentary film entitled the Furious Love of God during Life Group. Love is indeed the most poweful tool to touch the lives of other people. Unless I received and experienced the true, pure and selfless love of Christ, I can never share it to others. Awesome short film!

Day 279: "Promo Day"

I called this day "Promo-Day because I got to spend weekends with young people - Heidi and Stef at their new place. I was officially their first visitor, was pampered and given "service de luxe" treatment.

Day 273: Happy Birthday Cindy!

Happy Birthday Cindy!

Day 265: Farewell + Headdress + Turon.

So what's the equation all about? Its Aya's farewell party themed Headdress/Gangster attire. I wore a gypsie bonnet and a big pair of earrings. Yay! Finally, I was able to wear it! Ang bigat! Haha.

"Turon na may langka". Bagong paborito ng bayan.

Day 253: "Help me to be gentle.."

Today's lesson in Kids Church is about GENTLENESS. I felt like God was speaking to me on this area in dealing with myself and with other people. There are times I tend to be impatient and loose my self-control. I really need God's grace to work this out in me.

We had lunch and lifegroup at Pizza Hut. It was a deep topic actually. Kat who just came from the Philippines joined our group and glad that she enjoyed it and met new friends as well.

Somebody who went to Vietnam gave us a keychain. Yay!

Day 248: Techie-Skills Tuesdays.

Tuesday is the busiest day in the office and at the same time its my creative writing technical skills training. I have to admit that I struggled and pushed myself to attend my first class. Grateful that I was able to make it and praying that I can finish the elective in spite of the demands from my work.

Here are some photos I took before the class - fried dumpling noodle at dinner and Mashed Potato at Seven Eleven for my post dinner. Hahaha.

Day 246: Blue Sunday.

Yay! Its Sunday! I attended the Kids Church Training and headed to the 2nd service right after. We had no Life Group meeting so I planned of going home but saw Sugar along the way so we ended up having lunch together. We had some bonding over these accessories on SALE! Here's my Kryptonite again. I can't stop myself from buying these blue necklace and bracelet that perfectly match together.

Nothing is more encouraging than catching up with friends and sharing your walk with God. Grateful for friends and meaningful conversations like this.

Day 232: "Not an orphan, but a daughter of my Father."

What's up this Sunday? Things were slightly different because I attended the church first service at 9:30. Then, we had our Life Group meeting at Toastbox. It was a very interesting topic and I was reminded of who I am in the eyes of God. I am His child, His daughter and not an ORPHAN. There was a checklist that reveals the heart of an orphan and I found out that most of the time I am acting as an orphan towards God and other people. I ought to be embracing a Father-Daughter relationship with God and not a Father-Slave relationship.

Excerpts from the Book:

1. What you think God feels about you is the way you will treat others in your everyday relationships.

2. A premature inheritance almost always ends up in waste.

3. Intimacy is to precede fruitfulness. On my own words, intimacy first with God than ministry.

The topic was a great reminder and a great encouragement for me. Yey! Looking forward to another meetings like this.

By the way, I signed up for the Creative Writing session which starts next week.

Day 225: Full-packed Sunday.

How's your Sunday? I had a full-packed Sunday. It started in the morning where it was our team's turn to serve on Kids Church so I left home early. I didnt know that there was a worship training for teachers,  but I am grateful that I was able to catch up and be refreshed again.

We had our Life Group meeting at Grace's place. I find life group settings at home more fun and exciting, there's some kind of a personal touch for me. The food and fellowship was great! But nothing is more awesome than being reminded of how great the love of God is - His unfailing, everlasting and perfect love that I can freely receive. I dont need to perform to earn that love. Imagine, a love that is readily available for me. Amazing!

We headed to TAB - EN Central church afternoon service which was actually not part of the plan. Haha. I was once again "pulled" by friends. The praise and worship was awesome! I got interested with this workshop on creative writing/photography/dance/painting. I want to sign up on the creative writing session. Praying for God's provision and favor from work.

Kree8 - Creative Writing: Will I sign up? hmmmm.

Grace room :)

Worship Training Materials