One Step at a Time

So many things are happening in my life, both good and bad.

Lost a friend, gained 10 more. Reached my purpose, missed my target. Health progression, financial recession. The list goes on... That makes life balanced and at the same time interesting.  To achieve something, sometimes we need to give up another thing. We can't have everything we want, but we can have everything we need.

Most of the time I walk my life's journey seeing only the step where my foot is at, following THE voice from the many familiar voices. One step at a time. Life is hard, but life is still beautiful. I have experienced a lot of disappointments and injustices in life, but I know my days are destined to shine brighter because God is faithful. I am so relieved (you have no idea) to have God's promise etched in my heart.

"Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours." Isaiah 61:7 NIV

His promises are the ones that give me hope and keep me going.

Welcome 2014!

This is my first post for 2014 and I really want to encourage others with my post.

We just finished our annual prayer and fasting as a church.  I'm all pumped up and very excited for what this year has to bring.  2013 was a good year, but I'm believing that 2014 will be a better year... wait, let me say that again... 2014 will be a GREAT year!

No matter what situation you are in, be encouraged!

Three things that I'm believing God to happen this year.

RESTORATION.  The act of returning something that was stolen or taken from you.  In Joel 2:25 it says: “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten— the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm— my great army that I sent among you." That speaks of restoration. What is it that was stolen or taken from you?  Money?  Time?  Health?  Relationship?The Lord promised He will repay the years the locusts have eaten. That's a great promise!

PROVISION. In Joel 2:26 it says: You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed." Plenty to eat until you are full... That speaks of provision.  And not just simply provision, but more than enough provision.   In verse 22, if God is very mindful of the animals, what more us?  We are His children. In verse 24, it speaks of fulness and overflow.  You see, God can change your situation overnight!

IMPARTATION. In Joel 2:28 it says: "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." We will be filled more and more with God's presence.

These are some things we should be very excited about!

I am!

How Has Your Year Been?

In two days 2012 will be gone.  How time flies.  

Today I asked myself this question - How has 2012 been to me?  There are definitely so many challenges that happened this year, but I've also received so many blessings and miracles.  

Dad left this imperfect world to be with Jesus last April... I got sick two months ago, but I'm recovering pretty well. I received miracles after miracles of healing and divine provision... I deleted "friends" from my life who are toxic; turned out to be a blessing in disguise... This is also the year when I became debt free.

I didn't see the beauty in these seemingly tragic events while it was happening, but now I do.  

God is good.  

Although 2012 is marked with tears and sadness, it is also marked with joy and happiness. God sure knows how to balance things. 

So, how has your year been?

Here's looking forward to a year of abounding blessings, grace and favor as we welcome 2013 with great expectancy and hope.  

Merry Christmas!!!

We had our Victory Group's Christmas Party last December 22 at Citrus Restaurant & Deli in Pasig City.

 With Lalah, Geline & Jennie

With my spiritual leaders - Pastor Nuel and his wife Iris

I'm so glad and grateful to God to have been part of this wonderful group. Pastor Nuel and Iris have been very supportive to all of us and especially to me when I got really sick.  My group has been praying and believing with me for my healing. 

In the middle of the program, I received a pleasant surprise when Pastor Nuel and Iris called my name and presented me with this recognition. 

Iris mentioned how I'm battling Lupus and instead of wallowing in self pity and asking God - Why me??? - I chose to believe God's promises of healing. She said I'm more on fire for God now than I was before.  

But you know what?  I know why God surprised me with this recognition.  It was very clear to me why God did this.  I say He did this because I know without a shadow of a doubt that He wanted me to do something that I've been struggling to do for months now.  I have a confession to make... I've
been wanting to take things into my own hands that will cause a huge and major change that will affect my life and my future. But instead He wanted me to be still and wait for Him to move on my behalf.  

You see, God has been sending me messages and even sent people my way to remind me of His faithfulness;  that He will indeed fulfill His promises to me.  But because of my stubbornness, I thought of doing things my way (Yes, I know how stupid that sounds). I've been planning the changes that I wanted to happen for 2013. I got my mind set on MY plans that I was ready to jump into it. I was ready for that major CHANGE.  Well, God had a different plan.  He did things to STOP me from ruining His PERFECT plan.  I still don't know how He's going to knit things together to make His perfect plan look perfect in my eyes because really the picture still looks abstruse to me.  You know what I mean. Sorry if I'm not sharing much details, but I will in due time.

Anyway, here are some more photos taken yesterday when my brother came home for the Christmas holiday.  We also went to visit Dad and checked Mom's new house.

From my family to yours...

May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through the year.

Wishing you a season of blessings from heaven above.

Struggles and Good News

Just came from the hospital for check up with my nephrologist.

Nephro said I'm okay. My creatinine level, although still a little bit high, it's steadily going down. My doctor said he's not worried because I'm improving. Praise God!!! That's definitely music to my ears.

Had another doctor's appointment yesterday. My rheumy said I'm getting better.  She tapered my meds already, though gradually. That's better than taking my usual full dosage. She's pleased with the results of my blood tests. Actually, some were not good, but according to her, they're not really that bad and could've just been caused by the meds I'm currently taking. All I need to do is drink more water. Praise God!!!

I thank God for this good news. I believe in my heart that God's healing touch is working in my body everyday.

I did feel a little bit tired when I woke up this morning. I know that this is part of having lupus, but instead of dwelling on that, I choose to focus on the truth that God is in control. Same goes with my work and finances. Meds and vitamins are expensive. Working can be a challenge sometimes because there would be days that I'd feel overly fatigued that I'd rather stay home and sleep. All these could be valid reasons to cause me to panic already, but I keep reminding myself that God will supply ALL of my needs.

I also know that not too many people would understand the struggles I go through everyday with lupus.  From where I am, not everybody knows or have even heard what lupus is. When they ask me what it is, I don't even know how to explain it to them. How else would I be able to make them understand why sometimes my moods are so out of whack and why I feel exhausted sometimes even when I haven't been doing anything yet?

It's hard, but with God's grace I know I'll be able to surpass all these.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

"'My grace is all you need. my power works best in weakness.'" So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

Confined Again... Con't.

Wednesday (October 3, 2012)

• Worst day of my confinement.
• WBC and platelet counts went up a little. This is the first good news since I was confined.
• RBC and hemoglobin levels are still going down, but not as fast. 
• Fingers on my right hand were beginning to feel stiff. I couldn't bend them anymore. Requested that the IV be transferred to my other hand. Also, since finding a suitable vein to extract blood from in my left arm is getting more difficult each day, the transfer would mean they would have to extract blood from my right arm. My left arm's veins can rest.
• Although dengue has not yet been ruled out, it is still one of the possible causes. 
• They brought in a nephrologist to assess my kidneys since my creatinine levels were high. 
• Blood transfusion may be needed if my RBC continues to drop. My rheumatologist put on hold any plans of blood transfusion because she needed to make sure my WBC and platelets are within controllable levels. 

Thursday (October 4, 2012)

• No blood samples were taken today. My arm could use the rest from all the pricking. 
• Started experiencing pain in my lower lumbar region. It's there whenever I am lying down or sitting. When I walk it disappears. So, I did some exercise: I walked up and down the aisle around 5 times. That helped. 
• My nephrologist visited me today. He said that my electrolyte test turned out okay. Praise God! He told me that they might have to do a biopsy if my creatinine levels do not go back to normal levels. Just hearing him describe the process makes me cringe. I don't like needles, especially large ones! 
• My cough is getting worse. The doctor gave me some medicine to get rid of it. Towards the evening, my coughing began to subside.
• Before going to sleep, I had a migraine attack. The resident doctor gave me paracetamol, but it felt like forever before it took effect. I forced myself to throw up, thinking that I must have eaten something that didn't site well. Some coloured fluid came out. Could have been the paracetamol tablet, since the liquid was orange in colour. After around 10 minutes, I was fine.  I finally fell asleep.

I still tried to smile in spite of the pain I was feeling. 

Friday (October 5, 2012)

• Woke up with a terrible, head-splitting headache. Do you know how it feels like when your sleep is interrupted because people go in and out of your room to check on your vital signs? I know that the nurses had to do it, but once my sleep is interrupted, I find it difficult to go back to sleep. I think this is why I had a migraine. I took some paracetamol again. I was able to sleep for around 3 hours. I woke up hungry, but feeling a lot better. 
• I miss my own bed. I told myself that I want to go home tomorrow, Saturday. I prayed to God that He will make all my test results show the doctors that I am fit to be discharged tomorrow.
• Good news: one of my attending physicians told me that my WBC is now normal.  Praise God!
• Mom spent the night at the hospital to take care of me. 
• Visited by friends and church mates
• Removed the IV. It wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. Now I can move freely again! 
• IV steroids to oral steroids.
• Had another migraine attack. Mom tried to ease the pain by stroking my head. It helped a bit.  I had to throw up and get rid of a piece of kangkong. After throwing up, I felt a better. 

I prayed to God for healing and miracles to happen. Honestly, I was so scared.  I praised and worshipped God and told Him that my life is in His hand.  I was in so much pain.  I told God that if He's going to take me now, I'm ready.  I just don't want to see my family suffer because of me.  I know they're hurting too especially Mom. I could see how worried she is.  But praise God!  I got miracle after miracle in the hospital.  The doctors expected the worse, but God delivered me.  

I may have been tested positive for SLE, but I know my God is in control.  I know that healing is mine and I will continue to claim that until the day He calls me home.  Please continue to stand with me in prayer for my healing.  Thank you so much.

Saturday (October 6, 2012)

• Got discharged from the hospital. Hospital bill was paid by my health card.  I shelled out minimal amount only for the excess.  Praise God!

Welcome 2012!

Lord, thank you for the hope that you've given us.  Hope that this year will be full of blessings and favor from You.  Hope that this year we'll be seeing manifestation of our breakthroughs.

What a beautiful day.  Had a good night sleep last night.

Spent the New Year's eve at Edsa Shangri-la with my sister's family and my friend, Zenda.  First, we went to my parent's house. We had Dad's Beef Stroganoff. Yum!  I even had some to take home with me.  Then we went to Zenda's.  I love his dad's Tablea Tsokolate or Cacao Chocolate. Then off we went to Shangri-la for the countdown.  By the way, sorry the photos look grainy.  I forgot to turn on the flash (Grrr...)

Count down to 2012... Woohoo!

After the countdown, it was time to party!!!  We all enjoyed the 80's hits which included New Wave songs.  Woot!

Oh, and it's also my sister's birthday.  Happy Birthday, sissy!

A Promised Suddenly

Wow, how time flies.  I was busy trying to finish uploading some photos since last week and it seemed endless.  Part of the reason was that my internet connection was acting up again.  Well, now it's done! Whew.  That's one work out of the way.  Next is I have to finish some cut outs that will be used at Kid's Church sometime next month.  Gotta move fast, it's almost November.

Anyhow, I would like to share once again something from Charlyne Cares Devotional written by a fellow stander, Terri from Minnesota.  I'm sure everyone will be able to relate to this as I did.

*************************

"'Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,' says the LORD of Heaven's Armies." Malachi 3:1 (NLT)

Many of us have been fasting and praying for our marriages to be restored, waiting for God's "suddenly" to take place in the form of answered prayer. The word suddenly, by definition, means coming or happening quickly, in an instant, without warning. In other words, when you least expect it.

Living in a world of instant gratification, our definition of "suddenly" might be closer to "right now!" We pray and expect God's answer - NOW. Praise God, sometimes the answers do come that quickly...I believe He does that so we don't lose faith. Other times, the "suddenly" seems to happen about as quickly as the fulfillment of the promise in the verse above, which - by the way - took 400 years or so!

Make no mistake. From the moment we utter a prayer, our loving Father hears and responds. What we don't always understand are the things taking place in the spiritual realm in response to our prayers. As we intercede for our spouses, children and other loved ones, God is moving on the other side of the mountain working to accomplish His perfect will in the lives of the ones we're praying for. Looking at our side of the mountain (circumstances, etc), it appears as though nothing is happening, or maybe even as if things have gone from bad to worse as we watch those we're praying for fall deeper into sin, further into debt, more sickly...

Remember in Daniel 10:12-14 how Daniel's answer was delayed for 21 days by the enemy? Our enemy does the same to us. He wants to derail us, discourage us and bring us into despair so that we will give up and quit. If we could only see through God's eyes we would see that God is allowing things to happen in the lives of the ones we're praying for so they will become sick and tired of living in the pit and will finally come to their senses, repent and turn to God seeking His forgiveness.

That's when the "suddenly" happens. When we least expect it. When it seems like there's no way for our prayer to be answered. When the one we're praying for seems more lost than ever. Suddenly, God moves. Suddenly their heart is softened and ready to receive. Suddenly the scales fall off their eyes. Suddenly their ears are opened. And suddenly we realize that God has been working all along.

We must persist in prayer for our loved ones. Luke 18: 1-8 is the story of the persistent widow. I love the story. This woman simply refuses to give up. And Jesus says, in verses 7-8:

"...So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly (suddenly)! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?" Luke 18:7-8

Don't despair. Don't become discouraged. Don't buy into the enemy's lie by believing that your circumstances are your reality. Wait for your promised suddenly!

Take a Risk for God

Hi everyone!

As I was going through my daily readings,  I was very much inspired by this devotional found in Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc. I can relate to what the writer is going through and the things said to him by well-meaning people. I'm re-posting it especially for all those "standers" out there fighting for their marriages through prayer. This was from Ben of Texas.

*************************

"Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Matthew 19:4-6

Each of us are in a unique position. We see our marriages crumbling right before our eyes and our family units splitting up in such ungodly ways. Our situation, while unique to us, is commonplace today, a fact of life. Families and marriages are breaking up so frequently that it is hard to find a family that has not been touched by divorce. In the tidal wave that follows broken marriages, there are shattered lives and broken promises (broken covenant). Who is at fault? Whom are we to blame? Look in the mirror. The truth hurts but it must be reckoned with. Acknowledge your sin and your part in the breakdown of your marriage. Seek God's counsel, love, and grace and you are starting on the road toward marriage reconciliation. Stand for your marriage. Take a risk for God.

Standing (with God) for one's marriage is a difficult road to walk. Family, friends, your associates at work, the world and even your own church leaders don't understand this walk. It can be lonely if we don't take Jesus with us. Yet for the few of us who have been called by God to walk with Him in this stand, it is a blessing. Yes, a blessing, for each of us have been hand picked by our Creator to suffer for Him as we witness to the world about the truth and the value of the marriage covenant. I am fortunate to belong to a marriage reconciliation support group through my church. Such groups are few and far between.

Only yesterday, I drove by a large "modern-looking" church that had a big sign out front stating "Divorce Care" yet nothing about marriage care. In the support group I attend, we acknowledge that each of us are not there by accident but by Divine Appointment. Take a risk for God. Stand for your marriage.

I cannot even begin to count the number of times well-meaning people have suggested that I "should get on (move on) with my life." Sound familiar? In response, I proudly state that I am moving on with my life by standing with God as He heals my marriage. At times, this takes people back; they are lost for words. You see, I am taking a risk for God.

When we witness to the world (including our church leaders and fellow Christians) about the sanctity of marriage and our covenant marriage vows, we are taking a risk for God. God recognizes that life at times is difficult, yet perseverance in our walk brings great rewards. It was through the turmoil of the breakdown of my marriage that I found my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Frequently I tell people that I am thankful that God led me down this path of the breakdown of my marriage and the subsequent divorce for now I know where I am going to spend Eternity. I took a risk for God.

Yes, I am standing with God as He heals me and yes, heals my wife. My marriage failed because God was placed on a side track; He was not on the main track of my marriage. But even here, God must be the engine that pulls the Christian family along the track of life. God is in control of the universe and He wants to be in control of your life and mine. Take a risk for God.

Notice that I said take a risk "for" God, not "with" God. While God is with you as you stand, when you take a risk "for" God, you are in the front row of the battle against Satan.

7... A Year Of Completion

Seven years ago this song was played while I was walking down the aisle. I specifically chose this because of the meaning of the song and it still stands true up to this day...

For my friends who don't speak my language, this is the English translation of the song. It's not in sync with the music, but I just want you to be able to somehow understand the essence of the song.

You

You are given by God (God sent)
The answer to my prayer
So that for all time
I'll love you every chance I have

You are the light of my life
The other half of my heart
Not for a moment will anyone be able to take your place
Now and forever, it'll just be you

You are the reason for everything I do
If ever I look forward to tomorrow
It is because of you
Forever is not enough
Because every moment, every second
I will love only you

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Random Thoughts

It has been a busy week for me last week. I was planning to go on leave any day this week since my boss is leaving for the US tomorrow, but he told me this morning that I'll be in charge of the office while he's gone. So my plan went flying out the window. Sheesh... He said that when he comes back, I can go on a vacation for one week. Really now.

Yesterday was my first day to lead my Leadership Group (LG) and it will be so every Sunday. It went well. We've talked about the Power of Hope by Joyce Meyer. I was also being encouraged myself while I was discussing this topic with them.

Most of us have a hard time believing that God is working on our behalf until we see something happening with our natural eyes. This usually isn't the way God works. He works behind the scenes much of the time...

Whatever happens, trust in the Lord and trust in the power of hope! My hope is in God who never changes. Nothing is impossible with Him. He is a big God, and I'm believing Him for big things. How about you?

The day before that I went to the gym to work out which by the way I missed for several weeks, then went shopping in the afternoon. My legs hurt from walking around for five hours.

My week ended with a smile on my face. My heart was joyful and at peace in spite of the busyness. I thank the Lord for His constant assurance that He's going to make everything beautiful in my life. For now, He just wanted me to enjoy life while I wait expectantly.

"Now you shall see what I will do..." Exodus 6:1

On a different note, I saw this video on my YouTube's playlist --- a blast from the past. I think the lyrics are my becoming sentiment. Thought of sharing it here.

God... My Anchor

I'd like to thank you, my dear friends in and out of bloggy land, for your continuous prayer for me, my husband and my marriage. I believe that even if I don't see anything yet in the natural, our prayers are already working. I am truly touched by people all over the globe praying for us.

I prayed for justice the whole weekend. During my quiet time, God lead me to the story of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8. I don't think that was a coincidence. I believe that was a message God wanted to tell me.

"And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly..." Luke 18:7-8

Here's another verse:

"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." Romans 12:19

I was comforted by these Words from God. I know He sees and knows what's happening. He is still in control. God reminded me these words He told me in His still, small voice --- TRUST ME. Although my boat gets rocked once in a while, with your prayers and mine and our faith in our Almighty God, I was made to realize that my Anchor is immovable.

"The LORD will fight for me; I need only to be still." Exodus 14:14

What Has God Promised You

Joseph knew that one day he was going to rise to a position of great authority. The problem? He was a slave who had just been accused of rape.

Do you know what God is going to do for you, but your circumstance right now seems to have a sign that says IMPOSSIBLE?

In the Bible, nearly every story is filled with incredible hardship, shaking and hopeless situations. But the characters involved held on to what God promised them and never gave up. They took God at His word. Even when they were at their lowest, they didn't let go of what God had said. Our story could be just as inspiring as theirs . . . if we don’t give up.

No matter who we are, where we live, what we’ve accomplished or what we’ve lost, we have a promise that God is waiting to fulfill. And He will fulfill that promise — if we don’t give up. If He’s told us He will do something, then it’s already done. So in a way we can’t give up, because we’re guaranteed to accomplish what He said. ~ John Paul Jackson of Streams Ministries.

What has God told you? If He told you He would do something, then it is as good as done.

10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

Isaiah 55:10–11

His Loving Assurance

When we pray we expect answers. We all do.

Yesterday was no different. For several days I have been asking God to speak to me about my heart's desires. I knew He already did assure me of my stand in the past but I would like to hear Him speak to me again about these things. Do you feel like that sometimes, wanting to hear God talk to you about your heart's desires once again? I love it when God pours out His loving assurance that I'm on the right track.

I was searching the net looking for a Bible concordance where I could find what it says about marriage. I don't have that at the back of my Bible. I wanted to do this so that I could pray according to His will.

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5: 14-15

As I searched, I was again led to Rejoice Ministries. I was already receiving daily devotional from them but I was behind with my reading. Yesterday, though, I had the urge to read the devotional for that day. I was so encouraged! God, again, answered my prayer. I'll share to you a line or two from that devotional. This was Bob, the once prodigal husband, talking:

"All the time God is moving, all the time He is calling out to your prodigal spouse to do what is right, the Holy Spirit is allowing glue, the cement of your one-flesh relationship with your spouse to keep memories of you alive and active in his heart. Try as we may, we prodigals simply cannot buy enough things, experience enough sin, make enough changes, nor find the replacement for you that will erase the memories of our covenant marriage, regardless of how we try."

"God simply will not allow us prodigals to forget a praying and standing spouse, sold out to living like Jesus and trusting Him for the right time."

And I thought I was already happy with that, but there's one more.

Before I went to bed last night, I got a text message from a friend. He texted me his prayer. He said in the latter part of his message, "God is already working on your husband. Don't worry." My heart was already doing jumping jacks, you have no idea. I texted him back and asked, "Why did you text me what you just did? I'm just curious." He replied, "God spoke to me and told me to pray for those in difficult situations, so I did."

Coincidence? No, it's not. It's God winking at me again. Isn't He awesome? He knows our heart's desires.

"The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer." Psalm 6:9

***************************

Don't forget to join my giveaway. You still have four more days to enter. I'll randomly choose the winner on March 2, 12 noon (Philippine time). ☺

Happy New Year!!!

People say that 2009 is going to be worse than 2008. As believers we shouldn't put our hope and trust in what the statistics say or what the world say. We should put our trust in God Almighty who is our Provider, our Great Physician and our Rewarder.

In Jeremiah 29:11 it says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" His word is true yesterday, today and tomorrow. Our God never changes. Let's focus on Him and we will never go wrong.

Here's wishing y'all...

A Prosperous, Joyous and Blessed New Year!!!

God Knows

I still feel sad and lonely even when my walk with God has improved tremendously. This has troubled me in the past because I thought I wouldn't feel sadness and loneliness anymore since I have God anyway. I realized that as ideal as that may sound, I'm still very much human. In as much as I want to lay in bed every night with a smile on my face and a light, refreshing thought that could lull me to sleep, tears still flow down my cheeks. No matter how busy I am with work, even if I put a happy face once in a while, God can tell what's inside my heart. God knows.

Yes, I'm thankful for the joy God has put in my heart as I walk with Him in the path He has chosen for me. Gone are the rough roads I painstakingly took in my own effort to find happiness. I've realized that there's no shortcut in the road God wanted me to take. I've realized that everything that's happening in my life has been predestined by my Father in heaven. God knows.

As I wait upon God's perfect timing to bring deliverance to my situation, I persevere. I PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens). I hold on to God's promises hoping to see "a cloud as small as a man's hand" (1 King 18:44) one day. I do get tired of waiting. I do get exhausted. God knows.

I have questions in my head, so many of them. People love to ask the why's, but I don't know the details. I don't have the answers, but... God knows.

All these will pass. Questions answered. Lives changed. God's promises coming to pass. Victory attained. This I know.

With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies." Psalm 108:13

I Wish...

I wish I could write something more exciting than my usual posts. Like I wish I could show you a photo of myself with a big smile on my face and that alone could already speak a thousand words. I wish to change the theme of my blog from a personal to a family blog. I wish this blog would emanate true happiness from the writer.

It has been four years since I started blogging and I noticed that most of my posts were about challenges in my life. Challenges, trials, pain, tears... I wish all these will soon change to pure joy, happiness, cheerfulness... my cup overflows.

I wish...

The Valley Of Dry Bones

I've been wanting to write about how inspiring the articles I've been reading from the mail sent by Rejoice Ministries to me everyday. It has helped me tremendously in my walk with God given the situation I am in right now. Come to think of it, I can't even remember who introduced me to Rejoice Ministries. Then the first article I read from this site was, "Didn't know how you got here? God lead you here that's why..." I felt my heart leaped. I went like, "God, is that You?" By the way, you might wonder what standers and prodigals are in my posts from here on. Standers are like me who stands in the gap for lost loved ones and won't stop praying until they go back to God and come home. Prodigals are the lost sheep.

This post may be longer than usual but please take time to read it. I assure you, it'll be worth your while.

Here's one inspiring article I've read. Remember, no matter what you're going through right now, Ezekiel 37: 1-14 is God's message for you today.
The prophet had been brought to the Valley of the Dry Bones and God said to him, "Son of man, can these bones live?" Isn't this exactly what we ask - can this seemingly dead marriage live? Is there any hope that this dead marriage can be resurrected? What mighty power can restore this broken relationship? God's mighty power can make your marriage live! For He has spoken and He will do it! In verses 4 and 5 it reads:

Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: 'I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.' "

This is our promise from God. He will put breath in our dead marriages and they will come to life. He will take the dead, dry bones of our shattered relationships, knit them together again and breathe life into them. What the world has given up for dead will live again. And this will be for the Lord's renown. Reading further;

So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them." Ezekiel 37:7-8

How often have we been anxious for an answer to the "big prayer"? How often have we overlooked all the little prayers that God has answered? We need to be thankful for every step forward that the Lord gives us. Your resurrected marriage may be just where these bones are right now - covered with tendons and flesh but no breath. God is at work in your marriage resurrection right now. He might be connecting bone to bone or tendon to tendon. Or He might be in the process of covering your dead marriage with the flesh of His promises. Whatever stage your marriage resurrection is in right now, believe that He who has promised is faithful. In verses 9 and 10 we read;

Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.'" So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet-a vast army."

This is a picture of what God wants to do for our marriages. He wants to breathe new life into them. He wants to put His breath in our lives and in the lives of our spouses. He wants us to be filled with the living, breathing Holy Spirit so that the enemy will not find a foothold. Then God gives His awesome promises in verses 11 through 14;

"Then he said to me: "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.' Therefore prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the and of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.'"

What an awesome promise for us! We say to our Lord, "Our hope is gone; we are cut off!" But God wants us to know that we can hope in Him - hope in the promise of His salvation and hope in His resurrection of our dead marriage. He will open the grave of your dead relationship and He will bring you up. He himself will take you by the hand and lead you out. You will shed the grave clothes and walk in His light once again. He will resurrect and restore that which has been stolen from you. And when this resurrection occurs, you will know that you are His people and He is your God. For he has spoken, and He will do it!

My friends, I pray to God that this post has inspired you to not give up on God. He is mighty to save. May we have faith and belief in our mighty awesome God, that He will breathe new life into our dead situation. May we rejoice that His resurrection promises are for us!

Prayer & Fasting

I finished the book This Present Darkness by Peretti last night. Hit the sack at around 4 a.m. I know this sounds crazy but I just couldn't stop reading until I finished the remaining pages. Anyway, I enjoyed the book a lot.

Tomorrow is the start of our annual seven-day prayer and fasting. This is my first time to participate in this annual event in our church. I'm excited to what God is going to reveal to me. I'm also believing God for my breakthroughs. So last night, my friend and I made a list of our faith goals for 2008. Then we put it in a small box and tied it with a green ribbon. We prayed over it then I put it on top of my cabinet. It'll be opened on January 7, 2009 to see how many of our faith goals God answered. Sort of like a time capsule.

As a spiritual family, we begin each new year with seven days of prayer and fasting. It is our way of humbling ourselves before God and consecrating to Him the upcoming year. It is also the time when we corporately come into agreement and believe together for breakthroughs in our personal lives, families, finances and churches.

I'll be writing down what I have learned, what God has revealed to me and my breakthroughs in the coming days.

Lifting up year 2008 to God almighty!

Have A Blessed New Year!

May this New Year bring you so much joy and happiness...
May you see the realization of God's promises in your life...
All the best to you and your family...
Wishing you a Prosperous and Blessed New Year!!!


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11